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Batman (2025-) #8
A hero. A villain. A reporter. Three old men, on one night in Gotham, each have encounters that will reverberate across their city forever. Series writer Matt Fraction is joined by sensational guest artist Ryan Sook for an unforgettable new chapter of the Caped Crusader’s ongoing story.
Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2026
About the author
Matt Fraction
1,244 books1,881 followers"How he got started in comics: In 1983, when Fraction was 7 years old and growing up in Kansas City, Mo., he became fascinated by the U.S. invasion of Grenada and created his own newspaper to explain the event. "I've always been story-driven, telling stories with pictures and words," he said.
Education and first job: Fraction never graduated from college. He stopped half a semester short of an art degree at Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri in 1998 to take a job as a Web designer and managing editor of a magazine about Internet culture.
"My mother was not happy about that," he said.
But that gig led Fraction and his co-workers to split off and launch MK12, a boutique graphic design and production firm in Kansas City that created the opening credits for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace."
Big break: While writing and directing live-action shoots at MK12, Fraction spent his spare time writing comics and pitching his books each year to publishers at Comic-Con. Two books sold: "The Last of the Independents," published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar, and "Casanova," published in 2006 by Image Comics.
Fraction traveled extensively on commercial shoots. Then his wife got pregnant. So Fraction did what any rational man in his position would do -- he quit his job at MK12 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time comic book writer.
Say what? "It was terrifying," said Fraction, who now lives in Portland, Ore. "I was married. We had a house. We had a baby coming. And I just quit my job."
Marvel hired Fraction in June 2006, thanks largely to the success of his other two comics. "I got very lucky," he half-joked. "If it hadn't worked out, I would have had to move back in with my parents.
- 2009. Alex Pham. Los Angeles Times.
Education and first job: Fraction never graduated from college. He stopped half a semester short of an art degree at Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri in 1998 to take a job as a Web designer and managing editor of a magazine about Internet culture.
"My mother was not happy about that," he said.
But that gig led Fraction and his co-workers to split off and launch MK12, a boutique graphic design and production firm in Kansas City that created the opening credits for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace."
Big break: While writing and directing live-action shoots at MK12, Fraction spent his spare time writing comics and pitching his books each year to publishers at Comic-Con. Two books sold: "The Last of the Independents," published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar, and "Casanova," published in 2006 by Image Comics.
Fraction traveled extensively on commercial shoots. Then his wife got pregnant. So Fraction did what any rational man in his position would do -- he quit his job at MK12 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time comic book writer.
Say what? "It was terrifying," said Fraction, who now lives in Portland, Ore. "I was married. We had a house. We had a baby coming. And I just quit my job."
Marvel hired Fraction in June 2006, thanks largely to the success of his other two comics. "I got very lucky," he half-joked. "If it hadn't worked out, I would have had to move back in with my parents.
- 2009. Alex Pham. Los Angeles Times.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 3, 2026
Batman #8 just didn’t land for me. There’s a lot of talking, shifting perspectives, and thematic framing, but not much forward momentum. I kept waiting for the story to click—and it never really did.
I found myself disengaged pretty quickly. The structure felt more interested in ideas than clarity, and without a strong emotional hook or clear stakes, it was hard to care about what was happening.
The art is still solid, but it can’t carry an issue that feels this scattered and slow. This run might work if you’re into style and experimentation, but for me it felt like spinning wheels.
At this point, I’m seriously considering dropping the series.
I found myself disengaged pretty quickly. The structure felt more interested in ideas than clarity, and without a strong emotional hook or clear stakes, it was hard to care about what was happening.
The art is still solid, but it can’t carry an issue that feels this scattered and slow. This run might work if you’re into style and experimentation, but for me it felt like spinning wheels.
At this point, I’m seriously considering dropping the series.
April 1, 2026
Definition of a filler or setup issue.
April 2, 2026
This one's an odd issue, it's almost like editorial told Fraction he had to acknowledge the other Batbooks and Fraction typically finds a fun way to do it by telling the story via three old men.
I've been wondering for a while why Vandal Savage has remained Commissioner for several years without a great deal coming from it. Well now there appears to be a point and I really liked the justification for why Vandal is doing this to Batman.
It's also fun to see the villains on the right side of the law and reminding us that Batman is a vigilante.
