The "Court of Owls" story has already become a classic, in my opinion, and "Death of the Family" has set the standard extremely high for any future confrontations with the Joker. I'm glad that the book also gives us engrossing shorter tales as well! Be sure you pick up this issue, and be back next month for the conclusions! Read Full Review

Let me just start off by saying that Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo (with the notable regular backup story script assist by James Tynion IV) are absolutely killing it with this title on a consistent and monthly basis. There is simply no such thing as a filler issue or a calm storyline with these guys leading the charge. And this issue is absolutely no exception to the standard that I as a lifelong Batman fan have come to expect from this dynamic team of creators. They make comics fun and challenging and really take the medium to a whole new level, which is surprisingly much more difficult to do as time goes by and these characters go through writer after writer and artist after artist on a weekly basis. Read Full Review

Anyways, it was tremendous to see Superman find Batman to talk to him about Damien. And this adventure seems like a nice fun way to show how the two interact outside of JL meetings. Definitely worth reading. Read Full Review

You really can't go wrong purchasing this issue. The backup is just as strong as the main feature, and while the tone of Batman in both is strikingly different you could probably chalk that up to Bats not trusting Superman. Clayface is introduced with some added value and the story isn't as straight-laced as previous issues, with multiple balls floating in the air. Read Full Review

"Batman" #19 is probably one of my favorite issues of this series to date; I like the smaller scale and the using of familiar faces while adding their own extra pieces of plot. I'm looking forward to the upcoming "Zero Year" (which eagle-eyed readers will catch a reference to here, meaning it's more than just a story title about when it takes place), but when it's over I'd love to see Snyder and Capullo turn out some more smaller stories like this one. They're good at the epics, but I think this is a reminder that they're good with a smaller scale, too. Read Full Review

It's not a huge, life changing storyline contained within these pages; it's not a massive event that's dragging all of the other Bat-titles in for tie-ins, or even a crossover with one or two titles. This is just a straight forward, solid Batman story that shows that we don't need to always have the highest stakes to have an enjoyable series. With Tynion's distinctly different back-up story as well, this is a great start to this two issue interlude between long storylines which shows that Snyder is just as good at the shorter stuff as he is at the longer stuff that's made his run on Batman already one that will be talked about for years to come. Read Full Review

All-in-all "Batman" #19 is a successful depiction of the continuation of the grieving process that the title character must experience. Adaptive storytelling facilitates a sense of forward motion in a dark and tempestuous time that could have easily mired down the series. With no shortage of action and mystery, the book delivers beautiful art and thoughtful narrative while reminding us why we love the Dark Knight so much in the first place. Read Full Review

The main story is pretty good though there are several minor issues which slightly disappointed me. The only big one was that the story would have worked better if the identity of the villain had remained a mystery for a longer time. The backup story is even better giving a nice contrast to the typical Batman story and giving us a delightful chance to see the worlds' greatest super team working together. If you are a fan of Batman, you'll want to buy this issue. It's not the best this creative team has done, but it's definitely worth purchasing. Read Full Review

Greg Capullo's artwork looks cleaner here than it usually does -- more crisp and less hurried-looking. I've always loved the artwork in Batman, but it really feels like Capullo drew things less rounded and more utilitarian in an effort to mirror Batman: TAS's art style like Snyder was mimicking the narrative style. If not, the art is still fantastic. If so, that's just a whole new level to the way Snyder and Capullo produce this book and work together. Read Full Review

From any other creative team, this issue would be cause to clap maniacally and toss the creators a fish treat! Unfortunately, Snyder and Capullo have spoiled us rotten with mindbending Bat-stories and this isn't quiteup to their lofty standards. It's still good, but it doesn't have thatsnap to it. Keep an eye on the back-up though! Read Full Review

And that's what this issue focuses on the most " Batman's keen detective skills. In fact, it almost reads like an issue of Detective Comics (keep in mind that is where Snyder got his start on Batman) as the Caped Crusdaer unravels the mystery surrounding the Brian Wade/Clayface plot, and there's a panel through Batman's view as he uses a facial recognition device in his cowl. It's something that is simultanouesly and paradoxically overstated and not stated enough " Snyder and Capullo are so in sync when it comes to this title that each issue is something special. Read Full Review

