Batman #7 is a Slow-Burn Masterpiece (Review)

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DC’s new creative direction, DC Next Level, is launching, and it’s fitting that Batman—one of DC’s most famous characters—is leading the way. With the conclusion of the DC K.O. event, life is returning to normal, but for Batman, things are actually getting more complicated. As fans of the current Batman series by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez know, different parts of Batman’s world are starting to clash.

This series has shifted towards self-contained episodes, but a larger story is starting to emerge. Central to this story is Dr. Annika Zeller, the newest doctor at Arkham Towers. She’s gained recognition for her invention, the Crown of Storms, which aims to treat serious mental illness. As revealed recently, she’s been testing the device on the Joker, who has been attempting to contact Batman. This issue brings the two together in a compelling and thoughtful exploration of their characters.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

PROS CONS
Fantastic characterization Very little action
Great dialogue flow and pace Doesn’t progress overall story much

Batman #7 Brings Bruce and Joker Together Like Never Before

The latest issue of Batman, #7, is a collaboration between writer Tom Fraction, artist Jorge Jiménez, colorist Tomeu Morey, and letterer Clayton Cowles. The story centers around a conversation between Batman and the Joker, who manages to contact Batman from Arkham Towers. Batman is reluctant to engage, but the Joker is unusually open and reveals how he communicated from inside and that he remembers everything from his past – a revelation dramatically presented on a stunning fold-out page. This version of the Joker is surprisingly subdued and remorseful.

Batman assumes Joker’s latest scheme is just another elaborate game, but Joker surprises him by explaining he had two specific reasons for bringing Batman here. He claims they both share a sense of loneliness. Before revealing the second reason, Joker forces Zeller to cut the audio feed from her monitoring station. With no one else able to hear, Joker warns Batman—not as Batman, but as Bruce Wayne—that someone is coming to kill him.

What Batman #7 Lacks in Action, it Makes Up for in Character

I suspect some readers won’t enjoy this issue, as it’s less of a typical Batman adventure and more of a philosophical conversation, similar to the film My Dinner with Andre. I understand that many people expect action in a superhero story, and I appreciate a well-done fight scene myself. However, I didn’t feel this issue lacked anything; I was completely captivated by the dialogue throughout, even with the unusual imagery of Joker being naked and floating in a tube.

The main problem with this issue is that it doesn’t really advance the main storyline until a reveal that doesn’t feel particularly impactful. That said, Fraction writes both Joker and Batman exceptionally well. Their connection as lonely, similar souls feels believable, and so does Batman’s distrust of the Joker. Fraction understands what makes their relationship compelling – it’s the tension between them. They’re not going to become friends, but seeing them work together, even uncomfortably, is really engaging.

Jiménez really delivers with this issue. Despite the slower pace, the collaboration with Morey on the large fold-out page is exceptional. It functions as both a history of Batman and the Joker’s relationship, and a visual representation of Joker’s development over time. This isn’t just a flashy effect; it supports the idea that Joker’s recollections are genuine. The fold-out isn’t simply a large illustration, but a window into Joker’s fractured and unpredictable psyche.

Starting the new Batman series with an issue focused entirely on a conversation is a daring decision, but it works really well. It’s a great way to revisit the long-standing relationship between Bruce Wayne and the Joker, while also hinting that things might change. Comic books often fall into repeating patterns, so it’s easy to be skeptical of anything new. However, this issue genuinely made me curious about what’s going to happen with both Batman and the Joker, and I hope we see more of this kind of interaction between them.

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2026-03-04 18:45