Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1 Review

 

Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1--Bad Seeds Week 3 Part 1 Review

Writer: Christopher Cantwell

Artist & Cover Artist: Jacob Phillips

Letterer: Becca Carey

Variant Cover Artists: Martin Simmonds; Mike Perkins & Mike Spicer; Dustin Nguyen

Editors: Arianna Turturro & Rob Levin

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (Card Stock)/Variant $7.99 US (Foil)

Release Date: September 9, 2026

 

Officer Espinoza's former partner knows she rides with Jim Gordon. So, when the Security Guard at Gotham Arboretum can't get anyone from the Gotham City Police Department to investigate a dead body, he calls her. Police Commissioner Vandal Savage may have declared war on the Bat-Family. He may have thrown Barbara Gordon in Supermax. Still, Jim Gordon intends to safeguard his city, even as aggressive plant growth attacks Gotham.

 

Can "Ezzy" and Gordon reach the murder scene? And can they investigate a murder while a billion years of evolution occur during a single night? Let's leap into Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1, and see!

 

Story

When Officer Gordon calls in his decision, Vandal Savage tells him that he’s violating orders. Gordon insists that the police are duty-bound to determine whether people or plants killed someone. Still, the aggressive plant growth surrounding Gotham Arboretum gives Gordon pause. But Ezzy, driven by her friendship with former GCPD officer Griffin, doesn’t hesitate when she sees upraised concrete and trees blocking the Arboretum gates.

 

When Griffin shows Gordon and Ezzy the body, the officers assess the crime scene. But when Gordon calls to request a forensic pathologist, the airwaves fill with Bat-Family sightings. Undeterred, Jim Gordon fights for what he needs to pursue a murderer in Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1.

 

While Gordon and Ezzy conduct an unsanctioned homicide investigation, Anarky decides to profit from all the chaos. After his actions sparked a crime war, Batman had to protect him from TORUS soldiers. Anarky still smarts from being used to help one crime family gain an advantage over another. He also dislikes how TORUS is repressing the smaller gangs and making everyday criminals targets of their wrath. So, after fleecing a member of the public, Anarky targets the people putting a stranglehold on crime.

 

Christopher Cantwell's story highlights the corruption within the police force. It also shows Vandal Savage's determination to protect the people who put him in office while eliminating anyone who opposes him. Still, as rampant plant life overtakes Gotham, good people rally together to protect the public amid a natural disaster. Jim Gordon may now be a uniformed officer. Yet he rises to lead others amid an extra-natural disaster, while other people in the Bat-Family's orbit prove far less noble in Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1.

 

Art

As Ezzy manhandles the steering wheel of the brick-like squad car through plant-infested streets, Jim Gordon notices what might be a member of the Parliament of Trees in his side mirror. When roots push through the pavement before the Arboretum gates, Ezzy presses the accelerator, and the patrol car sails across a splash page. After the car stops, Ezzy lingers beside Griffin while Gordon gets his first look at the body. But as Jim Gordon pulls on his gloves, Ezzy leaps beside her new partner to assist the investigation in Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1.

 

As Jacob Phillips adorns his detailed art with a limited palette, the patrol car’s red emergency lights and yellow headlights compete with the green night. Yellow dots in the air evoke the airborne toxins and pathogens Batman mentioned in his call to the Bat-Family. Yet, they also recall the butterflies that Killer Croc freed after escaping Dr Zeller's treatments in Arkham Towers. Anarky covers his motorcycle helmet with a mask and a hood while displaying his symbol on his jacket and trousers. Red and blue clash in his crusade for small-time criminals. Red also represents the anger of those Dr Zeller tries to cure. Yet, blue battles red amid yellow and green as Jim Gordon tries to save everyone he can.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters, and denotes locations with white letters in black boxes. Words grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Red letters link Anarky and his opponents. Sound effects heighten the seemingly intelligent plant growth, a brutal battle, and machines struggling against nature amid dwindling power supplies. Yet, a metallic rattle confirms Gordon’s suspicions, making a night of madness even more dangerous. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

When the Gotham City Police Department faced a situation they couldn't handle, they lit up the night with a plea for help. But as plants overtake Gotham, the power goes out, and lawlessness takes over, TUCO squads scour the city for any member of the Bat-Family. Lacking support from his superiors, Officer Jim Gordon relies on younger police officers and anyone willing to help him protect the public while pursuing a psychopath in Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1.

