Batman #6 is written by Matt Fraction and published by DC. Artwork is by Jorge Jiménez, colours by Tomeu Morey and letters by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is also by Jiménez.
Batman #6 is available from today, 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
After he survives the date night from hell, the long night isn’t over for Bruce Wayne. While he juggles multiple needs as Bruce, Hugo Strange’s Monster Men attack a petrochemical facility and force Batman into action. Gotham City becomes a powder keg as superstars Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez continue their acclaimed run on the Caped Crusader.
Review
Bruce has some major problems to contend with as Batman returns to comic book stores this week. Whilst he seems to have lost control of his Robin’s there’s also plenty of trouble on the streets of Gotham. Matt Fraction once again delivers a fast-paced, engaging issue which proves why the Dark Knight is the King of Comics.
Following his rather disastrous “date” with Dr Zeller we open this month to find Bruce in the back of an ambulance caught in an awkward silence. After Damian, in full Robin suit, referred to Bruce as “Father” in front of Annika there’s potentially a lot of explaining to do. But Fraction takes an unexpected path by keeping both parties in stunned silence. The deafening silence carries the first three pages of the book which is a brave choice. Annika isn’t an unintelligent character but Fraction opts for the less predictable path. In doing so Batman #6 side steps artificial conflict for something far more human and credible response.
It’s one scene which perfectly illustrates how Fraction is making considered choices for each of the major players in the story. The same is easily said of both Damian – hugely hot-headed – and Tim – contemplative – across this issue. Both characters are reacting to recent events very differently. Damian’s anger is so true of who he is and his young age. Whilst Tim has been through the wringer recently and so his decision to temporarily step away from Robin, though angering Damian further, is natural.
The fact that events around him seem to be spiralling out of control speak perfectly to Bruce’s actions this month. A scene at Pennyworth manner shows his anger boiling over but quickly gives way to the kind of paternal guilt we should expect from him. Fraction is really doing an incredible job of bringing depth to the story, emphasising the emotional stakes to the same degree as the physical danger to Gotham.
Speaking of which there’s chaos on the streets. The kind of chaos which quickly overtakes Bruce’s need for some emotional relief. When will he catch a break? Probably never… but for now Hugo Strange’s Monster Men are running rampant and that means it’s time to put some more Bat-gadets into action. As has been the case right across this Batman re-numbering, the synergy between Fraction and Jorge Jiménez is radiant.
Jiménez is on fire again this month, balancing moments of seething character anger with tender father-son moments and pure comic book action. Whilst it’s impressive that Fraction is able to balance so much in each issue it’s even more impressive how Jiménez never fails to hit a home run. Damian’s anger is palpable as he punches his way to bleeding knuckles in the training room. Whilst Bruce’s devastation radiates from the page alongside a brief Alfred cameo. That depth Fraction writes into the script has never been more apparent on every page.
When the action takes to the streets of Gotham there’s still plenty to appreciate. The Monster Men have a cool mutated look which makes them hulking in size. Batman might be dwarfed but the startling blue of Tomeu Morey’s colours in the Batsuit jump right off the page through all of the debris. The fact we’re six months in and Batman is still implementing narrative tips to explain Batman’s gadgets is also cool to see. I hope this continues every time something new is implemented as it’s just one more neat little detail to tie this run together.
Verdict
Batman #6 continues the series blockbuster reinvention through stirring character depth and gutsy action sequences. Things are really getting complicated for poor Bruce but we couldn’t be in better hands than Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez to see it unfold.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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