Why Every Batman Fan Needs to Read This R-Rated Comic Now!

With Chip Zdarsky concluding his tenure as the writer for Batman, and Matt Fraction stepping in, this could be an opportune moment to delve back into their previous collaboration, Sex Criminals. Fraction penned the adult-themed crime series while Zdarsky provided the artwork, and it was published by Image Comics from September 2013 to 2020. The story unfolds within the Image Universe. During its run, it garnered acclaim, and in the years since its conclusion, it has solidified its impact. This previous work could offer a hint of what we might expect from their future work on Batman.

Chabon is recognized not just for his artwork and writing, but also for his journalism and insights into pop culture. Over the years, he’s contributed extensively to indie comics and worked with publishers like Dark Horse, Image, Archie, and Marvel. In December 2020, he made his debut at DC Comics in the anthology series ‘Batman: Black and White’. In 2022, Chabon became the writer for the regular Batman comic book, collaborating with artist Jorge Jiménez. Their collaboration ended earlier this month on February 3rd – marking exactly three years.

Currently, Zdarsky and Fraction are working independently as Fraction embarks on a new beginning for the primary Batman comic series. Last week, DC unveiled this transformation, disclosing that Fraction will collaborate with Jiménez, although they’re keeping quiet about some significant visual alterations that the Dark Knight and Gotham City are set to undergo.

Readers seeking something engaging during the gaps between their favorite series might want to consider delving into “Sex Criminals,” a captivating comic book with 32 issues compiled into six trade paperbacks, or one comprehensive edition slated for publication in March 2024. This moment marks a crucial juncture for Batman, making this series an ideal choice for gaining insights into two of the most influential creative minds behind it simultaneously. However, be advised that “Sex Criminals” deviates substantially from the typical Batman narrative, as suggested by its title.

What is Sex Criminals About?

The comic book series titled “Sex Criminals” kicks off with Suzie and Jon developing a connection at a social gathering, which eventually leads to them sharing an intimate moment. They soon discover they possess a unique trait: the power to temporarily halt time whenever they climax. Leveraging this skill, they decide to employ it in a criminal act – robbing banks – with the ultimate goal of using the ill-gotten gains to support the financially struggling library where Suzie is employed. Although humorous elements related to sex are prevalent, the narrative primarily revolves around their crime spree, driving the overall plotline.

The comic series garnered acclaim from critics while it ran, and even after concluding, received numerous accolades in subsequent reviews. It earned the Eisner Award for Best New Series in 2014 and was also nominated for Best Continuing Series. Remarkably, according to the American Library Association, its debut hardcover edition, titled “Big Hard Sex Criminals“, ranked as the seventh most challenged or banned book in the U.S. following its release.

Initially seen as a niche favorite, Sex Criminals garnered considerable praise during its early years. However, its readership expanded progressively throughout its publication. Now that it’s concluded, it’s frequently discussed in debates about the top comics of the decade and essential reads from this era. It stands alongside their most distinguished work for Fraction and Zdarsky, even as they’ve both moved on to prominent franchise projects.

Currently, you can access “Sex Criminals” in both print and digital editions, along with Zdarsky and Jimenez’s run on “Batman” over the past three years. The new Batman series by Fraction and Jimenez begins in September with “Batman” #1.

2025-03-02 04:41

What is Sex Criminals About?

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