 

Rating 9/10

 

To look inside see Batman:Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1 Preview.

 

For more on the Bad Seeds Crossover Event, see:

 

  

 

Poison Ivy #47:A Batman: Bad Seeds Prelude: Preview 

 

 

 

 

Batman: Bad Seeds – Sunset #1 Preview 

Batman #13: Bad Seeds Week 2 Part 1 Preview &

 

Batgirl #23: Bad Seeds Week 2 Part 2: Preview 

 

  

Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1 Preview

 

Ezzy Espinoza's former partner knows she rides with Jim Gordon. So when the Security Guard at Gotham Arboretum can't get anyone from the Gotham City Police Department to investigate a dead body, he calls her. Police Commissioner Vandal Savage may have declared war on the Bat-Family. He may have thrown Barbara Gordon in Supermax. Still, Jim Gordon intends to safeguard his city, even as aggressive plantlife fills the streets.

Can Ezzy and Jim reach the murder scene? And can they investigate a murder while a billion years of evolution occur during a single night?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1--Bad Seeds Week 3 Part 1 Preview

Writer: Christopher Cantwell

Artist & Cover Artist: Jacob Phillips

Variant Cover Artists: Mike Perkins & Martin Simmonds

Bad Seeds Spot Foil Variant Cover Artist: Dustin Nguyen

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Series Length: Two Issues

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (Card Stock)/Variant $7.99 US (Foil)

Release Date: September 9, 2026

 

 

Is this the Last Stand 

for the only Good Cops left in Gotham City?

A Batman: Bad Seeds Tie-In!

 

 

A killer is on the loose, someone is stalking Arkham Towers’ Dr. Zeller, the subways are out of control, and Anarky’s just pulled a big-time heist! With Vandal Savage diverting the GCPD’s resources to his single-minded war against the Bats and the Bat-Family trying to stop Poison Ivy while evading the GCPD, there’s almost no one left to do actual police work! Looks like Officers Gordon and Espinoza have their work cut out for them.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For more on the Bad Seeds Crossover Event, see:

 

 

 

Poison Ivy #47:A Batman: Bad Seeds Prelude: Preview 

 

 

 

 

 

Batman: Bad Seeds – Sunset #1 Preview 

 

 

 

 

Batman #13: Bad Seeds Week 2 Part 1 Preview &

 

 

 

 

Batgirl #23: Bad Seeds Week 2 Part 2: Preview 

 

 

 

The Flash #30 Preview

 

 

Bart Allen is always in a hurry to help others. But sometimes, Wally West wishes he would slow down and think before hurtling into danger. Bart got them into trouble by trying to circumvent Darkseid from taking over the Earth. After losing his powers and mostly dying, as Miracle Max might say, Bart reunited with the Speed Force. Now, he's rushing into danger once again. What has Bart learned from his recent race through time? And might acting on impulse this time lead to Darkseid's defeat?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

The Flash #30 Preview

Writer: Mark Waid & Christopher Cantwell

Artist: Vasco Georgiev

Cover Artist: Dan Mora, Ramon Perez & Daniel Bayliss

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: February 25, 2026

 

Speedsters from the present meet Darkseid from the past!

 

The Speedsters’ race through time has led them to an encounter with a Darkseid from the past, and their escape leads them to a shocking reunion!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

 

Epitaphs from the Abyss Vol 3 SC Spotlight

 

 

Do the benefits of employment outweigh the time lost with your loved ones. A young man argues that his family will appreciate his sacrifice in The Exterminator, the first story in this chilling collection. The Gravedigger warns that may not prove the case in this nail-biting narrative from writer Brian Azzarello, artist David Lapham, and colorist Nick Filardi. What other dilemmas will the creators force you to confront in this bakers dozen of twisted tales? 

