Of course, the Talons finally freeze and Bruce makes his escape to go and save Jeremiah Arkham - a plot point added at the eleventh hour - before going after March. Bruce's visit to Arkham Asylum is depicted in the pages of last week's Detective Comics in rather dull detail. Fortunately, March's panels at the end of the issue are superb, and while his time in the Batman universe has been brief, he was such a good foil to Bruce that I still felt upset when he died. His last words are about how great Gotham can be, telling Batman to make sure Bruce Wayne knows that the dream shouldn't die. It's probably one of the best emotional moments in the series so far, and it simply pushes Bruce past the edge. Read Full Review

Scott Snyder in both the main story and backup just does a fantastic job. He is in total control of his craft, and is re-writing the Batman mythos in the process. James Tynion IV is also able to demonstrate his writing talents alongside his teacher and mentor Mr. Snyder. Greg Capullo does probably his best issue yet, and he continues to hammer out better art (if it wasnt already good enough) each issue. Rafael Albuqerque does some fantastic work, and I want to see more work from him at DC. His art in the backup is simply marvelous. This book is definitely one of my favorite books on the stand still.. Read Full Review

The story continues as does the brilliance of Snyder and Capullo along with Tynion IV and Albuquerque in the back-up. Night of the Owls roars to life and we're seeing Batman fighting for his life in a way he hasn't had to before. Somehow Snyder has kept the pacing and action cranked up for the past nine issues. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Capullo is a beast when it comes to giving life to Snyder's script. As the main part of the Night of the Owls, there's a lot to see here and the back-up adds even more to an already great issue. If I was only allowed one comic to read each month, it would definitely be BATMAN. Read Full Review

The creative team has managed to return Batman to the top tiers - where he rightfully belongs, of course. Let's hope he stays there a while. Read Full Review

"The Fall of the House of Wayne" helps boost what becomes (overall) a slightly sagging middle of "Batman" #9; add it to the great first two-thirds of the issue and we end up with a strong addition to both "Night of the Owls" and the Snyder and Capullo "Batman" series in general. Another excellent chapter in a continually strong comic. Read Full Review

Batman is DC's best title. I can say that confidently and absolutely. It stands out much like Green Lantern did for so many of the previous five or six years. Snyder is creating an enormous storyline with a character that seems to have had everything already done. This book is one not to miss. Don't be scared away by the crossover. If you get one book this week get this one. Read Full Review

While Batman #9 doesn't pack the punch of the previous issue, you can still feel the tension rise as Batman and company are in for the fight of their lives. Read Full Review

When all is said and done with Batman #9, the identity of at least three major members of the Court Of Owls is revealed, though only to Batman. Scott Snyder smartly keeps the names from us and allows Batman’s reaction to dictate how serious it all is. The nonstop action ends on a dime in the last pages this book, but it doesn’t feel awkward, it completely works. The death at the end of Mr. March gives the scene emotional gravitas, which in turn stops the action cold without feeling off. Who are the names on the list? How does this affect Batman and the whole Batman Universe? I am waiting on pins and needles to see how all of this works out. Read Full Review

Get it. It's great as always and its only majorhindranceis the lost time caused by the “Detective Comics” tie-in. Honestly, how could you turn down a new batmobile, a T-Rex, Pennyworth(s), use of the word “Vengeance”, and Batman vs. an undead horde? Read Full Review

A few hiccups, but still a pretty fine issue. Read Full Review

I digress though. Those were the two little things that bugged me, but anyways, it was another awesomely drawn issue by Capullo, so there's that... but what really shined in this issue was the back up. There's so much pure atmosphere and mystery brought up in those short ten pages, where I quite honestly am looking forward to that more than the main feature next issue, crazy. The line about Martha is rather cryptic, as I feel the need to point out that some believe the wheel chair woman in issue #6 to be Martha's mother... hmm hmm hmm. And on top of that, the art Rafael Albuquerque produced is on par with the best of his American Vampire. That shot of the Talon at the end was flawless. Read Full Review

Nine issues in, and Scott Snyder shows no sign of slowing down his fantastic runs on both Batman and Swamp Thing. This issue closes down the Night of the Owls and sets Batman on a path that will lead him right into the heart of the Court of Owls. With two issues left of this Owl storyline, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that I can't wait to see how everything is going to turn out. Read Full Review

A re-read clarified my mistake, but it could've been avoided with a line of narration early on. Regardless, the expansion on the Pennyworth family and their history with the Waynes is fun. The real appeal to the back-up, though, is the work of Rafael Albuquerque. This story is steeped with heavy linework and moody inks, and assisted by the lush colors of Dave McCaig, it becomes the primary selling point of the extra tale. Read Full Review

Its a royal rumble in the bat-cave as Batman takes on a dozen Talon assassins single handedly. And from the pages of the Avengers Jarvis? The #1 DC series continues with another action-packed issue. Written by Scott Snyder (Severed). Illustrated by Greg I hope he stays for many more issues Capullo (Spawn) & Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire). From DC Comics. Read Full Review

Any complaints I have about Batman #9 are slight, and probably stem more from me reading too many comics than any substantial forthcomings of the actual creative talent involved. But still, I didnt enjoy this quite so much as the best issues of this run thus far. But Im still hoping that Snyder, Capullo and co blow us away with the finale. Read Full Review

So no, not my favorite issue but that's like picking my least favorite peace of work at the Smithsonian, it's all good. I'm still biting at the bit to read the next issue. Read Full Review

Batman #9 was another strong issue of the Night of the Owls storyline. Scott Snyder has done an excellent job getting over the threat the Court of the Owls have brought to the entire city of Gotham. With the added motivation he gains in this issue it is going to be fun to see how far Batman will go as he takes the fight to the Court of Owls. The back-up was a nice icing on the cake that expands on the story being told in the main feature. Read Full Review

The setup-nature as well as the weak pacing of this issue takes it down a few notches, but with Snyder and Capullo you're always guaranteed good Bat stuff. Read Full Review

I wish the last few pages had dealt with the Night of Owls other than a mostly forgetable back-up story. I'm also not thrilled with writer Scott Snyder's attempt to rope Alfred's family into the seemingly all-encompassing Court of Owls arc. Worth a look Read Full Review

Batman #9 presents a very dark and aggressive Bruce. The psychological and physical toll of the Court has pushed him to the brink, and his anger has finally been unleashed. Much as Snyder has done throughout this early run of Batman Volume Two, expansion of Bat-mythology combined with metaphoric storytelling strongly points toward robust characterization and a very personal narrative. It's also a story of legacy, taking a deep root in the history of Batman. Aside from a lackluster conclusion to the main feature of this issue, Batman #9 is a fine addition to this epic. Read Full Review

This is another pretty cool issue. Shows a bit more about the past of Wayne Mayor and Bruce Wayne's relationship with Owls. Still not as good as the Court of Owls story but there are a few moments that really stick.

Writing-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Art-⭐⭐
Story-⭐⭐⭐⭐

Issue begins exactly where the previous one ended - right after Batman comes out of his armory and begins to fight a swarm of Talons. Once again, the story is very fast paced and relies on heavy action.
One thing's certain - Talons don't pose a threat to Batman like during the previous story arc. Now, even having overwhelming advantage in numbers, Bruce manages to handle them and survive thanks to his skills and perseverance, not just pure luck. Whether or not it was a good change, I leave for you to judge, but even though they seem depowered from the very beginning, it sure doesn't hurt the story and make in any less intense. It's still one hell of a story, and Snyder, step by step, teases the upcoming turn of power, where Batman, for the first time, gets the upper hand. more