I love Chuck Dixon, so it genuinely pains me to have to give something he wrote such meager reception, but his many successes from the past will not excuse a misstep in the present. The biggest problem with this story is that we aren't given a reason to care about Bane, root for him, or become invested in his journey. The plot is also very basic without a hint of suspense. On top of that, Bane's motivation is somewhat unclear. Being that this is the first of 12 issues, there is plenty of time to improve. At the same time, we're off to a real rocky start, and I shudder to think that all we have to look forward to is 11 more issues of the same.

While much better than issue #1, I'm still waiting to be wowed. To be honest, there's nothing I can specifically point to and say, "This is what I don't like." Or, "This is what is wrong with this comic." It's more just a feeling in my gut and simply not being completely on board yet. I may get there and I may not. But even if I don't, I still quite enjoyed the interactions between Bane and Batman that were presented in this particular issue.

Unfortunately, this was a meager entry in the Bane: Conquest maxi-series. At its best, it's little more than standard comic fanfare. And once you throw in a very questionable character portrayal, it ends up being grossly substandard. It's a shame really, because part 2 was so much more promising than the premiere issue, but now we are right back to mindlessly generic action and severely plot heavy storytelling.

So far, all of Dixon's work on Bane: Conquest has been immensely plot heavy. While I'll admit to having some difficulty adjusting to such shallow premises being the basis for an entire series, this particular issue is the first where I actually found the premise remotely intriguing. With this, my initial gripe with the series has been somewhat taken care of. Unfortunately, this problem has been replaced with a new one. Throughout this story, I feel that Dixon has had difficulty presenting valid character motivations for the actions that the characters take. Add to that the fact that Dixon seems to have forgottenabout elements that he himself established within the character, and it just provides a very uneven read. And really, that breaks the story for me.

Bane: Conquest continues to be thoroughly unimpressive, unimaginative, and uninspired. It's not that the story is bad, per se, it's just incredibly mundane. It also doesn't help that it doesn't hold a candle to Dixon's earlier work. I can't believe I have to slog through 7 more issues of this utter folly.

The humor element of this first issue, which should be the primary focus of a "Funny Book", is rather sparse. While there are a few jokes strewn about, I never really had that laugh out loud moment that I was hoping for.

This book is going nowhere fast! The plot isn't very engaging, which could be easily forgivable, but the jokes that are spread throughout the entirety also fail to entertain. The only real redeeming feature to this book is the artwork byCorin Howell.

This was far better than the first two issues of this miniseries, and I am hoping that this wasn't just a fluke, but evidence of the direction that the rest of the series will be taking. This issue had plenty of comic related jokes and references, which was all I really ever wanted and expected to begin with, so I am happy to see it finally delivering.

Plenty of jokes, but not many laughs. Even the magnificent artwork of Corin Howell won't be enough to stifle your groans as you flip through another attempt from Dan Jurgens to tickle your funny bone.

Dan Jurgens has been a part of the comic book world for a couple of decades now. He is well versed in comic lore, and has even created several characters that have stood the test of time. With a background like that, I went into this series expecting great things. This was a unique opportunity for him to share his knowledge and provide an insiders look into the world of comics. I had high hopes, but with each passing issue, I feel more and more like Jurgens has squandered a golden opportunity. The book continues to be lackluster in the humor department and questionable when it comes to worthwhile scripting. In the end, the only thing that really stands out is the art by Corin Howell, but even that isn't enough to save this book from eventual obscurity.

I said it before, and now that it's done, I can say it with all confidence. This mini-series is, without a doubt, one of the worst collections of Bat-Mite stories I have ever read!

Do I really need to convince you to buy a Batman comic written by Scott Snyder and drawn by Greg Capullo.

It totally delivered an entertaining roller coaster of a ride but at the same time something I can't put my finger on was missing.

I laughed, I cried! It was better than Bats! But seriously, this story had some serious emotional weight along with well crafted and intelligent interplay between characters. In my opinion it is Snyder's best ending to date. Sure, there are always nits to be picked but I'm just so happy with the successful parts of the story, that the few missteps are easily overlooked.

Snyder, who typically goes for “epic” storytelling, reels himself in for a oneshot that makes your skin crawl. Featuring a villain so simple in nature he could actually be real, you're left feeling insecure about those noises outside your bedroom window.

Is it November 12th yet? Seriously, I can't wait a month to find out what happens! This really isn't a story that you're going to want to pass up. If my instincts are correct, it is going to have lasting consequences. Keep in mind that if you are attempting to have an unspoiled Eternal experience, you may want to hold off on this, for a little while at least.

The second part of Endgame does not disappoint. Once again, Snyder and Capullo deliver a well-rounded and eye-popping extravaganza… oh, how I wish this was the inspiration for what I will see on screen in 2 years! While I had to dock a few points for a couple leaps in logic, the sections that earned it that score are a must read! Don't pass this book up! You'll be sorry……..hehehehehehe.

Endgame started off as a big scale action blockbuster of unparalleled proportions and has made the shift to intimate psychological horror. It feels like Scott Snyder is putting down all his cards and giving you the best of everything he has to offer in every world and genre he has at his disposal. This issue was beyond awesome! I cannot find enough words to do this issue justice, you will just have to trust me on that: this issue is amazing! If the scene with Gordon doesn't make you uneasy, then you have no soul. Just like the Joker!

As I read EndGame, I get the feeling that Scott Snyder is telling me the wickedest bedtime story in the history of forever.

This particular chapter of EndGame feels less impactful and intense than the previous installments. Those of you who have already read it are probably flabbergasted as to why I would make such a statement considering some of the shocking events that unfold, but when compared with the other issues, it feels a lot more like setup than progression. Am I saying it isn't any good? Well of course not! It's the best setup I have read this month! But it is definitely the calm before the storm, or at least as calm as an issue of EndGame can conceivably be. It is also worth noting that the backup story is by far the best of the five presented and is the perfect endcap to that story.

This book lacked the originality that I had come to expect from Snyder. Instead, he fell back on time tested formulas to deliver a finale that was nothing more than an event designed to set the stage for the upcoming adventures of “Rabbit-man”. I was let down by the depiction of Batman that I found rather uncharacteristic when it came to his motivations. Motivations that ultimately led to an unnecessary “death”. Am I advising you not to get the book? Of course not! While I wasn't thrilled with it, it's still better than most of the stuff out there today. The Joker continues to mesmerize and the art is beautiful (in a gory kind of way). Now I'm just biding my time while I wait for them to bring back the character I want to read about. Thankfully, there are always back issues.

I was far happier with the outcome of this issue than I thought I was going to be going into it. While I may not have been a fan of the idea of the Robobat-bunny suit, the story presented is still highly entertaining and gives one a lot to think about. The strongest element to the story is the internal conflict that our main protagonist is dealing with. It really provides an excellent source of relatability for us as readers to latch onto going into this new arc. If you were on the fence about this new direction, perhaps you should reconsider and give it a look-see before you completely abandon it. There is definitely some worthwhile material here to be had.

Up until now, I was patiently waiting so I could get to spend some time with Bruce. I figured if I didn't like one half of the story, I was bound to enjoy his sections. Now it turns out that not only are we reading a Batman story with a Batman who isn't Batman, but also a Bruce Wayne that isn't Bruce Wayne! I think that pretty much sums it up. This particular issue was quite problematic for me. There was so much amazingly introspective character work done that I have to demand that you read it, but at the same time, I can't bring myself to award it any more accolades due to the mistreatment of Bruce. I have a real love/hate relationship with this issue. It is good, and it brought out feelings and emotions in me, but I just can't fully accept the subject matter at this juncture. I'm sure that many will tout this as wonderful, which it is in a way, but I simply can't overlook the fact that this story is needless.

This issue features the hero that fans deserve, but not the one DC has been giving us of late. That's right! For the first time in 5 months, we actually get an issue of Batman featuring Batman. I feel kind of silly shouting that out as a selling point (since he should be in every issue), but given the current state of things, it's something to treasure since we don't know how long it will be till we see him again. Given how happy I am to see Bruce, I'm sure that some of you are wondering how much of that score is merely a knee-jerk reaction to his presence. Yes, it does factor in, but even if this issue weren't showing up after such a drought, I'd still give it a good grade. Brian Azzarello truly does the Dark Knight justice. When I look at this one-and-done, featuring an array of interesting characters and coupled with a thought-provoking theme, I can't help but think of some of the classics from the late 70s and early 80s….and smile.

The story uses classic Batman imagery and elements but in an unexpected and sometimes shocking manor. Death traps, over sized villain props, a skylight break through, and all manner of other instantly recognizableBatman iconography populate the landscape of this chapter. I'll admit to being super resistant to the current arc, so the fact that I found this issue as enjoyable as I did is a testament to Snyder and Capullo's ability to take something that I am actively resisting and still find a way to make me enjoy it. Much respect to them.

On the surface, this seems like a pretty good comic. It has plenty of intense action sequences, an engaging villain full of mystery, and great character building scenes. But when you look more closely, you start to see the weeds growing out of every little crack in its not so perfect exterior. The plot is full of easy conveniences and senseless choices which often fly in the face of logic. These aspects bring an unnatural/forced element to the page. While I'm not a card carrying member of the Scott Snyder fan club, I do appreciate what he brings to the table. His skill is almost a handicap at this point, because every issue is expected to wow us. At the end of the day, there was nothing major that brought this story down, merely an accumulation of small missteps that stood in the way of it reaching its full potential.

Overall, I'd like Batman back. But to be serious, even though this book has been missing the title character for almost 8 months now, it still manages to entertain. While I look forward to Batman's return, I'm trepidatious about how Snyder intends to re-implement Batman into the story, considering how much this issue contradicts previous plot points. If you are impatiently waiting the return of Batman, then this is still not the book for you. If you can look past that, the art is top notch, and while the plot is probably the most questionable it has ever been, it's hard to argue with the quality of the writing being presented.

While Bruce might not be sporting a scalloped cape and the “Joker” isn't wearing a purple tailcoat, you still get the same sense of interplay that these two characters have always had together. Snyder also plays with your expectations as the story unfolds, constantly feeding you lines that make you think one thing and then revealing themselves in the very next moment to be something entirely different. It's equal parts entertainment and enlightenment. And that is only half the story! The rest is Bloom delivering a clever metaphor while engaging in acts of barbarism. Seeing a man capable of such eloquence and thought engage in such acts of brutality is a wonderful moment of juxtaposition that hopefully won't be overlooked in exchange for the spotlight that Bruce will no doubt, and rightly so, steal.

“For Batman to live, Bruce Wayne always has to die!” That pretty much sums up this story. None of the major beats really came as a surprise, but sometimes events unfolding exactly as you envisioned they would is exactly what a story needs to feel satisfying. Here, entertainment isn't handed out through meaningless shock and awe, but through solid character interactions. Much of thedialogue exchanged between “Bruce” and Alfred is quite emotional and thought-provoking and really holds your engagement right to the last page. Can't wait till March 23rd!

Bigger isn't always better. Snyder's SuperHeavy finale is so nonsensical it will have you questioning your own sanity at times. While I have not been a fan of the current arc, I have never dismissed Snyder's skill as a writer, but this time he let me down. Gone is the level of quality that I could at least count on to hold my interest when the content was lacking. While there is meaning to be found, it's hidden well beneath the piles of rubble that strewn the Gotham landscape. It's a sad day to be a Batman fan. At least for this one.

This is the best issue of Batman that I have read in over a year. I fully admit that SuperHeavy was an arduous undertaking for me, and I had no love for it. By the end of it, I was all for some fresh blood on Batman. But after reading this issue, I know that Scott is still more than capable of putting out absolutely superb Batman comics. I'm genuinely sad to see him go because, when he wants to, he really can write the hell out of the character. Seeing what he is capable of when he puts his mind to it, it's also sad that we couldn't have had more issues like this one throughout his run. In any case, good luck on All-Star Batman, Scott. And thanks for leaving us on a high note.

James Tynion IV follows suit after Snyder's powerful final issue and continues to focus the book on strong character work and emotionally resonate subject matter. Oddly enough, I thought it would have served better as an introductory issue to the world of Batman rather than as a farewell to the ongoing series. Aside from the story which is quite strong, the book really took a hit in the art department, depicting some very lackluster imagery. Since the art is definitely the downfall of this story, and Riley Rossmo is not the artist paired with Tynion for his future run on Detective Comics starting next month, I'm quite looking forward to what Tynion plans on bringing to the world of Batman.

