The Geeks Insight

Pictured Above: Batman and Killer(?) Croc, Batman Vol 4, #1, 2025, Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiminez, published by DC Comics

*Contains some spoilers for Batman Volume 4 Issues #1-#6*

It’s been more than half a year since DC re-launched the caped crusader back into the light helmed by Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Jimmy Olsen) and the electric art of Jorge Jiminez (Batman, Justice League, Nemesis). In those 6 months, some of the most refreshing comics on the market have been released, it feels like taking a full breath and exhaling completely. The pace of this series is very anthological, with seeds of the overarching narrative explored, though each issue has a singular focus that it very comfortably focuses on. That’s where they have begun to shine, the pacing is perfect.

I must admit, the first issue took a while to grow on me, as there are some dialogue choices throughout the series that seem slightly out of character. However, when you look out these choices from a lens of empathy rather than comparison, they make much more sense. A particular example comes between Batman’s debate about change, as he makes a statement out of anger that does not reflect the true intentions of his character, later on silently and beautifully making his attonment.

Pictured Above: The Minotaur, Batman Vol 4, #4 2025, Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiminez

Fractions run has introduced characters such as the Minotaur, and elite crime lord with seven fingers and a mysterious robot head. While fascinating, I believe the plotline with famed villain Vandal Savage as the corrupt police commissioner is far more enticing, at least at this stage. This takes us back to an era where Batman and his allies have to rely on each other, as every officer on the force is being coerced, with an anti-vigilante task force taking shape once again. Though we have seen similar things before, it is forever interesting to see Batman overcome more than just one bad guy, but rather a system of issues that need to be exposed. Annika Zeller has also been introduced in the series 1st issue, a doctor at Arkham with ambitions that at times are ethically ambiguous to say the least. She also embarks on a romantic outing with Bruce Wayne, even if the purpose was for a level of reconnaissance, it’s possible that even Bruce was shocked by the chemistry the two characters found.

The blue suit and vibrant colour scheme of the book is great. Serving as a tonal divide between this and previous runs, self-claim is evident. A bit more of a lighter essence to this take on the world of Gotham radiates, making it understandable why people would still live there, something that has been questioned for many years now. (Certainly after city of Bane and Joker War happened so efficiently after one another.)

Pictured Above: Tim Drake and Bruce Wayne, Batman Vol 4, #6, 2026, Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiminez

Jiminez’s artwork is never not impressive. Seriously, It’s tantalising. No issue is boring, even if the story wobbles at times his composition is great, say what you will about this book, but one thing is for sure, the drawings are worth praising. Intimate moments such as Tim Drake hanging up his Robin attire was long overdue, handled with conversational work between writer and artist that feels like a difficult father-son conversation playing out before our eyes.

Sales have been soaring high to, going for re-print after reprint, issue #1 selling over half a million copies alone[1]. A great jumping on point for readers old or new is presented, along with the fact that a big Batman re-launch doesn’t come around often, understandable why such success was conquered.

Issue #7 launches this week (In some places, it’s already out!), diving into Fractions exploration of the Joker. I do believe this is something that should’ve come later, as an oversaturation of the clown prince has snuck up on us in the last few years. Nevertheless, this will be interesting to see, and interesting to uncover more of the larger narrative at play. Each issue is like watching a new episode, slowly building to the end of many great seasons. These smaller scope stories are thriving in the industry right now, after years of dealing with earth shattering or universe ending threats, a focus on home for the forseeable future is exactly what our heroes need right now. Something that we can all relate to.

– Nick Roberts, March 2026

[1] DC Publicity, September 2025, Batman #1 Soars past 500,000 copies sold, DC, https://www.dc.com/blog/2025-09-18/batman-1-soars-past-500k-copies-sold