REVIEW: ‘Batman’ Issue 12

Batman Issue 12 is published by DC Comics  by Matt Fraction, art by Jorge Jimenez, colors by Tomeu Morey, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

As five assassins enter Gotham, a new family member enters Wayne Manor.

Batman Issue 12 has a major espionage feeling to it. For one, Alfred’s history as a spy leads to him having created a successor to his role as both Bruce’s caretaker and a partner in crimefighting. That role now falls to his great-niece, Verity. This adds some fresh energy to the book, with some uncertainty too. Then come the assassins—five of them, all brand new as well.

Fraction excellently introduces all of them individually, before they start to merge into one big story. And then the Bat gets involved. Batman Issue 12 is fast-moving, covering a lot of ground on multiple fronts. Fraction is telling a longer plot whilst also introducing more personal ones too. Each of these assassins is here for their own purpose, but they get tangled up with one another, leading to a fantastic fight scene.

What’s fascinating about Batman Issue 12 is how quickly Verity joins the family and immediately starts to make an impression. It also solves a vacant hole that has been within the manor since Alfred died. Alfred is gone, and Bruce needs a butler.

This is a way of moving on from Alfred without besmirching his memory or resurrecting him, and it lessens the pain of his loss. Verity is instantly intriguing and likeable as a character. She’s prim and proper, capable and intelligent. The same intuitions Alfred had are within her too.

There’s the reaction from Bruce and Damian too, who are usually both so closed off and have difficulty trusting newcomers. Batman is also highlighting just how much he hasn’t recovered or processed Alfred’s death, even after all this time.

The assassins are an example of Fraction’s decision to frequently rely on new villains instead of solely utilizing the plethora of Arkham escapees that usually litter the streets of Gotham. Each page introducing the assassins provides just enough to reveal their general personality and preferred methods of murder. They’re all very different, and that creates a myriad of mysteries for Batman.

The art is glorious and sleek. There are a host of new designs, and Jimenez makes them shine. Verity has the same immaculate style as Alfred, with a smart suit and impeccable postures. She’s tall, pretty and youthful. Then come the killers, each from a different walk of life, with a set of weapons and costumes. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill DC supervillains, with big muscles, fur, or malleable clay skin. They are just very efficient killers. Some have masks, others show their faces, and there is even an old man who is much more dangerous than he looks.

The unique nature of all of these assassins is terrific for hammering home the point that they are new and unrelated to each other. When they are introduced, each scene feels like a slightly different spy thriller.

Batman Issue 12 delivers a creative centerpiece fight. Not only because it features two debut combatants, but also because it takes place in an elevator, with the glass, changing levels, and tight spaces all illustrated effectively. It’s rapid, intense and unpredictable. 

The colors are stunning. This series has always been among the most colorful Batman runs, and that continues into this chapter. The lights of the city, the blue of Batman’s, and some yellows in hotel lobbies create a variety of shades within the issue. One of the killers uses poison gas, which is presented by the green fumes. The lettering is clear, easy to read and creative in many instances.

Batman Issue 12 features multiple waves of new and fresh ideas. This is rare in Batman or other major ongoing series. Fraction has a genuine desire to fuse existing lore with some brand new elements. Everything within the writing and the art is designed to add energy and life. The best example of that is the introduction of Verity, which passes down an iconic baton and fills Bruce’s home with another voice.

Batman Issue 12 is available where comics are sold.