There is also a fun scene with Batman in a very normal setting which reminded me of some cartoon sketches involving Batman and Superman complaining. On a single read I'm not too sure what the point of the old man and his grandson was, other to highlight the everyday Gothamite. I either missed something or this is a thread from earlier in the series as it didn't quite land for me.
The guest art is ok but quite a change from the regular art team. I used to really like Sook's art (going way back to Zatanna and X-factor) and he still regularly delivers outstanding covers, but his interior work didn't fully click for me. It's no surprise their style has evolved and it may be a change in inker/colours or just me not being used to the shift in style. Green lantern was a bit off for me in that he poked like a young man sporting a dyed beard instead of being an old man.
I did think Batman in a diner was excellent, as well as the splash page recapping Ivy and Savage's origins though.
So why only 3 stars? I think it's mainly because it felt odd compared to previous issues. It usually feels like the title exists in its own bubble and this issue seemed to be making up for this by forcefully connecting to the other Bat books. It's not that Fraction doesn't make the most of connecting the title to the rest of the Batbooks but it feels a bit off compared to other issues. If you like your comics being interconnected then you can easily add a star to my rating as it does feel like this Batman could turn up in titles like Poison Ivy etc. I'm on the fence, although in one sense connecting the books has worked as I'm giving "Poison Ivy" another issue due to what happens in this book.
Overall = 3/5
Writing = 3/5
Art = 3/5
Will I read the next issue? Yes
Wait for the trade collection? This actually feels like it's designed for the monthly read each issue is it's own sometimes distinct thing.
Did I need to read previous issues/series? Not really but maybe being up to date with Gotham helps especially regarding Vandal Savage and Poison Ivy.
Will I read previous issues? Weirdly, I'm inclined to read Poison Ivy after the developments of this issue.
I've been wondering for a while why Vandal Savage has remained Commissioner for several years without a great deal coming from it. Well now there appears to be a point and I really liked the justification for why Vandal is doing this to Batman.
It's also fun to see the villains on the right side of the law and reminding us that Batman is a vigilante.
There is also a fun scene with Batman in a very normal setting which reminded me of some cartoon sketches involving Batman and Superman complaining. On a single read I'm not too sure what the point of the old man and his grandson was, other to highlight the everyday Gothamite. I either missed something or this is a thread from earlier in the series as it didn't quite land for me.
The guest art is ok but quite a change from the regular art team. I used to really like Sook's art (going way back to Zatanna and X-factor) and he still regularly delivers outstanding covers, but his interior work didn't fully click for me. It's no surprise their style has evolved and it may be a change in inker/colours or just me not being used to the shift in style. Green lantern was a bit off for me in that he poked like a young man sporting a dyed beard instead of being an old man.
I did think Batman in a diner was excellent, as well as the splash page recapping Ivy and Savage's origins though.
So why only 3 stars? I think it's mainly because it felt odd compared to previous issues. It usually feels like the title exists in its own bubble and this issue seemed to be making up for this by forcefully connecting to the other Bat books. It's not that Fraction doesn't make the most of connecting the title to the rest of the Batbooks but it feels a bit off compared to other issues. If you like your comics being interconnected then you can easily add a star to my rating as it does feel like this Batman could turn up in titles like Poison Ivy etc. I'm on the fence, although in one sense connecting the books has worked as I'm giving "Poison Ivy" another issue due to what happens in this book.
Overall = 3/5
Writing = 3/5
Art = 3/5
Will I read the next issue? Yes
Wait for the trade collection? This actually feels like it's designed for the monthly read each issue is it's own sometimes distinct thing.
Did I need to read previous issues/series? Not really but maybe being up to date with Gotham helps especially regarding Vandal Savage and Poison Ivy.
Will I read previous issues? Weirdly, I'm inclined to read Poison Ivy after the developments of this issue.
April 2, 2026
*3.5 stars
This issue contains three stories woven together, and while two of them were important to moving the plot forward, I felt like the third didn't add much. The scenes focused on Batman and Alan Scott were the strongest in my opinion. While this issue is light on action, I think the character development and interesting discussions help make up for it.
I do miss having Jorge Jimenez's art, but I'm guessing he couldn't do this issue since he illustrated Superman/Spider-Man, and that is worth the cost.
