I’m Worried The Batman Reset Will Undo All the Character’s Emotional Development

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For quite some time now, Batman has been the most beloved character from DC Comics. Previously, Batman was the sole DC comic book consistently selling in the top ten. However, with the emergence of the Absolute Universe, Batman’s popularity dipped, but it seems that could change soon. Although “H2SH” didn’t create much buzz, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming fall release of a new Batman volume, featuring longtime artist Jorge Jimenez and renowned writer Matt Fraction. While fresh volumes for classic series are not unusual anymore, I fear that Batman may face the issues typical of such releases.

Reading about an upcoming Batman volume penned by creators such as Fraction and Jimenez is undeniably thrilling. However, this excitement can sometimes wane when the actual book arrives. Over the years, Batman has evolved significantly as a character, and it’s concerning that this growth might be overlooked in the new series. In fact, we’ve witnessed this trend in recent times, with major advancements from Tom King’s Batman run being sidelined for narratives like “Joker War” or the Failsafe storyline. It seems that Batman had a chance to grow further, and it appears that opportunity may have been missed.

Tom King’s Evolution of Batman Was the Best Thing to Happen to the Character

In a different perspective, I’ve often found myself among the few who appreciate my viewpoints, but I wholeheartedly admired Tom King’s take on Batman. For some time prior, Batman was portrayed as an invincible figure – the “Bat-God” – who always triumphed over others. However, King deviated from this norm, choosing to delve into the complexities of Batman as a character rather than maintaining his infallibility.

One noteworthy instance is the storyline “I Am Suicide,” where Batman confronts the reality that his life up until then was essentially a long-term suicide mission. This profound revelation aligns perfectly with Batman’s character and is a testament to King’s insightful writing.

When people consider King’s Batman run, they often recall the intricate relationship between Batman and Catwoman. King skillfully developed their bond more convincingly than anyone had in years, demonstrating their compatibility perfectly. Unfortunately, DC’s reluctance to marry these characters has tainted the perception of King’s Batman run for many readers, who believe that King himself was responsible for the unfulfilled plotline not meeting fans’ expectations as it should have.

Following King’s departure from the series, DC appeared to disregard much of the setup he had established for the Batman character. The bond between Batman and Catwoman essentially vanished by the time Chip Zdarsky became the writer of Batman. At that point, Catwoman had moved on, and it seemed like Batman was largely unaffected. The psychological depth King brought to the character through his writing also appeared to be absent. His portrayal of Batman’s growth and complexities were no longer present. One might ask, what has been done with Batman as a character since King left? Has he experienced significant development? Did writers like Tynion, Williamson, Zdarsky, or Loeb delve into the character’s personality? The reason why alternative universe Batman interpretations are often considered the best is because they provide an opportunity for the character to grow and evolve. It seems that DC is intent on keeping Batman as static as possible, disregarding most of the efforts made by creators to make him more intriguing. Being a fan of Batman for an extended period can be challenging due to the frequent changes in his character traits.

DC Needs to Stop Destroying All of Batman’s Character Development

I’m eagerly anticipating the work of Fraction and Jimenez on Batman. Many Batman enthusiasts share this sentiment, yet there’s a hint of apprehension. Remembering King’s run on Batman, I recall the stark contrast when transitioning to a new one. Tynion didn’t continue with the themes King introduced; instead, he embarked on his own narrative. As a result, Batman seemed like an entirely different character. This is often the case whenever a new creative team takes over Batman. It’s manageable when you weren’t fond of the previous work, but when you were, it can lead to feelings of letdown.

The character of Batman is multifaceted, allowing for a wide range of narratives, such as grim detective stories, chilling psychological thrillers, or traditional superhero adventures. Unfortunately, DC’s approach to avoiding the character’s growth has historically made it challenging to follow Batman over extended periods. I hope that Fraction will incorporate the character’s recent development during his tenure, but my expectations are not high, which is a significant issue.

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2025-07-13 21:39