Batman #1 — Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez Start a Bold New Era
The Dark Knight Detective gets a fresh start. Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Fraction teams up with superstar artist Jorge Jimenez to kick off an unforgettable new era for Gotham's protector. This fourth printing of the debut issue is your chance to enter the story at the very beginning.
There is a special kind of magic that happens when a legendary creative team steps onto the cape and cowl. For years, fans have watched Jorge Jimenez’s kinetic, grounded art define a certain era of Gotham, but this week marks a true turning point. Matt Fraction, the Eisner Award-winning writer behind definitive runs on Hawkeye and Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen, takes the helm. It’s a pairing that feels less like a random assignment and more like a long-awaited convergence of two voices who understand what makes Bruce Wayne tick.
The premise is beautifully simple in its ambition: a brand-new first issue to kick off a bold new era. Fraction and Jimenez aren’t just retreading old ground; they are testing Batman and Bruce Wayne like never before. The solicits promise an unforgettable start, and given the duo’s history of character-driven superheroics, you can expect a story that balances the detective’s intellect with the raw, physical intensity that defines Jimenez’s visual style.
Why this book? Because it’s a chance to be there at the very first breath of a new chapter. Fraction has a knack for making larger-than-life figures feel human and vulnerable, and Jimenez has an unparalleled ability to make every panel feel alive with motion and weight. Together, they’re setting the stage for what could easily become one of the most talked-about runs in recent memory. The art is already stunning; the writing is poised to match it.
If you’re looking to round out the entry point, keep an eye on the cover options. Jimenez’s cover work is iconic, and the fourth printing is a great value add as the issue moves through its initial print runs. It’s a solid choice for collectors and new readers alike, offering a pristine entry into this fresh narrative direction.
Just so you know, these early printings of major debuts tend to move quickly once the buzz really kicks in in-store. Fraction and Jimenez are a powerhouse combo, and this stack is likely to shrink faster than you might expect. It’s the kind of book you’ll want on your shelf the moment it drops, before the waitlist forms.