Here's all the info from Oni Press: 

EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS VOL. 3 SC

WRITTEN BY BRIAN AZZARELLO, CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL, MICHAEL W. CONRAD, GREG PAK, STEPHANIE PHILLIPS & CURT PIRES ART BY VALERIA BURZO, TYLER CROOK, KLAUS JANSON, SAMI KIVELÄ, PETER KRAUSE, DAVID LAPHAM, BRIAN LEVEL, DAN McDAID, CHRISTOPHER MITTEN, DAVID RUBÍN & ALISON SAMPSON COVER BY LEE BERMEJO A NEW MOON RISES . . . AND MORE FRESHLY ETCHED EPITAPHS SHALL BE UNLEASHED! Leading this tortuous tome's tales of tension and torment, we welcome finely fiendish writers Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets), Christopher Cantwell (Out of Alcatraz), Michael W. Conrad (Wonder Woman), Greg Pak (World War Hulk), Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn), and Curt Pires (Lost Fantasy), alongside maniacal artists Valeria Burzo (Shiver SuspenStories), Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam!), David Lapham (Stray Bullets), Brian Level (Poison Ivy), Dan McDaid (DEGA), Christopher Mitten (Autumn Kingdom), Alison Sampson (Department of Truth), and more! Collects Epitaphs from the Abyss #9–12. $19.99 | 136 PGS. | FC | ON SALE FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Thanks to Oni Press and Superfan Promotions for sharing this collection with us.

The Flash #29 Preview

 

 

Bart Allen thought he knew how to defeat Darkseid. Instead, he discovered the dangers of acting on impulse. Wally West wants to ensure Barry Allen doesn't share the same fate. But can Wally protect Bart, Barry, and himself from Darkseid's speedsters? And have his desperate actions doomed Iris West?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

The Flash #29 Preview

Writers: Mark Waid & Christopher Cantwell

Artist: Vasco Georgiev

Cover Artists: Dan Mora, Miguel Mercado & Saowee

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: January 28, 2026

 

A race against the Dark Legion!

 

The Dark Legion chase the Flash and Impulse to a pivotal moment in Flash history: the moment when Barry Allen was struck by lightning!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

The Flash #28--All Fight Month Round Six Preview

 

 

When Bart Allen sought victory over Darkseid by changing the past, Wally West pursued him through time. But Darkseid got there first, forcing Bart and Wally to fight the Legion of Darkseid. Like Bart, Wally West discovered that Darkseid had also changed the Speed Force into Omega Speed. Now, as Wally races Back to the Future to help Bart, he also believes that Bart's grandfather Barry is in danger. 

Like Maverick and Goose, Wally and Bart feel the need for speed. So, another speedster must represent the Flash community at the center of the Earth. But does Jay Garrick have what it takes to defeat Guy Gardner? And why are Jay and Guy both fighting mad?

Here's all the info from DC Connect: 

The Flash #28--All Fight Month Round Six

Writers: Mark Waid & Christopher Cantwell

Artist: Vasco Georgiev

Cover Artists: Dan Mora, Eric Canete, Serg Acuña, Ethan Young & Lucas Meyer

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: December 24, 2025

 

DC K.O. All Fight Month, round 6 of 8! It’s the match you never saw coming!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

High Strangeness: Book Three Cover Preview

 

COVER A BY VALERIA BURZO

 

Cindy's dad had a successful baseball career. But Felix gave it up when he realized he was starting a family. Felix never complained about driving a bus to give his daughter a better life. Then came the traffic accident that disrupted a career celebration for Cindy. How will their lives change after the car crash? And what will happen to Cindy's invention?

Here's all the info from Oni Press:

HIGH STRANGENESS: BOOK THREE

WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL & DANIEL NOAH ART BY VALERIA BURZO COVER A BY VALERIA BURZO COVER B BY MATT LESNIEWSKI COVER C BY BECCA CAREY FULL ART VARIANT (1:10) BY VALERIA BURZO From genre-colliding production company SpectreVision and groundbreaking comic book publisher Oni Press, the startling five-part expedition into the dimly lit borderlands of human experience—where phenomena like UFOs, hauntings, cryptid sightings, and inexplicable synchronicities overlap and bleed through the very fabric of reality itself—continues as writer, producer, and real-life experiencer Daniel Noah teams with Eisner Award nominee Christopher Cantwell (The Flash, Out of Alcatraz) and rising star Valeria Burzo (EC's Epitaphs from the Abyss) to bring HIGH STRANGENESS to 1983 . . .    On her 30th birthday, Cindy Freeman successfully tests her newly invented microcontroller Lifeboat—a device that can be plugged into any damaged system and repair its operating functions. After a freak accident on their way to celebratory drinks, she and her father walk away from a massive car crash surprisingly unscathed . . . but as Cindy navigates the days that follow, including the theft of Lifeboat, the sudden and suspicious lack of interest from the company that had been bent on acquiring it, and the uncanny deterioration of her father and the world around them, she becomes convinced they’re trapped inside some reality-bending danger . . . and mere pawns in a life-and-death game of corporate espionage. Presented in an extra-sized and ad-free prestige format with cardstock covers, each 40-page issue of HIGH STRANGENESS also includes a brand-new nonfiction special feature into the documented, real-life history behind each interlocking chapter. ON SALE DECEMBER 17, 2025 | $7.99 | 40 PGS. | PRESTIGE FORMAT | FC

