Batman #125

Writer: Chip Zdarsky Artist: Jorge Jimenez, Belen Ortega Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: July 6, 2022 Cover Price: $5.99 Critic Reviews: 20 User Reviews: 98
8.6Critic Rating
8.0User Rating

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Superstar writer Chip Zdarsky joins legendary artist Jorge Jimenez to define a new era in Batman! Bruce Wayne is at a turning point, haunted by dreams of a dark future, while Gotham City billionaires are being gruesomely murdered. With the discovery of an archenemy's involvement and a tragedy unfolding, the Dark Knight's nightmares are just beginning. Failsafe starts here. And in the backup, there's chaos in Gotham as the underworld fights over one of its crown jewels...and Selina Kyle is caught in the middle. Can she stop the bloodshed and maybe even make a little money in the process?

  • 10
    But Why Tho? - William J. Jackson Jul 5, 2022

    They hit the ground running at cheetah speed and delivered bloody, dark, bleak tales of good old vampiric Gotham City while keeping in the superhero fluff and never skipping a beat. Every panel is breathtaking, the words are sharp, emotional, and sometimes even mean. But it's all core Batman. To heck with a five. This is worth ten pale, maddened stars of justice. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Jul 9, 2022

    This is an incredibly strong and incredibly fun issue, kicking off the highly anticipated run by Chip Zdarsky. This comic is Batman to its very soul, while adding some fun, new layers to make it stand out. And bringing back the Dynamic Duo feel is *chef's kiss*. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ComicBook.com - Nicole Drum Jul 6, 2022

    While first issues of new runs are usually pretty promising, Batman #125 comes out of the gate operating at such high levels that it genuinely feels like the only direction is to keep going up. Between the incredible art and a rich understanding and appreciation for DC's most iconic character, this comic book, this issue specifically, is exactly what Batman is meant to be; it's about damn time. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jul 5, 2022

    It's just a huge win all around as a debut issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Multiversity Comics - Quinn Tassin Jul 11, 2022

    A thoughtful, exciting, promising new start for the Caped Crusader Read Full Review

  • 9.3
    Comic Watch - Ariel B. Jul 5, 2022

    As the first issue of a new run, Batman 125 effectively establishes the status quo for the Batman title as well as setting up for whats to come. There are shocks and twists but nothing that seems out of nowhere. Overall, a strong start that leaves me hungry for more. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Justin Munday Jul 7, 2022

    Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez's run on the Caped Crusader starts off with a bang in an issue full of massive twists, contemplative mystery, and absolutely stunning visuals. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Jul 5, 2022

    Jorge Jimenez delivers some beautifully detailed and evocative art. The use of shadow is amazing and I love the character designs and kinetic nature of the action. A beautiful looking issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Jul 5, 2022

    Batman #125 is a good start that's stable in its approach to Bruce Wayne while also feeling a bit different. Under Zdarsky and the incredible talents of Jimnez, Batman is in great hands and is moving in a direction that feels different while honoring the past. It should satisfy fans of the last decade in Batman comics while tantalizing them with new characterizations and a Batman that's darker in mind. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson Jul 7, 2022

    It's an issue full of fabulous art and really strong dramatic moments well worth your attention.Looks like I'm gonna be reading Batman for a while. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Comicbook Dispatch - Dispatchdcu Jul 5, 2022

    What a fantastic start for Zdarsky's run! The dialogue between characters, as well as the monologuing, was spot on BATMAN. The characters chosen to be a part of BATMAN #125 were a perfect fit, the tie-ins to the current BATMAN landscape were well balanced, and the suspense drove the tone of the issue masterfully. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    COMICON - Tony Thornley Jul 8, 2022

    The latest era of the Dark Knight kicks off with a gorgeous issue featuring great character development and a ton of potential for the the future. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Batman Universe - Scott Waldyn Jul 5, 2022

    Batman #125 is a compelling launchpoint into a new mystery. It's quite the page-turner, put together by a top-notch creative team intent on surprising readers at every turn. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez Jul 5, 2022

    Batman #125 is a strong start to a new era for the franchise as Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez take over the series. The work by recent Batman creative teams is well respected and utilized to tell a story that will certainly grab fans' attention with the multiple aspects of Bruce Wayne's life that are addressed to push the character forward in intriguing ways. This also works as a good starting point for readers who are interested in jumping into reading a Batman comic book. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Dark Knight News - Max Byrne Jul 5, 2022

    Batman #125 starts a new Bat-era in winning fashion. It sets out its stall for so much intrigue and action to come, making the upcoming issue must have additions to any comic reader's pull list. The future is extremely bright for the Zdarsky era based on this first instalment and as a result, gets a big thumbs up from me. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett Jul 6, 2022

