Batman #12 is a triumphant display of Tom King’s incredible ability to dissect a character to its core and give us a yarn that can resonate both emotionally and intellectually. On display also is Mikel Janin’s immaculate artwork, which brings us Batman’s journey into the heart of Santa Prisca in an incredibly colorful and detailed manner. For fans of Batman stories that are just as mentally engaging as they are entertaining, Batman #12 is required reading! Read Full Review

Batman #12 will give you a lot of things to process and may open doors for you that hide the same shadows Bruce tries his damnedest to keep at bay. To that end, I understand how this can be a difficult read for many people. In that same vein, I think this issue is immensely powerful because it questions not only Bruces motivations for his crusade against crime, but also why we do the things we do and what we hope to get out of them. There is a grand discussion to have about the content of this issue which I hope prompts people to think about their own trauma and how it manifests now. Kudos to the team for creating this brilliant piece of work, from word to image, and for doing so with a delicacy befitting its nature. Read Full Review

ArtMikel Janin, Hugo Petrus and June Chung are simply destroying on this book. This is some of the best Batman art I have seen. It not only perfectly fits the somber, more serious mood of the story, it also is inventive as hell. The continuing use of single page backgrounds with multiple renditions of Batman moving throughoutthe page to convey action is simply stunning. The level of detail is incredible and begs for multiple readings and flipping through. And the panels where colorist Chung uses that shade of yellow to highlight moments of action are especially effective. They pop too, giving the feeling of a cinematic quick cut. And thats the key word for the art here: cinematic. This book reads like a serious Batman film. Read Full Review

This arc hasn't been especially consistent in quality, but it's clear that Tom King's Batman work is never stronger than when he's paired with Mikel Janin. This issue marks a new high point for the series, blending violent, brilliantly choreographed action scenes with a deep, disturbing look at the man underneath Batman's cowl. Read Full Review

As Batman moves to confront both Bane and Catwoman, he lands on his knees, ready to confront death once again. Not for himself this time, but for Catwoman. The two are kindred spirits, perpetual vessels of suicide incarnate. They constantly exist in the purgatory between living and dying. Batman has chosen to resist death, but Catwoman has yet to make that choice. Now the time has come. As they circle each other, preparing to strike one final time, King suggests that this is the last stand for Batman and Catwoman. Physically, Batman makes his last stand against Bane, but emotionally and psychologically, it's all about Catwoman. Together, the Bat and the Cat will either fight death" or finally succumb. We'll see how it all ends next issue. Read Full Review

Batman #12 is a great follow up to the #11, which involved more stealth than combat! Batman's betrayal by a particular person has led to this drastic change of the plan, and now Batman is fighting to survive! I'm looking forward to seeing Batman's encounter with Bane in the tunnels beneath Santa Prisca! Read Full Review

While I wanted a conclusion and a final showdown between the Bat, the Cat, and Bane, this was still a great issue. It may feel like a filler or unnecessary issue to some, but either way, we learn more about Batman here, and Tom King is doing a great job at showing thehumanity, the flaws, and the heart of the Caped Crusader. He is doing this to help Gotham Girl. That is what being dead is to Batman, to give his life for the city and people he has sworn to protect. Read Full Review

If nothing else, the “I am Suicide” arc thus far has made it abundantly clear that Tom King is a very distinctive Batman writer. With Batman #12, you aren’t getting your run of the mill superhero comic book - you’re getting something far deeper and incisive. The core concepts and values that make up what you know and love about Batman are still there, but King is definitely presenting us with an evolution of the character. The curb appeal, thanks Janin, Petrus and Chung’s breathtaking art, is reason enough to pick up this issue. Make no mistake, though - Batman #12 is a compelling statement about the character, making this book an essential part of every Bat-reader’s collection. Read Full Review

Far and away the best issue of this run yet. Read Full Review

Batman #12 was another compelling chapter in the "I Am Suicide" storyline. Framing the entire issue around a letter Batman wrote to Catwoman before the events of this story gives us a better idea what they represent in each others lives. This made Catwoman's choice come over as a bigger twist to the story. It also made the issue-long fight sequence featuring Batman fighting his way through Bane's castle even more exciting. This all culminated with a strong ending as Batman now comes face-to-face with Bane and Catwoman. Read Full Review

