Page 6 – The Batman Universe

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The Batman Universe Podcast Season 14 Episode 4

by Ian Miller March 14, 2026

written by Ian Miller

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In Season 14 Episode 4 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) conclude the spy series sensation Grayson by Tim Seeley, Tom King, and Mikel Janin. Covering Grayson #12, Grayson Annual #2, Batman and Robin Eternal #2-3 and 19-20, Grayson #13-14, 16-20, Grayson Annual #3, Nightwing Rebirth #1, #26-28, we cover the CONTINUED inadequacies of current collection, the ridiculous number of crossovers DC slathered Grayson over during the series’s second half, and the legacy of the series in current comics.

For our Bat-Family: How long do you think Grayson would have lasted if Rebirth hadn’t happened?

Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net. As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

March 14, 2026 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Review: Sirens: Loves Hurts #2

by Stephanie Mounce March 13, 2026

written by Stephanie Mounce

**In this review of Sirens: Love Hurts #2, the Sirens and Black Canary continue their investigation into the murdered women in Gotham’s nightlife. But can Dinah select a wedding dress first?**

Sirens: Love Hurts #2 main cover by Babs Tarr (DC Comics)

SIRENS: LOVE HURTS #2
Written by TINI HOWARD
Art and Main Cover: BABS TARR
Variant Covers: DERRICK CHEW, TULA LOTAY
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 3/11/26

This review contains spoilers

Previously on Sirens: Love Hurts

The Sirens meet up with Dinah Lance, recently engaged to Oliver Queen – The Green Arrow and then ditch her. A string of young seemingly sacrificial murders of young women catch all four women’s attention, especially when the police appear to be covering up the strangeness of the murders.

In Sirens: Love Hurts #2 Dick and Barbara are helping Dinah wedding dress shop when the bride to be notices the Sirens are also there trying on dresses and trying to get her to work with them on finding the killer – who they suspect to be Calendar Man. After trying to prevent the two groups from noticing each other, she rushes out when she gets a text from Renee Montoya – the cases of the murders they had found have been closed. She also clues Dinah into a new murder.

The Sirens head off to intercept Calendar Man. After a brief altercation he reveals his alibi – he’s been out of town all month for his birthday. Dinah comes by to pick the Sirens up to check out the new murder scene. They agree to tap their sources to try to get more information about the victims and ritualistic overtones of the crime scenes.

page from Sirens: Love Hurts #2 showing the Sirens trying on wedding dresses at Dinah's fitting appointment

Who’s getting hitched again? (DC Comics)

Catwoman gets Batman to work with her to find a connection between the victims. Dinah is overwhelmed with wedding stuff. Ivy is taking the investigation very seriously, but realizes that Harley has doodled all over the backs of the crime scene photos…and the front. But together they realize that the patterns of the stab wounds in the victims are constellations – and that each was mutilated with their own zodiac sign.

Selina discovers that all the women had the same therapist, and that another one of her patients, Emily Shannon, has an upcoming birthday. She’s an artist and is having an exhibit. At her party a mysterious lady in a large hat and coat separates Emily and starts to stab her, and though the Sirens and Dinah stop her, the killer gets away.

Dinah invites the Sirens to her Halloween show, and afterwards the street is crawling with revelers. Selina thinks she sees the killer, but keeps losing track. However, they find a door with the current season’s zodiac sign over the door – a Scorpio. They enter the building where the killer has another girl in her clutches. She threatens to kill the girl unless the Sirens give her their star signs. Selina insists the killer take her in place of the victim. The would-be-assassin throws the hapless victim at the Sirens and escapes through a trap door.

Dinah decides to call in Montoya and the Sirens book it, unhappy with Dinah’s decision to get the police involved.

Sirens: Love Hurts #2 ends with the killer marking out her next victims – a cat and a clown.

Review

I am struggling with this series a little bit. I will say, it is a certain flavor of story that makes the inane chatter more palatable. The art is very colorful, light, and fun – lending to the je ne sais quoi of the story.
It helps that, though it is a serious subject matter (serial killing of young women with ritualistic overtones) the story doesn’t take itself too seriously. We have sex, revealing outfits, weirdly friendly conversations between villains and heroes, and Dick Grayson with a strangely obsessive opinions on Dinah’s arms in a wedding dress.

I will say, one thing I appreciate, is that while this is a “women focused” book where females are solving the crime, the art eliciting the male gaze, but writing for women (I guess?), it isn’t putting men down, which is very refreshing. The art of “anti-man feminisms” where women rule and men drool is unhelpful and disgusting. While the men aren’t heavily featured in this story, the (non-villains) ones that are are helpful, kind, understanding, and non-toxic. Which is lovely.

Now, I will be remissed if I didn’t mention the Catwoman/Batman hookup. If I’m reading Sirens: Love Hurts #2 correctly…they were getting it on for a week? This seems out of character for Batman, but hey, the story is lighthearted and fairly self aware. It was lovely for this massive Bat/Cat fan to see this connection and the “Dick Dizzy” that Selina experienced, forgetting to send her findings to the group.

