Matt Fraction’s Batman Run Is Perfect, Except For One Major Issue

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The main Batman comic series has faced challenges recently. While other Batman titles like Detective Comics, Absolute Batman, and Dark Patterns have been strong, the core series struggled to keep up. Since the cancelled Batman/Catwoman wedding in 2018, the main series felt repetitive, focusing on Batman’s constant self-destruction and bleakness. Storylines like “Gotham War” and “H2SH” were particularly poorly received. Thankfully, Matt Fraction taking over the title seems to have broken this cycle of increasingly depressing and dramatic stories.

Despite being only six issues in, Fraction’s Batman (2025) is a welcome change. Gotham City feels vibrant and lived-in, and the supporting characters are compelling. Importantly, this series isn’t trying to tear down the Batman mythos – instead, it presents a pragmatic, weary, yet hopeful take on the character. Both Batman and Bruce Wayne feel heroic and substantial, something the comic hasn’t consistently shown lately. However, even with all its strengths, the run has a noticeable weakness: the portrayal of the Robins. This is a significant issue, as Robin is a crucial part of Batman’s universe.

Robins of Character Arcs Past

The current run of Fraction’s comic has mostly focused on the two Robins, Tim and Damian. While fans have wanted Tim to develop a more unique identity, both characters have shared the role for a long time. Although the story moves well when either Robin appears, Fraction’s portrayal of both feels inaccurate. He writes them as if they’re much younger and less seasoned than they actually are. For example, Tim, who is in his early twenties and has driven the Batmobile many times, acts nervous behind the wheel. Similarly, Damian reverts to his early, reckless behavior, despite having overcome those flaws numerous times in the past.

Both current Robins, Damian and Tim, are acting unusually immature and inexperienced. Damian made a significant error in issue #5 by revealing his identity to Annika Zeller – and potentially Batman’s – when he called Bruce “father” while wearing his Robin costume. He should have been more careful and avoided that slip-up. Meanwhile, Tim abruptly stopped being Robin in issue #6 to prioritize his relationship with his boyfriend, Bernard. While there’s nothing wrong with that decision personally, it feels out of character for him given his experience. This brings us to a broader look at their current behavior.

Partners Pushed to the Wayside

It looks like Batman will soon be operating without either of his current Robins. Tim has resigned, and both he and Bruce are pushing Damian towards starting college, effectively ending his time as Robin. The writer, Fraction, seems to be intentionally moving Batman towards a solo path. While a solo Batman isn’t a bad idea, the way these changes are happening feels out of character for both Tim and Damian. Tim’s reasons for leaving feel rushed and underdeveloped, and Damian’s sudden push towards college disregards years of growth and his existing relationships, all to move the plot forward.

Tom King’s run on Batman has been fantastic, and I really enjoy it. He’s managed to make Batman feel hopeful again while still keeping the character complex and true to recent interpretations. The artwork and lettering are exceptional, and the sound effects are the best I’ve seen. This series is easily one of the best comics out there right now, but there’s one consistent issue: the way the Robin characters are written. If King can improve their voices and personalities, this run could go down as truly legendary.

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2026-02-08 18:13