Snyder is writing one of the freshest takes on Batman I've ever seen. It's truly something to behold. That would be enough, but Capullo is unwaveringly good and the coloring by Plascenia is a perfect complement.Rife withaction, characterization and some thoughtful sociological subtext, Batman #42 is a must read. Read Full Review

If you can't see anyone else but Bruce in the suit, I'd implore you to give these two issues a try. I am one of the biggest Bat-fans I know, and I'm loving it! I highly recommend you dive into this new status quo regardless of how big a fan of the character you are " you won't regret it! Read Full Review

Batman #42 is vibrant, kinetic, but, most importantly, fun. Whether you're an old fan or someone looking for something new, this book is highly recommended. Read Full Review

Batman #42 continues building off the success and quality of the last issue, advancing the plot forward with new mysteries and character development. While not everything has been revealed or even possibly hinted at for where this comic can go, the future still looks bright for this title. This status quo may not last forever, but it's taken us this far, and it's a ride you are still not going to want to miss out on. Read Full Review

Intriguing character depth, bombastic superheroics (doled out by the infinitely great Mr. Capullo), and not one, but two "" the hell?!" mysteries? This is truly the Batman book we need right now. Snyder & Capullo aren't merely promising a new era for the Batman. With this bold new direction, they mean to thoroughly deliver. Read Full Review

I like that Snyder saved an original villain to put up against Gordon, with some minor villains to keep up the punching. That should keep the issues exciting and action-packed, and you've got to have that when you're playing with a Robo-Batman. Capullo has plenty of action to draw, and he's still one of the best in the business. Read Full Review

As the issue itself suggests, there is little point in pondering whether this is Batman for too long. "You worry about Batman meaning something to people," argues Julia Perry/Pennyworth, "you'll go down fast. If you do it your way, the things you belive in, the things you stad for? Batman will stand for those too." The message from his crew is loud and clear: if Gordon is true to himself, Batman will stand for all of those things as well. Yet Snyder might be reassuring himself here, having rarely shied away from telling the kinds of Batman stories he has always wanted to tell. Even with the bombshell of a closing panel, which leaves us with perhaps the biggest mystery of them all, this issue of Batman is a statement on the Dark Knight, no matter who wears the cowl. Read Full Review

Back with the kids from the beginning, the argument turns to Duke Thomas to decide “Is the old Batman gone for good?” He says he has no idea, as a bearded Bruce Wayne drops off bottles of water for the kids, telling the, to call him ‘Bruce' instead of ‘Mr. Wayne'. He is working with Julie Madison, at some sort of craft place. When he enters the other room, Gordon tells him that he is Batman and he wants to talk with him. Whaaaat?! Is Bruce running off to have the family Alfred always wanted for him? Does he have amnesia? What's going on?! Read Full Review

With an underlying mystery, the development of a character and the exploration of Gotham City, "Batman" #42 is still a fun book that affords Snyder and Capullo a chance to play. Additionally, the creative team continues to investigate the inspiration of Batman, just from a totally different, inspired perspective. Read Full Review

There are some fun action sequences in here, and a new Bat-Mobile that looks more like a Bat-Truck. Capullo creates fluid action and there is one page where he creates a Batman made out of brick that is awesome to look at. Read Full Review

The Batman team continues their stellar run on the title as they explore this new atmosphere in Gotham City, providing some great character moments for Jim Gordon and discussions on what Batman means for individuals and the city as a whole. While the story is still setting in place this new status quo, its one that, at this point in time, will be well worth the eventual pay off. Read Full Review

Batman #42 is another solid chapter in an amazing saga. I will admit that this issue felt a little drawn out compared to some of the previous ones, but when I hit those final pages my head nearly exploded. Snyder and Capullo are a dream team, and their kick-assery continues with this new take on Batman and #42 is another winner. Read Full Review

That said, Batman #42 is another solid entry. Wayne's appearance in the book adds a nice twist that may give fans clamoring for his return a nice glimmer of hope. Given Snyder's track record, I'm excited to see what happens. Read Full Review

Now that Bruce Wayne is most likely going to fund Gordon's gear, Gordon is free to operate as Batman however he wants. It's going to be another fun chapter for our old Commissioner. Read Full Review

After such a big, loud, epic conflict involving the Joker, this series really needed a chance to slow down and take in the changing landscape of Gotham City. That's exactly what "Superheavy" is accomplishing right now. Snyder and Capullo are doing a great job of exploring what makes Gordon a different breed of Batman, but also why he's the only one that could have been the new Batman in the first place. Now if only the limited Bruce Wayne material were so successful. Read Full Review

Who and whatis Batman? What, exactly, does he stand for? What function does he serve? Scott Snyder has a way of structuring his stories as philosophical inquiries, and these are the questions that define the center ofBatman #42. In fact, they are the questions defining the entire present arc. Read Full Review

Batman #42 continues to focus on the development of these characters and the new portrayal of Gotham City, post-Joker. Capullo and Snyder continue to deliver a concise story that avoids the shadows of the previous storyline. Although, Gordon's inner struggle is heavily discussed, this is clearly an issue about the Batman, no matter who wears it. Read Full Review

While Bruce Wayne grew a foxy beard and took himself out of the equation, Batman #42 shows that Gotham City is in more than capable hands. Read Full Review

This 'Superheavy' arc is going off in all kinds of directions, but the creative team seems determined to follow through with exploring how this resonates and reflects on Gordon. It's big budget, summer tentpole spectacle, but I think what makes this one of the strongest mainstream corporate comics is that desire to try to figure out an answer to their question. Read Full Review