Over all, Sirens: Love Hurts #2 has been an entertaining read, and I have not hated it, which is high praise for Sirens books as of late. The story is clipping along at a good pace, not dragging too much, but also spending time with the characters in a non-crime solving context, which is great for character building.

Sirens: Love Hurts #2

Final Thoughts

Over all, Sirens: Love Hurts #2 has been an entertaining read, and I have not hated it, which is high praise for Sirens books as of late. The story is clipping along at a good pace, not dragging too much, but also spending time with the characters in a non-crime solving context, which is great for character building.

3.5

Final Score

March 13, 2026 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Review: Absolute Batman #18

by Kris Burke March 11, 2026

written by Kris Burke

In this review of Absolute Batman #18, Batman absolutely crosses a line he may not be able to return from.

Absolute Batman #18 main cover by Nick Dragotta (DC Comics)

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #18
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by ERIC CANETE
Main Cover: NICK DRAGOTTA
Variant Covers: GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI, MAHMUD ASRAR, DECLAN SHALVEY, CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 3/11/26

This review contains spoilers

What line is that? If you know your Batman history and one of the character’s core values throughout his history, you might be able to take a guess. Yet it also doesn’t fully develop or end in the way you might expect. That’s becoming a coming theme throughout the Absolute series and the end of the Poison Ivy arc is no different. We last left Batman cutting through Ivy’s army and the final confrontation between her and Batman is obviously inevitable.

We’ll get to more of that line crossing in a bit. After all, we still have that cliffhanger from the previous issue to discuss. I was intrigued by where that story could go and it went in directions I don’t think many were expecting .

So let’s dive into it. Spoilers ahead!

Analysis

We open the issue with Martha looking for the Court of Owls after finding out she is among their ranks at the very end of issue #17. We learn that not only was she a member of the secret society, but she was a Talon and arguably the best!

This is of course still the B plot of the storyline, but it’s still vital. The Martha/Owls connection is clearly going to be a slow burn throughout the series and it will be fun to watch little pieces of evidence pop up like one here connecting the Waynes to the Court. Having the Wayne family be not exactly saintly has been a big piece of the Batman mythos across a variety of media in recent years, and it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out in this universe.

The A plot is of course Batman fighting through Ivy’s soldiers to get to her. This part is beautiful to look at, as has been the case throughout the Absolute series. The body horror theme in the Ivy arc continues and it’s shown in graphic nature here. Yet when you’re dealing with something as “dirty” as plants and such, seeing such a mess is to be expected.

Before we get to the final confrontation, we have to talk about this issue’s C plot. Yep, there’s a third one here and it makes the action a little hard to follow at times. This third storyline would be perfect for its own issue in between villain arcs, which is what may be coming with issue #19.

This one has Bruce wandering around Gotham, considering Batman’s impact. He sees a Bat-themed bar and further advances Jim Gordon’s relationship with Bruce’s mother. This is where Bruce and Gordon have what I think will be critical conversation for future issues. We learn that Gordon “knows.” Bruce confides in him that with everything happening in the city, he might need to become something darker. It reads like the Knightfall Protocol from Arkham Knight.

This is where Absolute Batman #18 gets a little too chaotic. It switches very quickly from A-to-B-C plot and you really need to pay attention to who is saying what and when. We hit the crescendo of the A plot when Bruce tries to cut through the Ivy personality and talk to Pamela Isley directly. He sees the last human part of her: her heart. Batman threatens Isley to either destroy the spores that are impacting Gotham or he’ll destroy her heart. She agrees, but then Batman crosses the line I mentioned earlier. It’s a moment not many people will see coming as when we heard Bruce mention Batman “changing” this isn’t quite what many of us had in mind. I won’t say what he does, but it shocks Barbara Gordon. Batman tells her he needs to evolve as we cut back and forth with the conversation with Jim Gordon.

Absolute Batman #18 ends with Bruce deleting a voice message and Waylon Jones (maybe?) emerging to see if Bruce is with him.

Final Thoughts

Scott Snyder and guest artist Eric Cantente did it again, overall. The plot is solid and the pictures look great. The biggest problem with Absolute Batman #18 is pacing and that has a snowball effect on being able to follow the story.

Cutting back and forth between not only three different locations, but also different times makes things hard to keep track of and that’s a big distraction as the story is reaching a conclusion. It even affects the artwork as it makes its difficult to figure out exactly what is happening

It’s a good ending to the Poison Ivy arc in this universe but that chaos keeps it from sticking the perfect landing. I still enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what happens in the next arc, especially as Batman realizes he has to evolve to keep up with the changes happening in his city.

Comic Review: Absolute Batman #18

Final Thoughts

Scott Snyder and guest artist Eric Cantente did it again, overall. The plot is solid and the pictures look great. The biggest problem with Absolute Batman #18 is pacing and that has a snowball effect on being able to follow the story.

3.5

Final Score

March 11, 2026 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 Comic Review

by Adam Koppel March 11, 2026

written by Adam Koppel

In this review of Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4, after narrowly escaping the Joker and a collapsing building, Harley and Ivy lead the GCPD on a wild (and partially naked) chase across Gotham City.

Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #4 main cover by Erica Henderson (DC Comics)

HARLEY & IVY: LIFE & CRIMES #4
Written by ERICA HENDERSON
Art and Main Cover: ERICA HENDERSON
Variant Covers: LEIRIX, MIRKA ANDOLFO
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 3/11/26

This review contains spoilers

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 begins with Harley and Ivy attempting to evade the GCPD after their tryst was rudely interrupted. Despite their recent romantic encounter, the duo direct the blame at each other while scrambling for an escape route (and anything that passes for clothing). After a failed attempt to escape with Ivy’s giant vines, the pair end up in a brawl with the GCPD.

Despite being outnumbered, Harley and Ivy fend off the officers and swipe a nearby police car. During the subsequent high speed chase, Harley and Ivy argue and grow closer as they bare their souls to one another.

The pair eventually ditch the squad car and Harley hotwires a motorcycle, suggesting they visit her former mentor in New Jersey as a place to lie low. For however long it takes to get from Gotham City to New Jersey, the pair ride on with a renewed sense of purpose and understanding. But how long can that last?

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 ends in Bensonhurst, New Jersey where they abandon the stolen motorcycle and Harley rings the buzzer for a nearby apartment building. Harley’s old mentor opens the door, and it’s none other than “Ma” (Red Tornado) Hunkel (Justice Society of America), who appears to be disappointed about her former protege’s current life trajectory.

Analysis

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 takes the frank openness of last issue’s “one act play” format and takes it on the road, featuring a frantic police chase (and partial nudity). Writer/artist Erica Henderson ramps up the action, tension and absurdity (including a multi-page sequence where the duo attempt to evade police while fully unclothed). Henderson cleverly obscures these risque images (which includes climbing over a fence) with creative camera angles and a strategic use of silhouette, in what would otherwise be an extreme example of a “DC Black Label” situation.

Henderson continues to balance Harley and Ivy’s growing emotional bond with a smattering of slapstick silliness from Harley. It’s likely that Henderson intended to visualize the duo’s exposed emotional vulnerability though their nudity rather than just as a sight gag, (as “in the raw” takes on multiple meanings here). Watching the partially clothed Harley and Ivy evade police while simultaneously arguing and revealing their innermost fears to each other makes for a truly wild sequence that thrills and informs.

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 showcases Henderson’s talent for sequential storytelling, especially with the pacing. Henderson utilizes the unique format to extend scenes by the use of small inset panels amid larger ones, and by adding silent panels in between which allow for story beats beats. Here the moments can linger and build for a larger emotional impact. The establishing shots also pull the camera back to take in more of the gorgeous background art across the issue. (Henderson also slips in a quite literal sound effect when Harley kicks a GCPD officer south of the waistline).

Bonus points to any reader who noticed the nod to Action Comics #1 in the panel where Harley and Ivy abscond with a stolen motorcycle, or the quick visual gag of Harley and Ivy during their brawl with the GCPD. Henderson’s art is worth a reread just to catch all of these small touches. Henderson’s sketchier art style matches the look and tone of the classic Batman: The Animated Series (including the series’ “Dark Deco” design), but with more of a mature approach.

Introducing Harley’s early connection to Ma Hunkel is a nice twist, (although her influence clearly didn’t keep Harley on the straight and narrow if Bruce Timm and Paul Dini’s “Mad Love” is considered canon here). Expect more fireworks from Ma Hunkel and her new wards as the story continues.

Final Thoughts

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 offers up more Harley and Ivy bonding time amid a requisite amount frenetic action and sight gags. The mix of slapstick and emotional vulnerability is crucial to properly define both these characters and their romantic bond. The art is a masterclass in storytelling techniques.

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 Comic Review

Final Thoughts

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 offers up more Harley and Ivy bonding time amid a requisite amount frenetic action and sight gags. The mix of slapstick and emotional vulnerability is crucial to properly define both these characters and their romantic bond. The art is a masterclass in storytelling techniques.

4.5

Final Score

March 11, 2026 0 comments

Batman/Static: Beyond #4 main cover by Nikolas Draper-Ivey (DC Comics)

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Review: Batman/Static Beyond #4

by D.M. Grant March 6, 2026

written by D.M. Grant

In this review of Batman/Static: Beyond #4, as Shutdown’s rampage tears its way across Dakota, Batman and Statics troubles worsen from threats in outer space!

Batman/Static: Beyond #4 main cover by Nikolas Draper-Ivey (DC Comics)

BATMAN/STATIC: BEYOND #4
Written by EVAN NARCISSE
Art by MIGUEL MENDONCA
Main Cover: NIKOLAS DRAPER-IVEY
Variant Covers: MIGUEL MENDONCA, LUCAS MEYER
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 3/4/26

This review contains spoilers

As Batman/Static: Beyond #4 begins, Static and Shutdown battle outside of the Tomorrow Institute during their graduation. Virgil manages to hold his own but is still weakened by Shutdown’s powers sapping his electromagnetic abilities. With help from Richie, Rubberband Man and Aquamaria – they manage to get some hits in and nearly capture Shutdown, but he teleports away just before they can get close.

