The creative team as a whole hit the ground running in this issue with an over the top challenge that Batman must face in order to save his city. Also introducing us to two new super powered characters, Gotham and Gotham Girl, that intend on letting Batman know that Gotham is their city to protect now. Seeing as how when a new creative team takes over a series, especially a beloved series like this one, their is some slight trepidation but no need to fear because Batman is in good hands once more. Read Full Review

This issue may not be what people are expecting for a new series. The plot trickles in, but the issue is great for new readers and overall, provides a great kick-off to the new comic. We're getting this very intense moment in time and the book does a fine job at not only establishing Batman but also establishing Alfred and Duke as well. Read Full Review

I own every issue of Batman from Issue #196 through #529. Nothing since then has swayed me to pick this series up again on a regular basis, until now. My god, this is Batman as he should be. This has made me fall in love with Batman all over again. More, please. Highest possible recommendation. Read Full Review

In all, this first issue was an excellent way to kick off the new BATMAN series. The art was spectacular and made me fly through the book. The writing nailed the old characters and gave us just enough of something new to get me very excited about what's coming up. Even better, this issue stands well on its own; it has a self-contained plot that is extremely action-packed and hits on some of the common elements of Batman. These familiar elements should be pleasing to longtime fans, but the book doesn't shy away from changing things up just a bit. Tom King is here, and just like Batman, he's trying “something new.” Read Full Review

Scott Snyder spent a majority of his run focusing on Gotham. What makes it tick and what it takes away and what it gives back. Gotham was given character and Batman was ingrained into the DNA of the city. Tom King focuses on Gotham as well, but this time Gotham is a man. A man who asks the question, in a world of Supermen and Wonder Women, is there a place for a someone like Batman? Im sure Batman has a painful answer for Gotham, and I cant wait to read it. Read Full Review

What does he do if Gotham no longer needs Batman? Does he stop? Can he stop? And most important of all, should he stop? Let's not forget, Batman did all the hard work. He navigated the plane away from the populated areas and kept it from hitting any buildings on his way. The new heroes, who call themselves Gotham and Gotham Girl, just swooped in at the last second and saved Batman. Still, they'll get all the glory and you have to wonder what King is trying to say with heroes who seem to be so confident in their abilities that they declare to Batman that they are his city's new heroes. After all, confidence and goodness never last long in Gotham City and nobody knows that better than Bruce Wayne. Read Full Review

For its finale,Kings of Fear looked inwardly, and turned out one of the most fulfilling finales to a Batman story in recent memory. It may have meandered a bit along the way, but in the end, much like Batman's Quixotic quest itself, it was worth it the journey. Read Full Review

Batman #1 fits nicely into the REBIRTH relaunch and if you are following along from the DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH special then it will be right up your alley as it gives you another layer of the universe to delve into. As far as a Batman book by itself, King puts Batman in an interesting situation that makes the book feel fresh and exciting. David Finch and Jordie Bellaire both do a wonderful job of creating a visual environment for the reader to both enjoy and get lost in. Read Full Review

There is a new rule in comics: Tom King can do no wrong. Everywhere this man goes, comic book gold surfaces. Batman #1 has solidified this rule as King does not even falter when taking the reins to DC’s most daunting title. Batman’s world is written with a finesse and quietness here that feels just right. King has put the gears in motion for another comic classic. DC had some massive shoes to fill once Snyder left this title. They surprisingly seemed to have pulled off the job. Read Full Review

As the issue comes to a close, we're introduced to a pair of new characters claiming they're heroes named Gotham and Gotham Girl. This immediately makes me call back to the Snyder era and the ongoing “Batman is Gotham” theme. That, and the suggestion that they're willing to kill, suggests they'll be breaking bad in a matter of time. Read Full Review

Tom King's Batman looks to be phenomenal, with an exciting first issue that plays up a lot of classic Batman elements, while delivering some truly outstanding action.I would probably prefer a better artist than Finch, but I suppose he'll do for now. Read Full Review

Definitely a very solid opener that may not light the barn on fire but establishes a hell of a lot very quickly all while tantalizing at the end. Read Full Review

Great starting point, cliff-hanger ending with Tom King adding a determined, almost at peace layer to the Batman aura. This issue is not to be missed, between the building-blocks put in motion and the team of David Finch and Jordie Bellaire; Batman #1 is spot-on. Read Full Review

