Matt Fraction: The Fun, the Flair, and the Return of Batman

I’ve been a Matt Fraction fan since the winter of 2012–2013. Fraction just gets comics — the rhythm, the humor, the energy. His storytelling is clever, refreshing, and irresistibly fun, making his work must-read material for comic book fans.

When Hawkeye #1 (4th Series, 2012) hit the shelves that fall, it immediately sold out and went through multiple printings. I missed the initial rush, only catching on around issue #5 — by then, first prints of issue #1 were going for around $30, and finding one “in the wild” was nearly impossible. Fraction’s writing, paired with David Aja’s sharp, minimalist art, lit the comic community on fire before “viral buzz” was even a term.

I eventually tracked down a first-print Doctor Octopus Variant Edition for $12.99 — still one of my favorite pickups — and have been on the hunt ever since for the gorgeous 1:25 Adi Granov variant. I collected the reprints of issues #2–5 and finally jumped on board with issue #6. From there, I was hooked — especially on the now-iconic “Lucky the Pizza Dog vs. the Tracksuit Mafia” saga, which ran through the finale in issue #22.

Each Hawkeye cover feels like a standalone work of art, with Aja’s negative-space design on issue #9 (“I ♥ Hawkeye”) standing as one of the best covers of the modern era. I skipped the second print at the time — back then, multiple printings weren’t yet “a thing.” Fraction’s Hawkeye remains one of the most stylish, human, and downright fun takes on a Marvel character in decades — and it ended up serving as a major influence for the Disney+ Hawkeye series. The promotional materials and end credits artwork was clearly inspired by Aja/s designs.

The Dark Knight Returns (Again): Batman by Fraction and Jiménez

Fast-forward to today. Matt Fraction is back — this time, writing Batmanalongside artist Jorge Jiménez. And all I can say is: Wow.

Through two issues, this new Batman series is shaping up to be something special. Admittedly, things can get confusing for casual readers since there are currently two main Batman titles running. The ongoing 2016 series has reached issue #161 and is being written by Jeph Loeb with art by the incomparable Jim Lee with inks by Scott Williams. That creative team — reunited after 20 years — is delivering HUSH Part 2.

There’s been plenty of hype & marketing for that sequel, but meanwhile, Fraction and Jiménez’s Batman (Series 5) has been magic. It feels like a fresh start — modern yet classic, stylish yet grounded. Jiménez joins the ranks of this century’s top Batman artists: Greg Capullo, David Finch, Pat Gleason, and Tony S. Daniel. His Batman is sleek, athletic, and dressed once again in the blue-and-gray suit — a refreshing throwback after years of bulky black armor.

Fraction’s flair for cinematic storytelling is on full display. The double-splash title pages are breathtaking, and I particularly like the focus on Batman’s gadgets, with descriptions and close-ups that give off a Bond-meets-Gotham vibe. The dramatic details of the storytelling are also compelling. In one standout moment, Batman confronts Killer Croc — but instead of another brutal brawl, the two share a quiet, emotional exchange. Batman pulls back his cowl, and they talk. It’s a moment of empathy, compassion, and humanity — the kind of storytelling that reminds us why we care about these characters.

The issue closes with a perfect tease: Batman battered and brooding in the Batcave, one boot off, his cowl shredded. Fraction ends with four tantalizing hints — “New friends, new foes, and some old ones too.” Batman is back — as a detective, a hero, and a human being.

Scenes like the one described above are the reason why Matt Fraction ranks among the best modern writers in comics: he understands character, voice, and heart — but with a wicked sense of humor too.

Final Thoughts

The Batmobile looks incredible. Gordon’s back in beat-cop mode. Alfred feels like the Alfred I grew up with. The gadgets are clever, the tone balanced, and Bruce Wayne feels human again.

This is not the grim, overwrought Batman we’ve had for the past two decades. This is fun again — adventurous, detective-driven, and deeply character-focused.

If you love Batman — or just love comics — you need to pick up this book. It’s sharp, heartfelt, and funny in all the right places. Three simple words: Buy. This. Comic.

— Rob Pillsbury