Meanwhile Terry has stumbled upon a group Kobra cult members about to steal WayneTech technology. Suddenly a mysterious voice guides Terry locating a spare batsuit and helps take down the remaining armed cultists. The voice belongs to Ebon, who knows about both Terry and Bruce due to his shadow powers. He senses the fight with Shutdown and teleports over the the Tomorrow Institute just as the villain flees.

Static is determined to stop Shutdown despite his powers being at their weakest. Ebon hands him a miniature Q-Juice capsule, while Richie lends him a containment suit created in case Static’s powers became too unwieldy. Using both to fuel his power, Virgil works to figure out how to zap Shutdown’s powers for good, at the cost of potentially losing all of his.

Meanwhile in Deep Space, the Collective and the Justice League debate the Earth’s inclusion in the Galactic Collection of Planets. Shayera Hol, formerly Hawkgirl, arrives to inform her son Warhawk about the power outages on Earth. As he flies off, members of the Collective discuss Earth’s discovery of Q-Juice potential, and infer that they plan to quarantine Earth and seize Q-Juice for their own purposes. Unbeknownst to them, Micron hears everything.

Back on Earth, Static, Batman and Richie are ready to face Shutdown. Just then Ebon arrives too late to warn Static that Cadmus soldiers have arrived for his arrest.

page from Batman/Static: Beyond #4 showing Static and his students fighting Shutdown

Static and the students of The Tomorrow Institute take on Shutdown(DC Comics)

Analysis

Four issue in, and I can safely say this is going to go down as a solid Static and Batman Beyond adventure. The Batman Beyond comics have often been more misses than hits in my opinion, because they get caught up in working with the lore of the cartoon with generic sci-fi tropes on the far-future. The brilliance of the animated series is that it was still a show led by character and timeless conflict. While this miniseries doesn’t exactly put those virtues to the forefront, it’s balancing the story it’s telling well enough and with enough consistent characterization of its heroes that it remains engaging each month.

That being said, Batman/Static: Beyond #4 was the most plot-heavy issue of the series. Despite Miguel Mendonca’s continued excellent artwork, there was so much exposition and sci-fi jargon being thrown around, that the characters threatened to get lost in the shuffle. Especially Batman. This is the most backfooted I’ve seen Terry be depicted outside of his own series. That’s not the biggest criticism, as part of Terry’s appeal is his underdog nature. It’s also interesting seeing him interact with more and more Milestone and Static characters. In this issue he’s led around by Ebon, and then stands in the background while Static does most of the hero work. Granted, Static is the veteran, but it was noticeable this month that Terry didn’t have much to do. It’s more of an observation than a criticism, and with there being only two issues left, it may well have been a consequence of the needs of the story.

I also worry that the Collective subplot might be arriving too late to have the intended major effect. It was set up somewhat in issue one, but Shutdown has been more than enough of a convincing threat, it feels like foreshadowing of a sequel follow-up series rather than something this story could bring attention to more than halfway through its run. It’s cool to see Warhawk and Shayera Hol, and even neat to see other classic DC alien races like the Tamaraneans involved. Evan Narcisse makes all of the DC and Milestone and DCAU lore blend effortlessly, and while I may think this extra element might be introduced later than it should’ve been, it’s still a neat idea to pursue at some point in the story’s history.

So the little niggles I had with Batman/Static: Beyond #4 were relatively tame compared to larger annoyances I find with other books I review for TBU like Batgirl. This is simply a professionally composed, competent piece of superhero action. Less compelling than the last couple of issues, but nowhere near bad.

Batman/Static: Beyond #4

Final Thoughts

So the little niggles I had with Batman/Static: Beyond #4 were relatively tame compared to larger annoyances I find with other books I review for TBU like Batgirl. This is simply a professionally composed, competent piece of superhero action. Less compelling than the last couple of issues, but nowhere near bad.

3.5

Final Score

March 6, 2026 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Review: Batgirl #17

by D.M. Grant March 4, 2026

written by D.M. Grant

In this review of Batgirl #17, Cassandra is heading home to Gotham, but her reunion with her friends might be delayed when new superpowers starts bursting out of her body!

Batgirl #17 main cover by David Talaski (DC Comics)

BATGIRL #17
Written by TATE BROMBAL
Art by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Main Cover: DAVID TALASKI
Variant Covers: KYUYONG EOM, JORGE JIMENEZ, LEIRIX
Page Count: 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
Release Date: 3/4/26

This review contains spoilers

As Batgirl #17 begins, Cass walks through the Chinatown district of Gotham city, on the phone with the other Batgirl, Stephanie Brown. As Steph informs her that the Bat-Family has prepared dinner, Cassandra begins sweating heavily. All of a sudden, tendrils of blood shoot from her throat, enveloping her body.