Still, as far as debut issues go, Batman #1 certainly kicks things off with a bang. It's an easy book for readers with even the most basic Bat-knowledge to understand, and its narrative simplicity is a strength that allows the action and beautifully simple shape of the issue to come to the fore. King even ends the issue with an intriguing cliffhanger that definitely leaves you hungry for more. Read Full Review

Do bats make good parents? I honestly have no idea, although I suppose that when you come down to it very few animals treat their children well, humans being no exception. When it comes to Batman, his status as a father is one of the most fraught subjects in all of American superhero comics. As Tom King, DC's new main Batman writer, has observed, the man is something of a psychopath. During his time as one of the creative minds behindGrayson, King was known to say that there is a Dick Grayson story that writers automatically want to tell (and that some have, in fact, told). It's the story of how orphaned Dick Grayson was abused and terrorized by the dark, obsessed billionaire who forced him into a pathological life as a vigilante. There's just something about Bruce Wayne that invites that kind of thing. Read Full Review

Leaving off on pretty engaging cliff hanger (can't wait to see where this is all going), King and Finch are the perfect pair to take over Batman. I had my reservations about them (hell, I had my reservations about the entire DC Rebirth"), but I am more than happy to say they were for naught.Even though it felt like Snyder and Capullo could have gone another 50 issues no problem, a breath of fresh air is never a bad thing. Especially when it's this refreshing. Read Full Review

Batman #1 reminds us of everything that we love about the hero, he doesn't hesitate to jump into the middle of disaster and put his own life on the line. It also points out to the reader that in a world of superheroes, metahumans and aliens – Batman is just one man. But he's quite possibly more inspiring than any of the other heroes that DC relies on. The only downside to the story, is that we're itching to find out more on the Rebirth element of the DC Universe. Whilst this issue skips that storyline – we're hoping that they pick it up soon. Read Full Review

Though they have big shoes to fill following the last creative team, King, Finch and the rest of the team show Batman is in good hands. This story did well to examine Batman's immense intellect and his humanity, but the ending shows potential to examine just how much good he can do without superpowers now that other heroes have shown up to the scene. Batman fans will surely get a kick out of King's portrayal of the hero and what he has in store. Read Full Review

This is an edge of your seat, don't look away, action movie on the page type of issue and my gut tells me that it was great.  My stupid brain had a few issues that I can't completely overlook, but boy, I had a lot of fun with this book.  I can easily recommend this issue to anyone looking for a good time and the crazy cliffhanger ups the ante going forward and I can't wait to see how it all fits together in two weeks.  If this is what Rebirth is about, it's a great time to be a DC Comics fan. Read Full Review

The climax leaves us with plenty of question marks regarding not just who is threatening Gotham now, but who has risen alongside the Bat to save it. The dichotomy of person and persona is better with Batman/Bruce Wayne than perhaps any other superhero out there, and King's openness to blurring those lines in his debut is a great sign for the future. Read Full Review

Tom King met expectations while David Finch went beyond them. Because of that, "Batman" #1 satisfies in various and exciting ways. Read Full Review

Fear not Bat-Fans, Batman is in good hands. With a new conflict that could pit a superhero with no powers against superhero rivals with exceptional powers, this could be another great chapter in the series. Read Full Review

The dichotomy of person and persona is better with Batman/Bruce Wayne than perhaps any other superhero out there, and King's openness to blurring those lines in his debut is a great sign for the future. Read Full Review

A great miniseries for fans of Batman in the 90s, or new fans curious what a good Batman book looks like. I can't wait for next issue and couldn't recommend it more! Read Full Review

Can a man interact with metahumans? That seems to be the question posed by this storyline. Read Full Review

Not a perfect book, but an excellent start to a series and an imprint that each contains an infinite amount of potential moving forward. Even if you have to get a censored copy, I highly recommend picking this book up. Read Full Review

This is a great start to a new run on Batman and doesn't feel like too much of a deviation from what Snyder and Capullo put together for years. Batman was DC's top comic, and it looks like it'll be fighting to retain that title. Read Full Review

Tom King's Batman #1 is everything that it should be and even more, which should sink its hooks into anyone who picks it up. With DC double shipping and readers getting a new Batman book every week, there may be a fear of over saturation. That doesn't seem likely, however, with this book tipping the scales into an overwhelmingly positive start to the new era of Batman comic books. Read Full Review

“Batman” #1 is a fine start to what will hopefully be King's next great DC saga. With “The Omega Men” he shocked us all by delivering what might just be the best Kyle Rayner story ever. Can he, along with Finch, Bellaire and more, do the same for Batman? It's still undecided, but there are some interesting questions asked by this issue and I'm eager to see this storyline develop. Read Full Review

