Batman: Dark Patterns

Batman: Dark Patterns collects four self-contained, street-level mysteries from the early days of Batman’s career, each a three-part detective arc that delves into the trauma and transformation shaping Gotham. Dan Watters writes with a grounded, noir sensibility, while Hayden Sherman’s art channels a moody, tactile realism that recalls classic Gotham storytelling. The stories place Batman squarely as a methodical sleuth and symbol of hope, avoiding cosmic or supernatural elements while exploring the pain and resilience of city residents. Set in a Gotham where he’s still finding his footing, the tales intertwine personal traumas, cityscape decay, and Batman’s evolving role as healer cloaked in shadow. The collection draws inspiration from landmark crime sagas such as The Long Halloween and Hush, but it carves out its own quiet, problem-solving focus, delivering suspenseful mysteries that reward careful observation and empathy.

Who might be interested in reading?

• Fans of noir Batman who enjoy grounded, detective stories about trauma and resilience.
• Readers who appreciate character-driven crime mysteries with moody art.
• Those who like standalone or self-contained arcs within a larger Batman canon and early Gotham era vibes.
• Readers who value empathy, psychological depth, and urban-noir aesthetics.