Realizing this is a technique from the Blood of Wu clan, Cass changes to Batgirl and finds her allies Tenji and Jaya, pleading for help so she can return to her family without a curse overcoming her. They figure that the only person who can remove this seeming curse is a member of the Blood Clan, and it just so happens that The Bloodmaster – Shiva’s cousin Wu Lin – is in town. The three costumed fighters head to the grand opening of Wucorp Tower to find Lin, only to see him shot from behind the head by Wu Zhi, Bloodmaster’s assistant.

A fight breaks out, leading to Tenji and Jaya both taking gunfire. Wu Zhi encourages Batgirl to rejoin her family, which enrages Cass. She resolves not to fight the blood flowing all around her, but to use it to enhance her fighting skills. Knocking Wu Zhi unconscious, Batgirl, Tenji and Jaya kick the door down, only to find Bloodmaster in the middle of what appears to be a portal to the Spirit World.

Something is terribly wrong with Cass (DC Comics)

Analysis

While I mostly enjoyed last month’s issue because it was an end to the Unburied storyline, I enjoyed Batgirl #17 more on its own merits. It’s a pleasure to have Cass finally back in Gotham and see more of her Bat-Family members, like a longer scene with Stephanie. The editor’s note about Batgirl #17 taking place after Batman #7 was interesting, as it’s purely to establish a time frame. Both issues have nothing to do with one another, but it was still interesting to know that while Steph and Cass are heading to dinner, Batman is speaking with The Joker just before he heads home. Not necessary, but a welcome detail!

This is the most positive I’ve been with a Batgirl issue in a while, as I’ve very few criticisms to lobby at Brombal’s storytelling here. The biggest knock against it is he still writes everyone with the same tired “Martial arts” language with the overly verbose language. Wu Zhi’s line “I see you are lost, pained, in the infancy of these gifts” sounds like it could’ve been said by any other character barring Tenji in the series thus far. What I enjoyed about that scene however was her trying to speak Chinese to Cass before realizing that she speaks English. It reminded me of Cassandra’s very first appearance before she learned how to speak any language, where Batman tried to communicate to her through as many Eastern languages as he knew. But it also served to further distinguish Cassandra from these other relatives of Shiva. Different languages were spoken throughout the last several issues in the Unburied story, but I don’t remember Cassandra ever running up against them as a barrier.

When I first learned Cass was gaining superpowers, I was ambivalent if not reflexively hesitant. Her fighting skills are practically a super power already, and bringing something new in just furthers my thinking that Brombal has forgotten how supremely adept at fighting she’s meant to be. But the idea that it could further her complex about being a good person, and it being a detail from the Wu side of her family is an interesting wrinkle. This is far from the first time members of the Bat-Family have gained powers, from Batman invariably in the Silver Age to Damian Wayne and Dick Grayson in the last few years. They never last, but if this book isn’t careful, Cass could be a high-powered fighter and other writers might totally forget about it. I’m glad she’s back in Gotham to deal with this, it’ll be interesting to see how Batman, Stephanie, Barbara and the others react.

Overall Miyazawa’s artwork was quite solid, and Brombal served up a strong start to a new storyline. Will he manage to keep the momentum going in part 2? We’ll find out together next month!

Batgirl #17

Final Thoughts

Overall Miyazawa's artwork was quite solid, and Brombal served up a strong start to a new storyline. Will he manage to keep the momentum going in part 2? We'll find out together next month!

Final Score

March 4, 2026 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Review: Batman #7

by Ian Miller March 4, 2026

written by Ian Miller

In this comic book review of Batman #7, Batman confronts Joker in his experimental tank in Arkham Tower…

Batman #7 main cover by Jorge Jiménez (DC Comics)

BATMAN #7
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art and Main Cover by JORGE JIMENEZ
Variant Covers: DUSTIN NGUYEN, JORGE MOLINA, RYAN SOOK, JORGE JIMENEZ, DAVID AJA, LEIRIX
Page Count: 40 pages
Release Date: 3/4/26

This review contains spoilers

As Batman #7 begins, Batman receives a cryptic and urgent summons to Arkham Tower to talk to the Joker. Dr. Zeller meets him and explains Joker’s current treatment, and the lethal countermeasures she will deploy if Batman tries to touch Joker. Batman deduces Joker’s method of contacting him – and Joker confesses it’s an orderly, former policeman, Josiah Jones. Batman asks if Joker is pretending to have forgotten his evil actions, and Joker responds he remembers everything. Joker says he’s grateful that Dr. Zellar has contained him, to Batman’s disbelief. Joker counters and says Batman must never let him out, and that he has a secret. Saying he thinks Batman needs a friend, Joker reveals that someone is coming to kill Bruce Wayne.

page from batman #7 showing Batman meeting with Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock

Batman responds to the Bat “Signal” (DC Comics)

Analysis

Despite its minimalist “two characters in one room” setup, Batman #7 is a standout in Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez’s run. After a shaky previous issue, Fraction regains his stride with a meta, thoughtful exploration of the Batman/Joker dynamic.

While some themes echo recent runs by Tynion and King, Fraction’s sharp dialogue and focus on the weight of their shared history make the conflict feel fresh. Even for a Joker skeptic like myself, Batman #7 is an intense, engrossing read that fires on all cylinders.

