Batman Is Starting Over This Fall And I Think It’s the Best Thing DC’s Done in Ages

by

Currently, it’s quite a unique experience to identify as a Batman enthusiast. On one side, I find myself immersed in exceptional comics like “Batman: Dark Patterns” and “Absolute Batman,” which seem to elevate the Dark Knight’s narrative to unprecedented heights. However, while these masterpieces and their talented creators deserve all the acclaim they receive, I can’t help but feel let down by the main Batman comic. The flagship “Batman” title is unfortunately struggling with one of the most disappointing comic book sequels in recent memory – “Hush 2.” To put it mildly, this storyline has not lived up to expectations thus far. This issue is just the tip of the iceberg, though.

For years now, it seems that Batman’s tale has been trapped in a loop of depression and deconstruction, ultimately leading to the conclusion that either Batman harms Gotham or simply fails at his job. As a fan, I’ve endured watching Bruce Wayne’s life unravel repeatedly for far too long. However, there’s hope on the horizon. DC Comics is finally providing Batman with the fresh start he desperately needs, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.

What’s Been Wrong With Batman Comics

Since Tom King’s contentious stint on Batman in 2016, it seems like the Dark Knight has been on a descending path of turmoil and doubt, leaving many questioning the reasoning behind his choice to be Batman. I’m not implying that every subsequent run has been subpar or anything of the sort. In fact, I found more appeal in King’s work than most, and I admired much of James Tynion IV’s tenure. However, each creative team since then, including King himself, have unfortunately adopted a rather disheartening approach to writing Batman. Their narratives tend to delve deeply into Batman’s psyche, constantly questioning his motivations and weighing the potential harm he inflicts on Gotham. More often than not, these stories will make a deliberate effort to either fracture or have Bruce Wayne shatter his bonds with those dear to him, driving him to new depths of despair, before eventually reaching the realization that he is Batman because he wishes to aid his city, and the status quo is restored.

Read Next

7 Batman Stories Too Dark for the DCU

The ongoing storyline about Batman has been consistently showing him rebuilding his relationships with those he cares about, only to have them crumble again in the next story arc. This pattern repeatedly portrays Batman as a figure who is blamed for all the wrongdoings in Gotham City and even questions the very existence of Batman as a hero. The story may end by acknowledging Batman’s heroic nature, but it often concludes with a twist that suggests he causes more harm than good, yet continues to strive for heroism. This pattern is not necessarily problematic in itself, but it becomes tiresome when every story follows the same formula.

For years, readers have seen Batman suffer endless beatings and punishments as he struggles to be a hero, only to be pushed back into his darkest and loneliest moments time and again. This constant punishment for being Batman feels unfair, especially since we want to see him act like a hero rather than wage war against his own children multiple times within a year. The upcoming storyline is exciting because it promises to break away from this pattern and offer something new and refreshing.

Batman is Restarting as a True, Blue Hero

In September, the iconic character Batman is being reintroduced with a fresh start, featuring the acclaimed creative duo of Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez. Most notably, Fraction has assured fans that this new take on Batman will emphasize his heroic qualities, and he envisions Gotham City as a place where it no longer rains constantly. This change in scenery reflects a significant shift in how Batman is portrayed, moving away from the traditionally gloomy and oppressive world that has been associated with him for too long. Instead of focusing solely on dark and emotionally taxing stories, Fraction aims to inject fun back into the Batman comics without completely eliminating struggle or adversity. While there will still be challenges, the narrative is intended to focus more on upbeat and inspiring adventures rather than a single, heavy emotional event.

In simpler terms, the creators aim to narrate a sequence of individual yet interconnected stories where Batman resumes his role as Gotham City’s protector. Instead of engaging in all-out brawls with multiple offspring at once or collaborating with villains on shared blame, he will focus on crime-solving and city-helping endeavors. I can hardly wait to witness Batman regain his fun-loving spirit, as the continuous cycle of grand events has grown tiresome. It seems like it’s been a long time since we last saw Batman embark on a self-contained story outside of one or two arcs, and I am thrilled that he will once again embody the hero, not just a perpetually gloomy figure. I am overjoyed at the prospect of seeing him reclaim his status as a true hero in a matter of mere months.

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/10-things-everyone-gets-wrong-about-batman/embed/#

Read More

2025-06-21 22:10