Batman #13 Review – A Comic About Nothing

Batman #13 (DC Comics, 9/2/26): Writer Matt Fraction & artist Matteo Scarlera send Batman to the GCPD to pay Commissioner Vandal Savage a visit. Really, that’s it. Verdict: It’s fine if you just want to see Batman in an extended fight.

• Writer: Matt Fraction
• Artist: Matteo Scalera
• Colorist: Tomeu Morey
• Letterer: Clayton Cowles
• Cover Artist: Matteo Scalera (cover A)
• Publisher: DC Comics
• Release Date: September 2, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Batman #13:

First Impressions:

I was curious to see how Matt Fraction would integrate DC’s flagship title into the “Bad Seeds” crossover, but I have to admit I didn’t expect this, and that’s not a good thing.

Recap:

Batman #12 began with Bruce having a heart-to-heart with his imaginary Alfred to determine whether Verity Pennyworth really was Alfred Pennyworth’s great-niece and trained successor. Imaginary Alfred confirmed the existence of the Society of the Midnight Key, a secret organization that trained people like Alfred to support people like Batman, and revealed that Verity had been born and bred for the job. Meanwhile, a collection of colorful assassins arrived in Gotham to kill Bruce Wayne, leading Batman to discover that Verity had helped coordinate their activities before the issue ended with the Joker receiving an unexpected visitor.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The issue begins with Batman saving a random citizen from being engulfed in aggressive vines. Batman then advises the citizens to head to the Harbor for safety while he heads to the GCPD to talk to Commissioner Vandal Savage.

Batman arrives at GCPD HQ and spends the rest of the issue fighting through Vandal’s hired guns to get to the Commissioner, who is waiting on the roof. The issue ends with Batman getting to the roof.

How is the story in Batman #13?

What would you call Matt Fraction’s contribution to the Bad Seeds event? Low effort? No effort? I’ve been known to say “nothing happens” in a comic, but Batman #13 is the quintessential example. Batman breaks into the GCPD, he fights and fights and fights, and then he confronts Vandal Savage. Truly, there’s nothing else. It’s as if Fraction said, “Yeah, I got nothing. Just draw a long fight.”

If nothing else, I have to commend Fraction’s commitment to doing nothing.

How is the art in Batman #13?

Since the art carries the weight of the story, Matteo Scalera deserves bonus points for making nothing look interesting. Batman’s entrance and journey through the GCPD are as dramatic as it gets, reminiscent of great action films like The Raid (2011). Scalera’s lines are tight; every punch, kick, and jump is packed with power, and Batman’s prowess proves why he’s one of the best fighters around in this issue.

Characters

I’d be lying if I said there was any character work in Batman #13. There’s almost no dialogue or interactions to speak of. It’s all action, so if you needed to be convinced Batman can handle himself against a small army in close quarters, that’s what you get.

Originality & Concept Execution

Is there a concept here? No, not really. Does Batman do anything original? No, not really. Points deducted for the weakest of attempts at integrating with the event.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Solid action art
• Batman comes off as a bad ass
• Technically, there’s a beginning, middle, and end.

Room for Improvement

• Lazy way to avoid the Bad Seeds event
• No plot or character work
• Weak ending

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 0.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2

Final Thoughts:

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Batman #13 proves that DC Comics isn’t immune from laziness. Matt Fraction’s script barely lifts a finger to contribute to the Bad Seeds event, much less tell a story. Only Matteo Scalera’s power-packed action art saves this issue from being a total waste.

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