Honoring well the tradition of frightening lullabies and urban mythologies, Court of Owls is truly fantastic work of writing and art, and an absolute must read for anyone even vaguely enamored with the macabre and horror genre not to mention anyone looking for a good old-fashioned disturbing scare. You wont find even a lick of Batman in these pages, and thats all for the better. For if the detective was here, you might think there was hope or possibility for escape from the terrors within. Better to descend into the darkness and let it wash over you. Just dont try to fall asleep too soon afterwards. Read Full Review

With many of the Villains Month titles, there hasn't been too much appeal or opportunities to actually see new information. Most have been re-tellings or continuations of other stories. With a book containing the Court of Owls, there's still a lot we don't know. This secret organization that was able to bring down Batman is ripe with opportunities for more stories. James Tynion IV gives us a taste for the Court's action during several different moments in time. Jorge Lucas' art nicely captures the different time periods by making sure each feels like it's taking place during that time. This issue almost feels like a tease for more stories set in the different periods. James Tynion IV simply makes me want to read more of the Court and their history. It's always great when a superhero comic focuses more on the story over than cheap action shots. Let's hope we get to see and find out more about the Court of Owls. Read Full Review

This the Court of the Owls story I've wanted since they were introduced.  We get to see the power of the Court through flashbacks that are each creepy and disturbing in their own unique way. The Court rules from the shadows and as Gotham crumbles we see they will always be there.  I hope this momentum carries over to Tynion's Talon because this is the story I've been hoping for for a long time.  This is a must read. Read Full Review

Overall, I loved the dark vibe to the issue. James builds on everything that Scott Snyder did with the Court in his first eleven issues of the New 52 version of Batman and what he has been doing in Talon as well. And all the mood developed by the artists totally rocks things as well. Given how this issue ends, I really want to catch-up on Talon now, and see how James furthers that title within the context of the ongoing Forever Evil event. If there are any negatives to the issue at all, there's only one: the first few panels are slightly inconsistent in terms of pencils. Read Full Review

Completely worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. And Tynion is a rock star, so if you're not planning on following his story into the pages of Talon (shame on you), you should probably just pick this issue up for the nice one-and-done storytelling. The only regret I have as a reader is the artwork. It serves its purposes and obviously isn't so distracting that it ruins the comic, but it's sad to see such a great script severely lessened by an artist whose work is too dark and too gritty to the point where it's actually kind of hard to tell what's going on. Needless to say, you (much like I did) will get over it. The story's that good. Read Full Review

The issue is put together quite nicely and ends up being a satisfying read that reminds us of just how scary The Court of Owls are. It will leave you wishing that each little story were just a little bit longer and this becomes the prime problem of this issue. It called for a bumper issue, but the calling was left unheard. Not only does this issue show us a bit more of what these villains are about, it also does a good job of setting up for the next Talon issue as things get really violent and heated upon conclusion. Featuring some fine colouring and art, Batman and Robin #23.2 Court of Owls is still one of the better reads from the Villain Month and a definite must have for fans of the Batmans The Court of Owls graphic novel. Everything is as creepy as this issues cover! Read Full Review

Artist Jorge Lucas deserves some mega praise; he brings so much to these pages. The aforementioned sense of horror and dread is brought to life thanks to his dark, visceral artwork. His superb style grounds the issue and makes it feel more like a sinister crime story and less like an over the top supervillain tale. His Talons look brutal and violent, his Gotham is seedy and broken. This is a seriously killer issue and worth picking up even if Villains Month isn't your thing. Read Full Review

Overall, the reader is allowed to learn more about this still mysterious group. They were part of a great Batman story and should be allowed into the Batman Universe. This is building more foundation for them, while making them all the more interesting. The ending of the book is going to make readers want to start reading Talon to find out what is going to happen. Read Full Review

Well-done. Not only does James Tynion IV do a fine job of reintroducing us to the Court of Owls and remind us of how scary they are, but he manages to get us excited about what's to come in Talon as well. Not all of the spooky tales about the Court are a home run and we don't learn any more about the Court's motivations, but I think most of what you find here is very entertaining and a cut above most other Villains Month titles. And the artwork by Jorge Lucas is absolutely perfect for this collection of horror stories. Read Full Review

I wish this wasn't a one-shot. I'd love to see more behind the Court, as Snyder's creation is one of my favorite things about the New 52. I was on the fence about these single villains-only issues, but this book has changed my mind! I may end up even reading Talon now since the story continues in that series! Read Full Review

Very fun read, details a dark history of the owls. If you have been following them in the pages of Batman, it is for sure worth your time. If you haven't, I still say it is worth a read as I felt compelled to seek out the issues they are in and follow Talon due to it's dark, gritty and suspenseful nature. Read Full Review

As mentioned above, I was really surprised at just how much I enjoyed this issue. It's got me excited for what's to come and I look forward to seeing what artist Jorge Lucas will do next. Here's hoping it's more Court of Owls stories! Read Full Review

If you loved Snyder's Court of Owls storyline, then pick this comic book up. It's a good look at some villains and who knows, it might get you to read some more comics likeTalon. Read Full Review

While I thought some of the flashbacks went into "Yeah, okay, I get it" territory, the over all tone and feel to this book really shines through anything I didn't like about it. Tynion and Lucas produced a straight up horror book, which is a hard feat to do in comics, let alone mainstream books with Batman in the title. While it's no issue turning Batman #5, this issue definitely stands next to that issue as one of the best, most creepy Court of Owls stories told, to date. Read Full Review

Jorge Lucas and James Tynion IV make the most of this interesting story depicting the inner turmoil within the current state of a secret organization. Read Full Review

This wasn't one of the best Villains Month issue so far, and in my opinion felt a bit unnecessary. I have however not been a follower of the Court of Owls, so Talon readers may find it to be very enjoyable. The issue itself was also very gritty and suspenseful, being brilliantly structured, having amazing artwork that suited the tone of the story. Due to all this I'd recommend the issue to anyone who'd either been following the Court of Owls in Talon, or a fan of the group in general, but for new readers I'd probably recommend caution as it may not be the best issue to introduce them to you. Read Full Review

It's the gift that really needs to stop giving. A very good piece of evidence that the Court of Owl's time has run its course. Read Full Review

James Tynion IV and Jorge Lucas' "Batman and Robin" #23.2 attempts to take on the Court of the Owls, but they fail to capture the dreadful, organized demeanor of the organization through inconsistent characterization and muddled art. Although the issue isn't actively bad, it does feel rushed and unfinished, going so far as to beg its readers to pick up the next issue. Hopefully, the Court of the Owls will receive better treatment in future Batman storylines. Read Full Review

A great story of the Court with immensely creepy art. I am now onboard to see where this goes in the pages of Talon.

You see the Court in present day as well as throughout history and you see their reaction to the events of Forever Evil. More please!