We can sit here and debate all day about which is the best DC book out but Scott Snyder's run is among the top three and has been top 3 since it launched. Looking forward to next issues grand conclusion and Alfred's fate. Read Full Review

If you're a Batman fan, or a comic book fan you should be reading this book whether it's the middle of a story or not. Read Full Review

We're getting a lot of Joker stories though out this Death of the Family event. This is where we get to see how twisted and ruthless Joker really is. Luring Batman to Arkham Asylum is the perfect setting for what may be the final act in his crazy scheme. It's not often you feel sorry or tired for Batman. That's the feeling you get here. Scott Snyder sets up a disturbing scenario and environment and Capullo, Glapion and Plascencia do an extraordinary job of creating the visuals for it all. You almost have to wonder who is more twisted, Joker or the creators for being able to come up with the all the visuals. Read Full Review

After finishing reading Batman #16, I can only sit back in awe and think about how we'll look back at this time and this story as a special moment, not on in Batman comics, but in comics in general. We're watching greatest unfold in front of us as two creators can blend their talents in such a way, they're creating some of the best comics around. With Batman #16, Snyder and Capullo reach great heights, the kind of which are rare in monthly comics. Even not being a Batman guy, I can sense and respect greatness when I read it and Batman #16 is exactly that. Greatness. Read Full Review

It's hard to not sit back in awe after reading Batman #16. There's so much being thrown at you, but how Capullo constructs things, it's easy to swallow. It deserves another read the second after you finish it the first time, just to be sure you didn't miss anything. Possibly a third. Snyder and company have given us something comic fans will be talking about for years to come and possibly then some. Batman is often called the pinnacle of human perfection, and this issue gives the character and the legend justice. Read Full Review

As a storyteller myself, as well as someone who's ingested more than his fair share of stories in his life, I like to think that I can predict endings pretty well, or at least rationalize potential endings, but Scott Snyder truly has me stumped. He's brought the villain so far past petty crimes and clever quips or puns about laughter that this new extremely cerebral and overly sadistic Joker has created a scenario where no one knows what could possibly know what's next except for him. I'm absolutely enthralled by this story because just when you think you know what's coming, something else completely different comes at you instead. This is like 'The Cabin In The Woods' of comics. I could keep talking about how much I love this story and the evolution of The Joker, but I'll just end it right now by saying that I can't wait for the final piece of the puzzle to be put into place and for the whole elaborate plan to be revealed next month in 'Batman #17'. Read Full Review

And Batman #16 is scary because the good man, the man of skill and cunning has fundamentally misapprehended what is going on. Bruce insists to himself that he's shown up early, finally one step ahead, and that the Joker himself is within his grasp. He cannot see that he has become a dark knight errant, descending into hell in a quest to save what has already been lost. Read Full Review

Just when I'm at my worst point of Joker fatigue and exhaustion from all the tie-ins, Snyder and Capullo push the plot forward and remind me that the core of this event really is something worth getting excited for. I can't see Read Full Review

This gets a 5/5 because of the sheer gravity of it. One look at the ending will tell you what I'm referring to, but only read just that page. The pages should also be a clue to the kind of wacky-go-nuts evil that will force you to remember this issue for quite a while. Read Full Review

The stakes are high, the heroes actually feel threatened, and the Joker is appropriately, actually scary. Snyder is not presenting these shocking deeds for mere shock value (well, except maybe for the ridiculousness of Joker's face being held on by a belt), but as part of a larger narrative about good, evil, sickness and chaos. I can understand the violence level being insurmountable for some readers, and the faint of heart or weak of stomach should not tread these pages lightly. But for this reader, as the "Death of the Family" steams headline towards its finish, the ride has been worth every penny. Batman #16 earns a very rare five out of five star rating. Check it out. Read Full Review

The This issue did a fantastic job at being the penultimate issue of the story. With that final tease (also seen in the rest of the DotF books) I immediately dreaded what was to come in the first few pages of next issue. All day I've been telling myself, hell, trying to convince my self "it's not going to be Alfred's head... It's not going to be Alfred's head" or face, or whatever... but man, I just have this terrible feeling in my gut, and the fact that this issue stuck to me like that is why it's so god damn good. Read Full Review

I think I've forgotten to mention how awesome Greg Capullo's artwork is on this series over the past few reviews, and that's a terrible thing. His art steps up another notch in this issue, something I didn't think was possible, using mastery of shadows to hype up the tension as Batman delves deeper into Arkham Asylum, making the reveals of the Joker and friends even more blinding after half an issue with almost no colour at all. The synergy between Capullo and his inker and colourist has never been more evident than in this issue. Plus, Jock's art on the back-up is basically flawless as always, too. Not only is Snyder firing on all cylinders, so is everyone he works with -" evidently his enthusiasm for Batman is rubbing off. This is another in a line of flawless issues, and the third five out of five rating I've given since this arc began four issues ago. With only 1 issue remaining of “Death of the Family,” can this series get any better? Read Full Review

