Review: Batman #2 by Matt Fraction & Jorge Jimenez

DCComic Reviews

Oct 1

Written By Slav

Batman #2 takes everything the debut issue introduced and cranks it up several notches.

Where the first issue was more of a sampler or maybe just a glimpse into the new Gotham landscape and the rules being laid down, this second chapter gives us real stakes, hard hitting action, and a story that refuses to slow down.

Even the quieter moments, such as the flashbacks with Bruce, Tim, and Damian, carry emotional weight and add texture to the narrative. Fraction paces this issue like a runaway train, and it really works making the urgency practically leap off the page.

Without a doubt the heart of this issue is Tim Drake.

It follows him as he apprehends a thief, only to find himself caught in a far bigger problem, Gotham’s police force, now run by Commissioner Vandal Savage.

As established in the first issue, Savage has no patience for Gotham’s vigilantes and has ordered his force to deal with criminals using lethal measures if needed. That mandate comes into shocking focus here when an officer kills the thief Robin was in the middle of stopping. It’s a chilling moment that not only rattles Tim but also makes him realize that if he doesn’t think fast, he could be next. From that point forward, the story escalates into a tense and action packed showdown that captures the danger of Gotham under Savage’s iron grip.

Visually, this book is a knockout. Jorge Jimenez’s art shines with an incredible blend of style and grit. The color palette is bright enough to pop off the page but still drenched in Gotham’s trademark shadows and menace. The costume designs are sharp and memorable… easily some of the best modern looks for these characters. Jimenez manages to balance big cinematic splash moments with tight, emotional beats, and the result is a book that looks as good in its quiet moments as it does during all out action.

This is one of those issues where the art and writing are completely in sync.

Character wise, this is a lean issue, but that’s not a bad thing. The spotlight is firmly on Robin (Tim Drake) with Batman along for the ride, and their dynamic is what makes this story so engaging.

Bruce steps in to save Tim when things escalate, but the real takeaway is how much this issue doubles down on their mentor-student relationship. Tim isn’t just a sidekick here, he’s given real weight as a character, and Fraction doesn’t waste the opportunity to flesh out his growth. There are some flashbacks that bring Damian and Alfred into the mix, plus one hilarious page of writing that will stick with fans, but overall, this is very much a Batman and Robin story with Tim at the center.

And then there’s Vandal Savage. After lurking in the background last issue, Savage makes his presence known in the closing pages, essentially declaring all out war on Batman and Robin. It’s a powerful reveal that sets the stage for what’s to come, promising bigger battles and even higher stakes as the series unfolds.

As a fan of Damian Wayne, I’m hoping Fraction continues to weave him into these flashbacks because they add an interesting emotional undercurrent, but even without that, the foundation being built here is strong.

All in all, Batman #2 is a fantastic follow up that takes the promise of the first issue and delivers on it in spades. The pacing is relentless, the art is jaw dropping, and the story digs into the relationship between Batman and Tim Drake in a way that feels both exciting and authentic.

With Vandal Savage looming as the major threat, this series is quickly proving itself to be one of the most thrilling Batman runs in recent memory.