Batman #14 (DC Comics, 10/7/26): Writer Matt Fraction & artist Matteo Scalera continue the Bad Seeds crossover when Batman ventures into Gotham’s underbelly to find the one couple able to freeze out Poison Ivy’s plants. Matt Fraction’s entry in the crossover is long on action, but very, very short on story. Verdict: A marginal pickup, at best.
Credits:
- Writer: Matt Fraction
- Artist: Matteo Scalera
- Colorist: Tomeu Morey
- Letterer: Clayton Cowles
- Cover Artist: Matteo Scalera (cover A)
- Publisher: DC Comics
- Release Date: October 7, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 40
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Batman #14:
First Impressions:
Holy Bat-waste, Batman! Matt Fraction appears to be trying to set a record for the most action-filled Batman comics in a row that do a lot but say almost nothing. Batman #14 at least gives you a tad more meat than the previous issue, but not by much.
Recap:
In Batman #13, Batman saved a random citizen from being engulfed by aggressive vines before directing the remaining citizens toward the Harbor for safety. He then headed to GCPD headquarters to confront Commissioner Vandal Savage, fighting his way through Savage’s hired guns along the way. The issue ended with Batman finally reaching the rooftop, where Savage was waiting for him.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
The issue begins with Batman working his way through the tunnels under Gotham City, while Verity Pennyworth relays her research on Mr. Freeze to him. Batman’s path leads to the Engine of Eternal Winter, the underground headquarters of Mr. Freeze. Meanwhile, Verity is attacked by three GCPD officers in masks who have invaded Pennyworth Manor to rob it during the cover of the city’s blackout.
Verity handily beats up three men who outweigh her by nearly 100 pounds, while Batman encounters Nora and Victor Fries after what appears to have been a lovers’ quarrel. The henchmen and Poison Ivy’s super plants are all encased in ice, and Victor’s helmet is damaged. The issue ends with Verity lamenting the mess of her fight, and Batman promising to save Victor if Nora helps him unleash Winter on Gotham.
How is the story in Batman #14?
Silly, comic reader. Don’t you know an action-heavy Batman comic needs to fill its pages with the butler doing all the fighting when the writer only has about 3 pages’ worth of story to tell? Fraction’s lack of effort in these last few issues is quite baffling.
To be fair, the action is fine, and we do get a significant development in the Bad Seeds crossover by recruiting the estranged Mr. and Mrs. Freeze as begrudging allies against Poison Ivy. Still, talk about unnecessary fluff. Oof!
How is the art in Batman #14?
The art is the only reason to pick up this issue and not feel cheated out of the cover price. Matteo Scalera is doing the Lord’s work with interesting character designs, plenty of cool action to fill up the paper-thin plot, and a cool-looking Batman that owns the pages. Scalera’s action is dynamic and sharp, which sells every punch, kick, and chokehold.
Characters
The audience’s attention is split between Batman and Verity Pennyworth. Batman accomplishes the little that is accomplished by approaching and recruiting Nora against Poison Ivy by playing on her need to save Victor so she can kill him herself. Meanwhile, Verity continues to prove her worth as a formidable fighter, even if the reason is nonsensical. Why doesn’t Pennyworth Mansion have security measures in place that are EMP-resistant?
Originality & Concept Execution
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 1.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 0.5/2
Final Thoughts:
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Batman #14 spends a lot of time on pointless action, and it’s not with Batman. Matt Fraction is going for the record for the most consecutive Batman comics where nothing substantial happens, but Matteo Scalera’s art makes the grade.
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