This is one of the best Annuals I have read in the last 3 years. Back in 1991 the Annuals started either tying into whatever major event was occurring at that time in the DC universe, or sharing a similar theme. Prior to that, Annuals were just really well done stories. While this one is advertized as an EndGame tie in, because it is all about the Joker, the main villain of EndGame, I am actually likening it more to the Annuals of the 80s, as it is ultimately just a very well done, self contained story.

James Tynion IV was charged with the daunting task of uniting several disparate plot points from various writing teams. Not only did he manage to merge them together in a cohesive way, but the story that was birthed from their union is a web of intrigue not to be missed. While Batman is still absent from his own title, the inclusion of dearly missed Wayne Manor is exactly what this fan needed to put his homesick mind at ease. This is the closest we have gotten to an actual Batman story in months. Filled with direct answers to several nagging questions, and a showdown with classic Batman villains, you'd be ridiculous to pass this one up!

Any Batman fan should not hesitate in picking up this book. So many things that make Batman cool are highlighted that it is hard to comprehend the level of awesomeness that this issue has been expected to contain! Just go buy it! Now! What, you're still here reading? What are you waiting for? Just go!

While the premise is nothing new, I'm intrigued to see where Tom King is going with this. As a first course, this story is satisfying even if not completely filling (which I don't think it's meant to be). Since this is a rehash of sorts, I'll ultimately judge the book on the amount of original material brought to the table and whether or not King can provide a fresh perspective on a theme that has been covered before. As long as he can do that and continue to entertain me, I'll happily join him on this journey.

While I enjoyed Batman #1, I loved Batman #2. This just hit so many beats perfectly. While some of it is definitely stuff I've seen time and time again, it was just done so well that I can't really fault it for giving me what it did, since really, it had so much quintessential Batman throughout. I was also delighted beyond belief at the inclusion of the surprise villain. Thank goodness these comes out every two weeks now. I couldn't wait a whole month to see what happens next.

Tom King continues to deliver a strong story arc filled with plenty of quintessential Batmaning. We get street level vigilantism, the implementation of disguises for undercover work, and even the Bat-Cycle makes a grand appearance. The story itself is also quite impressive. Through the origin of G&GG, King makes you want to root for a duo that mere issues ago you were probably skeptical toward. While King may be using some concepts that have been touched on before, he's giving it a fresh feel that will appeal to new readers and old alike. It's almost cruel that this issue spends so much time getting you attached to this new pair of characters, because it's almost certain that a tragic end is just around the next corner.

Once again, the creative team of King and Finch put forth a story that both resonates and impresses in completely unexpected ways. I genuinely love how the story is just going all over the place. Like, I think I know what is coming up next, and then, "BAM". I'm blindsided by something completely different. It's also really nice getting some twists thrown in there that are for more than just shock value and actually add to the overall story being told. Can't wait to see what happens in #5!

I would never use the word "bad" to describe the contents of this particular issue, but I was definitely left feeling a little confused and unfulfilled.

This issue was more than I could have hoped for, but at the same time, didn't really give me what I needed. For me, it was beyond great to reminisce on the past, but I didn't feel like we were given a complete conclusion to the story being told. And this is probably just me…but I spent far more time getting caught up in the villains, and therefore, didn't really feel that I was able to connect with Claire's story in the way that was intended. But, despite that, I still had a blast!

I went into this story with an extremely optimistic attitude, but by the end, I realized it was just more of the same that I had developed a distaste for from The New52. On display, front and center, was the philosophy that bigger equals better. And I simply have no more patience for that mind-set. While I'm sure this story will feature plenty of over-the-top action sequences that will be fun in their own right, that alone is just not enough for me anymore. When it comes down to it, this was just an average comic. While there weren't any major flaws to speak of, it also didn't do anything to wow me.

Night of the Monster Men part 4 boils down to nothing more than an action story with little to no substance. But don't worry. Part 5, that takes place in Nightwing #6, also came out today and it's definitely more enjoyable. Even if only slightly so. But hey. Chin up. Next week is the last part and then we can get on to “Rise of Raptor”, “The Victim Syndicate”, and “I am Suicide”. Looks like we have some killer stories coming up! And that's good, because I need something to help me forget about this silly arc.

This bears repeating, so I'm saying it again: this comic gets my official pick as the best issue of Batman since Tom King took on the character. Sure, anything that has a heaping ton of references is always going to turn my head, but it's so much more than just that. This comic is a shinning example of proper character portrayal. From Bane to Bruce Wayne and all the way down the line to Punch and Jewelee, everything just feels so right in this comic. Couple that with meaningful character scenes and excellent art, and this comic is win all around. With so much going on, you'd think it would feel bloated or overcrowded at times, but no. It all flows seamlessly together to create an absolutely riveting first chapter to “I am Suicide”.

I love Tom King's work. I loved his work on Grayson, and I've been fairly pleased so far with his work on Batman. But this issue is, without a doubt, the worst thing I've ever seen him produce. If something comes up in the future that makes the issue better in retrospect, I'll be happy to eat my words. I want King to pull a win out of the bag. But as it stands, at this exact moment, and without any future stories to support it…it's just awful.

When this story arc first rolled out, I would have bet money that the Catwoman plot was a misdirect put in place to keep us guessing. That something would ultimately explain away the problematic elements being introduced into Catwoman's character. But as things have unfolded, it's getting more and more complicated for King to right this infraction. If it does turn out to be a device put in place to mislead us, I have to imagine the answer explaining it away is going to be seriously contrived. And if it's not, the groundwork is being laid that will most likely destroy the fundamental underpinnings of the character. While I don't like what is going on with Catwoman and I'm fairly uncertain as to how much of the story is real and how much is fake, there are still worthwhile things to be had. The art is great. The humor is actually funny. And if you like theorizing on what is going on in a book, you'll probably love this.

The main selling point to this issue is Mikel Janin's art. Other than that, I had a really hard time finding additional material that was worth the price of admission. King is just including so many face-palm inducing moments, I just don't know what to do anymore. People who are enjoying this arc often cite it's unpredictable nature and thought provoking plot as key factors in their support for it. While I can't argue that it does in fact have these, I don't understand why we have to abandon reason and character solidarity to attain them. Is it too much to request a healthy balance of all four?

The entire plot is deliberately over-engineered to perform the simplest of tasks in the most overly complicated and outlandishly convoluted ways possible. Are you one of the people who was expecting King to pull out some mind-blowing twist that will have us all rereading the previous issues with awe? Did you want answers to all those earth-shattering questions that have been rumbling around in your head since issue #9? Well, don't get your hopes up on either front. You'll get no such conclusion here.

While this wasn't my favorite Tom King story, I enjoyed it much more than I've enjoyed this book in months. It just feels more inline with the work he was putting out at the beginning of Rebirth: fun and less of a chore. It features some pretty, albeit repetitive, art and characters who simply feel like themselves again. Here's hoping that King can recapture my interest in his Batman. With this story, it's at least a step in the right direction.

In the last several months, I've seen many people online say that King doesn't understand Catwoman. A part of me wonders if this story isn't in some small way King's response to those people. That by including flashback elements to previous Catwoman relevant stories, he's attempting to show that he does in fact understand the history of the character. Whether that is the case or not, I think the very outcome of the story itself proves that he understands the character far more than many of us gave him credit for. Answers to the 237 Catwoman murders aside, this story is an impeccable example of perfection through simplicity. While not a great deal happens, what does happen hits all the right beats.

While it's nice to be getting back to a more straightforward story (bad guy coming for us, we have to stop him), it was hard for me to look past all the little distractions that the story kept throwing at me. Unto themselves, none of my gripes are really all that bad. But with such an extensive volume of them, they start to wear on what was otherwise a very entertaining tale. Basically, the sum of its parts don't equate to perfection, but individual moments were definitely some of the best I've seen King deliver in awhile. Especially in the humor department. I also think the story could have benefited from a more consistent tone. It starts off as a suspense, transitions to a comedy, converts into a drama, and ultimately ends up as horror. It's just very all over the place. But hey, you're getting more for your dollar that way…I guess.

This just felt like a nice old-school throwback issue to me. There's just plenty of stuff to like. It's fun and enjoyable, but at the same time it has this pervasive ominousness.

King never ceases to amaze me, and I mean that in both senses of the phrase. Two weeks ago, I was applauding him and this week I'm facepalming. I seriously never know what to expect from the man. The majority of my problems with this issue come from King trying to alter Bane's origin (Remember, if it isn't broke, don't try and fix it.) But it gets a little more groan worthy as King attempts to force a parallel and connection between Bruce and Bane that is a stretch at best.

As much as I have struggled in the past with enjoying some of King's run on Batman, there was nothing standing in my way from fully enjoying this issue. From every little subtly crafted nuance to all the bombastic over-the-top fanfare, this was hairs away from being a perfect issue. A lot of what made it so wonderful for me were all the indirect stuff that so perfectly mimicked the beats of past stories. Even though they were presented in a new way, they were simultaneously complementary to that which had come before. It's also full of villains, references, amazing art, humor, action, and quotes from other thought provoking works of fiction that quite perfectly married with the subtext of the story at hand. Bravo, Mister King. Bravo.

While I thought the fight scene and Batman's martial ineptitude were immensely frustrating and lackluster to behold, almost every other element of this story was a shining example of how to do Batman justice. I think it's easy to get lost in the action of this comic and see it for nothing more than that. On my initial read, I did just that, and was very disappointed. All I could see was the fight, and found it lacking. But as I read it over and over, I found that there was actually plenty to enjoy beyond the obvious content. With this issue, it's not so much about what happens, but the ideas that are interposed and their ultimate ramifications. If you can look past the uninspiring fight choreography, at the heart of this story is actually a celebration of the character that is Batman.

After waiting so long, it's somewhat disappointing to be given so little. We don't really learn anything we didn't already know and no real progression occurs. While what we are given is good, we're just given so very little of it. Ultimately, this comic is little more than a teaser for the bigger story at hand…albeit one hell of a fine teaser.

While the story has great art, intense action, and a very poignant and thought-provoking speech delivered by Thomas Wayne"it's ultimately irrelevant to the larger story being told. I hate to use the word "filler" because it has such negative connotations, and because the content is actually worthwhile in and of itself, but it does end up feeling like filler since it's so disconnected and unrelated to the rest of the story. But really, that's my only major complaint about this issue. If this scene had found a better way to integrate itself into the story, or another story for that matter, I'd be quite pleased with it. But I can't ignore the fact that it adds little to nothing to the story of "The Button".

This story has a lot going on, but even though many of the elements are quite disparate from one another, I found them to fit together quite beautifully. While there is nothing here that's relevant to the overall story currently being told in the pages of Batman, this was a wonderful little one-and-done that was succinct and to the point: providing action, detective work, humor, references, and thought-provoking subject matter all within 20 brief pages.

I thought that this was a great issue, and not at all because of the insane ending. The real draw for me was everything else leading up to it. Getting to examine the character of Batman and how he thinks was far more emotionally gratifying for me than the final (maybe controversial) moment from this issue. Even in the parts where Batman's thought process wasn't the most sound and I didn't necessarily agree with him, I was still fascinated to get insight into his ruminations. It's just a terrible shame that most people are going to fixate on the ending at the detriment of the rest of the issue. Because, the opening and build up is where the true story lies.

Loved it! This is exactly the kind of story I can get behind. It's just old-school enough to appeal to the nostalgic in me, but likewise, there's just as much fresh material to make me feel like I'm looking at something original. It basically pays homage to the past while simultaneously carving out a new and exciting future for itself, and that's simply fantastic. So…sit back, relax, and let Batman tell you the most disturbing bedtime story ever.

Hell yeah, HELL YEAH, HELL YEAH!!! What? It's a Kite Man review. That catchphrase is practically mandatory at this point. In any case, as King manages to make one really care about and root for the character, he ends up fulfilling my dream for the perfect Kite Man story. So that's definitely a thumbs up in my book. When I first opened the book and wasn't greeted by Janin's familiar pencils, I was slightly disappointed. But that disappointment quickly turned to joy when I laid my eyes on Mann's Batman. Clay Mann delivers some really beautiful images, but none more so than his shots of Batman.