    Batman #125 is a decent start to the new creative team's take. It lays it out that things aren't "normal in Batman's world and something is "off. But, what? It embraces what has happened to Bruce/Batman and focuses on a person who has been beaten down. At the same time, there's been a major shakeup involving a villain that points to some major revelations and changes. It all comes together for a rather intriguing start and a solid beginning for new and longtime readers. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez Jul 5, 2022

    Batman #125 is a strange tale that portends the beginning of the end for the Caped Crusader. The strangest aspect of all is a wildly uncharacteristic take on Penguin that paints him as a having a school shooter mentality rather than a ruthless and opportunistic gangster. The pacing, dialog, and art are fantastic, so the technical execution is masterful, even if the character depictions are uncharacteristic. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Jul 5, 2022

    This wasnt a groundbreaking start to the next great Batman run. Zdarsky is a skilled enough writer to make even the familiar more than tolerable. Hopefully upcoming issues appropriately raise the stakes and the challenge for Bruce Wayne. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Batman-News - Casper Rudolph Jul 5, 2022

    I enjoyed reading this issue from cover to cover, but I don't think it's a masterpiece. The art is great, but the writing is a bit of a mixed bag. While the main plot is being set up well and both Batman and Tim are real heroes, the monologue and dialogue is so hard-boiled at times that I'm having a hard time taking it seriously. There are also plot elements that are underdeveloped or underutilized, some of which should have been cut. I still recommend this issue if you're curious about Zdarsky's new run, though, but I wouldn't blame you if you waited a while to see if this is really worth picking up. Comics are expensive, after all. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Jul 18, 2022

    Setting aside Broke Batman, which remains one of the dumbest plotlines in the character's history, the first issue of “Failsafe” sets Batman on a series of events that will lead to him being more isolated. Selina Kyle (who is given her own back-up story in a failed attempt to justify the cover price) has moved on. Robin is shot during the gala. And the gloating Penguin frames Batman for his murder (despite, you know, the physical evidence of him killing himself with poison that you'd think would be easy for a hospital to find). While I enjoyed the look of the issue, I have little interest in yet another team trying to make Batman even more gritty. Read Full Review

  • 10
    cincyfan Jul 9, 2022

    This was everything I was hoping for and then some! This book is exactly what I want to see in a batman story. The heart and emotion of the characters shine through in such a great way. The writing is perfect I my opinion matched by the unbelievably beautiful artwork. With this team working on batman this has a chance to be a phenomenal ride!

    + LikeComment
  • 10
    Hydro-Man Jul 6, 2022

    I’ve been very critical of the current direction of DC as a whole but enjoyed this issue a whole hell of a lot. Really loving that at this point in time, most creators are about the same age as me and the influence of B:TAS and Batman’89 come bleeding through. Also appreciated that it wasn’t a tour de force of social justice. They acknowledged the recent developments with Tim without making them a driving force of the story.

  • 10
    ghostrobot Jul 5, 2022

    Perfect start to this run, can't wait to see where it goes.

  • 9.5
    bestlucas Sep 7, 2022

    Batman shines in this issue - and I'm hoping this arc. In the recent arcs, I feel like Batman has been mostly a one-dimensional foil to villains and their schemes. Batman himself seemed to have taken a back seat lately. This issue offers hope for something different

  • 9.5
    WhistleBlower Jul 25, 2022

    It's sad that Red Hood fanboys are still harassing and trying to cancel Chip Zdarsky over Urban Legends. I know some of them got banned from this site for unspeakable and perverted things.

  • 9.5
    retcon_D Jul 5, 2022

    An incredible debut from the new creative team on the Batman title! I expected nothing less from it, and they truly delivered. Although the main plot for this issue was familiar, there were still fantastic moments throughout that kept my attention. Absolutely thrilled for this new era of Batman.

  • 9.0
    Screaming Enigma May 3, 2023

    A fantastic start to Zdarsky's run on Batman. This was an issue was looking forward to for quite some time after hearing how good Zdarsky's Daredevil run is, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed. With his great scripts and Jimenez's fantastic art set the stage for this Failsafe arc, which is somewhat of a callback to 2000's JLA: Tower of Babel. Penguin making it seem like Batman killed him was not what I was expecting, but, already knowing what Failsafe's function is, I knew they were gonna have to find a crazy way for Failsafe to come after him. Speaking of Penguin, the fake-out with him in hospital and Tim being in the hospital after being shot was done very well, in my opinion, as was Bruce's commentary about the latter. To avoid co more

  • 9.0
    Psycamorean Sep 27, 2022

    Already better than what Williamson was doing, or Tynion before him, or King before him.

  • 9.0
    Patadu94 Jul 17, 2022

    That's my first ever issue of the main Batman comic, although I am huge fan of him.

