REVIEW: ‘Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham’ Issue 1

Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1 is published by DC Comics, featuring multiple stories. Writers include Matt Fraction and Mariko Tamaki.

The artists include Bruno Abidas, Rossi Gifford, Gretel Lusky, Jorges Fornés, Brian Ching, and Steve Lieber. Colorists include Pedro Estouco, Miquel Muerto, Dave Stewart, Adriano Lucas, and Lee Loughridge. Letters by Ariana Maher and Clayton Cowles. The people of Gotham fight to survive in streets overgrown by killer plants.

This extended anthology comic is about the everyday people of Gotham. Each small story focuses on a different group of Gothamites, exploring how they navigate and live their lives whilst the Bad Seeds crossover consumes their community. Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1 is easy to settle into, requiring very little crossover knowledge.

Members of the Bat Family pop in to save lives before moving on to the next situation. But those around them have to pick up the pieces. Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1 is warm and full of interesting tales.

There are some incredible fight scenes that have real danger within them, because the people under attack struggle to fight back, lacking weapons and skill. However, the fight isn’t the comic’s main enemy. What matters is how people cope.

Fraction and Tamaki create some spectacular characters in Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1. And so many of them are brand new. Their personalities and lives are revealed so quickly, often without much. The first story follows a thief who gets caught up in a barbecue.

The second is a woman trying to get home, with a young kid tagging along. All of these individuals seem unique and in-depth, even when we know them for such a fleeting amount of time. The dialogue and the narration are superb, digging into minds we’re only just getting to know.

There is also a wonderful amount of comeuppance and karma inside Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1, which adds to the writing. Bad people often get what’s coming to them. One story is told from the point of view of one of Vandal Savage’s TUCO soldiers. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a henchman’s mind, with a very dark and insidious tone. It’s also one of the most engaging stories within the anthology because of how much it flips the concept.

There are members of the Bat Family in this issue, with Fraction and Tamaki reusing The Signal (Duke Thomas) throughout. Duke appears everywhere, clearly trying to help everyone he can. There are very different versions of Duke to see too. To many, he is kind, friendly, and amiable. But to those he endangers, he suddenly becomes a menace that could rival the most threatening of his caped cohorts.

The art is very varied, evolving as Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1 progresses. All of the artists do an exceptional job at wrapping Gotham up in vines and other vicious flora. There are so many things to potentially come across, and almost everyone inside this issue is a regular human. That’s what makes this issue so intriguing.

The issue features a variety of people of all ages and walks of life. They’re all human and vulnerable. Seeing them try to traverse the city, clambering and falling, is a great portrayal of how difficult it is to move.

Some use cartoony art styles, such as a story where the characters are all dressed up like Batman and other heroes. But others are darker and gloomier. Some feature grounded conversations, but then there’s always a plant attack or a ninja brawl that reminds everyone of the ridiculous city they live in.

Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1 is a fantastic display of body language and emotion throughout. There are some lovely little touches and connections that serve as wonderful communication.

The colors are exceptional. There is a terrific consistency of light level inside every story, with time of night being an important motif within the crossover. The comic spans the city, with a clear passage of time.

The Signal is the most vibrant of the Bat Family, thanks to his yellow costume and the intense light he creates. And perhaps that is why he was chosen to be the figurehead of this anthology, because he is such a bright beacon. The lettering is magnificent, and the swish and starts are consistent across the bumper book.

Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1 is a story of struggle and survival. The heroes are too busy to save everyone, and everyone is in trouble. The stories search for heart and soul amid the plants and soldiers. The communal feel is at the forefront in the latest anthology. While it tries to feel grounded and personable, it also celebrates the ludicrous setting. Gotham is a weird city, and there’s no escaping that.

Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.