New creative team and numbering for DC’s biggest character!
Article by Paul Dunne
21st February 2025
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-new creative team on Batman!
There’s been a rumour percolating that DC is going to relaunch Batman (and Superman, for that matter) with a new number one this year. Well, put on your best Schwarzenegger-in-Kindergarten-Cop voice, folks because “It’s not a rumour! It’s not!” - Batman is getting the (re)boot!
Ok, so it won’t be as revolutionary as Snyder and Dragotta’s Absolute Batman has been, but we’re getting some bold choices from DC on this.
Most principally in the form of the writer who’ll be deciding the direction of Bruce Wayne’s double life for the foreseeable future: It’s Matt Fraction!
Well, look, I’m surprised.
One area where DC are playing it safe with this – or at least giving people something they’re virtually guaranteed to love – is the choice of artist…
Because fan favourite and all-round Bat-Talent Jorge Jiménez. is returning to pencil the book! Bat fans will remember that Gorgeous Jorge did gorgeous art on both James Tynion’s time on the book and Chip Zdarsky’s run!
So what are Fraction and Jiminez aiming to deliver with this all-new, all-different Batman? And whilst we’re asking, why Batman, Mr. Fraction?
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Batman. It was the first comic I ever read”, said Fraction. “Jorge and I have a very superhero-forward kind of take on Batman. We’ve got a new Batmobile, we’ve got a new costume, we’ve got new characters, and we’ve got a lot of old ones too—good and bad; all the stuff that makes Batman the coolest character in comics. We want to celebrate it all.”
Adds Jiménez: “As a DC artist, I have to say this is something I’ve always dreamed of, and getting to do it alongside someone as amazing and talented as Matt is just incredible for me. As for my work on Batman, the artistic side, I’ve poured years of hard work into this series. Over time, I’ve had to adapt to different styles and paces alongside James and Chip, learning and enjoying every step of the way. I’ve explored Gotham City from multiple angles, but more importantly, I’ve gradually built up more and more artistic tools that have led me to the current synthesis of my style.”
Joining the dynamic duo of Fraction and Jiménez are two of the best, Tomeu Morey on the book’s colours and Clayton Cowles on letters. Together will bring us not only a new Batmobile and costume (as mentioned by Fraction, above), but a new look for Gotham!
Jiménez elaborates: “For this new chapter, we’re crafting a revamped aesthetic, bringing back Batman’s blue suit in a definitive way. It’s a small shift meant to feel both classic and fresh, subtly evolving while staying true to the original design we’ve used in recent years. At the same time, I’m working on Gotham City’s visual identity, giving it a fresh approach that sets it apart from my previous takes. I’m aiming for a slight pop influence, something that subtly nods to classic stories while keeping the dark and ominous feel of contemporary Batman.”
Gotta say, the ‘pop influence’ has got my interest peaked here at The Comic Crush! Can Fraction tell us more? Of course he can: “Part of the reason Batman has lasted as long and has resonated as loudly as he has as a character is that he’s incredibly resilient,” said Fraction. “He can be all kinds of things to all different people all at the same time — whether that’s in the comics or in animation or in movies.”
The blue costume takes me back to the days of Jim Aparo’s Batman, which is where I really developed my Bat-fandom on classic storylines like ‘A Death In The Family’ and ‘Ten Nights of The Beast’. Take a look for yourself in these unlettered preview pages:
To me, it looks like Commissioner Gordon is back on the beat (if that is Gordon). And who is the woman in the Doctor’s coat? Whoever she is, she’s helping Batman locate a missing Killer Croc from the looks of things. I guess we’ll find out! In the meantime, here’s a close look at the new Bat Symbol, designed by Jiménez!
Older readers may remember that this is the fourth time Batman has been renumbered. So, less than AMS has gone through in the last decade but more than I thought I’d see in my lifetime. Still, four renumbers in 85 years ain’t bad going.
We’re looking forward to this! Let us know if you are by dropping us a line on any of our socials. Bluesky is where you’ll find us most often. We’re also Instagram, and have a profile on Threads as well as Facebook if you’re old-school!
Batman #1 launches in September, after Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee get their licks in on Hush 2, beginning in March. But help your local comic shop out by getting your orders in NOW!
