Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Hayden Sherman
Colorist: Tríona Farrell
Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic
Editors: Arianna Turturo & Rob Levin
Cover Artists: Hayden Sherman & Ashley Wood
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock
Release Date: November 12, 2025
After rescuing Commissioner Gordon from a burning coroner’s lab, Batman sequesters himself in his library. Alfred tries to get Bruce Wayne to tend to his injuries and the infection raging inside him. But while Alfred tries to defuse Bruce's anxiety over Gotham's fate, a chance remark connects with his research into Gotham's history. The young crimefighter races back to the city without taking his medicine.
Like Firefly, Bruce Wayne believes he knows the Child of Fire’s intentions. But he doesn't realize that the arsonist has Gotham's volunteer coroner in his clutches. Can Batman rescue Dr Sereika before the flames consume him like they almost did Commissioner Gordon? And can Batman prevent the Child of Fire from burning down the city he loves? Let's grab a fire extinguisher, leap into Batman: Dark Patterns #12, and see!
Story
When Nicky Harris uncovered a story that the authorities didn't want unearthed, Gotham's government tarnished his credibility, forcing him into obscurity. So, the reporter goes outside the law, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for the police and Batman to unearth. Along the way, Nicky sets a few fires.
In Batman: Dark Patterns #12, Nicky Harris believes he knows what is best for the city. He knows people cling to symbols in difficult times. For many in Gotham, Batman is a symbol of hope. But as Batman investigated Nicky’s design, Dr Sereika threatened to turn Batman into just another police detective.
As he unleashes the final portion of his plan, Nicky Harris sets the Gotham Stock Exchange ablaze and drags Dr Sereika inside. With the flames roaring around them, Nicky waits for the fire to decide. Who will influence Batman the most? The reporter who wants Batman to inspire change? Or the coroner, who helps Batman preserve the status quo?
Dan Watters’ story focuses on how symbols influence us. Like those used by religions, organizations, and governments, these iconic images take on a life of their own. People cling to them for the ideas they express. These symbols become living entities that inspire those who believe in them. For Firefly and Nicky Harris, the fire chooses who should live and who should die. But for Batman, there is no choice. He will defend Gotham and the people in it, regardless of the cost to himself. That's something he demonstrates to Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and the city’s inhabitants in Batman: Dark Patterns #12.
Art
As Hayden Sherman shifts camera angles of the Blackgate Penitentiary van, a close-up shows Detective Bullock glance over his shoulder. Commissioner Gordon leaves Firefly to approach the panel of chicken wire. The gray-and-black van becomes a character as it sweeps through an intersection, turning into oncoming traffic as it races through the city. Buildings rise on either side as the van speeds toward the financial district. Flames dance amid the Corinthian columned splendor of their destination, turning the Gotham Stock Exchange into a torch.
Tríona Farrell paints Batman: Dark Patterns #12 with a loaded palette of vibrant colors. Nicky Harris and Dr Sereika wear beige and black insulated suits, resembling tigers surrounded by yellow and orange flames. While Nicky promised a fair competition, Dr Sereika sits in chains. And instead of wearing another cracked infant's face, the coroner's mask resembles a skull. Green flames join their yellow and orange brethren, suggesting the growth and rejuvenation that fire can bring. But when Batman appears in blue and grey, he clutches a yellow coil of bat-line like a Lasso of Truth.
Frank Cvetkovic fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase dialogue that grows bold for intonation. Bruce's thoughts appear as bold lowercase black letters in gray paper scraps. Lowercase letters accompany coughs, sighs, and lowered voices as the Bat-Signal once again forms a symbol of hope, dominating an iconic page in this final issue of the series. Thanks to DC Comics for providing a review copy.
Now, let's take a look inside:
Final Thoughts
When the political leadership covers up Gotham's problems instead of dealing with them, Nicky Harris believes a complete overhaul of the city is necessary. But Batman knows that Gotham will pay for such rapid change in blood. So, he risks his life to give people the choice to introduce manageable, beneficial change by meeting the Child of Fire on his own terms in Batman: Dark Patterns #12.
Rating 9.8/10
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