Did Selina really turn on him? You still won't be able to say after this issue is over, as where we finish is only a few moments after where the last issue finishes. This issue is great because of that fact, as surprising as that might sound. It moves the current story almost not at all, but delivers some great characterization from King as he navigates Bruce and Selina's relationship for the first time in his Bat-career. After a rough first half of 2016, the new scribe has found a great rhythm with the last few issues and I look forward to more in a few weeks. Read Full Review

My subscription to this series is still teetering as I've canceled and restarted it a couple of times between issues for a few issues now. At this stage I'm finishing out this storyline and am curious as to what the next will be like but I'm waiting for things to really click and feel like we've got some strong concept story material to work with. I still find a lot to like with what King writes and how but the main draw at this point for this series is the artwork. And Batman can survive on that but it cannot excel on that. It needs an engaging story, character interactions, and the solid motivation material that's explored here. Read Full Review

While this issue doesn't contain many (if any) answers to the larger mysteries of the I am Suicide arc, Tom King gives us a look at Batman that is harsh and real.  Mikel Janin's art is top notch and I felt fully satisfied even as I wanted more and more. Read Full Review

Batman's life is suffering personified. His mission is to save lives. Batman has become a legend, inspiring many; he's larger than life"even though he is still, only human. Read Full Review

Final thoughts:In the end, Batman #12 is not a perfect issue. It was almost a waste of an issue but the revelation in Bruce's psyche makes this a very important issue for the character. It's that revelation that makes it worth it because not a whole lot happens. Read Full Review

The big question is if the terrific art can carry the issue. This installment is one that barely progresses the story, but Janin's art at least makes this treading in water issue worth a look. Read Full Review

The latest issue of Batman is a mixed bag of genuine shock that puts Batman in a fresh new perspective, but also one that is frustratingly insular from the ongoing story arc. Read Full Review

My issue with the story continues to be the disjointed feel between each installment. The narrative doesnt seem to flow as well as I would hope it would. Were nearing the end, so my final opinion will probably come down to how well they stick the landing. In two weeks, Im hoping they bring their A-game for the beginning of the end. These characters deserve it. Read Full Review

Annoyingly though,Batman #12 is most definitely a filler issue. It doesn't really further the main plot in any way, apart from making Catwoman's betrayal that little bit harder hitting. Overall, this is the one dropped beat in the series so far, which has been consistently quite entertaining. And we're still intrigued as to where the rest of the story will lead. This particular issue might read better in a collected edition, to give the reader a break from the non-stop action in the previous issues. Unfortunately as a single issue, it becomes a little disappointing. Whilst the action and art is still brilliant, we won't blame you if you skipBatman #12, and wait for the next instalment. Read Full Review

Overall, this issue was a disappointment. I assume the Ventriloquist, still waiting in a pipe somewhere, will swoop in and save the day next issue – or Catwoman will pull the rare quadruple cross, but a good premise in this issue has killed some of the momentum for that battle royale, by being just a little too simplistic. Read Full Review

As much as I've been enjoying the I Am Suicide story arc,this issue threw me off in a couple of ways. (One) Why did Batman put togethera team to get into this prison when, in the end, he just ends up storming thegates? (Unless this is all part of his master plan which, in that case, welldone??) (Two) This letter we are reading that Batman is writing to Selina/Catwomanjust doesn't seem like Batman. Then there is the art, which was the best partof this issue. The attention to detail is fantastic and the color fit the toneof the issue very well. The panels where Batman is going through the prisonhave more grey tones and when he gets to Bane's throne room it's more of ablood red tone with this grittiness to it that, to me, looks perfect. Hopefullythe story wins me back next issue. Read Full Review

Batman #112 like so much of everything in recent arcs just feels like a reheated version of things we've seen before. At least this time Tynion is recycling his own homework. Read Full Review

For months now I've defended King's run, calling for patience and saying it's a slow-burner. Well, I can no longer do this. When you look at books like The Flash, Nightwing and Titans, they've been consistently good. Even the so-called filler issues, such as Nightwing #9, are well written and aren't stretched out to buy a few more months until the next story arc. Batman, though, has become too hit-and-miss and it needs fixing. And fast. Read Full Review

The main selling point to this issue is Mikel Janin's art. Other than that, I had a really hard time finding additional material that was worth the price of admission. King is just including so many face-palm inducing moments, I just don't know what to do anymore. People who are enjoying this arc often cite it's unpredictable nature and thought provoking plot as key factors in their support for it. While I can't argue that it does in fact have these, I don't understand why we have to abandon reason and character solidarity to attain them. Is it too much to request a healthy balance of all four? Read Full Review