Of course, at least half of that enjoyment is due to Jorge Jimenez’s brilliant visuals. Fraction sets up a brilliant space and situation for these two characters, but Jimenez visualizes that with supreme creativity. While not trying to imitate David Aja’s homage to Chris Ware in his procedural and detail-oriented insert panels, Jimenez nonetheless creates wonderful visual effects like the reflections of Batman and Joker in each other’s faces and eyes. My hopes that finally we get a Batman run that really allows Jimenez to show the mastery that he’s capable of seem to be proved by this issue. The advertised “stunning foldout sequence”, while very lovingly rendered by Jimenez as a beautiful montage-style poster of Joker’s history and mind – isn’t the best part of the issue. The way we get into Batman and Joker’s emotions and minds through the way Jimenez draws their faces and positions is – and is worth the price of the issue alone. Colorist Tomeu Morey enhances the issue perfectly, as usual, with pale green dominating the palette, but so many other perfectly chosen hues.

Jorge Jimenez’s main cover for Batman #7 is a great snapshot of the comic story – Batman and the Joker in a side by side face-off, the scraping of Batman’s glove conveying the tension and fear of the situation (also available as a virgin foil variant for a higher price point). Dustin Nguyen’s watercolor cover shows a pale green Joker in the tank – a nice feature of the new design by one of comic’s best artists. Jorge Molina features a similar concept to Jorge Jimenez’s with Batman vs Joker, but less creatively laid out, but more realistically rendered.

Upcoming interior artist for the Batman title Ryan Sook provides a more standard Batman vs Joker fight scene, in black, lit by red neon, and drenched in rain – very atmospheric, though not really representative of this particular story. Lesley “Leirix” Li’s Women’s HIstory Month Variant features a cute anime-style Cassandra Cain Batgirl in a fun pose. A blue and gold Batsymbol variant is also available. Lastly, the Jorge Jimenez Corner Box Spot Foil Virgin Variant features Jorge’s new Batsuit design in the corner box format, part of a series!

Final Thoughts

A tour de force of Fraction and Jimenez’s skills on Batman – may we get many more issues of this creativity and impact!

Batman #7

Final Thoughts

A tour de force of Fraction and Jimenez’s skills on Batman - may we get many more issues of this creativity and impact!

Final Score

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March 4, 2026 0 comments

The Batman Universe Podcast

The Batman Universe Podcast Season 14 Episode 3

by Ian Miller March 3, 2026

written by Ian Miller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

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In Season 14 Episode 3 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) start the spy series spectacular Grayson by Tim Seeley, Tom King, and Mikel Janin. Covering Batman Inc vol 1 #4, Leviathan Strikes special, Batman Inc vol 2 #13, Nightwing #30, Secret Origins (2014) #8, Grayson #1-5, Grayson Annual #1, Grayson #6-8, DC Sneak Peek: Grayson, and Grayson #9-11, we cover the inadequacies of current collection, the excitement of the status quo, the thematic exploration of the title, and the unique artistic partnership the produced the book.

For our Bat-Family: Are there other radical status quos for Batman characters you have loved?

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

March 3, 2026 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

The Bat-Man: Second Knight #3 Review

by Kris Burke March 3, 2026

written by Kris Burke

In this review of The Bat-Man: Second Knight #3, the Scarecrow has Gotham right where he wants them. Can the Bat-Man save his city?

The Bat-Man: Second Knight #3 main cover by Mike Perkins (DC Comics)

THE BAT-MAN: SECOND KNIGHT #3
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and Main Cover: MIKE PERKINS
Variant Covers: MARC ASPINALL, STEPHANIE HANS
Page Count: 48 pages
Release Date: 2/25/26

This review contains spoilers

“The Bat-Man: First Knight” ranks near the top of my favorite Batman graphic novels of the past several years for a variety of reasons.

The art is stunning, the story is absolute 1930’s noir and it’s a grounded and gritty Batman story to its core. I have a soft spot for the 1930s/early 1940s Batman and it told that story brilliantly. From era appropriate dialogue to making the real world events of the time like the Great Depression and the unfolding of World War II have major impact on the story, Dan Jurgens shows again why he’s one the best comic writers out there

When the sequel, “The Bat-Man: Second Knight,” was announced I was beyond hyped if that’s even possible. I couldn’t wait to see more of this universe, especially since we also got the animated series Batman: Caped Crusader which also takes place in a similar time frame. Period piece Batman stories can work and I couldn’t wait to see where this story took us. I was really looking forward to seeing some of Batman’s rogues gallery in this timeline and I was not disappointed.

With Second Knight now wrapping with issue #3, my wish was fulfilled. My fanboy heart was kind of hoping we’d see a version of The Joker here but much to my surprise, Jurgens did not go to that well and instead brought in The Scarecrow. No complaints here, as it shows writers don’t need to keep leaning on the Clown Prince of Crime to tell a compelling Batman story.

