"Endgame" and this issue in particular would not be such a resounding success if not for the combined talents of Capullo, Miki, and Plascencia. They all bring Gotham City to vibrant life as a cohesive team. These creators put out the best book on the stands with each successive issue. This issue is an amalgamation of every aspect of what makes this a perfect series. Read Full Review

I would definitely say that every fan of the Caped Crusader needs to read this story. It is emotional, action packed, mysterious and delivers on all levels. Read Full Review

Snyder has said before that this is his last turn on a Joker story, and with the way this ended we should all be okay with that. He pits two rivalsupon one another in a way that shows how truly dependent they are on the other's stance in Gotham, and it's also one of the craziest and most detailed fights you've ever seen. Read Full Review

Batman #40 is a near-perfect conclusion to the “Endgame” arc, as well as serving as an unofficial end to the Batman saga. The creative team has positioned the book for a bold new directionthat simultaneously parallels and contrasts with past story lines. Wherever path the next storyfollows, Snyder and Capullo will have a difficult time topping themselves. Read Full Review

All of these elements from Snyders structure and scripting, to Capullo and Mikis dynamic, hedonistic linework, to Plascencias glowing palette have made this book into the one you just have to marvel at every single month. While Batman #40 may be an ending, it thankfully is not the end. And thank goodness for that. The next era of Gothams Dark Knight cannot come soon enough with them all still on board. Read Full Review

Weve seen Batman fight the Joker many many times over the years but this is the fight to end all fights. There is no holding back as Jokers plan rushes to its ultimate fruition. Neither Batman nor Joker can afford to hold back. This is the stuff Bat-fans have been hungering for. Scott Snyder constantly sets the bar high for himself. Big things have been set up here and we get an epic conclusion, one most people might not expect. Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, and FCO Plascencia continue to deliver the glorious details and action the book demands. This isnt a story youll soon forget. There are repercussions and youll be haunted by some of the imagery. Snyder, the creative team, and Batman and Joker dont hold anything back. Read Full Review

If you want one book that leaves you nervous and excited after finishing it, pick it up. I've already started re-reading It. Read Full Review

As for the ultimate question of Batman's survival, I will not spoil it for those who have not yet read the issue. If you have a burning desire to know, The Guardian has an article that may, or may not, answer your questions. As for this final chapter of Endgame, it is a proper end for a powerful arc that will go down as one of the great Joker tales. As for the future of Batman, we will have to see what happens in June. Read Full Review

Greg Capullo pencils his heart out in Batman #40. The climactic battle between Joker and Batman is bloody and visceral. Years of hatred pour out of every punch and wound with rage that has been building for years. While he still has a grin, there is all fear in Joker's eyes as he sees the Dionesium slip from his grasp. Much like life, and Bruce's time as Batman, it ends on a quiet note. Simple and iconic, the final scene sticks in your brain. As Julia tells Alfred about the death of Bruce, Capullo brings so many emotions into the eyes of Alfred. Hatred, confusion, sadness, helplessness, they are all there as he ponders what he is going to do with his life next. Read Full Review

This is how Batman should be done. Pathos and grandeur are in large supply and you'll be counting the days to see how this, the most beloved of franchises, unfolds next. Read Full Review

For a story arc aptly titled Endgame, this is a Batman story that won't fade away anytime soon. This issue will have huge consequences, and the aftermath will be a sight to see. In an interview, Snyder said he wanted to go out with a bang, and though his position as head Batman scribe won't be changing, he and the creative team have upped the ante with a Batman-Joker tale that will be popping up on Best-Of lists. Read Full Review

This issue is beautiful, brutal, bloody, exciting and important.  Important to Batman and the whole DC Universe.  I really shouldn't have to say anymore.  Just go and buy this issue, read it and have your mind blown. Read Full Review

A perfect comic in every way, Snyder and Capullo have created an issue that will stand the test of time Read Full Review

From a fantastic and dramatic story to some of the most inspiring art I have ever seen, this arc and particularly this issue is one of the best comic book issues I have read in a very long time. Read Full Review