Another fantastically brilliant issue, in what has easily been my favourite story in the New 52 so far. I would highly recommend it to anyone, as well as both the rest of the story, and series, and hope that it finishes epically. Read Full Review

Overall this was the most astounding issue in the Death Of The Family arc, pushing the boundaries so far I swear the comics authority code was rolling over in it's literary grave. The next issue looks to close out the Death Of story and I can't wait to see if it tops this issue, and finally, how the whole thing ends. Stay tuned Bat fans! Read Full Review

It's impossible not to draw comparisons between “Death of the Family” and the previous major story arc, “The Court of Owls.” The two are equally grand, so for the first few issue of DotF I wondered how Snyder would fit a story of similar scope into only 5 issues. Now I realize that, equal though the stories may be, where Court was epic, Family is intimate. This isn't a secret society bringing the power of a city to bear. This is your dark half, whispering in your ear, telling you all the things you don't want to hear. Read Full Review

How this issue did not come with a warning label is beyond me. In fact, how this whole series has not been given a mature rating shocks me. But that's not a complaint. It's darker, grittier, scarier, and better than ever with Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo at their respective bests. The Joker's dialogue and fly-covered face are enough to give you nightmares, but this team of writer and artist almost make the reader smell and hear the Clown Prince of Crime. It's stories like this that make you want to check underneath your bed at night before you go to sleep. Read Full Review

In fact, that's the one and only gripe I have with the narrative is the sudden " and brief -- introduction to the peril that the Bat-family has found themselves in. Though this problem is rectified if you are reading a bulk of the tie-in issues in their respective series, for a reader of Batman alone it'd probably be nice to have some inkling of the events the other Bats are going through, considering their safety is the primary motivating factor for Batman himself. Read Full Review

I'm not sure how the Eisner Awards work, but if it requires the publisher to submit one issue I elect this issue for the exquisite art by Greg Capullo. He's really outdone himself here and thankfully he isn't stifled by too much dialogue or exposition. Instead the composition has time to breathe and the work can look good and tell a story. There's a few panels that are straight up symbolic which adds to the story beyond the usual action or placement of characters. Read Full Review

The electrifying cliffhanger on the final page will leave you dying for next month's finale when Joker finally puts together his long-expected dinner party. Alfred will be waiting. Read Full Review

The Joker's sinister trademark grin is made from scar tissue in the series, with pins jabbed in his cheeks to stretch his gums back to an obscene degree. The character design would be a lot more intriguing and terrifying if it wasn't so obviously influenced by the original use of scar tissue for the character design when Heath Ledger played The Joker in "The Dark Knight". However, Jock draws the grin with the same over-the-top style of exaggeration that Frank Miller drew some of his best original characters, since Jock draws the eyes and jaws in an expression so wide and manic that the character could only come to life on the page instead of the screen. Read Full Review

This issue was amazing. There really are no more words to describe it. Scott Snyder is hitting top form with this story line, and you can really tell that he is loving telling us this tale.I know that some people were a bit against #15 in this series, but I am sure that they have changed their minds after reading this. Batman is turning into the best horror comic book out there at the minute, and that is something that I never expected to say. Read Full Review

Another excellent Batman issue by the Snyder/Capullo/Glapion/Plascencia team. Just appreciate the excellence. Read Full Review

While "Death of the Family" hasn't been my favorite Batman arc of all time, it's good solid comics, and this issue has readers poised for it to get even better before it finishes. It's only the best of creative teams that can take a character I've already tired of and re-invent them, all while building a pivotal story. I can't wait for what's next. Read Full Review

The only downfall of this issue is that Batman's encounters with the archvillains of Arkham Asylum"Mr. Freeze, Clayface, the Scarecrow, the Riddler, the Penguin and Two-Face"are rushed, although that detail is actually built into the story itself. It would have been beneficial to extend this saga another issue, revisiting the classic confrontations Batman has had with each of his adversaries as he has with the Joker thus far, but that have been a restraint set by the publisher rather than Snyder himself. Regardless, he and master artist Greg Capullo have rendered yet another fantastic issue. Like the conclusion of Seven (1995), next month's final chapter may leave audiences more disturbed than they care to admit. Read Full Review

Batman is a tremendous read. This story is definitely more familiar than the Court of Owls and the threat feels more realistic. Sure, it's a little weird, but not quite Silver Age weird. The book is a great read and the conclusion is something I am anxiously awaiting. Read Full Review

Greg Capullo's cover for this issue is spectacular to say the least. The ever-smiling Joker is wearing Robin's signature red vest and mask with a facial expression that would strike fear into anyone. It's right along with the rest of Capullo's artwork--delightfully dark. Read Full Review

Batman #16 is a masterpiece of modern comics by creators at the top of their game. Read Full Review

With the end of Death Of The Family approaching, Snyder and Capullo will cement themselves as the best creative team behind Batman since O’Neil and Adams. Read Full Review