I was definitely more disappointed with this issue than I thought I'd be. While I really think the subject matter is top notch, the execution doesn't really allow you to fully experience the story. I constantly felt disconnected from the characters, the fighting, and the emotional core of the story…which I was most assuredly meant to feel. The story also features some rather clunky dialogue along with a seemingly inconsequential scene put in for frivolities sake. But hey, the art is still top notch.

This issue is completely bonkers! And I don't mean that in the negative sense. The concept behind this issue is so off-the-wall that it seems like it shouldn't work at all, but it's just executed to such perfection that I can't do anything but applaud it. Seriously though, other than at an upscale Halloween party, when have you ever seen all these characters sitting down together to have a nine-course French dinner?

Part 2 of “The Ballad of Kite Man” focuses on ideas over action. That's not to say that plenty of action doesn't happen in this issue, but it takes a backseat to Kite Man's internal musings. Considering that this story wraps up some major elements of “The War of Jokes and Riddles”, and downplays what I am sure many expected to be one of it's main draws (the fighting), I can't help but imagine that some people are bound to be disappointed by this. But for my money, there's still enough to make it worth the cost of admission.

I don't think this issue of The War of Jokes and Riddles is King or Janin's strongest showing. A lot of the plot points seem somewhat extraneous when compared with the bigger picture, and the art for this chapter simply isn't as inspired as some of Janin's previous work has been.

“The War of Jokes and Riddles” never really succeeded at delivering the “War” aspect of the title. And this finale installment is no objection to that rule. Instead, this arc has been much more about themes and ideas. While many of those ideas have been genuinely interesting, they are never truly explored to fruition. Consequently, many things are left to our imagination. Some acceptably so, and others to our annoyance. While I really like many of the seeds King has been planting of late, and look forward to where all this goes, his track record tells me that we'll never really get to fully explore all the wonderful notions he is constantly bringing up.

While I'm very interested in where this story is headed, I felt that the execution of the opening chapter left much to be desired. It's got a lot of filler, a lot of missed opportunities for character exploration, and a lot of sand…

Super simple yet insanely entertaining. Witty dialogue, cinematic artwork, sequential fighting and heartfelt gestures are but a few of the things you have to look forward to from this issue of Batman.

Even though I didn't much care for part one of “The Rules of Engagement”, the two followup chapters were extremely entertaining. There's nothing bombastic or over the top about them. Just simple straightforward fun. And sometimes, that's all you really need to have a good time.

This story delivers some very stereotypical content. Not only when it comes to the action, but also with how broadly the characters are defined. This is the kind of story I'd say falls into the “paint by numbers” approach. It's safe, it's familiar, it doesn't really push any boundaries, and it's probably not likely to offend too many people either. But since it doesn't really take us anywhere challenging, it's limited in its ability to entertain on a higher level. And that's ok. Not ever comic needs to be the most amazing thing you've ever seen. Sometimes good enough is plenty.

This is one of the funniest Batman stories I've read in years. Given the depressing and allencumbering nature that so many of King's Batman stories have pushed, it was a real delight to finally get something so lighthearted. There will be those out there who aren't happy, because admittedly, there's no superheroing to really speak of in this issue. The situations are all pretty much just played for laughs. But if you don't like a joke, don't worry….the comic has like 40 of them in there. So, you're bound to find something that will tickle your funny bone.

This is officially the best Batman story King has ever written. Or, at least from my perspective. Surmising everything that I loved about this issue in a few sentences is literally impossible. There's just so much to like. It's a serious murder mystery on a small scale showing a competent Batman utilizing mastery levels on multiple different skills to track down a killer. Aside from that, it's absolutely gorgeous, cinematic, and completely engrossing in the visual department. If you're the kind of person that doesn't want to invest in a gagillion comics in order to get a complete and fulfilling narrative, well, this is the Batman comic for you.

After loving the last two issues of Batman, I was taken aback at how little I liked this issue. I'm just very unimpressed with it. Lots of questionable character actions, weird dialogue, unclear rules, and atypical events. While I think the theme is extremely worthwhile, I think the execution is poor. Admittedly, I was unimpressed with the first part of the Superman section of Super Friends, so maybe things will pick up for me when the story continues in Batman #40.

What did I just read? While I appreciated the driving thought behind the issue, I was completely unthrilled with the execution. On top of that, the tone of the issue seems to bounce back and forth faster than a ping pong ball at the World Championships. As with almost everything that King writes, you're either going to love it or hate it. This time around, I'm unfortunately the later. The only thing that really saved this issue for me was the art.

While Batman #43 presents extremely worthwhile subject matter, it's told at the expense of proper in-world explanations for the unfolding events and adherence to previously established character portrayals. I suppose it comes down to how seriously you take your fiction. Personally, I'm very invested in Batman's world, so I do occasionally side with putting more stock in the adherence of the make believe rules of his universe than i do over the importance of real world issues. So, when a depiction is presented that disrespects who I know a character to be and the way the universe functions, I take issue with it. So, I take issue with this story. I mean, is it really so hard for things to make sense and deliver a poignant message at the same time?

This story is a wonderful ode to relationship that Batman and Catwoman have shared over the years. Starting in the 1940s and ending in the present, King highlights many of the major stepping stones shared between the two of them. I can see how this story isn't meant for everyone, since an intimate knowledge of Batman mythology is necessary to fully appreciate it, but as for me, I loved it!

When I started reading this issue I was confused and underwhelmed, but by the end I was laughing out loud and genuinely intrigued by the unexpected nature of the cliffhanger. The majority of the aforementioned humor springs forth from the dynamic at play between Booster Gold and Skeets, which King did an excellent job of nailing. And while I wouldn't categorize this as a Batman story, more of a Booster Gold story featuring Batman characters, I feel I should forewarning those of you out there who pick up Batman titles expecting to see completely Batman centric stories that that's not what you are getting here. But despite that, it's still quite entertaining.

I'm now aware of the fact that King's take on Booster Gold apparently doesn't really hold true to the purest form of the character. However, that didn't stop me from enjoying this issue for what it is. I know it's weird for me to be saying that, since I'm always such a stickler for things to be done “correctly”, but I'm really having a blast with this storyline and I'm finding myself yucking it up far too frequently to say it's not an entertaining and enjoyable read. If you just want to sit back, unplug from reality, and give your mind a kookylittle diversion…this is probably the comic for you.

Tom King is a funny dude, and the humor present in this story illustrates that quite well. If you are in the mood to laugh, this is definitely a story you are going to want to check out. Admittedly, the very end takes a seriously dark and disturbing turn filled with introspection and parallels, but up till then, it's non-stop laughs.

All in all, the issue has a lot more good than bad, but some of that bad stuff is just downright mind boggling.

The majority of this issue is nothing but dialogue, which isn't typically a bad thing, but in the case of this issue, it is. Most of the conversations that occur are completely random and inconsequential, occasionally feeling like they are simply there to fill up pages. Other things broached within the conversations are ideas that we have seen explored before (and with more skill), and still others seem like things that belong in a fan group discussion as opposed to something that should be shared between two characters within the confines of their own story. Essentially, it's a bunch of jibber-jabber that ultimately doesn't amount to a hill of beans and doesn't push our story forward in any relevant way that prepares us for the wedding issue.

I know it's only the first chapter, but I really feel like we've got something special going on here, and I'd hate to see any Batfans miss out on what might end up being one of King's best Batman stories to date.

There's plenty about this comic to applaud: ambiance, art, character portrayals, streamlined storytelling, etc., etc., etc. In my opinion, the only thing that really held this story back from being truly great was a desire to make it too real. While I'm fine with certain levels of realism, I guess I'm just the kind of guy that prefers old-fashioned stories where the hero rides off into the sunset. That's not to say that the journey needs to be nothing but glittery rainbows and soft fluffy kittens. You definitely need the hero to experience hardships along the way. But I'd at least like to end on an uplifting note.

This story is amazing. It's got a Batman that acts the way I like to see Batman acting: using detective skills, wearing disguises, and showing a proficiency in combat. The creative team also spent no time slouching when it comes to the finer details. They really did their research and included not only relevant details of the characters in-world, but also all kinds of references that highlight the characters existence in our-world.

The story elements in this book involving The Shadow are beyond awesome because they transcends the page and draw parallels with our world and the comic world. The book also received high marks because of the superb characterization done on the Joker. This is probably one of the most enjoyable takes on The Joker I've seen in some time. The only problem I have is that the rest of the story seems to slightly suffer due to Joker's inclusion, as characters who were once the primary focus seem to take a back seat to The Joker's larger than life persona. It's basically a case of “points taken off for distracting me from the central story but extra points added right back for doing it so well.”

I feel like this is Batman/The Shadow's first misstep. At the end of the day, it just feels too far removed from the previous issues. Those opening stories spent so much time establishing character, building the world, setting a mood, presenting a mystery, and examining intriguing concepts. Now that all the groundwork has been laid, is this issue indicative of what I can expect from the rest of the run? I hope this just ends up being a small hiccup in the larger narrative, and that the story veers back towards the elements I so adore.

Batman/The Shadow has taken a turn from a psychological noir thriller to a somewhat generic beat'em up, and I can't pretend I'm not disappointed.

The narrative presented in issue #1, 2, and 3 feels like a completely different experience than that offered up in 4, 5, and 6. Earlier this spring, Batman/The Shadow was literally the best thing I was reading. So, to have it go from that to just another comic that I'll all too soon forget is pretty disheartening.

Thank God this is a weekly title. There is no way I could wait a month to find out what happens next. I don't really even want to wait till next week. Give me issue #2 now!

After the premiere issue, this was a real quick read. Most of what we see here is just payoff and recovery from last week's cliffhanger. While entertaining and humorous, the plot doesn't really move forward that much in this particular installment. It also doesn't leave us with a huge nail bitter either. Even though it's not on par with the premiere, it's still a good issue and I'm dying to know what happens next.

For having such a small amount of plot progression, this story still manages to pack quite a bit of entertainment into itself. For the most part, Tim Seeley manages to portray the characters appropriately, but really shines when he plays them off of one another. Humor ends up being the focal point of the issue, with nary a page being wasted on an opportunity for banter. While I am fine with dialogue heavy issues, I firmly hope and expect the next installment to be highly action oriented.

We are only four issues into Batman & Robin Eternal and we've already found the first stinker. That is a bad sign. Unnecessarily long fights, flat humor, and superfluous guest appearances mar what could have been an entertaining installment in the Eternal saga. How did we go from the awesomeness of the premiere issue to this? I just hope the creative team can pull it together. I can't imagine having to sit through 22 more issue like this….

While still entertaining, the progression of the story has definitely stalled out. Instead, we are provided with enough shock and awe to stave off our curiosity while we wait for answers to the bigger questions that Batman & Robin Eternal poses.

Definitely the best issue of Batman&Robin Eternal since the premiere. The flashback sequence is undoubtedly the best part of the book, and fortunately for us, it encompasses almost the entire issue. Get ready to indulge yourself in a Bruce/Batman that should be an every issue occurrence, while simultaneously enjoying a story that stands on its own merit. For those of you who have been pining over the loss of Batman, this issue marks a bitter sweet return to that lost world. You'll be able to get a quick fix, but be left wondering why the publisher is being so stingy in only handing out these small morsels of the awesomeness that is Batman. More of this please!

Genevieve Valentine lends her talents to Batman&Robin Eternal and completely nails it! Add to that the artistic stylings ofAlvaro Martinez (who wasn't on my radar till now) and you have a duo that delivers an unbeatable tour de force. Valentine provides deep character building moments coupled with genuine suspense, while Martinez provides hauntingly beautiful art that easily guides the reader through this fully realized world. Seriously looking forward to next week's issue brought to us by Valentine and Martinez.

Genevieve Valentine and Alvaro Martinez's contribution to Batman&Robin Eternal has been one of the most enjoyable segments of the story thus far. Is it the material they were given to work with or are they simply the most skilled storytellers out of the group? I'd like to think the later. Valentine proved to me her finesse in the handling of Harper. At times, Harper can come off as annoying, but under the watchful eye of Valentine, I found her believable and endearing. Likewise, Martinez has more than proven to me that he is a force to be reckoned with. He has far too many assets for me to recap. You'll have to read the art section of this article to fully appreciate the breadth of his competency. The only thing that kept this issue from being more perfect for me was the inclusion of Tim and Jason's lead-in for the next issue. It lacked a general sense of cohesion with the rest of the tale, and displayed far less sophistication in its delivery.