Here are more cover options:

 

COVER B BY MATT LESNIEWSKI

 

COVER C BY BECCA CAREY

 

FULL ART VARIANT (1:10) BY VALERIA BURZO

 

Thanks to Oni Press and Superfan Promotions for sharing this cover preview with us.

Out Of Alcatraz HC Review

 

Writer: Christopher Cantwell

Artist, Colorist & Letterer: Tyler Crook

Publisher: Oni Press

Hardcover Price: $29.99

Release Date: October 22, 2025

 

On June 11, 1962, three prisoners escaped Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. All three men are still missing and presumed dead. The FBI closed its investigation in 1979, while the US Marshals still consider it an active case. But the missing convicts may have survived. If so, where might Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin have fled? And what happened to the agents who investigated their escape? Let's grab our handcuffs, leap into Out Of Alcatraz HC, and see!

 

Story

After coordinating with an outside agent, Frank, John, and Clarence make a raft, life jackets, and oars. But the sea proves rougher than they anticipated, and only Frank and Clarence reach the mainland. While Clarence mourns his brother, Frank keeps him focused on their escape. Sliding a coat hanger down a driver’s side window and crossing the ignition wires nets them a ’55 Chevy. They reach their contact in Modesto. But neither man is good at following her rules.

 

While Out Of Alcatraz HC showcases Frank and Clarence's struggles, it introduces their mysterious contact. She has endured trials and refuses to give the men her name. And the man she works for is unhappy. He had planned on getting four men to work in his fields. Now, there are only two.

 

As Christopher Cantwell shows Frank and Clarence struggling to adapt to life outside their cells, he also highlights issues people faced in the 1960s. FBI agent Cyrus Michedoros and US Marshall Bob Canton don't meet society's expectations. Cy doesn't want to pursue the investigation. He fears the recognition he would receive for solving the case. But Bob has personal reasons for solving it. So, Cy risks his future to help his friend find the fugitives.

 

While Out Of Alcatraz HC shows Cy and Bob pursuing the escapees, it also reveals their similarities. All these people are hiding and fear discovery. What none of them realize as they seek to find each other and escape to their separate Happily Ever Afters is that someone else is pursuing them. He won't stop until he reaches them. And most of them, perhaps all, are on his naughty list.

 

Art

A beam of light streaks over the raging waves. Only the men's arms and heads emerge from the angry water as they struggle to stay afloat. Amid the battle for survival, hands reach toward each other. As one disappears beneath the surface, close-ups show Frank's determination and Clarence's anguish.

 

While Tyler Crook applies limited tones to fraught night scenes, more colors emerge as the men reach land. The bay shines blue, even in the evening. Yellow headlights glow, and red taillights shine as the stolen car races through the night. Like James Bond and Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Frank and Clarence find sanctuary in a barn. But the next morning, as they enjoy a lazy trek through vibrant fields and orchards, frenzied activity occurs inside Alcatraz.

 

Tyler Crook fills dialogue balloons with black, uppercase dialogue. Sound effects heighten the tension in Alcatraz and everyday events. But violence is a part of all the characters’ lives in Out Of Alcatraz HC. Most unreels silently, until they reach the final climactic chapter in this beautifully painted story about the costs of freedom. Thanks to Oni Press for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Three men hiding their past. One woman disguising her race. Two men who break the law while serving it. Out Of Alcatraz cooks these social misfits in a toxic stew where they confront the worst aspects of society. They yearn to escape a society that disregards them. But not all of them can reach the Promised Land.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For more, see my spotlight on Out Of Alcatraz HC.