Batman #10 is written by Matt Fraction and published by DC. Artwork is by Jorge Jiménez, colours by Tomeu Morey and letters by Clayton Cowles with assistance by Jiménez. Main cover art (left) is also by Jiménez.
Batman #10 is available now, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
The GCPD’s “Operation Peregine” struck a deep blow to the heart of the Bat-Family. But while Savage and his TUCOs celebrate their victory, Batman is about to set the record straight. He knows how to take a punch. He knows how to get back up. And he’s about to show Vandal Savage, the Minotaur, and anyone else who threatens Gotham City exactly what they’re messing with. Superstars Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez continue their triumphant run with the best character in comics!
Review
It’s a new day in Gotham City and Commissioner Savage thinks he’s won. After raiding most of Batman’s various bunkers across the city and arresting Barbara Gordon he’s on a high. But the Bat-Family aren’t ones to be held down and so with this month’s Batman Matt Fraction is issuing a defiant rallying cry to all their supporters.
The morning after the night before Savage stands gleefully over the burning embers of Wayne Manor whilst Steph, Damian and Duke are all lying low. Savage seems to be on some kind of celebratory press tour which does nothing but hammer home how disgusting his ego truly is. Fraction positions this first part of the book brilliantly, putting the focus on Savage as he touts plenty of facts about capturing hard drives and collateral from Batman. All whilst rubbing Jim’s face in his daughter’s supposed downfall.
Meanwhile Hugo Strange is in a spot of bother courtesy of the Minotaur subplot and Bruce Wayne is now being followed by a protective detail after the ambush on Dr. Zeller. If you can’t tell already all of the plot threads of Fraction’s Batman run to-date are coming together. They’re all sitting together really nicely in issue #10 under the headline banner of Savage’s operation.
I’ve been really enjoying everything Fraction has been doing with Batman. The most inspired moment in this month’s issue arrives quietly. Bruce Wayne stands in a boardroom, face illuminated by daylight, being told he needs protection. Then in the very next panel we see that very same face, now lit only by the cold glow of the Batcomputer. Day into night. Boardroom into Batcave. Victim into predator. It’s a single visual cut that says everything, and it arrives at precisely the moment Vandal Savage thinks he’s won. The cruelty of the timing is exquisite.
I like that Fraction doesn’t just immediately jump into action with Batman. There’s a brief moment of forensic accounting against Minotaur to nudge that subplot along before heading out to show Savage who’s boss. The rest of the issue plays brilliantly into the juxtaposition between hero and villain. As Savage continues his victory tour Batman continues to do what he does best, fight crime. I spoke last month about the appeal of Fraction’s approach to this story for having taken a unique approach. That continues here making the whole affair feel somewhat positive, almost uplifting in fact.
Batman #10 culminates in a brilliant sequence that gives Barbara Gordon the final word. It flips the table on Savage in the best way possible, with a huge gesture that literally signals to the city that Batman is here to stay. Savage’s frustration is beyond palpable in the moment to the point I very nearly punched the air in celebration. It almost feels like the closing chapter of the arc, but we know there’s so much more to come. At this point all bets are off as to what happens next.
We can’t talk about Batman #10 without the return of Jorge Jiménez. Ryan Sook has done a brilliant job of filling in and the handoff back to Jiménez is seamless. The pacing might be a little more varied this month but Jiménez never fails to keep things thrilling. Especially the final page which I absolutely do not want to spoil here.
Verdict
Matt Fraction’s Batman continues to be one of the most compelling runs the character has seen in years. Issue #10 is a masterclass in dramatic timing, letting the villain celebrate just long enough before pulling the rug out from underneath him in the most satisfying way possible.
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