Batman #42 is a solid issue in this run of Batman, but it doesn't do anything special in my eyes. However,it does keep me wanting to read what happens next. The momentum of the story slows down, but it gives time for a real mystery to build. My curiosity is peaked in this issue, but I hope that the ending doesnt fall flat. Read Full Review

Batman #42 continues to show why this is an intriguing new direction for the Bat, as though there's a huge part of me that would love to see Bruce take back the cowl, it's refreshing to see a new look. The events of this issue also give a somewhat golden age feel, with the new Batmobile bound to turn heads. Read Full Review

This is really good. It's different but the whole set up sort of works. I wish Gordon could have kept his mustache in a way, it would have been interesting. Otherwise not much else to say other than a solid effort. Read Full Review

Snyder and Capullo have a truly intriguing concept on their hands. Instead of ham-handedly throwing said concept at the wall and applying zero depth (like the whole Superior Spider-Man story), these guys have managed to change things up and provide new insight into a character that has been around for over 76 years. Thats not exactly an easy feat to accomplish. Read Full Review

The first issue of the new Batman has already come and passed, and after the initial novelty wears off of having an Iron-Man like Commissioner Gordon in the guise of Batman, it will remain for the creative team to put together a story which is worthy of the title. As one of the standouts thus far of the entire DC reboot (first new 52 and now DC You), it is still not entirely clear how this is going to happen here. The concept is there, and while the characterization is matching what is expected out of this title, it is not clear yet how the story is going to work. There is at least a little bit more of clever storytelling here as opposed to the first issue of this new direction which was a little bit all over the place. In the end though, if this is going to be more than a novelty, the creative team is going to need to pull together something more engaging and while this issue is a definite improvement over the first of this new direction, it also isn't quite there yet. Read Full Review

Batman #42 was another strong entry in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's run on this series. Putting aside Bruce Wayne's presence, Snyder does a very good job at making you come to terms with Jim Gordon as the new Batman. Through some clever plot development Snyder is able to place a greater emphasis on what it means to be Batman, both for the person wearing the cowl and Gotham City itself. This clear definition has set the stage for a different take on the Batman legend that has all the potential to be something special. Read Full Review

The writing is good, the art is good, the mystery is intriguing. That will sell comic books. Batman#42 isn't groundbreaking, but it's entertaining. I'm going along for the ride but hope we get the Dark Knight we deserve soon. Read Full Review

It begs the question of just how long Batman can feel like itself without the presence of Bruce Wayne. But it feels as if some editorial oversight is stepping in to remind the readers that things haven't strayed too far from the previous arc. Otherwise, seeing James Gordon as a government sanctioned Batman is a thrilling and compelling new chapter to Batman that people wont soon forget, even if it doesnt last long. Read Full Review

In my opinion, this isn't a Batman book at the moment. It's a Gordon book that appears to be stumbling while finding it's footing in Batman's world. That's not a bad thing, but right now, the potential is definitely exceeding the delivery. Read Full Review

While I love seeing Jim Gordon in the role as Batman, this story just plays like a re-run of last issue as Batman is forced to go up against another super powered baddie.  The real enjoyment to the story doesn't come until the final pages and because of that, this issue comes off a bit flat.  Hopefully next issue picks up and shows us something new. Read Full Review

Overall, I'd say this "JG:B-C" story arc doesn't really have the potential to match the heights of the best Batman tales, but it's a fun little sidetrack that's worth a read just to get a little new flavor on the Batman mythos. Read Full Review

As far as "Batman" standards go this issue is fairly average. Gordon continues to polish his Batman game while he tries out some new toys. A new villain is introduced as Gordon continues to use some detective skills to figure things out. The comic book is backed up with fantastic artwork, especially during the big fight. The missteps in Sawyer trying to convince Gordon to throw in the towel don't quite add up. Perhaps Snyder is going with the theme that Gordon is full of self-doubt and hesitation? It's unclear where this subplot is going at this point. Overall, this is a good read but nothing near the high standards that this team has set for to this point. Read Full Review

te as of July 20, 2015 11:49 pm jumps around between story points a lot and most of the time they don't flow together at all. Snyder also uses a ton of exposition to explain the "Bat-App" or why certain individuals now have super powers. The self-awareness was a little much and got old pretty quick, "Bat-Stache Away" should never be seen again. There were some bright spots. I enjoyed the three little pig's reference and Gordon's internal struggle on whether or not tying Batman to the government is a good idea. Read Full Review

A step back from issue #1 but still good

After the events that happened in Endgame, this story seems to be a Segway into something bigger. It is an interesting change of pace and the writing and art are as good as ever, but it seems a little slow right now.

Was it just me, or did Officer Batman's second encounter with a villain read exactly like his first? His know-it-all attitude when it comes to the identities of street thugs is alright, but also feels repeated. And that sleek non-armoured suit does look good. The full Bruce reveal and Gordon confronting him didn't need to be doubled up in the last few pages.

Jim Gordon doesn't seem to me like a good character to take the role of Batman. Snyder is really trying to make it right, and I must admit he's doing a great job, but all these ideas to render the series new again seem quite messed up (like the Bat-truck...). I do hope to see Bruce back in the game real soon.

As much as it pains me to admit it, I'm not enjoying this new direction much at all. I'm open to it, but so far it is the weakest arc in the Snyder/Capullo run; they've had an extremely tight run up to now, so the bar is already high. This issue is the second in a row to feature a done-in-one baddie with powers to be put down and this time the solution felt more like deus ex machina than something earned. Hopefully, now that we're seeing there is a pattern, these villain-of-the month issues will evolve from here into something bigger. I'm also not sure what to make of the revelations in the final pages, we'll see how things play out but it's leaving a sour taste in my mouth.