Scott Snyder knows how to setup and stage a mystery tale for Batman which shows that while Batman is intelligent, he can still be snuck up on. The opening of the issue begins with an evil Bruce Wayne confronting Jim Gordon and the GPD. It reminds me of Michael Mann's movie, Heat. The issue also contains some reflections about the late Damian Wayne. The main spotlight of the issue is the protagonist. While I won't spoil it, it caught me by surprise still even though this plot has been done dozens of times. Read Full Review

Having the story shift back some days before the opening gives us that tease of a feeling knowing where the story is going to go but not being really sure how it will get there. Seeing Batman do more detective work is always a welcomed sight. James Tynion IV and Alex Maleev begin an interesting back up story that shows us why Batman works so well with a particular other character. Snyder and Capullo continue to show us you simply can't go wrong with BATMAN. You're always guaranteed a good time. Read Full Review

While Batman #19 does continue to address the grief Bruce feels from Damien's death, it still delivers a storyline with an interesting twist that will entertain both continuing and newer readers. In addition to providing readers with a much shorter and easier to digest story, it also seems to pique readers' anticipations over the much-hyped "Zero Year" arc that will begin this summer given Gordon's comments to Wayne early on in the issue. In many regards, this issue works because it manages to both address the concerns of the past while still providing readers with something of an opportunity to catch their breaths by taking a break from major cross-title story arcs. Read Full Review

Even more intriguing is the first part of a back-up story by the very talented James Tynion IV entitled "Ghost Lights", in which Superman and Batman team-up for a supernatural adventures that brings the Man of Steel to his knees. The artwork from Alex Maleev ensures that this is a gritty and frightening tale, the kind of horror story that would fit in nicely in a desperately needed horror anthology. Read Full Review

This was a fantastic issue, and although not quite to the level of Death of the Family, it was very enjoyable, and I'm sure the conclusion will be amazing. It was however very interesting, and quite mysterious, and although it borrowed elements from previous stories it still felt unique, which was a bonus. I would highly recommend this as it was fun, and interesting, but if you are seriously strapped for cash it's easily missable, as although it references Year Zero I doubt that it will affect it (especially considering Year Zero's meant to have happened prior to the start of this series). Read Full Review

Batman #19 redeems Snyder and co. for the less-than-Snydertastic #18. The writing and art is up to par again, and even though the backup isn't does't match the level of quality as the main story, this is still an amazing issue. Read Full Review

It's great to have a smaller story for a change, especially one that has such great detective work and a Clayface who is actually a formidable opponent. The backup, while not my cup of tea (extended DCU + ghosts), will surely serve as a fun team-up to those who like the Batman/Superman dynamic. I say pick this issue up. It looks to be a very entertaining 2-parter before we jump into the massive Zero Year. Read Full Review

Even though this may not be the most important issue of Batman, it is still an enjoyable issue. Clayface is written very well along with great personal narration. This book features some of the best artwork that the industry has to offer with Alex Maleev and Greg Capullo. Watching these talented artists and writers at their prime is a sight to behold. Read Full Review

In summary the art is consistent with Capullo and you won't be disappointed. Writing wise, Snyder's built a solid self-contained story but the real test to his followers is coming in the much talked about Zero Year coming to you next month! Read Full Review

Batman #19 may not be part of any big storylines, but it's already far more relevant than most of the shorter arcs we see. Snyder, Capullo, and Tynion have delivered another high-quality Batman adventure. Read Full Review

This issue was just kind of weird, you know? It was a fun, to the point Clayface story, but it was also just that. This is the book that drives shit, the other follows, so it going small scale on us is a jarring change of pace for me. But again, that doesn't mean this wasn't fun, it was just different, and we also got some great Batman Superman interactions too. So, yeah! Hopefully people are like me, and can appreciate the issue for what it is, and not overreact to us not getting another huge story, or whatever. Read Full Review

Batman #19 may not be an epic story arc, but it process Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo can tell any Batman story, in any style, and make it sing. Read Full Review