OMG I love this issue the art 10/10
Story is't gone far but the emotional that I get from this book from "BATMAN" make this issue 10/10

I'm literally LOLing at all the bad reviews, "he just punched a lot of faceless dummies and then shows up against Bane and Catwoman". Dude there were also words in the book, did you read them? I actually loved the way there was barely any spoken words. The format as almost a love letter to Selina about why he has a strange attraction to her is actually the best part of this issue. He admits his faults to Catwoman, confiding in a lover that he sees similarities with but is ultimately the yin to his yang. Other than the Joker, there is no other character in Batman's rogue gallery that has a more complicated connection with him. Janin's art is stunning, and the pages almost look like a blend of watercolors and colored pencils. I loved this issue, I like how Janin digs a little deeper into Bruce through Selina. If Snyder did an excellent job with Batman's relationship with Joker, King is doing well with the Batman and Catwoman dynamic. more

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myconius - Dec 16, 2016

i read the words, and i wish that i hadn't. Young Bruce Wayne the wrist cutter. like totally edgy to the max dude. xD

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Batman #12 spoilers

Today's reveal that Bruce tried to commit suicide at age 10 because his only two family members were dead was powerful stuff and that he realizes what he does is an insane reaction to survivors guilt brings so much more depth to the character. That hit me in the face with feels.

This was great! The artwork was fantastic and the letter was written wonderfully. I have really enjoyed both letters they really let you get to know the person behind the mask better

Tom King's characterization of Batman is masterful. The art in this issue is incredible, even better than in previous issues. I can't wait for the end of this amazing story arc!

I think this is gonna be my favorite issue from this series.Even true I am not sure if the rest of the people gonna like it.Because nothing really happens in this issue It's simple Batman fighting his way out so he can reach Bane,Psycho-Pirate and Catwoman.But the long monolog that accompanies this issue is great and very deep.It's about Batman and Catwoman relationship and why did Batman choose this life.The art is still fantastic especially the colors .The only problem that i have with this book is a bit short 17 pages in total and without the and the first and second cover is 11 pages and i wouldn't minded too read more.But still i think it's great and I can't wait for the next issue.

Not only was this issue bautiful to look at and to read but it it gave the most logical and eloquent explanation for why Batman doesn't kill (that I've read in 30 years of reading about the character). Well done.

Score: 8.9

[ART: 9.5 | STORY: 7.7 | WRITING: 9.2 | TOTAL: 8.8 (~9)] This was a great issue of Batman, but not necessarily a great penultimate issue for the 'I Am Suicide' story arc. However, it appears that this is actually the moment the story has been building to even though it's not a final confrontation between Bane and Batman's Suicide Squad. While not much happens in this issue on a story front, the writing from King is fantastically thought-provoking. This was an insightful look into what makes Batman Batman and it turned out to be a great addition to the Batman mythos. The art and King's script were breathtaking. Great stuff.

This was a very simple issue, with a very powerful message. It lived up to it's name in a very direct way that I feel will place it on a path towards a powerful interaction between the Bat, the Cat, and Bane. I also think it did a good job of clarifying somethings that people took issue with in King's run at the beginning of the I am Suicide arc. Overall, great issue with great art.

Don't judge a book by this cover which was a terrible choice. Inside this was a fantastic character piece introspective with fantastic literally moving art with the simple story pitch of Batman punching his way across the way to face Bane. A big plus is that Batman will likely debunk the 237 murders that suddenly became apart of Catwoman's killcount.

Now this was the Tom King we all know and love.

I read this issue twice; first time, I didn't like it very much, second, the intention behind this arc was more clear to me. This arc main focus is the relationship Catwoman and Batman share with the Bane story being the backdrop. And for those mad about Selina killing 237 men, this issue almost recons that. Art is gorgeous as always.

I was pretty close to dropping this before I Am Suicide started, but I'm enjoying this arc immensely. King's finally hitting his stride.

