Batman #8 helps transition the previous story to the next upcoming arc. This issue raises more questions than answers, but it does help build up momentum towards the new story line, "I am Suicide".

This issue is simple, but does a fairly good job of laying the out premise for the upcoming arc. Although it is a simple premise, it does not make it any less exciting. Really looking forward to seeing where this story ends up.

…237 dead. What am I supposed to do?

Batman #16 started off light and humorous but ended up with a much darker and more serious tone. It looks as though the I am Bane story arc will bring an end to the story that has been building over the past 3 to 4 story arcs. Batman #16 starts off slow but ends with a bang. For the most part, I have enjoyed Tom King's take on the characters and I can't wait to see where he goes next.

Batman #20 was fitting ending for what has been building up for 19 issues. King makes some fundamental changes to the Batman character that make a much more well rounded person. This Batman story arc was a good start for Tom King in Batman and it has me excited to what he has coming up next!

Batman #28 was an interesting and fresh way for Tom King to continue to tell a Batman "Year Two" story during The War of Jokes and Riddles. During this issue, King also continues to peal back more layers in the Batman myths which leaves Bruce Wayne as vulnerable and relatable as he has ever been. The art of Batman #28 also continues to excel and adds a dimension to King's story that gives the reader a full immersive experience of the The War of Jokes and Riddles.

Batman #29 raises the stakes for the main players and pushes Batman to pick a side of the ongoing War of Jokes and Riddles. Tom King, Mikel Janin, and June Chung create a story that makes you want to read each issue twice

Overall I think that Batman #14 brought me back from being underwhelmed from the final issue of I am Suicide and really has ne excited for this upcoming arc, which I can safely assume will also involve Catwoman. Tom King did an excellent job humanizing not only Batman but Catwoman as well, and made them much more relatable to the readers. King also continues to use little known villains in his story arcs which bring some much needed villain-diversity in the Batman universe. Rooftops Part one sets up a very intriguing story line that will no doubt involve Catwoman.

What then did she steal, sir? The night, Alfred. The night. She stole the night.

The ride that King is taking us on I am Bane picked up on Batman #17. The tension that has been building up for the better part of two issues, was finally broken. This then is building towards the inevitable confrontations between Bane and Batman. This is a must read story arc!

Batman #21 did a good job of setting a tone for the rest of the mini-series. Its script and art made the story come to life, and it really showed of the brutality and anger that came of Reverse Flash. Although no Watchmen characters were physically scene, their presence in the DC Universe has never been stronger and that is perhaps the most important part of this issue!

Batman #23 was perhaps the best single issue of Tom King's run so far, and that is saying quite a lot since he has had some really good issues. I absolutely love when Batman and Swamp Thing team-up and when left in good hands, those characters can work very well together. This issue peals back so many layers in only a few pages, and this is true talent at work.

Tom King has taken Batman in an entirely new direction, one that we have not seen Batman in before, and is really reinventing on how we think of Batman. This is the most vulnerable Bruce has been and we can't wait to see where this plays into for the next story arc.

Batman #25 is the perfect set up for the The War of Jokes and Riddles story arc which will bring us Tom King's most adventurous and original story to date. King continues to explore who Batman really is, while at the same time exploring the war that nearly broke Batman. This continues Tom King's young, but great line of great Batman issues so far.

Tom King and Mikel Janin keep pushing the Bat-Envelope by telling and beautiful yet brutal story of batman's second year in action. As the Joker and Riddler continue to spill Gotham blood all over the streets, it is now up to Batman to determine what he is going to do to stop The War of Jokes and Riddles.

The anthology of stories in this first annual edition in Batman;Rebirth took a swing at something original and it hit a home run. Along with the issue having some very good and interesting stories, these stories are tied in with the holiday season and makes for a great read for the holidays.