Batman number forty delivers an ending that will be talked about for years to come as it truly defines the relationship not only between these two mythical characters, but also the relationship of Snyder and Capullo and their work on this series. While this issue sets the stage for an all new Batman that's been spoiled for months now, the impact and weight of this issue will bring you back to this storyline for multiple re-reads. This is a defining issue in what's been a defining take on the character. It should not be missed. Read Full Review

So if it isn't already clear, Batman #40 is a modern day masterpiece of comics. Snyder and Capullo have been mind-bogglingly good so far but Endgame is the best thing the two have put their name to. This ending stands well on its own as an epic portrayal of a hero and his nemesis, but the gutsy ending by Snyder ensures this will remain a classic comic talked about for years. Snyder and Capullo have raised the bar for Batman comics and most superhero comics in general, this is an absolutely outstanding comics that shows how classic tried and true characters can still lead to some of the most shocking and impactful comics after such a long time. Read Full Review

"Endgame" is a perfect reaction to "Death of the Family" and I can't choose which one I like more. Why should I? I thought they were both done well by artists who truly understand the relationship of these legends. I loved this issue, this story and this team. It's a shame they won't be doing a Joker story anytime soon. I know Snyder said this was his final Joker story, but never say never. Next up for the team is a switch behind the cowl, and it's one I'm not that excited about. That issue is neither here nor there. I'll just say "Endgame" is a perfect celebration of one of the most popular villains of our time. Read Full Review

Batman #40 is a terrific ending to Endgame. If it was the last Joker or even Batman story ever I'd still be happy. Read Full Review

*Note: The inflated cover price is pretty disappointing considering this issue is not extended in length, and something to keep in mind for those expected extra pages. Read Full Review

But they still have more stories to tell. In that regard, Batman #40 serves as both a conclusion and a launching point for a brand new tale. Whatever comes next, theres every reason in the world to be excited. Read Full Review

Overall, "Endgame" comes across as one of Snyder's stronger arcs in "Batman," which is saying a lot, and "Batman" #40 is a particularly strong chapter. The conclusion is also more satisfying than Snyder's previous Joker story, "Death of the Family," and the ending is an enticing setup for the creative team's next storyline. While it's the apparent end of the game for the main characters in this drama, it isn't for the creators, who are clearly at the top of theirs. Read Full Review

Batman #40 is the epic conclusion we've been waiting for. The team ups between Batman and his old rogues are a bit underplayed, but the actual confrontation between Batman and Joker is easily the highest point in Snyder and Capullo's run on Batman. This ends a point in Batman's career, what's going to happen next is everyone's guess. Read Full Review

Batman fights the Joker. Yet, this comic is so much more than that. Snyder puts some misdirection in this issue to keep the reader on the edge of their seats. The final few pages are as surprising and dramatic as the final bloody confrontation between the pair. If you can spare five bucks this week I recommend checking this issue out, regardless if you have read any of this arc or title of late. Don't miss this issue because it may turn out to be a classic. Read Full Review

At the end of the day, even with the shortcomings in the first quarter of the book, the conclusion is so strong that I think this could work as the final Batman story a reader could read, and they would be immensely satisfied. Read Full Review

Once again, Snyder and Capullo played with our expectations and threw in potential retcons that enraged or discomforted anyone with a particularly jerky knee. But comfort zones are for lesser storytellers, and things are at their best when they're not as they seem. When this team does finally leave the book (and apparently they were originally planning to at the end of this arc), I don't at all envy who has to pick up the reigns after them. Read Full Review

Batman #40 is a satisfying conclusion to Snyder and Capullo's second Joker epic. While the early scenes focused on Batman's other villains and sidekicks are under-cooked, the bulk of the issue and its focus on the Batman/Joker rivalry is an enthralling read. The creators paint an unsettling, bloody and very dramatic picture of two old enemies locked in one last, desperate battle for the fate of Gotham. And the best part is that this issue, rather than merely acting as a finale to one story, only opens the door for new conflicts to come. Read Full Review