King and co.'s tenure on DC's flagship title opens with a bombastic, action-packed first issue, and its exciting, over-the top premise echoes some of the great 'Silver Age' stories. DC's Rebirth continues to go from strength to strength. Read Full Review

Right now all that matters is chattering about how King, Finch, Banning, and Bellaire sold the utterly ludicrous idea of Batman launching himself onto a plummeting jet using the ejection seat in the Batmobile and rode it to a safe landing like it was a runaway rodeo bronco. Read Full Review

To be sure, Batman #1 has its fair share of flashy splash pages, but Finch and Banning don't sacrifice storytelling in the process either. Read Full Review

King and Finch are off to a roaring start. This issue is a fun and exciting read for anyone and everyone. In the coming weeks, this reviewer will be happy to examine future issues for your review-reading pleasure. Read Full Review

'Batman' under the new creative team usher in a new era of a more relatable Dark Knight thrust into action with large-scale heroics we're not used to seeing. It's an accessible entry point for new readers that won't disappoint long-time fans either. Following a legendary creative team isn't easy but King, Finch, and Bellaire are off to a great start with big action, mystery, and a major cliffhanger.  Read Full Review

In the end, I think I am just thankful for a story that actually feels like a story instead of a commentary on comics, superheroes, the DC Universe, or the legacy of Batman. It wasn't the greatest Batman story ever told, but it was a first small taste into a fresh new take on the character that I am fully onboard for. Fans will, I hope, be willing to be patient while King sets up some brand new elements to the world of Batman (see again, final page twist), but I for one am more excited than I have been for a superhero comic in quite some time. Read Full Review

"Batman" #1 is well-structured and attractive beginning to the character's next era. This debut issue will appeal to fans of Snyder and Capullo's run as well as those who have been waiting for a return to some of Batman's more basic elements. Read Full Review

While we have yet to see what this creative team is truly capable of producing together, this was a very solid opener. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo set a pretty high bar, so I wish these gentlemen all the best and hope that we the fans get treated to some fine Batman stories over the course of the next year. Read Full Review

All in all, Batman #1 is a great setup that shows the core Batman title is in more than capable hands. Read Full Review

Batman #1 offers an attractive, enjoyable but mostly straightforward beginning for the new series. Read Full Review

Nice start, nice cliffhanger, but ultimately a very silly story. Read Full Review

While the art holds it back, Batman's latest debut issue remains promising thanks to Tom King's confident, capable hand. I plan on buying the next issue, and the issue after that. So should you. Read Full Review

The idea of two superheroes who may not be quite what they seem, literally flying in out of nowhere at the behest of no one, is definitely not a new one. (In fact, the last time I remember something like this going down was in Grant Morrison's All-Star Superman.) But King is writer enough to create the perfect climate for their arrival, in a thrilling airplane rescue sequence that you're just going to have to read to truly appreciate. I'll be keeping my eyes on Batman. Read Full Review

Batman #1 was an improvement over the Rebirth one-shot, but still has room from improvement. Giving us a creative narrative that sees a damaged plane nosediving into Gotham, Tom King and David Finch gave us a first issue that is bound to entice, with the twist near the end being tantalising to say the least. Read Full Review

While the premise is nothing new, I'm intrigued to see where Tom King is going with this. As a first course, this story is satisfying even if not completely filling (which I don't think it's meant to be). Since this is a rehash of sorts, I'll ultimately judge the book on the amount of original material brought to the table and whether or not King can provide a fresh perspective on a theme that has been covered before. As long as he can do that and continue to entertain me, I'll happily join him on this journey. Read Full Review

Batman #1 doesn't stray too far from Snyder and Capullo's version " and this isn't a bad thing. If King and Finch manage to find a healthy balance between their fantastic action sequences with the same level of storytelling as their predecessors, there's no doubt that the "new" Batman will be a good Batman. Read Full Review

While this first arc feels unsteady, with a pair of creators not nearly as bulletproof as their predecessors, the sheer ambition behind Batman might pay dividends down the road. Read Full Review

I really thought "I Am Gotham" was a good and interesting read. Although it doesn't give us a clear villain or threat it still shows that the Batman we grew up with is still here. I'm glad to have Bruce back and King gives a great story that not only shows off Batman's intelligence but those infamous resources of his as well. If you want a good story that will introduce you to the world of Batman and Gotham" then this is it! Read Full Review