Batman has been DC's book to beat since Death of the Family started in issue #13, and I'm hard pressed to think of something that's been better. Snyder, Capullo, Glapion, et al. manage to keep the momentum going while maintaining the sense of foreboding and dread that they've been building since kicking off this storyarc back in October, which is no small feat. I haven't a clue where this will all lead to, but right now I'm really curious to find out. A wonderful feeling to have. Read Full Review

As always, writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo turn in top-notch work - but I'll be glad when this issue gets back to being a bit more self-contained. Read Full Review

I wait for the conclusion with baited breath and crossed fingers that he hasn't done anything *too* horrifying to any of our heroes. Therein lies my only problem with this story. While it is well told and presented, it's also damned depressing, even for Batman. Perhaps that's the point, but there's only so much darkness a person can take. I have no doubt Batman will be victorious in the end, but what price will he have paid by then? I shudder to think. Read Full Review

Batman #16 delivers. When I first heard the Joker was returning and that Snyder and Capullo were taking a shot at him this was the level of crazy I'm sure everyone expected. If your going to play with Arkham it should be dark and terrifying. And this was just that. I'm not sure what were in for with the next issue but count me in as very, very, excited. Read Full Review

Batman #16 is an engrossing reading experience from beginning to end. Scott Snyder and company do not let go of your attention until you reach the final panel. Each time I finished reading this issue all I wanted to do was read it over and over again. Read Full Review

Theres no arguing that DC has overloaded us with the Joker, but entertaining issues like this make it worth all the while. Dont be discouraged. Batman is still an incredible series, but it is currently suffering from a bit too much. If you can put all of that hype aside, then youll be able to sit down and read a familiar, yet entertaining Joker story that will leave you asking for more. Read Full Review

Death of the Family is getting intense. Though the backup is disappointing, the meat of the book is freaking amazing.  Read Full Review

I enjoyed this issue, and I am curious about what's under the platter. Read Full Review

I won't tell you to not read this issue, because it's one of the main issues of "Death of the Family", but if you're wondering whether it stands on it's own as a good issue, that's up for debate. Sure, it's a penultimate issue to a five-issue-long storyline, but that means there should be a whole lot more going into the end of the issue to ramp up readers for the grand finale! Instead, we get a contrived situation that Batman will obviously escape from because it's Batman. Which is a shame because Scott Snyder truly understands that the Joker's terror doesn't come from his physical prowess, but rather from his mental acuity. Even though the man is a psychopathic, murderous criminal, he's probably the most intelligent, psychopathic, murderous criminal Batman has ever faced. Read Full Review

Snyder's story is still fun, there's simply many more noticeable flaws in this installment than in the last 15 issues. Court of Owls was a perfect Batman story, and this arc is gearing up to be even better. I can only cross my fingers in hopes and ending comes next month worthy of what's been built up thus far Read Full Review

Batman#16 contains excellent set pieces, gorgeous art, and a lot of clever elements, but some very sloppy oversights drag this issue down. It's like an issue of "Burts All Flavor Beans" with some cherry flavoring and some vomit, and altogether, it is just an average issue. Read Full Review

Snyder is writing a great Joker. He's truly twisted and his dialogue is phenomenal. The opening chapter of Death of the Family was terrifying. But since then, I just don't see anything happening of note. It all looks like empty hype. So here's hoping Snyder has a great conclusion in store for us. As for what's on the serving dish? My guess is that it's Alfred's severed head. What else could it be? Read Full Review

I generally felt like this story was good but I expect greatness. Scott Snyder has set himself for some lofty expectations from his fans and I just dont think he is keeping up with it. The dialogue was lengthy just like the previous issue and for me that makes for a boring story. I dont want to seem like I am bashing the book but I cant say with a good concise that this was a good issue. Read Full Review

Im really hoping that this is one of those situations where this arc reads better in totality then it does as single issues. There is a giant web being spun here, but the mystery just is not pulling me in. I continue to hold out for something, anything to trigger in my head as to what Im missing that is making people rave about DotF, but for now I will continue to sit in the rain, without an umbrella wondering why Im still here. Read Full Review

The Death of the Family issues dealing directly with the Joker have only gotten worse as the months have dragged on, finally hitting rock bottom here in this NC-17 horror fetish fantasy that's so far removed from classic Batman stories it's nearly unrecognizable. For those who enjoy it I'm leaving it to you. Mr. Snyder thanks for the memories, but I'm getting off this particular roller coaster with this issue. Pass. Read Full Review

despite some very beautiful art panels by Greg Capullo this story is not grabbing me the way that i'd hoped it would! Joker has been reduced to a second-rate version of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. and Batman is just a complete bungling idiot!!!

these two characters, Batman and the Joker are both my ALL-TIME favorite comic characters!!! they are both facing off in what is being touted as the MUST READ COMIC OF THE YEAR!!! ... i SHOULD be loving this??? ... but i am not ..... it's just .......Meh.

....AND ... yet again DC uses this opportunity to cash grab it's readers into buying into another cross-over event hosted by their star writer Scott Snyder. ...get out your nickels and dimes everyone!!!