REVIEW: ‘Batman’ Issue 14

Batman Issue 14 is published by DC Comics and written by Matt Fraction, with art by Matteo Scalera, colors by Tomeu Morey, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

This is Part One of Week 7 of the Batman: Bad Seeds event. Batman enters the kingdom of Mister Freeze as Wayne Mansion is being broken into.

After simply trying to survive and stay alive over the past installments of the event, Batman tries to put an end to the horrific night. Batman Issue 14 has two stories connected by opposite ends of a radio communication. Batman is so far underground, exploring a frozen landscape that Freeze called home. There’s a brilliant curiosity stemming from the story that Bruce ventures into.

The comic strikes a methodical pace from the start as Batman goes deeper into the icy territory. Meanwhile, on the other side of the radio, Verity is tasked with protecting her new home from intruders. It’s here that a bundle of energy bursts from Batman Issue 14 as she reveals just what she is capable of. The plot is entertaining and fun, almost breathless by the end.

Batman Issue 14 explores Batman getting to work with a new partner and what that entails. Verity is in his ear for the first time, and she settles into the job with ease. Verity’s most noticeable trait is her brilliant wit. Fraction writes her with incredible sarcasm as she fearlessly takes jabs at Batman and his long-standing relationships with foes. Batman seems to enjoy it, humoring and educating her.

The issue lays the groundwork for new chemistry, which is always exciting with Batman. Verity demonstrates her own capability in a crisis, just as fierce a fighter as her great-uncle. The expedition is long, but it’s eloquently written and superbly implemented. Having someone new on the team provides an excuse to revisit the stories of major villains, which is helpful since there are details even the most ardent of readers may have missed out on.

The art in this Batman series perfectly balances melodrama and comic book brilliance. It never shies away from being ridiculous. The kingdom Batman enters is huge, a packed city of frozen buildings. The architecture is glorious in scale and ominous, fusing artistry with mad science. There’s an eerie silence as Batman moves through the snow, creating an immersive sense of stillness.

In Wayne Mansion, Scalera unleashes more action and movement. There’s a goofy and sinister design to the intruders. They’re in cop uniforms and Batman masks. And the fight that ensues is violent and scrappy, as Verity uses anything she can find as a weapon. Bouncing between two different scenarios shows just how well Verity will fit in.

There is a gorgeous mix of color and darkness within Batman Issue 14. Light sources are important here, with blue and yellow lighting cutting through depending on where it’s coming from. The flickering of candlelight has a different effect on cutting through the shadows than Batman’s flashlight. And the yellow of the light matches Verity’s blonde hair, while the blue of the flashlight fits the plethora of blue. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

Batman Issue 14 is the tip of the spear in this event. Batman is actively hunting for the tools to end the super bloom. But around him are the effects and consequences of Gotham being thrown into darkness. The opportunists and the corruption seeps out. This issue is a test for Verity while establishing a likable personality, and it’s made even more dramatic by the knowledge that everyone else is far away and incapable of helping.

Batman Issue 14 is available where comics are sold.