The problem I have with Tom King's story is the situation he puts Batman into. It's one that I would argue Batman has no business being in. Someone else could equally argue “Nonsense, that's exactly what makes Batman a hero, overcoming all the odds and making the impossible possible.” I can't argue with that feeling, but it is just that. A feeling. The story had a degree of excitement to it, but every step of the way I was shaking my head in dismay at the sheer ridiculousness of what Batman was doing. My preference in Batman stories are ones that play up his detective abilities, his resourcefulness (within the limits of reason) and his tough-as-nails street-level skills. King is a gifted writer, I enjoy his take on The Vision over at Marvel, but if he thinks it's OK to write Batman doing what he did in this issue I'll be taking a pass on his run and stick to Detective Comics for my Batman fix. Read Full Review

The first issue of Batman proves that the quality of the Batman:Rebirth one-shot wasn't a fluke. Read Full Review

This comic was a cupcake; a very colorful, explosive and admittedly delicious cupcake. But still, just a few bites and its gone. Tom King is a master chef and I was hoping to enjoy a fully realized Batman comic soup to nuts. Not this issue, though. Maybe next time King will get to flex all of his story muscles, but for this week, Im left hungry. Read Full Review

Despite these issues, the comic itself is a tense story that certainly sells the self-sacrifice (if not the ingenuity) of its hero. The main objective, however, isn't to present Batman with a problem he couldn't solve but provide the introduction of a new pair of super-powered heroes to the Gotham landscape. While plenty of vigilantes, both as part of the Batman Family and separate, have worked the streets of Gotham they have been normal (or what passes for normal) people relying on skills and training to get the job done. I guess we'll see what happens when you add those with powers to the equation. For fans. Read Full Review

From 0 to 60 in no time; a fast paced, exciting and dramatic story and an amazing beginning of a new series

I've always been a fan of tom kings work and batman is no different! I expected kind of a slow burn style of writing King has been known for!

Powerful, tense, and full of action. Feels very much like Batman to the core, while still fresh at the same time. An issue that seems to have gone over quite a few people's heads.

A perfect way to begin a new series. Tom King shares his unique vision and characterization of Batman, and I love it. David Finch is one of the best artists to draw a comic like this: gorgeous, dynamic and very detailed. Tom King is one of my favorite writers and I'm excited to see what he's planning for Batman!

I loved this first arc and only this first arc. This is the closest I think King ever came to depicting trauma. I know this is written well after the issue released but after the conclusion of his run as well as having read his other works, specifically Heroes in Crisis, I think this is his best work in regards to where he said he wanted to go with Batman and understanding pain, trauma and PSTD. Finch was never one of my favorite Batman artists but he really caught me when I first read this and I continue to come back to this arc again and again.

There is definitely some great art in this issue. The story is really just Batman being Batman but the reveal at the end of this issue shows that the book could really go anywhere at this point. Tom King's got a lot of potential with this story.

After Batman Rebirth being mostly set up, Tom King shows with this stellar first issue of Batman why he's one of the best mainstream comic book writers working today for the big 2, definitely proving why he's a worthy successor of Scott Snyder, the writer behind Batman's newest legendary run. I love how clear David Finch's art is here, Matt Banning's inks are clear and crisp, with a great use of shadows that compliment Finch's art very well. This and Action Comics #957 are easily my favorite titles that sprang from DC Rebirth so far and I'm definitely back into the collecting DC Comics thing. My wallet bleeds.

Such a satisfying change in the Batman books! This issue succeeded in exploring the idea of the new 52 Batman I love from Snyder's run being faced with impossible problems not for Batman to solve normally, which are rarely found in Snyder's crime-focused run as well. As the story develops, some questions regarding Batman's role have been cleverly raised, while the story is also building up the roles for the new characters.

The only downside Is the art...

https://comicbooger.com/2016/08/02/batman-1-review/ My review! The closest to my actual score.

Gotham and Gotham Girl are cool characters with what will seemingly be a cool new take on Batman stories. King is a great writer that has proven himself capable multiple times and should be trusted to handle batman .

Great start to Tom Kings Batman and Finch was at his best.
Cover - 8.0
Story - 9.5
Art - 8.5
Color - 8.0
Lettering - 8.5
Variant Cover - 6.5

Great start. I'm a little mixed on the art but Tom King writes a very charismatic cast. I like the more death-defying attitude of Batman and am excited for issue 2.