The endgame is here and it certainly is an end to Joker's game. You may not be entirely satisfied with its final pages, but when it comes to Joker vs Batman this may be the most heavy-hitting, memorable finish yet. Read Full Review

Still, as far as conclusions go, Snyder and Capullo promised we'd see some fireworks - they just didn't mention how gut-wrenching they'd look. The finale of Endgame is violent and intimate, a raising of the stakes of what was set up years ago with Death of the Family. It's painful, like all good drama, and it absolutely sets up some new directions with the Batman books that could have some great potential. While there are a few bumps that keep this issue from perfection, I'd still say this is the best conclusion Snyder and Capullo have done since the Court of Owls. Read Full Review

It's in these moments thatBatman#40 feels like the real deal. If Snyder had employed more restraint,the final result ofEndgamewould have been a Bat-story for the ages. Instead, what we're provided with isa severe gut-punch.What's really funny is that it could have workedas both. Read Full Review

I really enjoy Scott Snyder's Batman as a series. He's a great creator, Capullo is an amazing artist, and they both do a great job of creating a world and an atmosphere for Batman stories. But Snyder's Joker is all style and no substance, and it brings the whole comic down. Read Full Review

Batman endgame was big, bold, action packed, and a must read in the Batman mythos. However I hesitate to put it into the upper echelon of Batman stories in the vain of books such as: Long Halloween, Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, and Hush. While this story has been critically acclaimed in my opinion it is a bit bloated to be considered a Batman masterpiece. Read Full Review

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. Read Full Review

Wow, just wow

PERFECT end!!

This is a comic that will go down in history as one of the best Batman stories ever told or to some, one of the worst. In my opinion it's one of the best.

I want more

Ha

"I'm just going to rest here a little while with my friend."

Best comic book of the week.

A very intense ending. The only things that disrupt the quality of this issue are the super villain team up and the sound waves cracking the respirators, that's just cartoony. As you get to the final pages though, you feel like you are reading something for the ages.

I wouldn't say it's perfect but Endgame is definitely one of best Batman stories to date. Although I am someone who thinks Snyder has masterful storytelling, this finale wasn't Snyder's finest. We get a lot A LOT of crazy action in this issue but the way it was resolved was kinda odd. Obviously Snyder meant to leave us with a mysterious cryptic ending where there are more questions than answers but overall, this story does change the status quo of Batman, at least for the time being. Also it was kinda a letdown with the villain teamup, I thought Batman's rogue gallery would be more involved in this issue but I guess not. Dick showing up out of nowhere was a fun surprise though. Let's see how Snyder crafts the next chapter of Batman. Definitely still onboard. more

I liked it, but I still feel that something is missing. Let's see how the next issues will develop this

Snyder doesn't quite understand the Batman and Joker characters fully. Almost, but not quite, so here we have an amazingly written story that falls down slightly when you consider who the people involved are. I'm not sure this'll be looked upon quite as glowingly in the light of history as it is right now.

I have to admit that I was strongly let down on this issue, mostly because I'm starting to feel the repetitiveness of some points in the story that already occurred somewhere else in the series since Snyder took over. The action was great nevertheless and Capullo killed it as always.

A decent ending; still doesn't live up to Snyder's Black Mirror, though.

this story was a HOT MESS!!!
i was thrilled that the Joker was back and we were promised the Batman/Joker story to END all stories!!!

this arc was AWFUL! it was all over the place, Snyder wasted so many pages of useless info dumping, and the finale was just ...... empty!

this used to be my favorite DC title, but Snyder's stories are getting worse and worse.

another thing- Scott Snyder, why don't you just let Capullo's art tell the story JUST once in a while??? are you such an ego maniac that you need to jam fill every single panel with as many run on paragraphs as you possibly can?

some times you just need to shut your big mouth and let the artist do his thing!!!

i DO NOT RECOMMEND! more