Amid theBatmanburnout gripping comic fans, one new mini-series has shattered expectations, delivering everything that made Matt Reeves’sThe Batmanan instant hit. If you’re hungry for more of that gritty, detective-driven Dark Knight energy of the Reeves Universe while counting down to the October 2026 release ofThe Batman: Part II, this comic is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Dan Watters, Hayden Sherman, Tríona Farrell, and Frank Cvetkovic’sBatman: Dark Patterns#1launches the Dark Knight’s latest mini-series, set in the early years of his career with the narrative following Batman as he tackles four mysterious cases all the while trying to cement his place as Gotham’s protector.
Even before its release, anticipation for the series was sky-high despite the so-called ‘Batman burnout' in comics.What sets this series apart from other ongoingBatmannarratives is its promise to return the Dark Knight to his street-level roots, focusing on his character-defining detective skills—a promise Watters and Sherman deliver on brilliantly, much like Reeves did with his movie masterpiece,The Batman.
Batman: Dark PatternsReturns the Dark Knight to His Street-Level Detective Roots
Batman Teams Up With Lieutenant Jim Gordon to Solve a Series of Gruesome Murders
Batman: Dark Patterns#1 wastes no time diving into the detective work as the Dark Knight arrives at a crime scene—the latest in a series of disturbingly gruesome murders where each victim has been turned into the equivalent of a human pin-cushion. With Lieutenant Jim Gordon present, the iconic partnership between the two is quickly established, furtheranchoring the narrative in detective noir territory and making it clear that this story will focus on the crime-solving aspect of Batman’s legacy.However, the true magic of this inaugural issue reveals itself through Bruce’s internal monologue, which offers a glimpse into the workings of his detective mind.
As Batman begins to unravel the mystery,his sharp observations, criminology and forensic psychology training, and unmatched intelligence—traits that have always set him apartfrom other DC characters—take center stage. For example, despite Batman saying little at the crime scene, once he leaves, his mind begins firing off inferences and conclusions, allowing him to stay ahead of the serial killer and intercept him during his next attempt. Hence, this comic successfully brings back Batman’s classic detective work, providing a satisfying return to his roots.
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Watters’Batman: Dark Patterns& Reeves’The BatmanBoth Found the Secret Sauce to a Good Bruce Wayne Story
Dark Patterns&The Batman:A Perfect Portrayal of Gotham City
There is no denying thatReeves’The Batmanwas a major success for DC, largely because it stepped away from the world-ending threats of the previous Batman-involvedJustice Leaguefilmsand returned the Dark Knight to his early years, with a strong focus on his detective roots. This shift was widely praised, and the film’s success at the box office proved it was the right direction. Hence, it’s no surprise, then, thatBatman: Dark Patterns, which also focuses on Batman’s early years and his role as Gotham’s protector with an emphasis on his detective skills, is receiving similar acclaim from fans.
Beyond its detective-driven narrative,Batman: Dark PatternsmirrorsThe Batmanin capturing the dark beauty of Gotham.Reeves’ film excelled in set design and locations, bringing the gritty, crime-ridden world of Gotham to life on the silver screen. Similarly, Sherman’s stunning artwork immerses readers in the city’s lively streets, making them feel as if they are physically there. In bothThe BatmanandBatman: Dark Patterns, Gotham feels like a character in its own right, not just a backdrop—and that’s exactly how Batman’s iconic city should be portrayed.
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Fan Reactions: Watters & Sherman’sBatman: Dark PatternsEarns a 4.4 Star Rating
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Ashley Wood forBatman: Dark Patterns#3 (2025)
Reeves’The Batmanhas earned an 8/10 official rating from Screen Rant, with its audience score climbing even higher to an 8.9 from fans. These ratings align closely with Rotten Tomatoes’ ‘Fresh’ score of 85%, solidifyingThe Batmanas a success in the eyes of both critics and audiences. With these scores in mind, it’s easier to understand the overwhelmingly positive fan reaction toBatman: Dark Patterns, which has earned a 96% like rating and a 4.4-star average out of fiveon League of Comic Geeks. Therefore, if you appreciatedThe Batmanfor the reasons mentioned above, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy Watters and Sherman’s series as well.
Fans who reviewedBatman: Dark Patternson League of Comic Geeks consistently praised how true the series stays to the Caped Crusader, with many commenting on how it not only returns Batman to his detective roots but also captures Bruce’s voice perfectly. Commenters also mentioned that the narrative is complemented by an addictive plot, a chilling yet intriguing villain, and stunning artwork. Some fan comments include,“Absolutely fantastic! This may be one of the top Batman stories in years to come!”and“Watters is COOKING UP A FEAST WITH THIS!!!”One commenter even remarked,“Awesome read, feels like it could’ve been in The Batman universe,”highlighting the shared appeal between Reeves’ film and Watters’ comic.
The Success of Watters’Batman: Dark PatternsOnly Proves Fans Want More of Reeves’The BatmanUniverse
The Batman: Part IIIs Set For a Release Date of August 14, 2025
The overwhelming success of the first issue ofBatman: Dark Patternsand the strong connection readers are drawing toThe Batmanuniverse prove just how eager the fandom is for Matt Reeves' vision of the Dark Knight. There’s nothing quite like a classic Batman story set in the atmospheric streets of Gotham, driven by a gritty detective narrative. Given this, it’s no surprise that Watters and Sherman’s series is only adding fuel to the growing anticipation forThe Batman: Part II. Both stories, though distinct, have tapped into the perfect formula, leavingBatmanfans craving more.
The Batman Part II
Cast
The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will continue where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with the HBO Max original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.
The Batman
The Batman follows a young Bruce Wayne as he investigates a sadistic serial killer targeting key political figures in Gotham. As he delves deeper, he is confronted by the city’s hidden corruption and questions surrounding his own family’s legacy.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