There was a lot to like about the issue, but a fair bit which I think could have been improved. Batman titles of late have always been top-of-the-range in terms of quality and this is no exception. There was certainly no boredom involved and the action was fast-paced and well maintained through-out. The biggest 'issue' with it, if there is any, is the artwork is pretty meh; particularly when compared to the Detective Comics title and the Batman rebirth issue...sometimes it works really well but at other points it is a bit lacklustre. If I was being really picky, I might point to the plot/character development being a bit thin on this one, but I've no doubt as the story arc continues that will develop (after all this was only the first issue). Therefore, I'd say a good start, but not quite spectacular. more

Tom King and David Finch have a very hard task to fulfill: to substitute two of the greatest Batman creators in the history of the superhero AND to begin Batman's new life in the "Rebirth" line-up. While I'm certainly happy about Snyder not dropping the character with his "All-Star Batman" series, I'm also pleased by the change in pace that King is giving us in the main series. This story felt nothing like Snyder's and it had some of the cheesiness that the previous author so carefully avoided (the "death" scene got me facepalming), but it felt like a classic Batman tale, and that is definitely for the best. Also, the concept behind the "I am Gotham" storyline is sheer genius and I can't wait to see how it will pan out. Finch draws a very cool, menacing Batman, but I feel like he could put more detail and precision. more

WHY IS NO TALKING ABOUT A CIA MAN WRITING A BATMAN STORY ABOUT CRASHING A PLANE. BANEPOSTING MAGIC IS REAL. Other than that, this issue was not too bad. Apart from some clunky moments, it`s an enjoyable little story where Batman does some ridiculous stuff. Jordie Bellaire shines here as she somehow makes David Finch's art look good. Not a shabby issue.

Fast paced and left you intrigued to view next issue

After all that fuss, I have to admit I was expecting much more. Honestly, I'm enjoying Detective Comics way better. Hope it gets better along the way.

Tom King's dialogue grates...allot. Still, the book is well put together and the plot is decent.

Stereotypical. Melodramatic. But entertaining. Finch is awesome. I think King IS trying.. I want to see where this goes with Gotham and Gotham gal.

Either King, Finch, Workman or his editors, Taylor or Doyle made a mistake cuz that sure as hell aint a 747 as the comic claims it is, at best it's a Boeing 737NG with a tail assembly drawn inconsistently.

*Spoiler alert* A polarizing issue to read. One the one hand, I love seeing Batman be Batman, taking action immediately, without regard to consequences, and pushing himself to the limit. On the other hand, physics are stretch to the breaking point. It's ridiculous how the rockets on Batman's ejector seat are customizable so that they can come apart, stick to the underside of a speeding plane through some sort of vacuum seal, and be operated with strings. How do they stay on? Why are they designed that way? How could they possible have enough propulsion power to maneuver the plane? Where are the fuel tanks? How are they in-taking air if they are vacuum sealed to the plane like that? Let's face it, this would just never work! I shrugged off the thing in the last issue where batman held his breath for way too long, but now I'm worried that this is going to be a regular thing. I know, this is comics, doing fantastic stuff is what they do; but one of the great things about Batman is that he's just a regular guy, so when you keep making him do things outside the realm of possibility, you're turning him into just another superhuman. That being said, I did find the issue exciting and paced well. The reveal at the end will introduce a new dynamic to the city. Finch's art looks great, I'm not sure what some people have against it, his style is well suited to Batman. more

Maximum decompression.

I like the art and the dark mood and the ending is pretty great (so are Gordon's parts), but, for me, this is a little too melodramatic and cliche super hero-y. I've always preferred a more stripped-down, raw batman doing somewhat more believable things.

David Finch provides beautiful art, but Tom King's writing was just miserably BAD!!! . . . . . . . . . . . reading Tom King regurgitating lines about "The Hero This City Deserves" and "is this a Good Death?" makes his story feel like fan-fiction. . . . . . . . . . and if Batman can pull off an impossible stunt like fly an ejector seat out of his car and miraculously CATCH onto a crashing airplane, mount rocket thrusters underneath it, climb back on top and impossibly ride the plane like it was a sled . . . . . . then there's NO WAY i can believe he'd be remotely worried about dying on impact when it landed!!!! . . . . . if you're going to write Batman as a Big Bat-God Mcguffin then don't have him all weepy and ready to die at the first sign of danger! . . . . . . . . . . . . . the Batman i know and love is STUBBORN!!! . . . . . and wouldn't be so quick to accept his own death. . . . . . . . . . he always has a back-up plan!!! more

Suicidal batman. why?

Goes way beyond the limits of suspension of disbelief even for Batman.