This issue contains three stories woven together, and while two of them were important to moving the plot forward, I felt like the third didn't add much. The scenes focused on Batman and Alan Scott were the strongest in my opinion. While this issue is light on action, I think the character development and interesting discussions help make up for it.
I do miss having Jorge Jimenez's art, but I'm guessing he couldn't do this issue since he illustrated Superman/Spider-Man, and that is worth the cost.
April 3, 2026
Filler issue, but a fun one at that
April 4, 2026
Prob my least favorite issue of the whole run so far.
April 5, 2026
Batman 8: A pesar de ser un número que nos introduce el gran crossover, con Ivy queriendo vengarse de Batman y de su gente, hay una faceta humana de los personajes. Me gusta el trabajo que está haciendo friction
April 2, 2026
Well that was a bit of a let down, the issue started so strong but I hated seeing Mayor Ivy and Commissioner Savage formerly team up and what was really the point of Alan Scott showing up? Just to tell Batman what he already knows? Come on, they legit point out in this issue that batman is the master strategist but he couldn’t figure Vandal out, really? I will say the highlight of this issue was definitely Reporter Jack Dean and Huston’s conversation as they walk throughout the city. Jack compliments the story really well with his aged insights into people from trying to understand them as complicated to only seeing them nowadays as transactional, only helping when it benefits themselves or being the rare few that actually help people. They have this conversation while facing the threat posed by the prejudice of their own police force with bravery as things are only getting worse for the people in the way of the wars on the street.
But jumping into the rest of the issue itself, it turns out that Ollie, over in detective comics, is not the only blonde man with a beard coming to Gotham…as of course Alan Scott would be the one to walk down an alley and be faced with a group calling themselves the “axe gang.” Typical Gotham, lol. Fortunately that growing green ring isn’t just for show and he makes quick work of them as batman jumps down to join him in a chat at a local coffee shop. Other than mimicking some HISHE YouTube videos where batman and Superman can regularly be found in a coffee shop, batman does this to be seen and to see others to let them know they have not been forgotten, which is quite sweet. But it’s also to send a message to the constant eyes of the prowling GCPD that he isn’t going anywhere. Which is why Alan is here. Although Alan hoped to talk about some of his own companies exploits and some possible investments, batman really wants to talk to Alan about his experience with Savage. What wisdom Alan can impart is surface level, they all know he has lived for 50,000 years by thinking about his survival every day and doing anything to maintain his life. Batman explains that survival is what initially brought him here, that his longevity was failing and that he came hunting for three relics made of the meteorite that transformed him to recharge himself…but the bat family stopped him and they have no clue what happened to the relics. And I feel like this is where the writing of the book takes a turn as the pair both recite that Gotham billboard we saw a few issues back talking about how you don’t have to be crazy to live here but it helps…Bruce openly said he hated that billboard and now he is quoting it? I get they are saying it jokingly but it would make sense for Alan to say it by himself. But even worse than that this is where Alan tells batman how to do his own job, straight up asking batman how he beat Vandal in the past. How it wasn’t because Bruce had more good guys than he had bad, but because batman figured him out and now Vandal wants his get back. Revenge is what has sustained vandal for all these years, he will kill a family because their great-great-grandad was rude to him once and he has been stewing on it ever since. But Alan proposes that if survival brought him here, then it may be keeping him here if he can’t leave, and if he’s trapped in Gotham then the one relief he may get is beating the man, who kept beating him, at his own game. As the conversation comes to an end Batman thanks Alan for his insight and pulls his classic disappearing trick…but it seems the freshly stocked Gotham Eye newspaper has the latest scoop from Vandal and Ivy’s meeting earlier today.
The title of this issue actually references three old men in Gotham. Jack, Alan, and…Vandal. It was actually Ivy that called him into her mayoral office, wanting to talk about one of his projects the last administration deeper too radical…operation peregrine. Since her platform is built on radical transformation she wants to know…why should her office make it the official policy of the city to declare war on Batman? State your case Savage. The funny thing is for a bit Savage tries to make a fair perspective case, how the bat family are menaces that commit crime in the name of justice and in doing so taints the very system and all of the officers that serve in their force. He tries to appeal to her over their shared perspectives and eternal perceptions of the world but Ivy has been in this game long enough to know the real question at the root of any change…”what’s in it for me?” So vandal makes her a deal, let the GCPD truly be Gotham’s finest and then she gets his loyalty and a pledge to have the army she needs to bring about the radical transformation she is desperate for. A deal made with the devil signed in blue ink…and now the newspapers are talking all about the bat family being wanted. GCPD VS BATMAN AND ROBIN!