Much to my surprise, other characters from a different DC comic were brought in. Seeing Lois Lane of the Daily Star (not Planet, which if you know your Superman history is factually accurate before they changed the name of the paper in the comics) raised my eyebrow, but at the time of the first issue it only made sense given the world and what was happening in Gotham.

I was somehow even more surprised when the Man of Steel showed up in the second issue, which ended with him and The Bat-Man meeting for the first time. Even though this is the first time we’ve seen Batman and Superman of this era interact, their relationship gets off to the usual rocky start.

That brings us to issue three.

Imagine Bat-Man appearing in the 1940s Fleischer Superman cartoons and you’ll pretty much have the start of this issue. If you look closely you’ll notice some callbacks to previous first Dark Knight/Man of Steel meetings including their first live action meeting in 2016. If you’ve seen or read any other Batman/Superman teamups you know where this goes. Identities are deduced, differences are set aside, and both work together for a shared goal.

Oh and there’s a chemical attack happening at City Hall thanks to Scarecrow and the Hangman. Can Batman and Superman make peace to save everyone or will it be up to Commissioner Gordon?

I won’t spoil this issue as overall I really dig what they did with the story. However, if you’re a fan of these two series like I am, I wouldn’t plan on a “Third Knight” coming although these are comics and you can never fully say never. Jurgens ends his story in a way very VERY few writers have in terms of Batman and it caught me off guard.

Analysis

The interaction between Batman and Superman at the start picks up immediately where the second issue left off.

The heroes have figured out the other’s secret identity and discuss what they know about the happenings in Gotham. Both split up as one goes to get Scarecrow (who they’ve figured out is Jonathan Crane) and the other to the tree lighting ceremony if the other can’t find him. It’s the same ole same ole we’ve seen in countless Batman and Superman stories over the years.

As much as I enjoyed this story, I for the life of me can’t figure out why Superman is in it. Was it because they needed him to help Batman divide and conquer to stop Scarecrow. If that was the case, I can think of other characters you could have included. The only reason I can think of is that Jurgens is working on a Superman series set in the same timeline, like a Fleischer cartoon but in comic form by modern writers and artists.

Scarecrow’s origins got an era-approiate twist in that he’s a disgraced US scientist looking to sell his fear gas to Nazi Germany and the payoff of that here is rather brilliant. It reminded me of something from Indiana Jones and his comeuppance will get a cheer out of you, especially if you’re American. You’d think going into this issue this was going to be the big payoff but that’s not the case here. There’s one more surprise.

It’s surprising in the sense that Bruce tells girlfriend Julie Madison something he’ll do once the case is over. He tells her he’ll stop being Batman.

He openly said it in earlier issues but anyone who has read enough Batman stories knows Bruce won’t actually stop 99% of the time, yet this is one of those 1% times. Not since the end of The Dark Knight Rises have I seen Bruce get this ending.

That’s why I said there’s likely no way to continue this story, although it is a comic book so logic doesn’t need to always be applied to these things. So there could be a third entry in this series but by no means is it something I absolutely need to have. Maybe if the series sold/sells like crazy, they’ll lure Jurgens back.

Oh and there’s one more shocker in the story. Jurgens takes Bruce’s ending one step further and we see Bruce, the eternal bachelor for most of existence, take a leap and propose to Julie Madison. For a story with no Alfred, no Robin, or no Bat-family it’s absolutely incredible to see Bruce get a happy ending

It’s an ending you usually see in a fairy tale, not a Batman story.

Final Thoughts

First Knight was a tough act to follow and bringing in Superman and Lois Lane into this universe was unnecessary. It pulled me out of the story at one point hoping they weren’t setting up the 1940 Justice League. Having now seen the ending to Second Knight, I doubt that’s the case.

The artwork is as beautiful as it’s been for all six issues of both “Knights”. It’s an absolutely gorgeous book to look at and the larger format really brings it to life.

The story for the first half of the three issues was solid but the unnecessary addition of Superman overall hurt the story. It’s why I’ll definitely take First Knight over the sequel. Jurgens remains one of my favorite comic writers of all time but the choice here perplexed me. Maybe DC forced his hand on this? Not everything has to connect and Batman and Superman don’t need to always cross into each other’s worlds.

The ending surprised me in that we never see Bruce get a happy ending. I respect the choice but it does sadden me that we likely won’t get a Third Knight. I really wanted to see a Joker in this world but I guess I’ll have to wait until we get that second season of Caped Crusader (season one is excellent by the way).

Overall, I enjoyed this series and issue but Superman wasn’t needed and it hurt the story.

The Bat-Man: Second Knight #3

Final Thoughts

The ending surprised me in that we never see Bruce get a happy ending. I respect the choice but it does sadden me that we likely won't get a Third Knight. I really wanted to see a Joker in this world but I guess I'll have to wait until we get that second season of Caped Crusader (season one is excellent by the way). Overall, I enjoyed this series and issue but Superman wasn't needed and it hurt the story.