Also a delight this month is the back-up feature by James Tynion IV and Alex Maleev. Not only is it an immense joy to see Maleev drawing Batman, but this issue does one better by bringing Superman into the fold. That's right, the back-up here is a classic World's Finest team-up. It's very much Superman coming into Batman's world " Tynion plays up Superman's weakness to the supernatural " and it's just a blast to read. Tynion jams off of some beats in the main narrative where Alfred references Clark calling Bruce to talk about Damian, and it works like a charm. It might not be the most memorable Batman/Superman pairing, but it's certainly the best we've seen in the New 52 and it's gorgeous to boot. Read Full Review

Batman #19 is another little break from Snyder and Cappullo's epic arcs. It's nothing that will blow you away, but there's still much to like here, especially the backup story. Sometimes it's nice to just sit back and watch Batman solve a simple crime, even if it's a tad predictable. Read Full Review

For all its positives the one big negative makes me hesitant to say that Batman #19 measures up to the standard that Scott Snyder has set for himself. Batman is a character that works best when we dont know everything he is thinking. That said there is a lot of things that the issue does well. The way Snyder uses Damians death to enhance Batmans current mental state and is able to make Clayface a bigger threat than he previously was are great examples of this. The addition of a great back-up story by James Tynion IV involving a Superman/Batman team-up helps to elevate the value of this issue. It also doesnt hurt that Greg Capullo continues to deliver some of his best artwork to date. If youre a Batman fan I recommend checking out Batman #19 as all the good it does is able to overshadow the one negative. Read Full Review

While Batman uncovers new information about Clayface's transformation, I believe we get to see (correct me if I'm wrong) a newly designed Batplane and Batcycle (reminiscent to the Batpod). Brand-spanking new or not, I love the Batplane in this issue " it's got a Burton quality to it. I never hone in and start gushing over vehicles like this, but I really dig how Greg Capullo drew the aircraft in the panel. I must also praise the whole art team for their design of Clayface, whose transformation is downright vile looking. Read Full Review

Batman #19 simply has too many chefs in the kitchen. Harper Row is nowhere to be seen, and it's going to take another issue for Snyder to get out of this Clayface muck. Grit your teeth and plow through it, or take two issues off and come back for Zero Year in June. You won't miss much. Read Full Review

After a whole lot of darkness, Scott Snyder brightens up Batman by not just by having a lot of it take place during daytime, but also by bringing in some less-serial-killerish supervillains, namely Clayface and Reaper -- who are still a bit spooky, but they're also a transforming pile of mud and a rejected design from a tie-in comic for GWAR. Either way, it's exciting to me for reasons I'm not sure I understand -- I think it's because it creates a vibe reminiscent of the classic 1990s animated series, especially as Snyder creates an intriguing hook for the opening pages as shown by the the gatefold cover reveal. Read Full Review

Scott Snyder has definitely had a solid run on Batman, in my opinion. The stories range from good to great, and I think everything he created with the Court of Owls should stand the test of time as one of the really awesome, original modern-day Batman stories. The man knows his characters, and he's got a solid voice on Batman himself. Artist Greg Capullo is the perfect accomplice. This is a great Batman creative team, and I'm actually looking forward to his upcoming Batman: Zero Year idea. Unfortunately, Snyder kind of drops the ball a little with the filler material on the way to Zero Year. Read Full Review

This issue just didn't do it for me, which is a rare miss for Snyder. Read Full Review

This seriously has to be the first misstep the main Bat book has taken since the New52 introduction, so I can let it slide. However, I'm going to need a lot more in the next issue. I am going to need something to make Clayface more interesting if I am going to continue with this arc. I need a reason to care about him, or at least care about why it is imperative that Batman stop him. Also my biggest gripe had to be that the payoff teased by the cover fell pretty flat once it played.Overall this issue was not a great showing for the Batman creative team. Read Full Review

Scott Snyder's writing simply isn't up to snuff. Beyond a small moment of Bruce mourning Damian's passing that is barely related to the rest of the issue, there is virtually no emotion to be found here. Greg Capullo's brilliant art and James Tynion IV and Alex Maleev's intriguing backup are not nearly enough to make up for how cold and lifeless this issue feels. It seems like we're killing time in the lead up to Zero Year, so you might as well stay away until that hits in June. Read Full Review

a goofy little two-issue arc staring Clayface. i think Snyder wrote himself into a corner by making Clayface WAY too powerful and dangerous in this. Clayface gets an ability in this story that quickly gets forgotten about throughout all of the other Batman titles across The New 52.