But jumping into the rest of the issue itself, it turns out that Ollie, over in detective comics, is not the only blonde man with a beard coming to Gotham…as of course Alan Scott would be the one to walk down an alley and be faced with a group calling themselves the “axe gang.” Typical Gotham, lol. Fortunately that growing green ring isn’t just for show and he makes quick work of them as batman jumps down to join him in a chat at a local coffee shop. Other than mimicking some HISHE YouTube videos where batman and Superman can regularly be found in a coffee shop, batman does this to be seen and to see others to let them know they have not been forgotten, which is quite sweet. But it’s also to send a message to the constant eyes of the prowling GCPD that he isn’t going anywhere. Which is why Alan is here. Although Alan hoped to talk about some of his own companies exploits and some possible investments, batman really wants to talk to Alan about his experience with Savage. What wisdom Alan can impart is surface level, they all know he has lived for 50,000 years by thinking about his survival every day and doing anything to maintain his life. Batman explains that survival is what initially brought him here, that his longevity was failing and that he came hunting for three relics made of the meteorite that transformed him to recharge himself…but the bat family stopped him and they have no clue what happened to the relics. And I feel like this is where the writing of the book takes a turn as the pair both recite that Gotham billboard we saw a few issues back talking about how you don’t have to be crazy to live here but it helps…Bruce openly said he hated that billboard and now he is quoting it? I get they are saying it jokingly but it would make sense for Alan to say it by himself. But even worse than that this is where Alan tells batman how to do his own job, straight up asking batman how he beat Vandal in the past. How it wasn’t because Bruce had more good guys than he had bad, but because batman figured him out and now Vandal wants his get back. Revenge is what has sustained vandal for all these years, he will kill a family because their great-great-grandad was rude to him once and he has been stewing on it ever since. But Alan proposes that if survival brought him here, then it may be keeping him here if he can’t leave, and if he’s trapped in Gotham then the one relief he may get is beating the man, who kept beating him, at his own game. As the conversation comes to an end Batman thanks Alan for his insight and pulls his classic disappearing trick…but it seems the freshly stocked Gotham Eye newspaper has the latest scoop from Vandal and Ivy’s meeting earlier today.
The title of this issue actually references three old men in Gotham. Jack, Alan, and…Vandal. It was actually Ivy that called him into her mayoral office, wanting to talk about one of his projects the last administration deeper too radical…operation peregrine. Since her platform is built on radical transformation she wants to know…why should her office make it the official policy of the city to declare war on Batman? State your case Savage. The funny thing is for a bit Savage tries to make a fair perspective case, how the bat family are menaces that commit crime in the name of justice and in doing so taints the very system and all of the officers that serve in their force. He tries to appeal to her over their shared perspectives and eternal perceptions of the world but Ivy has been in this game long enough to know the real question at the root of any change…”what’s in it for me?” So vandal makes her a deal, let the GCPD truly be Gotham’s finest and then she gets his loyalty and a pledge to have the army she needs to bring about the radical transformation she is desperate for. A deal made with the devil signed in blue ink…and now the newspapers are talking all about the bat family being wanted. GCPD VS BATMAN AND ROBIN!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2026
Very disappointing after building so much momentum in issues 1-7. Again, as with Detective Comics, coinciding with (but no coincidence, I feel) a change of artist. Sook's art style just doesn't work for me, and Jimenez cover art just spotlights that decline even more. Also I would have welcomed a reference to where and when the new mayor came on board; I only got that thanks to Google search and AI. If I missed it in the Batman series, my bad and please do tell me. The sooner the book gets back to picking up the story from 1-7, with the same artist, the better.
April 14, 2026
I think probably the weakest in the run so far, a lot of talking with next to little action what id call an exposition set up but it still has one or two of those funny Matt Fraction moments he sprinkles throughout these issues; Batman meets up with Alan Scott/Green Lantern they they go to a diner for a coffee...yep Batman sat in full costume at a booth sipping on a steaming cup of wake-up Juice. And the punch line is he makes Alan Scott pay the tab, Cheeky Bastard!