+We get to go inside Bruce's mind and that's awesome
+Nice action scenes
+Nice artwork

-Not enough Bane
-As good as this is, it feels like a filler issue

Amongst the diverse ways different authors have approached the Bat, the main psychological feature has always been the trauma after his parents' death. Over the years we've seen him face any kind of menace, villain and death sentence, only to exorcise that trauma.
What Tom King does here, and has actually always done throughout the series so far is show us Bruce Wayne's complex psyche under a different perspective: as a mere human being, first comparing him to a much "godlier" competition (Gotham and Gotham Girl) and now facing him with his own mortality. King's Batman is a man under a coul, not a semi-divine creature that always has the answer he needs at the right time: a depressed individual, at that, with a dark persona behind his mythos. Issue #12 can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the approach we take.
On one hand we have the events unfolding: Batman punches his way through hundreds of Bane's soldiers without any problem (he has been beaten up by Bane, so that feels kind of stretched) and only to get his ass beat by Bane once more, apparently: not a great way to continue this story arc that has already suffered from pace problems. Under an artistic point of view, as usual, the team does an outstanding, precise and beautiful job, showing us the Caped Crusader's fight to the throne room.
Or, we can view this as a clear metaphor of Batman's struggle through life and the last, incredible panel as a sort of trinity in the face of the human: Bane's life, Catwoman is the Good (she'll definitely pull something out of her sleeve near the end of the arc) and the Pirate is Evil(as he's the cause of problems in this specific story).
Finally, the psychological level: Bruce's trauma is taken out and analyzed, his suicidal thoughts as a child are sure to be a very dark new element in his journey to accept the death of his parents, which seem like the only impossible obstacle for him to overcome.

In the final analysis, Batman represents life itself, more

Literally nothing happened but the story told was quite good.

I'm not a fan of the narrative choices King makes in this issue, but Janie's art is sharply styled as Batman fights his way through a sea of minions to come face to face with Bane.

The look into Batman's relationship with Catwoman is interesting but I just didn't think it was quite enough to carry the whole comic. Outside of that letter that is read through the whole book there really isn't anything else worth noting.

Comic Book Review (7/10) "Good,"
Batman #12 "I Am Suicide Part 4,"
Writer: Tom King,
Penciller: Mikel Janin,
Plot: Batman makes his way to Bane while in Santa Prisca prison. Catwoman has betrayed him and the rest of the team has been captured. Now Batman faces the forces of Santa Prisca alone...
This issue feels like a character study of why Batman does what he does and explains why he is in love with Catwoman. Not alot happens to push the narrative forward, but this book gives us a rare look at Bruce Wayne's thoughts and who he is at his very core. As his thoughts unfold, Batman makes his way through beautifully rendered spread pages and each page can literally be framed due to Janin's incredibly realistic art. Batman is a very complicated, broken, and torn individual and King seems to indicate that he puts on the cowl, armor, and leather because he hopes to die one day to end his pain. Truly, in a way, he IS suicide.
more

This is part 4 for "I am Suicide" and so far nothing has happened. Part 1 (issue 9) showed batman recruiting villians for what seemed like was gonna be an epic storyline... but the next 3 issues have been just weak writing including batman repeating himself over and over and love letters between Bruce and Selena pasted over the main story artwork (making the main story seem like background).

I'm getting pretty tired of this series. "I am Gotham" was ok at best, "night of the monster men" was pretty bad, and this is just not going anywhere. The 6 rating is because the artwork is a 9 but the story about a 3.. just not strong enough. I love Batman so I hope I'm wrong and this story turns out being amazing in the next few issues... but in my opinion DETECTIVE COMICS is much much better right now. more

Nice artwork!

Batman punches his way through an army of faceless dummies

runs down a hall, punching more dummies

climbs a building and dives into the ocean

punches his way through another massive hoard of dummies

stand up, walks in a room, punches a few more dummies

stands before Bane and Catwoman

THE END.



no matter how much narration you cram into these panels, this is barely even worth HALF a comic.

and not a very good half comic either.




what ever that narrative was supposed to be was pretty boring and silly. re-examining ideas that have already been done to death buy other writers. and MUCH better without cheap shocks thrown in.

Bruce as a boy attempting suicide??

i'll bet this sort of thing is very popular with the Emo crowd, but it's just NOT Batman.



thought the art appears polished and pretty, there are some severe issues with the figures.


the opening page Batman looks like he has no pelvis. his leg is coming right out of where his crotch should be.

the splash page where he's swinging and kicking is an impossible pose. he'd have to have no spine in order to assume that pose. ...and once again ...he has no pelvis.

the splash page of Batman running down the hall looks more like he's tripped and falling.

the page of Batman punching his way through the hoard, his rib cage and pectorals look completely deformed.


i don't fault the artist for this in any way. with rushed bi-weekly deadlines, of course the quality is going to suffer. more

Short.