This was far more entertaining than I was expecting it to be. Tim and Jason make a wonderful duo that play well off one another. Throw Bane into the mix as an uneasy ally, and you have a trifecta that delivers nonstop entertainment throughout.

This issue isn't one of the better outings that Batman&Robin Eternal has had to offer, but it is far from the worst. While it raises all kinds of questions with continuity, utilizes unusual scenario builds, edits out worthwhile scenes, and has a general off kilter feeling when it comes to several character choices, it's got plenty of good action and humor throughout. If you don't dig too deep, you're bound to have a good time, but for those of us with a more unforgiving eye, I'd say you're going to have plenty to criticize.

Cassandra Cain gets a new origin story. Usually when writers deviate from original material, I have a hard time accepting it, but enough of the core character beats were hit that I found it easy to accept this new version. For new readers, know that you'll be getting a fairly faithful interpretation of Cassandra, and for old readers, you'll be happy to know they didn't butcher the character.

If you have youngsters reading comics, I might advise against exposing them to the content of this particular issue. Extensive and graphic violence is depicted against very young children, and I can see that not sitting too well with a younger audience. Aside from my cautionary warning, this was a great issue and really drove home how despicably evil the character of Mother truly is.

Issue 11, 12, and 13 have definitely felt like a little mini-trilogy set in the midst of the larger arcing story that is Eternal, providing us with essential information on the backstory of the characters introduced to us within these pages. While I had a small lapse in comprehension of the material on a first read through, on consecutive reads, it was much more clear what the team had intended for me to take away from the story and I found it fulfilling on almost all levels.

If I were grading this story on the Batman portion alone, you'd be seeing a much higher score. As it stands, the contemporary portion had several flaws that drug the rest of this issue down. Even with these minor problems, the Batman section is definitely worth the price of admission in and of itself. If you've been looking for a classic Batman tale that depicts everything you want and expect from our pointy eared paragon, then look no further.

Overly wordy, somewhat nonsensical, and with a dash of plagiarism on the side. While I have been enjoying the pairing of Drake and Todd, this issue definitely ranks as my least favorite installment of Batman&Robin Eternal to date.

Sub par illustrations and peculiar writing choices fill this particular installment of Batman&Robin Eternal. Nonetheless, it's still kind of an entertaining read. Filled with plenty of action and some unintentionally humorous moments. While the attempt to be epic and moving comes off only partially successful, I give them points for trying. Now, let's move on to the moment you have all been waiting for….did Batman really shoot that kid's parents?

This issue answers the big question we have all been waiting for, but the explanation ends up being much simpler and far less climactic than I was expecting. While the answer itself was somewhat underwhelming, the book still has plenty of dynamic action and displays some very enjoyable character traits. The real culprit that detracted from this book's appeal was in the editing and storytelling itself. Paramount to this was how the flashback scenes ruined the immersion and believability of the contemporary ones.

We finally get the “big secret” behind Harper, but for me, the Batman/Mother sections completely stole the show. While this issue excels in a lot of technical aspects, I found it hard to invest in the Harper section of the story. But seeing as that preference is steeped in a lot of personal hangups I presently have with DC's chosen direction, I can see where another reader wouldn't have anyquibbles with this issue at all.

Action, action, and more action. So much action…is there even an actual story hidden underneath all the blood and viscera? While there is, I don't feel like it really took us anywhere. What's more, gone is the feeling that we are dealing with a secret society of assassins hellbent on world domination through subterfuge. Instead, it's a full on assault by Mother to kill everyone who would resist her, and mentally enslave the rest. It was just a little too unintuitive and generic for my taste.

This felt a lot more like the climax to a major summer blockbuster than the prelude to the finishing stretch of a comic maxi-series. While the story is still rather top heavy in the action department, I felt that Seeley was able to add a lot more heart and relevancy to the character interactions than last week's installment.

While the background story behind Mother is probably the thing that most people will take away from this issue, I was personally in awe of all the wonderful Batman moments that this story dished out. Even though I was fully engrossed in Mother's demented genesis, the Batman stuff still managed to win me over. For those of you who have been missing Batman, I'm sure you'll get a real kick out of his scenes.

After the amazing stories thatGenevieve Valentine delivered back in Batman&Robin Eternal #7+8, I was expecting something fantastic, and I just didn't get it. While this issue isn't without good sections, several elements feel overlycontrived and cliche. On top of that, we get some questionable characterizations when it comes to certain longtime Batfamily members that I just couldn't let slide. I understand what the creative team was trying to do, but it simply didn't work for me.

This issue was necessary in order to put the pieces in place for the final showdown, but it lacked a true sense of enjoyment in and of itself. It also boasted a fair share of questionable editing, inaccurate art, and unnecessary scenes. Would I call it filler? No. But it could have definitely been pared back a bit here and there.

While the last couple of issues were a little shaky, this story delivers some pretty smooth sailing and points us directly at the finish line with plenty of wind in the sails. Featuring plenty of interesting action set pieces, riveting dialogue, and beautiful art. This is exactly what I needed to whet my appetite for the grand finale. Only two issues to go!

Considering that this is the second to last issue to the grand finale that is Batman&Robin Eternal, I was expecting the creative team to ramp things up and really get us pumped for next week. As it stands, this issue merely hit the beats it needed to hit in order to get us in position for the finale. This is far from bad, but nowhere near as exhilarating as I was expecting.

While Batman&Robin Eternal proposed many interesting ideas and had plenty of potential, it ultimately fell to the level of generic storytelling at its finest. At times, the story beats were actually so cliche that you'd swear the creative team was following a checklist of everything they needed to include. When you add to that a general lack of concern for any of the cast, not only is this ending uninspired, but ultimately uninvolving as well.

Now this is just my personal opinion, and I haven't seen the movie to make any kind of actual informed decision on the subject, but my gut tells me that this comic was actually more entertaining than the finished movie is going to end up being. And don't forget…there's nothing like a Pepper!

Not the best Batman Eternal has to offer thus far but far from the worst. Plus Professor Pyg!

Batman is intimidating as hell in this issue and that is always fun to see. Remember criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot. Emphasis on the cowardly in this instance.

There are some important plot progressions and plenty of satisfying action. Sets up the next issue quite nicely.

One might say that this is a skippable chapter. Unless of course you are a completionist.

You can't judge this book by it's cover so your just going to have to check this one out and decide for your self. I can see some people loving it and others hating it.

Lots of setup but with aperceived payoff ofmonstrous proportions. The expertly crafted dialogue should keep most fans fully entertained right to the last page. And that prosecution's opening statement, just wow!

It's nice to see a Gotham that can actually function without the constant assistance of Batman. While there are those of you out there who are going to bedisappointed that we didn't get to see Batman do anything, it is still a nice change of pace from the tried and true.

This is a satisfying conclusion to the buildup of the last few issues, but it also sets up some plot lines that I am dying to see unfold. I'm not talking about the one on the last page though, you can keep that, but everything else.

The Arkham sections really surprised me and held my attention despite my lack of interest in the supernatural, and that is a good thing because the rest of the issue, while not much, was just setup for the stories to come.

As sad as it is for me to say this, I found that this was askippable chapter. I felt like this issue wasprimarily filler and boiled down to the essentials could easily have been told in a couple of pages, not 20.

I enjoyed it much better than last issue since it brought back the Corrigan/Batwing relationship but the jumps in logic in the Deacon Blackfire origin kept it from scoring higher for me.

This issue hit that sweet spot for me. Exactly the right blend of action to dialogue, along with much better pacing than the last few issues. The feeling of overcrowding I had been experiencing recently evaporated with the tighter storytelling on display here as well. This is one issue you should definitely pick up. Can't wait to see where this is headed, next issue is sure to be good!

Tim Seeley is doing a bang up job on his run of Eternal. This issue is only slightly less enjoyable than the last outing and we learn quite a few pieces of information that move the plot along. However, the real surprise of this issue is scene stealer Red Hood. If you're a fan of the character you definitely don't want to pass this one up.

I couldn't help but feel like I got cheated out of seeing major confrontations unfold . There were showdowns I had been looking forward to seeing, and it seemed as if every character was robbed of said moment. That's not to say that things aren't adequately wrapped up in a action packed manner, just not quite in the most satisfying way possible.

This one is so good that I think people who haven't even been following Eternal would probably get a kick out of it anyway. Tynion IV crafts a story with many layers, great characterizations, and a few surprises. Fabok returns and kills it on art duties. This one is in my top three best Eternal issues I have read thus far!

While filled with lots of action and atmosphere that are both completely satisfying the story didn't allow me the ability to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Much of what is going on here is spectacle, but good spectacle nonetheless.

We're given another “set-up” episode, but unlike some of the previous ones, this issue still manages to be entertaining at the same time. We also get treated to a surprise, or not, depending on how close you've been paying attention and potentially the inclusion of somerepurposed pre-New52 stories!

This issue was everything that I have come to expect from Batman Eternal: abounding action, elaborate schemes, shadowy villains… and more! This was a great reintroduction of the Spoiler and I appreciated that she was not depicted as more skilled than she should be at this point in her career. So whether you have been waiting for the return of Stephanie Brown or enjoy solid/focused issues of Eternal, this one is for you!

While this issue had some enjoyable character interactions, it had just as many character depictions that were ill-fitted to the individuals displaying them. The art in this issue also receives a serious downgrade from what I have come to expect from the team involved with this comic. While I would like to tell you that this is a skippable chapter of Eternal, I am afraid that there are a few important things that happen, that you will most likely want to read for yourself. And there is always the occasional enjoyable joke.

The BatFamily working together, plenty of humor, and the all too realistic prospect of government sanctionedsurveillance and the loss of basic civil rights. Sounds like a pretty awesome issue, and it well could have been, except for the fact that the art was sub-par and the new Hush origin story was even more so. Basically, there was as much to like, as there was not to. I really wanted to go a lot harder on this issue than I did, so that five is me being generous. I have not seen Eternal deliver more than two “bad” issues in a row so far, so here is to hoping that the next one hits it out of the park!

Some of this issue feels a little crowded and a little rushed at times, but there is quite a bit of good stuff being presented nonetheless. Whilecontinuing the story already in place, I feel like the primarypurpose of this particularinstallment was to set up a bunch of new threads, that will carry us through the next half dozen or so issues.

Aside from a few leaps in logic, this story was very solid. Action, romance, revenge, death, and “rebirth”, it really has it all, along with some highly enjoyable art from a recently new talent.

This is, hands down, the worst issue of Eternal in my opinion. Believe me, I take no pleasure in saying it either! I wish I could give glowing reviews for everything. I want to read good stories, but if they aren't putting out worthwhile material, I'm not going to lie about it.

Leave it to Eternal to blindside you with a comeback. After last week I was dreading this issue because I was strongly fearful of getting a repeat performance (if you missed it, I didn't like last week's issue). Low and behold, Eternal comes out of the corner swinging with a jab cross uppercut combination. Ibelittled you last week, but you showed me who's the boss this round. Bravo Eternal…Bravo!

Alfred is great as always and the action set pieces staring him and Batman are a ton of fun, but the leaps in logic and the plentiful amount of conveniences was just too much for this fan to overlook. If you're just looking to sit back and be entertained I'm sure you'll get a lot more fun out of this book than I did, but for those of you who want a little more cohesion in your stories, you'll probably feel similarly to me. The good still overweights the bad, making that book better than average.

This issue is officially in my top three best issues of Batman Eternal thus far. If you aren't treating yourself to this issue, I can only assume that it is because you hate yourself, because there is nothing in the issue itself that would warrant you not buying it. This is the kind of comic I wish I could read every week. Action packed, emotional, and expertly paced. I tip my hat to you Higgins and Fabok. You have shown a real mastery of your crafts in this issue.

This is a super fast read that makes me happy that Batman Eternal is a weekly book. While beautifully illustrated and well scripted, I'd be more hard on it if I had to wait a month to get to the next issue as opposed to just a week, since the story doesn't progress that much. While the content is somewhat sparse and spread out, it is nonetheless, engaging. Filled with action and several wonderful character moments. If for nothing else, buy it for the art. Jason Fabok kills it!

This was a very solid issue filled with engaging dialogue, riveting action, and its share of twist and turns. Eternal continues to deliver a strong and entertaining reading experience. While this issue did not wow me like the one from two weeks ago, it is still an engaging book worth your time and money.

The best thing about this installment of Eternal is all the potential it has for the future. With the opening of the third act we are entering fresh new grounds where anything can happen, and I am hoping for an awe inspiring home stretch to the finish line.

This story was a lot of fun! For me, the most enjoyable aspect of this issue was the interplay between the characters and the onslaught of all the Batmanesque moments. While nothing here was overly groundbreaking, it is nice to have a smattering of the tried and true. It makes you feel comfortable and at home" right in time for the holidays!

This issue was by no means bad, it just didn't have any kind of substance to it. It is fine to have these connector issues, but if there is no plot payoff to hold the attention of the audience, then the creative team needs to find some other way to make what is going on more engaging and entertaining. In the past, I have given some of these connector issues higher scores, but this particular one just felt like a cookie cutter tale. Here just to get us to the next big thing. However, if you're looking to read something awesome, check out Batman #37. It came out today as well, and far more worth your time.

Generally speaking, this wasn't Eternal's best issue. Which is actually a real shame. There were some individual moments in the story that were really quite good, but as a whole the story was lacking a certain level of subtextual cohesiveness that would have made it truly shine. In the end however, the element that earned this issue the biggest amount of demerits was the art. While acceptable enough, it always surprises me when the big 2 have less than A grade art in their books.

For the third week in a row, Eternal provides us with a rather bumpy ride. Fun at times, but also wrought with its fair share of problems. While this issue is very important to understanding the narrative of the ongoing story, I wouldn't necessarily say it was structured as well as it could have been. Often, technical issues, such as flow and function, were outweighed by necessities and style, providing a less than ideal reading experience. I think people will get a lot more out of thinking and talking about the issue than in reading it.

The best thing about this issue is that it looks like it is almost time for something eventful to happen again! The last month has been a real drag for me, here's hoping that Batman Eternal #41 can break this rut.

While not much happens,in the hands of Kyle Higgins, an issue such as this can still be entertaining. Joe Quinones also chips in, bringing some life to the page with his highly animated antics.

This debut of Bluebird was a great introduction to a hero in training, filled with wit and self deprecating humor. While this particular book does not move the plot along that significantly, I found it to be surprising, fun, and an entertaining read.

This is the best issue of Batman Eternal in months! Character moments, comedy, and some actual answers for a change. Only 9 issues of Eternal to go! Hopefully we can maintain this level of quality until the finish line.

This issue felt like total filler to me, which was a huge disappointment, being so close to the finish line. This chapter of Eternal has forgettable written all over it. It's only saving graces were the “classic Batman” moments that got mixed into the plethora of action. But that is everything this issue has to offer. It has no substance beyond the flair.

While there was a lot of stuff in this issue that I found unnecessarily tedious and completely skippable, I will at least recognize the fact that the dialogue was perfectly sufficient and the characters were at least displaying the appropriate dispositions. Unfortunately, that is the most enthusiasm I can muster for this issue. When everything is said and done, ultimately, this issue was spent tying up loose ends that didn't need tying. Hopefully more effort will be put toward #46 than what was displayed here.

The strongest element of this issue is the dialogue delivered by Ra's Al Ghul. Being that as it may, the issue still ends up feeling like filler or a detour meant to prolong our wait till we get to see the finale! For whatever reason, DC has decided to arbitrarily force the number 52. If they didn't have enough worthwhile content to present a strong story of this length, I would have preferred a shorter run of this title, trimmed of the fat. Instead of being relevant, it feels like another script was just thrown together in order to get us to the magic number.

The third act of Eternal has been paltry compared with the opening and mid salvo, and this issue does nothing to change that. I can't help but feel like DC is just milking us at this point. By now, they know they have us hooked. We aren't going to abandon ship this close to the finish line, so they can do whatever they want and we will keep buying it. At least the art was nice to look at in this issue.

Personally, I feel like only half the content of this book is worth the read. While the worthwhile sections are definitely good, the bad elements are dragging the book down. At least the less than stellar sections are still drawn well. While the story is finally picking up a little with the return of Gordon, it is nowhere near as thrilling as it should be this late in the game. We only have 4 issues left, and at this point, I'm not sure if I should just be happy to get any kind of acceptable ending or if I should still hold onto the hope of getting something grandiose. It does have a pretty imposing cliffhanger though!

While this issue has it's fair dose of action and suspense, it just ends up feeling disingenuous to me. After devoting this much time to a story line, I want to be wowed, and I am seriously afraid that Eternal just doesn't have any fight left in it. I also can't believe that there are only 3 issues left. This had better end on a proper note, and not as a lead-in to some other story. I…WILL…BE…LIVID… if that is what ends up happening. After 52 issues, we had better get a real ending!

Definitely one of the more enjoyable issues of Eternal I have read in the last 2 months, filled with great character moments and a level of intensity that has been missing from these pages for awhile now. The last dozen or so issue, I have flipped through at a casual pace, but this one was a real page turner. The only real drawback this issue had was a that too much was trying to be crammed in, and it left some things feeling slightly more disjointed than they could have otherwise been.

Engaging dialogue, beautiful art, and cogent characters. The trifecta of a great comic. It's everything I wanted it to be and more.

This book has so much going on for it that it's impossible to do it any justice in a blurb. You really need to read it for yourself. It's a tour de force of everything that is synonymous with Batman Eternal. I'm genuinely surprised that they were able to devote meaningful time to everyone in the finale and not make it feel rushed or out of place. For the last 2 months I had been begging this series to get to the point, and now that it is here, I am actually sad to see it go.

While DC Universe: Rebirth #1 was an explosive first issue that generated a lot of momentum for DC's newest initiative, Batman: Rebirth #1 did not capitalize on that good will. While a perfectly acceptable issue, it's still nothing more than mediocre with several obvious shortcomings. It also doesn't help that two different writers contribute to the story, meaning, we won't get a true sense of Tom King's take on Batman till June 15th.

To be honest I went into this issue not thinking I was going to like it very much but itsurprised me and turned my misconception around. I'm not as big a Batwing fan as I am a Batman fan so I wasn't sure that I would have as much to say in reviewing this title as I have in others but I found that there was plenty of thought-provoking content. I went into this not being a super fan and not expecting much but came out at the end being impressed by thecontroversial subject matter and surprising depth of the dialogue. If you can make someone who was disinterested entertained and enlightened then there must be something worthwhile going on.

The direction that the story went was not as strong as its beginning. Maybe after reading the next issue my opinion of it will be improved but as it stands I found it underwhelming and confusing. While strong, the opening seems like an origin for a different villain than the one we are presented with.

This story is actually quite humorous and entertaining but, as a finale of an entire series, it doesn't deliver. I can't hold this against the creative team as it really is out of their hands. You can tell they had more stories lined up and that they were forced to wrap things up in a hurry. For what it is worth, I am sad to see we won't get a resolution to several key points that were definitely worth exploring further.

I'm going to save you some time and money and tell you to spend your four dollars and fifteen minutes on the Grayson: Futures End issue instead.

This was an enjoyable read, but most of that enjoyment came from my love of nostalgia. The absolutely beautiful artwork provided by Ethan Van Sciver also went a long way to making this a memorable and worthwhile issue. The main purpose of this issue is to introduce readers to the concept of Convergence. While the information provided is done in a relatively enjoyable narrative fashion, I can see how this whole issue could be a waste of time for some readers.

The story presented here doesn't really move the plot forward too much, or provide us with any new information. In that respect, it's kind of a doppelganger of issue #0. Carlo Pagulayan does deliver some genuinely worthwhile art, but other than that, there isn't much material here worth sinking your teeth into.

While the story does feature a ton of action and an absorbing commentary as delivered by Grayson, I just feel like the Convergence tie-ins are so much more engaging than the main title at the moment.

The headliner of DC's current company wide event proves this week that the tie-ins are where the real enjoyment of Convergence is to be found. This issue is filled with hollow gestures and meaningless conflict. On top of that, throw in a general lack of empathy for the characters, and I'm finding little worthwhile to recommended where this issue is concerned. The only thing it managed to do was remind me of other stories, that quite frankly, I would rather be reading.

I feel like we have reached a turning point in the Convergence storyline and things are finally starting to happen. To me, the first 3 issues felt rather repetitive, but this felt like it was covering some new ground for a change.

This issue boils down to not much more than a series of fight scenes with a quick aside to introduce Telos' backstory. If all you want is action, then you can't go wrong with this issue, but the intellectuals among us might find it somewhat lacking. In my opinion, the insight that we gain into Telos just shot him to the head of the line as the most interesting element to come out of Convergence thus far. I can't wait to see how his story plays out.

Nothing much happens in this issue. I did find it entertaining, but it probably had more to do with the nostalgia and homages than the story itself. It's also pretty to look at, but features very little in the way of content. Seeing as how as many deaths as possible is Deimos' ultimate goal, I'm assuming the next issue should be a blood bath. Especially when you consider that the characters present are "old" and "expendable".

This issue easily highlights the single coolest and yet most equally redundant moment of the entire Convergence story line. However, if all you're really interested in is fighting, then you've come to the right place. This issue features non stop action, albeit, without a lot of reasoning behind it. It's also a treat for the eye, featuring several images worthy of poster treatment.

Everything gets tied up in a perfect little bow with no real need for the heroes to lift a finger. We also don't get much in the way of a satisfying character arc for Telos, not to mention the other unresolved plot points that get brushed under the rug. In the bigger scheme of things, it looks like this event won't have much of a lasting effect on the DC Universe as a whole, other than onEarth 2: Society.

I think that whether you are here for the story, here for the action, or simply here for the nostalgia"you are bound to find something in Snyder's latest tale that speaks to you.

I actually found Metal #2 to be a lot more fun than the premiere issue. Although, it's probably more apt to say that I found it more enjoyable, because the subject matter is hardly “fun”. It's got plenty of dark undertones running all throughout it, and as the story wraps up, we are faced with some truly bleak circumstances. Given that, it seems rather strange that I would close the book in a better mood than when I opened it. But, I guess that's the power of Scott's narrative. It's all being played as a cool comic adventure, so even though we are being presented with some very depressing things, we are never really forced to ingest it in that way.

This is a seriously ambitious undertaking that Snyder has decided to embark upon, and I honestly want to see it succeed, but that doesn't mean I'm going to hold back when it starts to collapse under the weight of it all. Throughout the course of this story I found myself bored, unconcerned, vaguely offended, underwhelmed, uninterested, and left with far too many questions. And not the good kind that keep you coming back for more, but the bad kind that stem from far too much time spent by the author trying to be clever and not enough spent to make sure things track. Here's keeping my fingers crossed that the next installment of Metal has more going for it.

If I had to use 3 words to describe this issue, they would be: Hope, Love, and Legacy. While more than half of the story is an advertisement for upcoming DC books, it's the best advertisement I've ever read.

Manapul and Buccellato have delivered some very multi-layered characters for our enjoyment and some real solid detective work. Everything so far has been firmly grounded in reality, but it looks like things are about to get weird. I don't know what's going to happen but I hope they pull out a win for the finale.

For a story arc that opened so well it really let itself go in that finale. Lots of crazy action that didn't fit well with the tone previously established and several key elements of the story glossed over or completely disregarded. If you're only picking up this issue and haven't read any of the others you're probably going to have a blast but for those who have been keeping pace you're going to be left wanting more (or less) and most likely confused. At least this Batman fan was.

This story is one of the most thought-provoking issues of a comic I have read in a while. I can see where some might be uncomfortable at some of the allusions, while others will dislike the implications that, as a society, we are not ideal, but if you can be open enough to the idea that we aren't perfect (and can stand some humility), then you might just learn something worth taking away from this issue.

This was a worthy conclusion to the story, and while I feel it could have used an extra page or two to help iron out some minor details, there is very little to complain about here. The thing that draws you to buy this in the first place might initially be Batman, but I think that you'll find this to be a lot more engrossing and layered than your average comic.

Forget continuity, sit down, relax, and enjoy Bruce being a detective, hanging out with Alfred, beating up thugs in dark alleys… well being Batman! So far, we are still left guessing as to where this story is headed, but there are some great character moments and action scenes. I think it is a nice jumping on point for new readers. Relevant information is provided, character relationships and dynamics are well established, and I feel like it is a good sampling of everything that this team has come to be known for. Along with some great art! If you pick up this book and like what you see, you should be confident in the knowledge that you aren't just seeing the team on a good day, this is typically the level at which they work. If this arc can build momentum based on this intro, look forward to some 9 and 9.5 in the upcoming months.

This story has detective work, action, well scripted dialogue, stellar art, believable characters, and a creative team that seems to genuinely care about the subject matter. I simply cannot fathom that Detective Comics is only bringing in half as many readers as Batman. Why aren't more people reading this title?!?

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato are providing a level of candor and clarity that I think other creative teams would do well to take note of. You aren't impatiently waiting around to see what happens next because each chapter is captivating in an of itself. And this is why you always come back for more!

While the finale to the Anarky story is definitely good, it lacks that certain “je ne sais quoi” to make it truly great! While fans of the original Anarky probably won't be too pleased with the direction this takes, if you choose to look past that (mask aside), the core of this new villain has some intriguing elements that were worth exploring.

It's a real shame that Manapul &Buccellato didn't contribute to art duties for this issue. Other than that, if you are coming here looking for some super heroing, then I should advise you to look elsewhere. The book is definitely more of a police procedural/drama at the moment. While there is nothing wrong with that, I'm just not sure how much interest that is going to generate among the book's current fan base.

Light on action and heavy on dialogue. While not much happens, the issue really takes the time to allow you to get under the skin of the characters and live with them in the world they inhabit. Sometimes the pacing can feel a bit too methodical, but there are individual conversations that really capture the consciousness of the characters. While not one of the most thrilling issues of Detective Comics, it still manages to broach several worthwhile topics.

With each new issue of this arc, I have the unfortunate responsibility to report to you that it's not getting any better. When you find yourself enjoying the latest exploits of Bat-Mite more than the adventures of Gotham's finest, you know something isn't right.

This issue marks the end of the Brian Buccellato/Francis Manapul run on Detective Comics. Of the 16 issues that they contributed to, there was always far more good than bad. It's just unfortunate that they had to depart on such a low note that this final 4 parter turned out to be without ever having really stuck a landing. I shall look back on their run with some fond memories, but this last arc definitely won't be one of them. It's just not the kind of story that people will be talking about years from now, maybe not even by next week. Instead of going out with a bang, it just putters to a close.

Peter J Tomasi does a lot to tie the human element into the story, but is then hampered by the fact that he is forced to tell a story about “Ironman” in the pages of a Batman comic book. The story also asks you to take a couple of leaps in logic. It's even more infuriating when the comic itself brings up these very points but doesn't really address them fully. It's basically aware, but doesn't delve into them in the way they could have. The juxtaposition of quiet introspection and bombastic action was another shift in gear that I wasn't really ready for, interrupting the tone of the story.

When I read a story like this, I think about a little kid who loves Batman going into a comic book store for the first time to pick up their very first Batman comic. How exciting! Then they go home and read this…. Is this really the kind of thing we want people to associate with Batman? Any issue could very well be someone's first. It's important to give people a reason to come back for a second one. I was under the impression that DC wanted to encourage new readership. Maybe people are intimidated by the history of comics, but I'm guessing they would be even more off put by a book that doesn't even give you the bare essentials of what a Batman book should be.

Of the three parts of “Robin War” that have been presented thus far, I found this one to be the weakest of the trio. While the script delivered by Ray Fawkes had plenty of thought provoking ideas and displayed some wonderful personality quirks of the main cast, it had me asking “why” far too many times.

Everyone involved in the execution of this issue brought their “A ” game and more. This is exactly the kind of thing I've been wanting to see from this title for awhile now. Tomasi presents a truly riveting and terrifying villain who I imagine will be hard for some people to put from their minds. He also delivers a Gordon who feels more Gordon-like than he has felt in some time. Meanwhile, Pasarin and team deliver highly detailed and exceptionally atmospheric work that fully captures the Gotham feeling while simultaneously presenting the new villain in the “best possible light”. I can't say enough good things about this issue. Seriously looking forward to the next installment!

Detective Comics #48+49 have been simply amazing. Without a doubt, this arc has been one of the strongest contenders that Detective has delivered in some time. It's got actual detective work, impressive visuals, believable scenarios, an insanely high creepy factor, pulse-pounding action, and an encounter that puts Gordon's emotional composure on edge. I simply couldn't ask for anything more. While there is still one part to go till we can qualify this as an unparalleled success, I'm more confident now than ever that I'm finally going to get a good story out of Detective Comics. Come on Tomasi. I believe in you!

The ending was far too simple for all the incredible setup we were given. It devolves into nothing more than fisticuffs with no real meaning or explanation. As it stands, it's hardly terrible, but it could have been so much more. The real surprise here was the back-up story that had me grinning from ear to ear. So while I can't really give the ending of the main story my seal of approval, the backup was awesome!

As stories go, this is perfectly acceptable. It has intrigue, tension, good art, and a story that unfolds just fast enough to keep you moving forward at a steady pace. While I do have a few legitimate minor criticisms, my major beef with the story stems from outside elements that have no real bearing on the evaluation of the story itself. Having said that, I feel like it would be unfair of me to reprimand the story for not sticking to my subjective preferences. Thus, while I personally didn't really enjoy the issue that much, I'm going with an evaluation that only takes my objective criticisms of the story into account. Technically, it's fine, but it's not what I need or want right now.

While this isn't the kind of story I'd like to see depicted in the pages of Detective Comic, it was nonetheless entertaining and beautiful to look at. Although I don't think anyone is going to be kicking themselves over passing this story up, those that did get it are still in for a wild (albeit unconventional) ride. But whatever…it's a giant robot vs a giant mummy. Go comics!

Buccellato has shown himself to be an excellent story teller, both through his narrative and ability to create realistic characters whom we can relate to. If Detective Comics isn't part of your weekly subscription then you're really missing out on one of the best Detective runs the New52 has to offer.

If this kind of story appeared elsewhere, I would probably give it a 6, but seeing as how I need to grade it for what it is and in the context it is presented, my score will be adjusted accordingly.

I felt like this Endgame tie-in was completely irrelevant and was just an attempt for DC to cash in on the name of their number one selling story line of the moment.

While there are definitely elements of nostalgia to be had by long time readers, none of it is essential to understanding the story at hand. In fact, pretty much everything you need to know is right there on the page, making Detective Comics #934 an excellent jumping on point for new readers. With the amount of introductions and set-up this story delivers, it's easy to think that it could crumble under its own weight, but I actually found it to be very well paced and not at all overstuffed. While you shouldn't expect to be reeling from any mind-blowing twists this early in the game, the set-up is still impressive in its own right, providing an intriguing premise along with great artwork and faithful character representations. All in all, this is a solid start to the first issue of Detective Comics under the new Rebirth label.

I thought 934 was a really good issue, but this one….it's even better! The art, dialogue, and characters are all so on-point it would literally take me thousands upon thousands of words to describe just how perfect all this was for me. And at that point, it's probably easier and less time consuming for you to just read the issue for yourself. Trust me, this is some top quality stuff right here. It's almost bewildering to me how good it is.

This comic is so good, I feel like I should shake up a bottle of Champagne and spray it all over the place as I open it up. You know what I'm talking about. You've seen movies. But seriously though, I can't remember the last time I gave three consecutive issue of any title a score of 8.5 or higher in a row. Got curious after writing that statement and checked Comic Book Round Up. This is only the 4th time that's happened in 2 years. With stats like that backing it up, you know this has got to be good. Granted, this is only 3 issue in to a 7 parter, but this has been one hell of an opener. I believe in you Tynion. Don't let me down.

Divinity II ultimately succeeds in bringing a satisfying end to story but also leaving plenty of room open for future stories. Valiant has already announced Divinity III for December, 2016. These characters are now fully established members of the Valiant universe and they will have much to say going forward. That is good news for us all.

James Tynion IV is unstoppable. He's like this secret weapon that DC has been restraining up till now, but with his chains broken, he's absolutely killing it at every opportunity. This installment is just another success in a line of excellent issues that have been the hallmark of Detective Comics since Rebirth began. You'll find nothing but perfectly depicted characters, humorous and thought provoking dialogue, insane amounts of action, beautiful art, and a truly empathetic “villain”. This is just comic goodness at its best!

If you want to see a super-powered person tear a Spider-Monster-Man in half, then you've come to the right place. While I am still adamant that this isn't the kind of story I'd like to see in the pages of a Batman comic, despite that, I still enjoyed it far more than the first two parts.

Hugo Strange finally makes a sizeable appearance in his own story…and it's phenomenal! Unfortunately, it's really the only redeeming feature in this issue, and perhaps the entire arc. While great, it doesn't change the fact that it's tacked onto a bunch of other substandard material. Basically, a case of too little too late.

This marks the 7th consecutive time that Batman-News has given James Tynion IV's run on Detective Comics a score of 9 or higher. That's got to be some kind of record. And with scores like that it should come as no surprise that I'm in serious awe of Tynion's writing abilities. But it's not just that. He has an understanding and respect for the material that I haven't witnessed in years. Couple that with the fact that Alvaro Martinez is a hair away from being perfect when it comes to his artistic expression, and you just can't go wrong with this book. If things keep going this way, I'm going to have to add them to my list of favorite creative teams. Bring on issue #944!

This weeks issue of Detective Comics has plenty of action, interesting concepts, and fantastic art. But it also comes along with it's fair share of somewhat problematic moments. Specifically, I felt that the fight scene was clunkily arranged and somewhat unbelievable. Along with that, I had a hard time integrating the Victim Syndicate's background stories to coincide with their current objection to Batman. Even though the bigger picture presented in this issue is a little disjointed, many of the individual parts are quite excellent. While it's not the best issue, it's still got lots of great stuff going for it.

This issue is all about presenting you with ideas and getting you to think. It's about putting yourself in someone else's shoes and seeing the world through their eyes. I believe character exploration is one of Tynion's greatest strengths and because he is always so right on target regarding their portrayals, hecan spend entire issues doing “nothing” and still keep me enthralled. It doesn't bother me that they aren't out there hitting the mean streets and cracking heads because I actually care about these characters, what they think and how they feel. If you share my sentiments, you're going to have a good time with this book.

Aside from some brief action at the front of the book, this is a very dialogue heavy issue, and that's just fine by me. Tynion is so amazingly gifted at simply letting these characters speak in their own voices that you're practically begging for issues like this to come around so he can just do his thing. Spoiler fans should also be pretty happy with this finale as we get to see some real “A” game material coming from her that's prettyworthy of a Bat-disciple. The finale ends up being fairly atypical of the genre because there is no conflict, per se, to overcome. As such, I did find it lacked a certain level of risk that I have come to expect from comics, but in exchange it gave us a thinking man's ending. And once again, Tynion shines through the characters by allowing them to present varying points of view on the topic at hand. And lest I forget…there's a nice little tease at the end.

This is a pretty solid opening filled with compelling characters, engaging interactions, beautiful artwork, witty dialogue, and a thought provoking premise that has a hint of real world relevance to it. While one could argue that this is merely a ploy to get us to buy yet another comic book, if the forthcoming Batwoman series delivers the kind of quality this story has shown, it seems to me that it's a win win situation for both sides. I'm looking forward to the culmination of this story and where Tynion and Bennett decide to take us beyond that.

If I had to pick one thing as this stories major shortcoming, it would be that it doesn't resolve anything. Aside from that, it's also not much more than an extended advertisement for another comic. Granted, I enjoyed it, but I can see how a person not interested in the further adventures of Batwoman might be displeased with it. Given that, I can't really give it my full backing as I think your enjoyment level is dependent on what you're reading it for.

This story alone is worth buying the book. It's touching, informative, and subtly elegant all at the same time.

While I enjoyed the issue, I think it definitely relied a little too heavily on cliche. And not just that, but some of the stuff in this story echoed things I've seen Tynion do before. Add to that some generic, yet acceptable, art and I was somewhat underwhelmed with the first part of League of Shadows. Considering I've been fairly pleased with almost everything Tynion has released since the beginning of Rebirth, I was just a little surprised by how average I found this story.

Despite the fact that Tynion chose to step on the toes of the past in his latest chapter for Detective Comics, I actually found his alterations to be quite tasteful and respectful. While he does the characters and original story justice, I still think I would have been more fond of seeing something completely original rather than a reimagining of a classic scene. That aside, I actually found part 2 of “League of Shadows” more entertaining than the opening chapter. If you're a Shiva fan, you'll probably get a great deal of joy out of this issue. While she doesn't monopolize all the page time, she's definitely the star of this particular tale. Even when she is absent from the page, her presence is still largely felt as all the other major scenes in the story are ultimately about her. Whether that be a recounting of one of her past exploits or merely another character reacting to Shiva's evil. This is clearly a Shiva-centric story. And not one to miss.

Seeing Ra's interact with Batman is always a real treat, but the art is nowhere near as good as I know Takara is capable of and there's also some illogical actions taken by Shiva. Fortunately, the Batman/Ra's stuff takes up the bulk of the book, so the less than stellar stuff isn't quite as detrimental as it otherwise might have been.

While the story does have Cassandra defeating throngs of ninjas, half the action occurs off-page while the rest is depicted in minuscule panels that don't do Cassandra's frenetic and acrobatic style any justice. The theme is also a little too simplistic for my liking. That's not to say the message of the theme isn't worthwhile, just that the execution felt a little heavy-handed.

I can't say that I was really all that satisfied with this finale. That's largely due to the fact that our heroes feel woefully irrelevant to the overall outcome. Couple that with the fact that the resolutions feel either rushed or completely absent, and now you've got a story that's failing to deliver on both character progression and significance. The story also wraps up far too easily and quickly for my taste, as if they ran out of time or (more likely) decided to save the truly good stuff for future issues. Ultimately, this story is nothing more than a prelude and disappointingly incomplete in and of itself. I'm sure this was meant to get people pumped for the stories to come, but in a way, I actually ended up feeling cheated.

While this issue has its fair share of missed opportunities and questionable narrative choices, I nevertheless found it quite enjoyable. Much of that is due to the outstanding artwork presented by Martinez, but it would be unfair of me to not also compliment Tynion for hitting the mark more often than he missed it. All-in-all, it's a descent story that continues to lay the groundwork for what will hopefully be remembered as Tynion's Ode to Azrael.

This is a very dialogue heavy issue in which not much really happens action wise that moves the story forward. And while not every issue needs to be some action blockbuster blowout, even the arguments/debates that take place are left hanging in the air. So really, everything feels very unresolved. Now maybe that means we will get a double whammy next time, but for now, I feel like I'm just kind of going along with the story. Nothing here is anything at all that I would even remotely refer to as bad, I'm just not all that engaged at the moment.

While the exchanges crafted by Tynion between Bruce and Zatanna have been my favorite sections of the “Intelligence” stroyline thus far, Alvaro Martinez and his artwork totally won this particular issue. From his character renditions, beautiful environments, and outstanding fight choreography; everything that he contributed to this book is simply outstanding!

What a fabulous finale! Tynion manages to craft a story that doesn't adhere to preconceived notions. Instead, he throws convention to the wind, delivering some truly unexpected moments that will have you wondering what will happen till the very last page.

All-in-all, this issue is little more than a reminder of pertinent events that have already transpired and a brief set-up for things to come. There are a couple of brief moments that are genuinely charming, but for the most part, the only thing that really got my attention was the return of Lonnie Machin to the role of Anarky.

When it comes to the Clayface portion of this story, I feel like Tynion is retreading on his own work. And when it comes to the Anarky stuff, I'd much rather be reading the Alan Grant stuff. Suffice it to say, this issue didn't really work for me. It's got a couple of genuine problems when it comes to things like being able to properly invest the audience in the character's journey or in presenting valid comparisons between characters. But it also rubs me the wrong way when it comes to my subjective tastes. So that definitely factored into my enjoyment level.

Now this is how you write a comic book! Once the mindbogglingly awesome recap of Tim's life comes to a conclusion, we are left with him…and Oz…and an opening to a story arc that will leave you begging for more. I know that the closing paragraph is supposed to sum up the review, but there's no way to minimize just how awesome this issue was. Seriously. Do yourself a favor and read this comic. What more can I say to convince you? Oh, look. I gave it a 9.5. How often do I do that? Once in a blue moon! Now go read the comic already.

I seriously wish I could give this issue more of a standing ovation, because it has some truly great moments. But alongside those come two major headscratchers that I simply couldn't overlook. But aside from those, it's a super solid issue. Absolutely amazing art, gut-wrenchingly emotional scenes, and wonderfully portrayed characters. The good stuff was so good that I still feel confident in recommending this…even with the questionable moments included.

What I really liked about this issue was that it took many of the loose ends that had been introduced over the course of Tynion's run and brought them all together in one place. That's not to say that any of them were truly resolved within this issue. After all, it's just part one of a larger story. But I get the impression that many of these plot points that Tynion has been weaving into his stories are about to come to some sort of a head within the current arc. And that's fairly exciting for those of us that have been with the book since the beginning of Rebirth.

This is one of those stories that isn't solely good based on the contents alone, but because of everything it made me think about while and after reading it.

I like Clayface. Given his abilities, you can tell all kinds of varying stories with him: creepy, action based, espionage. With his potential as a villain, and seeing him let loose in this issue the way he does, it kinda just made me want him back as a full fledged villain. I know we are all rooting for Clayface to be reformed since empathizing with his plight has been one of the key elements of Tynion's run. And, at this point, not letting him achieve that goal would be a real let down since the character has put forth so much effort to change his ways. So, I'm fully torn. I do genuinely feel sorry for Clayface, but at the same time, I just want to see him go on a rampage.

While this is the finale of Fall of the Batmen, so much is left unresolved. In fact, I don't think a single thing was resolved. If anything, this issue left me with more questions coming out of it than I had going in. The story also demands too much from us without giving us enough to work with. There are so many plot points jammed into this one story that it's ridiculous. Granted, I've seen other stories handle a lot without buckling under the weight of it all, but here, each element isn't given enough time for the full exploration it deserved. At the end of the day, this story isn't here to tell us anything, but instead, merely string us along.

While the events that transpire in the wake of Clayface's death are somewhat predictable, it's the intensity of the interactions between the characters that still makes this a worthwhile read.

I've always been a bigger fan of what a character is thinking than the action beats a story delivers. If you share that sentiment, you'll probably enjoy Detective Comics #975. It's basically void of any real action as the main centerpiece of the story is simply the characters gathered around a table discussing Batwoman and what to do about her. But it's not just a story for the cerebrally inclined, as the inclusion of several guest stars means tons of potential fan service as well. Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd, and Damian Wayne all attend the meeting, and for the most part, Tynion does each character a considerable amount of justice. Sure, there's the occasional flub, but I was overall pleased with the character portrayals Tynion presented. Couple all that with the fact that Alvaro Martinez is on art duty for this story (he's been my favorite Tec artist since Rebirth started) and I think what you have here is a tale worth reading.

All in all, it's got some good parts, but a pretty rocky start to the arc if you ask me.

I'm not really a fan of the whole “futuristic robots cause city wide peril” stories. However, if you can look past that, there are some really great interactions at play here between Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong and Tim Drake.

Usually I like to immerse myself in the story, but for some reason, the real enjoyment I got out of this particular issue was in trying to theorize on the potential meta commentary Tynion may have been incorporating into this piece. Although, as the story goes, I was happy to see it focus more on the characters than the fighting because I can't really drum up too much enthusiasm for unstoppable robot armies. One more issue to go!

The finale to Tynion's run on Detective Comics isn't anywhere near being a home run. It skips far too much stuff in order to fit it all in, has far too many conveniences, and rushes or straight up ignores some of the character resolutions. Given all that, when you do hit the good parts, and there are a few, it's pretty great. This one does end up being a real mixed bag, filled with greatness right alongside severely lacking moments. Unfortunately, those lacking moments do edge out the good stuff a little too much to call this a worthwhile conclusion. It's passable, but hardly ideal.

With this story, Tynion manages to pull from so many different sources it's almost unbelievable. But at the same time, he finds a way to integrate them all so cohesively. While this story is a new take on the origin of Clayface, Tynion executes it so masterfully and with such reverence to the heart of the character, at times it's hard to imagine Clayface's origin having ever been anything other than the way it is presented here.

I actually enjoyed this quite a bit. While a large portion of this story is consigned to recapping things we already know, it's still done in a very entertaining manner. On top of that, I simply loved Batman and Flash's interactions with one another, and the fact that the two of them engaged in actual detective work is nothing to be taken lightly. The cherry on top of this delectable treat were the dozens upon dozens of awesome reference from a time gone by. If you guys know me, and I think you do, then you can see how this comic would be right up my alley.

We don't really learn anything we didn't already know, and no real progression occurs. Ultimately, this comic (and "The Button" in general) are little more than a teaser for the bigger story coming out in November. Not only do we end up being left with more questions than we started with but also less money in our wallets.

This is just straight up fun, and the juxtaposition of Maps and Damian together is comedy gold. Don't be a sourpuss like Damian, buy this comic and have yourself a laugh.

While this wasn't my favorite issue of Gotham Academy, the strong points of the story manage to overcome the problem areas enough that it was still a worthwhile read. In the greater scheme of things, I didn't get the sense that this particular issue was all that detrimental, but it was a necessary stepping stone to progress the story. Even though I was a little critical of this specific chapter, on the whole, Gotham Academy is a highly entertaining book and always near the top of my “need to read” stack.

This book hits the perfect sweet spot for me. It has just the right amount of humor, scares, and references to make it stand out as a truly great issue. AddKarl Kerschl's outstanding visuals to the mix and this becomes an unbeatable tale. The creative team proves once again that they understand the world of Batman almost better than any other team out there right now. They strive to recognize the past while also forging ahead to create something new for the future. I'd even go so far as to say that itepitomizes the best of what a comic should be. If you thought this book was nothing more than a couple of teenage girls at a boarding school, you are sorely mistaken. I can't recommend this book enough. If you don't at least pick it up and give it a chance, you only have yourself to blame.

A guest appearance by Red Robin, a field trip turned “mission impossible” by Maps, answers to questions you have been wondering about since the premiere issue, and a pinch of self-deprecation. This book just has it all! The formula that the creative team adheres to is becoming addictive: a solid story in 20 pages that bring you answers while also inviting new questions, all while keeping you entertained throughout. Go team Maps! Detective Club assemble!

The series in general, and this issue in specific, all build to a crescendo that fails to deliver a plot resolution that is any thing more than just acceptable. While the very final moments may have fallen flat in my view, the rest of the story was graced with impeccable art, lively characters, and engaging dialogue. On top of that, the creative team managed to put forth a story with building tension that was so driving, it almost demanded you read it at breakneck speeds to relieve your sense of dread and satiate your curiosity. While not the masterpiece I was expecting, it's still highly worth your time.

This was great! I was really scared that the absence of Karl Kerschl was going to kill this book for me. While different than whatKerschl was doing, Archer manages to bring a life and exuberance to the characters that was quite endearing. The story by Brenden Fletcher is also one of the most comical and simultaneously heartfelt chapters of Gotham Academy yet. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the characters. When written with sincerity, you can't help but fall in love with them.

If you've read any of my previous reviews for Gotham Academy, you know that I tend to shower it with pretty much constant praise. Having said that, I'm not going to allow my love for the series to blind me to what is most clearly a sub par chapter. I really wish I could tell you that this was awesome, but then I would be lying to you and myself, and I'm not going to do that. Providing a blurb as to why I thought the book wasn't all that good isn't really that easy when you consider that 7 different writers and artists contributed to the content. It's not as simple as blaming one aspect or individual, when many disparate elements contributed to the books downfall. Don't get me wrong. It's not that there isn't good writing and art in the book, but when you take everything into consideration, there is a lot of less than stellar stuff included that contributes to a pretty rough read.

Better than part one, but still a far cry from what Gotham Academy has become synonymous with. While we aren't getting the mystery solving and character development that has been the rock this book was built on, this lot of yearbook stories seemed to have a greater tie to past events than the first round did. It was also made a little more clear what kind of stories the team was looking for, instead of just giving us a smattering of utter randomness. All in all, it's still a pretty mixed bag.

This isn't the greatest issue of Gotham Academy, but it's definitely the best issue of the Yearbook story arc so far. While the art still ranges from great to merely acceptable, characters portrayals are handled almost perfectly. After the last two issues, I was almost certain that this was going to be the worst thing I read today. I'm elated to be able to give this book a good score again. Maybe this is a sign that things are getting back on track.

While the opening acts of the Yearbook story arc seemed aimless to me, the last two books have really begun to pull things together. It's starting to seem that the point behind all this was to highlight some of the real mysteries behind Gotham Academy. While it's unfortunate that we had to sift through some of the more mundane tales in order to get to this point, it's looking as if this arc might be shaping up to be more than just a collection of discombobulated randomness. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go buy Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 from Amazon.

While the Yearbook story arc has become increasing more enjoyable with each passing issue, I found the conclusion mildly disappointing. That's not to say that the individual stories presented within this chapter weren't entertaining, but the over-arching story that tied them all together since the beginning was nowhere near as relevant as I hoped it would be. If you're fine with all of this having just been for fun, then you'll be perfectly satisfied with the ending. But if you're like me and were hoping for revelations, you'll be sadly dissatisfied.

Second Semester part 2 is a mismatch of everything and then the kitchen sink. With so much going on, a clear story never really develops till the very end. Before that, it seems to all be nothing more than fan service scenes put in place to remind us of the past. While I'm all for supporting Gotham Academy because I love the ambiance of the book and the amalgamation of universes it mashes together, this just wasn't a very strong issue for me. While this story is acceptable, I am judging it against other Gotham Academy stories, and as such, it just doesn't measure up.

As comics go, this wasn't the worst thing I've ever read, but as issues of Gotham Academy go, it was pretty bad. Maybe bad isn't the right word. More like uninspired. Although at times it does have sloppy dialogue and unnatural transitions. Basically, it's getting harder and harder to make excuses for this book. Perhaps I simply need to face the fact that Gotham Academy has seen its best stories come and go and there's simply nothing awe-inspiring to look forward to. I'll keep sticking with the book for awhile. But they are starting to skate on some incredibly thin ice. If something doesn't happen soon, I'm going to start looking at this book as a chore instead of a pleasure.

While this book still has a way to go to get back to its glory days, I'm starting to see a faint glimmer of what it used to be.

This issue is just straight-up bringing it back to basics. Putting back in all the things we loved about the original series. Bringing it full circle and addressing all those plot points that were left hanging. It just captures the feel and tone of what Gotham Academy was, and should be, so well. If you were someone who quit reading Gotham Academy because it got so off-track, well, I'm happy to report that this issue puts us firmly back in familiar water. You absolutely need to pick this one up. You'll feel like you've been transported back to 2015 while reading it. Ok Team Gotham Academy, you proved to me that you've still got it, now bring this one home strong!

Ok people. If you're one of the individuals who was reading Gotham Academy and gave up on it, you need to get back in here right now…or at least pick this up in trade. It just went from mediocre to insanely good. And in actuality, this issue made every preceding issue of Second Semester better. If you want details, check out the review in its entirety. But be warned, it's spoiler-ific. So if you want to get the full effect and be surprised, you need to read issue #1-7. Other than that, all I can say is, “Oh…My…Crap!”

This issue has so much going for it. Not only is it continuing the adventures of the children at Gotham Academy, but it propels their story forward in leaps and bounds. My favorite part involved the history of Amity Arkham and how she was burned alive at the stake as a witch. The way it unfolds definitely makes it feel like the kind of creepy ghost story you'd tell around a campfire. This issue also mixes in elements of Gothic Horror and Cosmic Horror that push the book to new heights. All in all, I'm insanely pleased with what Gotham Academy has been doing of late and greatly look forward to the direction they are taking the tale.

This marks the beginning of the end. The first part of the final Gotham Academy story. We are only one chapter in and we already have revenge, death traps, and a secret society. This is my kind of story! On top of that, the humor is more abundant in this issue than in the preceding chapters, and we get some genuinely moving character moments along with some surprise twists and turns. While not as earth-shatteringly awesome as the last few issues were, we are still in setup-mode for the finale. So, I have no doubt that things will only improve from here.

The Ballad of Olive Silverlock part three is all about Maps. So naturally, you're going to have a blast with this installment. But it's not just Maps being Maps that makes this issue so great. It's her wonderful and hilarious reunion with Damian Wayne that really made this issue stand out for me. Besides the antics, this story also give Maps some serious emotional baggage going into the finale, making the coming climax much more interesting than a simple case of saving Olive. Now, because of Maps' change of heart, we are left wondering whether or not Maps even think Olive is worthy of being saved….

The ultimate finale to Gotham Academy is uncharacteristically chipper. And while ultimately serviceable, I think it takes the safe route. Add to that the fact that multiple storylines are left completely unresolved in exchange to solely concentrate on the Silverlock conclusion, and I ended up feeling very unfulfilled. Despite my displeasure with this finale, I do still think that this is a wonderful series in general and definitely worth your time. If you missed it, Batman-News did a retrospective on the series early this week that you can find here: Saying good-bye to "Gotham Academy" Give it a once over. You might find that Gotham Academy is one of the best things you haven't been reading.

When one considers that both Gotham Academy and Lumberjanes are books about groups of teens battling the arcane in an environment synonymous with youths, it's not at all surprising that these two different properties have blended rather seamlessly together. Filled with plenty of humor and (for the most part) faithful representations of the Gotham Academy cast, I found it to be fully entertaining and definitely worth a read.

This was a real low point for “Robin War”. I've greatly enjoyed this story arc up till now, but part 5 fails to deliver. The art was below standard and the story was overly stuffed, which in turn caused jarring transitions and unexplored shifts in character outlooks.

While nothing in this story is truly ground breaking, it's still a fun little done-in-one. Full of action, humor, introspection, and the ever popular; battling ones own inner-demons. If your looking for something earth-shattering that will move you to your very core, I suggest you move along, but if you just want to read a nice solid comic for entertainment's sake alone, this will do just fine.

I was very pleased with the direction that Gleason choose to take this story in. While I was expecting to get more artifact recompense, I was instead given a heartfelt tale filled with classic Damianminutiae and outstanding art. Although it does boast a hoard of quirky villains that some might find off-putting, the trade-off is an excellent scene between father and son that had me begging for more.

This is some pretty standard comic fanfare. Good guys vs bad guys in a quest to save the world. All that is asked of you, is that you come along for the ride. While its simplicity is its greatest strength, it's also its primary failing. On top of that, the content ranges from paper thin one moment to full on exposition mode the next. I opened the review with the statement that I was going to be less harsh, and while it might not seem like it to some of you, trust me, there were plenty of opportunities to be far more critical than I was.

High on action but super light on anything else. This issue does feature Batman, Talia, and Damian, but their reunion is nowhere near as impactful as I wish it would have been. While there's no chance this comic is winning an Eisner Award, if you're just in the mood for some mindless action, this comic will do the trick.

This pretty much falls in line with what I have come to expect from the DC books while otherwise waiting for Rebirth to get here. It's entertaining enough, but lacks any kind of real significance: all flash with little substance. Oddly enough, while most everyone else is wrapping up their stories and presenting fresh titles come June, Robin: Son of Batman has one more issue coming out on June 22nd. To be honest, I'm not really sure why DC felt the need to extend this filler story past the beginning of Rebirth. Seems to me this could have easily been wrapped up right here and now. But maybe I'll be blindsided by a truly fantastic finale. I'm not holding my breath or anything…but it could happen.

Pardon me, but I'm just going to be blunt. This wasn't the worst thing I've ever read, but it definitely wasn't anywhere near the best. And really, I just feel that there are much more worthwhile things out there right now for you to be spending your 4 bucks on than this. Now go pick up some Rebirth books.

This first issue does a tremendous job at setting up where this book is headed and really hooks you. When everything was said and done, I was chomping at the bit to get a look at issue #2. For a new #1, that is the exact kind of reaction a creative team hopes to hear from their audience. Bermejo and Corona have gotten my attention, and I'm actually hoping that they can keep it.

After how much I enjoyed the premier issue of We are Robin, I was a little bit let down by this particular installment. As character took a backseat to action, I found myself thrilled by the exploits of a group of protagonist I didn't know or understand. Personally, I find it hard to care about the fate of characters that I have not yet had an opportunity to get to know. While the story didn't help me invest in the characters, it did lay groundwork for a future that is ripe with potential. Still looking forward to seeing where this goes, and hoping to get clued in on the motivations behind these new “Robins”.

While the book still hasn't bothered to properly define the cast's motivations, nor given us time to accordingly develop attachments to them, it is nonetheless an entertaining read. This particular chapter elicited far more credible responses from the children in regards to their daunting predicaments, and I found that especially satisfying. This issue also reveals the alias of The Nest, and while my theories about his identity panned out, it didn't make it any easier for me to swallow. The story continues to be engaging enough that even if I weren't reviewing it I'd still be picking it up.

While this story had enjoyable elements, there was just as much about it that I didn't like. And even a few of the positives had drawbacks to them. In general, the book left me with a very neutral feeling. However, the one thing that I can say for certain is that I had absolutely no love for the artwork. Respect, but no love. Fortunately, next issue brings back regular artist Jorge Corona, along with a return to the main plot….now go read Grayson #12!

If you are looking for gratuitous action, this won't be the issue for you. What it does have is the most moving and empathetic dialogue this series has yet to muster. The accompanying artwork also greatly assists in translating the emotional weight of the subject matter. If that isn't enough for you, be prepared to delight in an abundance of character details that are finally revealed. All in all, this was the best issue of We are Robin to date.

In my review for issue 4, I mentioned that I would have quit this series if I weren't reviewing it. I definitely spoke too soon. The last 2 issues have been much more engaging for me than the opening salvo. I feel like this title has taken some time to find its groove, but now that it's here, it's delivering much more entertaining and captivating narrative.

I've been very pleased with “Robin War” so far, and this issue continues to deliver the fun. I think that “fun” is the operative word here, and an underrated commodity these days. People are always trying to put meaning and higher purpose behind their stories. Trying to say something about society and alter the way we think about the world. I'm not saying that this story doesn't have that, I'm just pointing out that it isn't afraid to have fun at the same time. It just reminds me of the good old days where comics were entertainment first and foremost, and if you got a message, that was a bonus. While this specific issue is definitely geared for the action oriented, you'll also find plenty of humor and some meta commentary to round out your reading pleasure. I had a great time with this issue and am seriously looking forward to next week when we get part 5 of “Robin War” in Robin: Son of Batman #7.

There cannot be light without darkness"order without chaos"good without evil. The "Robins" finally have their Arch-Nemesis, and he is Duke's polar opposite. This point is demonstrated masterfully through the combined narrative efforts of Bermejo and Corona. In an industry ripe with convoluted storytelling and over the top scenarios, Bermejo delivers a truly organic tale full of depth, credibility, and gripping characters. If you've been curious about this title, now is the perfect time to experience the best of what W.A.R. has to offer.

We are Robin #9 doesn't have a whole lot of action, but it definitely makes up for it with plenty of depth, heart, and intelligence. I'm not sure where the last 3 issues are planning on taking us, but I'm hoping for a strong thematic ending over an action blowout extravaganza.

Bermejo excels at examining real world problems through a slight filter of heightened reality. If you're sick of over the top epics and would like to read a more down to earth story featuring realistic concerns that also includes genuine character development, then this is a story for you.

Instead of using this comic as a platform to present meaningless entertainment, Bermejo admirably tackles some very serious real world issues that his target audience may very well someday face. While the subject matter does make us reflect on our own world, it also helps to cement the world of Batman. But this isn't just another book depicting larger than life heroes, this story takes the time to show us that ordinary people doing the right thing can be just as important as a man in a cape.

The finale of “We are Robin” goes deep instead of going big. It gives the reader an opportunity to consider the world from an alternate perspective and provides good-old moral story telling at its finest. In all, it's been a pleasure reading this series, and I wish Bermejo and Corona the best of luck in their future endeavors. Au revoir.