April 14, 2026
While the art of Jorge Jiménez was sorely missed, this was another stellar issue that deepens the series' plot. Although we only get a little bit of action, we see Batman at his most cerebral, reaching out for help and consulting with another hero. Since Batman has always struck me as a deeply intellectual character, witnessing his thought process in action is a joy. I can't wait to read the next issue!
April 18, 2026
It's a decent set-up issue, but it feels very different of the other issues. We have three different groups the issue focuses on, and because of that it feels like there's little time for them. which in turn makes it feel like not much overall happens. I did very much enjoy the scenes between Batman and Green Lantern.
I'm only reading this, Batgirl and Poison Ivy of the Bat-related books, so not 100% sure if being up to date with other series would have helped here.
I'm only reading this, Batgirl and Poison Ivy of the Bat-related books, so not 100% sure if being up to date with other series would have helped here.
April 22, 2026
I liked it! Most of it was a conversation between Batman and Alan Scott, which reminded me of the old Brubaker stories that involved them both. There was also a good conversation between a young and an old black man, as well as Vandal Savage convincing Mayor(!!!) Pamela Isley to condone his war on Batman. I've wanted to read her recent series, and knowing this is where it ends up makes it even more interesting.
April 4, 2026
A slower issue that steps back from the main narrative. I can see how it is described as filler but I felt like this makes what is to come more impactful. The sections with Batman and Alan were really solid. Pamela continues to play power games and her series seems to carry more weight because of how connected to this narrative it feels. The final page has me pumped for what is to come.
April 7, 2026
“Goodness ain’t transactional.”
My favorite issue of this Batman run so far! The silent scene between the old man, Hudson, and the cop car was handled with so much care and very impactful.
I don’t know much about Green Lantern or Alan Scott but I loved his addition. Also I do want to see more of Mayor Ivy but not if Savage is keeping her in his back pocket.
My favorite issue of this Batman run so far! The silent scene between the old man, Hudson, and the cop car was handled with so much care and very impactful.
I don’t know much about Green Lantern or Alan Scott but I loved his addition. Also I do want to see more of Mayor Ivy but not if Savage is keeping her in his back pocket.
April 8, 2026
Gotham turning against Batman feels like an archetypical story, at risk of being overdone, but I do like how Fraction and co are approaching it. Kind of an incomplete right now until we see how it develops. I’m always down for an issue of superheroes who don’t normally interact catching up, so Alan Scott getting some love here is nice.
April 18, 2026
This issue moved at a leisurely pace, and I appreciated it for that reason. It did well to answer some lingering questions regarding the status quo of the Fraction run up to this point, using three unique perspectives to clue in readers new and ongoing. My hope is that with the table set so to speak, we'll start to get some real momentum in the coming months.
April 10, 2026
Another amazing issue of Batman.
The storyline theme of revenge being a trap
took this issue to a whole new level.
The character interaction of Batman vs Randal Savage
is going to be interesting.
The storyline theme of revenge being a trap
took this issue to a whole new level.
The character interaction of Batman vs Randal Savage
is going to be interesting.
April 1, 2026
Goodness ain't transactional.
April 2, 2026
Almost gave this a 2 but it doesn't deserve it truly, it's simply the worst issue of this run so far.
April 2, 2026
Filler fun but fun nonetheless!
April 2, 2026
OOOO... such a great issue. Really hate Savage as GCPD Commissioner. But do have to say the drama has been top-shelf.
April 3, 2026
Bruce and Alan Scott team up is amazing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2026
good setup/in between issue. there are some interesting things happening story wise, and still potent political commentary. loved the split between batman and alan and the kid.
April 4, 2026
A bit of an interstitial edition with some priming for what is to come and some exploration of motivation. Still good fun but not quite peak for this series.
April 4, 2026
I know it’s covered elsewhere, but having Poison Ivy as the mayor of Gotham City feels out of left field here. The canonization of the Superhero Cafe more than makes up for it, though.
April 5, 2026
Poison Ivy as Mayor?
Savage as Police Commissioner?
What's up?
Savage as Police Commissioner?
What's up?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews