Batman #12 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 and Morey.
Batman #12 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
Six of the world’s deadliest killers have descended on Gotham City at once—but who hired them, and who’s the target? Surely, it can’t be the Batman… As the Caped Crusader races to uncover who set this deadly plan in motion, the late Alfred Pennyworth provides a gift from beyond the grave with the arrival of a brilliant new ally to the Bat-Family at a time when it needs one most.
Review
It’s the calm before the storm in this week’s issue of Batman as Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez catch their breath before the “Bad Seeds” event descends upon us at the end of the month. But being the creative pair these two are there’s nothing restful about Batman #12 as a wave of serial killers descends upon Gotham alongside a surprising new addition to the Pennyworth family.
I refused to spoil the final page reveal of Verity Pennyworth, the late Alfred’s great-niece, last month. That was a jaw dropper which you all needed to experience for yourselves. But there’s no escaping Verity this month as she’s on the cover and she’s right at the centre of everything going on in issue #12. Fraction appears to be taking great care in introducing her. I’m still slightly worried about the timing given her arrival coincides with all of the serial killers trained on Bruce Wayne. Red flag #1. But I have hope she could become a key supporting player in the Bat-Family.
But whilst Verity is going all of the heavy lifting in the Wayne Household to prove her place there’s a tonne more going on all across the city. Fraction simultaneously introduces five new players, all of whom are on Bruce Wayne’s trail. With that many killers on the streets it’s a wonder Bruce survives this issue at all. But luckily he has a new Pennyworth in his corner, one who mysteriously seems to know how to manipulate assassins. Red flag #2. Creating these new characters has both Fraction and Jiménez firing on all cylinders though, finding new and creative ways to kill off victims as the bodies pile up.
The thrust of Batman #12 is the back-and-forth between Bruce and Damian acquainting themselves with this new player alongside the killers increasing presence. Fraction balances the two well, using the Bruce/Damian moments for levity and playing that off against the grittier assassin work. The character versus action satisfaction ratio is perfect making the issue an instant page turner. It felt like it was over in seconds which to me is the sign of a great read, especially when I’m left wanting more. It helps that in setting up these characters Fraction is also nudging along of his dangling plot threads. Even The Minotaur seems to fall foul of events unfolding on the streets. But the real humdinger moment comes when some unseen entity decides to drop in on the heavily-contained Joker in Arkham Tower. That little cliffhanger moment ratchets up the tension no end.
This current run, particularly going into “Bad Seeds” feels different. I think it’s that in the past when we’ve known events are coming its felt like the creative focus becomes setting that storyline up. But right now I’m not feeling it. Batman: Bad Seeds – Sunset #1 releases in just three weeks and yet neither Mayor Isley nor Commissioner Savage appear in this issue. Instead all guns are blazing on Fraction’s already captivating story. All of which has me thinking that Batman, Robin and the rest of the Bat-Family will be completely sidelined when the events do kick off. What I’m trying to say is the lack of heavy signposting is not only welcome, it’s unnerving which at the same time is incredibly exciting.
Meanwhile Jiménez is having a tonne of fun introducing Verity. Her initial scenes with Damian shine a spotlight on a different side of his personality and that plays into the slightly more warm and paternal dynamic he currently has with Bruce. As Verity goes out of her way to prove her places it brings up a number of fun little moments where Jiménez can introduce more playful imagery in to the book. Counterbalanced, of course, by the grim murders committed by our quintet of killers. The already dynamic series is just a little extra this month thanks to that tonal shift.
Whether Verity turns out to be a good guy or just one of Minotaurs hired killers remains to be seen. But if Batman #12 is anything to go by, her arrival has reshaped the grief felt by both Bruce and his audience in the wake of Alfred’s loss. Fraction has us fully strapped in and we’re most certainly climbing to the apex of the rollercoaster ready to go into free fall.
Verdict
Batman #12 proves the quiet moments before a storm can be just a gripping as the storm itself. Fraction and Jiménez balance new threats and old grief with real confidence, leaving “Bad Seeds’” shadow looming without ever feeling like mere setup.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program also provides a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We are also members of the Forbidden Planet Affiliate Program.
