DC Comics knows where its bread is buttered. As much as we, the comic book readers, enjoy stories from many characters, a company has to stay aware of their money makers. In DC's case, it’s the World’s Greatest Detective, Batman.
Over the last decade, a lot of writers have done a fantastic job on Batman. James Tynion IV (Something is Killing the Children), Tom King (Wonder Woman), Joshua Williamson (Green Arrow), and Chip Zdarsky (Sex Criminals) have all created memorable stories starring the Dark Knight. With them have come artists like Jorge Molina (A-Force) and Mikel Janín (Detective Comics) who have helped bring the tales to life. Now, a new team steps forward to take on that challenge, as legendary writer Matt Fraction and returning Batman artist Jorge Jiménez are collaborating on Batman No. 1.
"I’ve heard the plan and it’s awesome. And, of course, Batman’s new suit and new Batmobile will also be in our Detective Comics."Tom Taylor
Matt Fraction is responsible for making characters like Danny Rand (Iron Fist) and Clint Barton (Hawkeye) more popular than ever. He’s done so by bringing the best out of each of the characters. Sometimes it’s with their skills and other times by making them vulnerable despite their abilities and who they’ve worked with.
Another thing that Fraction does is make sure that the heroes surrounding the stars are more than just side characters. For example, during Immortal Iron Fist, the Immortal Weapons weren't just their fighting prowess. They all had entertaining personalities or something about them that made you care about who they were as people.
Then there’s Disney Plus’ Hawkeye series. Matt Fraction’s influence was heavy in the show. The Tracksuit Mafia, Kate Bishop’s personality and relationship with Clint are part of what made the show special. It’s doubtful the show would have been as strong without Fraction's Hawkeye to base the characters after.
Fraction is excited to turn his attention to DC's Caped Crusader, adding:
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Batman. It was the first comic I ever read,”
When it comes to Jorge Jiménez, his art is easy to love. Funny enough, I fell in love with his style during his time on Batman. He made Gotham look gritty and scary - which is really saying something since it's well-known that Gotham City is both of those things. You felt like there was always something dangerous lurking around the corner in the shadows. And when there was, the way Jiménez had Batman jump onto the scene was perfectly heroic.
One of the best aspects of his art is how he portrays characters when they are defeated. When Batman was broken, beaten, and defeated, he looked like it. You knew he’d eventually come out on top, but the art took us on that journey, perhaps even making us doubt if he would. Making the Dark Knight look hopeless made his inevitable victories even sweeter.
Jiménez is equally ready to start this new chapter with Fraction, saying:
"As a DC artist, I have to say this is something I’ve always dreamed of, and getting to do it alongside someone as amazing and talented as Matt is just incredible for me."
In short, this is a Dynamic Duo that's destined for great things. Jiménez and Fraction will create original stories and are giving Batman a new look and a new Batmobile design along the way. Who knows, maybe we'll get a new villain or sidekick or evolved versions of the ones we know. Either way, we are ready for what's to come!
Batman No. 1 is scheduled to be released in September of 2025. Along with writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jiménez, the colors will be done by Tomeu Morey (Wonder Woman).