3.8

Final Score

March 3, 2026 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Review: Harley Quinn #59

by Adam Koppel February 26, 2026

written by Adam Koppel

In this review of Harley Quinn #59, it’s finally happening, the long-simmering romantic tensions between Harley and real estate mogul Althea Klang have culminated in a date to remember. Stuff happens, it’s fun, you’ll see.

Harley Quinn #59 main cover by Yanick Paquette (DC Comics)

HARLEY QUINN #59
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by CARLOS OLIVARES
Main Cover: YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant Covers: DAVID NAKAYAMA, INHYUK LEE, ELIZABETH TORQUE, CHRISSIE ZULLO
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 2/25/26

This review contains spoilers

Harley Quinn #59 begins from Althea Klang’s point of view as she prepares for a romantic night out with Harley in the form of personal journal entries with loads of construction metaphors (actually Harley Quinn #59 starts with the end of their seemingly disastrous first date, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves). Althea arrives at Harley’s place prepared to sweep our girl off her feet, complete with a limo and chauffeur (the brutishly lovable Amygdala).

The pair head to Synesthesia, a restaurant where Harley recently went up against a cluster of Clayfaces (or whatever they’re called). Harley and Althea swap stories about their past where Althea reveals that she grew up in Throatcutter Hill, but left before Harley went to college in the neighborhood. Harley feels awkward for not realizing this and considering Althea’s NOWEGOSOE makeover was from a local, not an out of town developer.

Making the situation slightly less awkward, the restaurant is suddenly besieged by Colonel Blimp (yeah, that guy). Harley calls him out for interrupting her date, (not for the robbery). Blimp goes to town greedily pilfering valuables from every patron (except Harley and Althea). Things go awry between Harley and Althea as they debate the merits of their own motivations.

Colonel Blimp’s heist is interrupted by the timely appearance of Harley’s heroically homeless ally, Chicken Fingers (yeah, that guy). CF and the Colonel trade fisticuffs (what would you call it?) but things turn unexpectedly dark when Colonel Blimp guns down CF. An enraged Harley calls off the date and decks Colonel Blimp, requesting that Althea take CF to the nearest hospital. Klang sighs but agrees.

Harley Quinn #59 ends some time later at the hospital as Althea keeps watch over Chicken Fingers. Harley conveniently crashes through the window after attempting to stop Colonel Blimp’s mid-air escape. A battered and exhausted Harley falls asleep on Althea’s shoulder, making this the best date she’s ever had.

Analysis

Harley Quinn #59 switches gears (or rather narrators), exploring Harley’s longtime frenemy crush Althea Klang and her own connection to Throatcutter Hill. Harley’s impression that Althea was just a snobby outsider looking to profit from gentrifying her neighborhood was off base (at least as far as Althea being an outsider). Both women ironically are attempting to save their beloved neighborhood through very different means, but their hearts are in the right place.

Harley’s admission that Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy) has her heart, despite their separation is a convenient way to explain Ivy’s own solo series path, but since both women are wary of betrayals, their tentative at best long term, long distance relationship suits them. Althea meanwhile is less of a broken individual, intending to sweep Harley off her feet on their first official date.

Writer Elliot Kalan balances the heartfelt sentiment with the requisite absurdity (Colonel Blimp and Chicken Fingers unintentionally crashing the date). Blimp’s shocked response to Harley’s presence is classic, as is Harley’s allowing him to do his thing (until the brawl between Blimp and Chicken Fingers gets dark really fast). Blimp mortally wounding CF was shocking but allows for Althea to showcase her softer side in escorting CF to the hospital.

Althea’s haranguing of the front desk nurse shows that she cares about Harley, but she has trouble expressing it in a healthy manner. Also that quiet shared moment in Chicken Fingers’ hospital room at the end of Harley Quinn #59 effectively sums up Harley and Althea’s relationship.

The debate over which of the two are the actual bad guy (Harley or Althea) was interesting, and Althea has a point about Harley (although Althea herself hired Ravage and the Gunbuddies as costumed enforcers). Despite the story unfolding largely within the confines of an upscale restaurant, Harley Quinn #59 still benefits from the series’ typical mix of heightened absurdist reality, frenetic fast-talking and bonkers action.

Harley Quinn #59 has too many comical aspects to list fully, but Carlos Olivares continues to impress with more expressive and dynamic pages full of hilarity and/or dramatic tension. Harley’s clobbering of Colonel Blimp is a cool shot to single out, and those final few pages in the hospital add context to Harley and Althea’s feelings, even without the accompanying text. Olivares’ skill with facial expressions contrast the excited Harley with more collected Althea, while the dramatic entrances of both Colonel Blimp and Chicken Fingers are eye-catching and humorous.

Final Thoughts

Harley Quinn #59 provides another entertaining chapter that focuses fully on Althea and Harley’s budding romance, while Althea’s reveal helps round out her character as more than just a frenemy and interloper for Harley.

Harley Quinn #59

Final Thoughts

Harley Quinn #59 provides another entertaining chapter that focuses fully on Althea and Harley's budding romance, while Althea's reveal helps round out her character as more than just a frenemy and interloper for Harley.

4.5

Final Score

February 26, 2026 0 comments

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