    ***SPOILER***

    I really enjoyed it. I like Zdarsky way of writing and I like this first issue. The plot is relatively simple, with the excuse of killing all billionaire in Gotham, Penguin wants to frame Batman for his death. In my opinion the story is gripping, I really wanted to read more about it. I read some reviewer complaining about the so re-used "plot", but I must say it is well done in the first issue and if it continues to be so entertaining like this there would be no problem with me.

    One thing that I like to say and that makes this issue amazing is Jimenez art. Oh boy, the first pages reminded me of the movie The more

  • 9.0

    I'd say Zdarsky's off to a pretty decent start. I just hope he doesn't choose to make his entire run into one big saga. That's what I always dread with a new writer. The plot grows tiresome and I stop caring before everything is resolved. But from what I saw in this issue, he's doing well enough. Better than any other writer since Tomasi was on Detective.
    It's a lot easier to read if you try and avoid the idea there are any messages to the story, like resentment toward the wealthy. I have to give Zdarsky credit for avoiding any sharp turns with how DC's embrace of Woke culture has changed Tim Drake personally and he pretty much focused on his being Robin than discussing his personal life. They can save that for his own upcoming book. more

  • 9.0
    Hex Jul 13, 2022

    I've been anticipating this issue for a while. I didn't read any of Tynion's run and I bailed early on into King's run. I'm sure there is a bit of catching up to do but I'm also generally aware of where the Dark Knight stands right now. Zdarsky started it off strong and of course, Jimenez is one of best artists in the industry. He and Dan Mora elevate books and it's a blessing they are both doing Bat books right now.
    I wasn't expecting Cobblepot and I love the Batman Returns depiction of him here. It fits perfectly with the dark tone of this story. It's wonderful to see Tim around in the classic red and green. A classic pairing that I am really happy to see return to the mainline book.
    This is straight out of an episode of B:TAS. more

    + LikeComments (3)
  • 9.0
    Toonstrack Jul 9, 2022

    This was a solid issue that has a really cool setup. The art is phenomenal. I wasn't going to hop on this but I think I'll at least see how this arc goes.

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  • 9.0
    Anakin Jul 9, 2022

    Great start, love the art. I was initially put off by Oswald's petty and poorly thought out scheme but it all made sense in the end.

  • 9.0

    Wow. I didn't expect that

  • 9.0
    ICC Jul 6, 2022

    I always wished I had read the Scott Snyder run on Batman as it came out, and ever since I’ve tried jumping into Batman runs but it’s never felt like I was reading a generation defining Batman run.

    This feels like it could be the next iconic Batman run.

  • 8.5
    Federico Liguori Aug 15, 2023

    I almost loved this. Almost. I'm curious to see if this good start doesn't go downhill quickly as previous Batman runs did.

  • 8.5

    The art was beautiful and the story was good. Interesting take on the Penguin as an AOC style socialist living a life of luxury while despising anyone else who does the same. The filler story at the end was nonsense (why would Selena care about protecting Penguin’s club?) but it is what it is. I give 10/10 for the art, 8/10 for the main story, and 5.5/10 for the filler story.

  • 8.5
    Julhin Jul 10, 2022

    Damn, it feels good to read the main Batman title again, specially with such a great beginning. Chip has a very special way of writting, i love how he's consistently able to create entertaining and engaging stories using overused premises and tropes(look at his Daredevil, that shit is fire!) and with time make it his own thing, and i feel like things will not be different here, put that with the fact that he's partnered with an amazing artist (Jorge Jimenez art is superb), and we have the perfect team that will hopefully deliver awesome stories on the title.

    + LikeComment
  • 8.5
    daspidaboy Jul 6, 2022

    Damn this issue completely slaps. This is just as good as Zeb Wells Spider-man issue today. Great plot, great character work for Batman. Great moment for Tim Drake. Great artwork from the legend himself, Jorge Jimenez. Great action and an intriguing story right now.

    The only thing that honestly confuses me is how people are giving this 3 out of 10 reviews. How is this issue that bad? The art , dialogue, story and action look stellar. Seems to me that people are letting their emotional biases of how Chip Zdarsky is criticizing rich ppl. You know what issue deserves a 3 out of 10? Batman/Catwoman Issue 12.

  • 8.0
    Gizmo Sep 17, 2022

    Penguin gets the last laugh over Batman. Plus, a backup investigation by Selina involving a robot attorney is fun too.

  • 8.0
    TSMack Jul 20, 2022

    I was hoping for something better from Zdarsky.

  • 8.0
    Asger Jul 7, 2022

    Should've started with a new number 1. Why tf was it not a new number 1. It just makes me think it's gonna be like Tynion where he's really just a placeholder for the next guy. The issue was good though, nothing amazing but good.

    DC are so bad at numberings. They don't have the legacy numbering like Marvel has, and when they renumber it's only if there is a relaunch or something. If you're not gonna renumber when a new run starts then why not just keep the original numbering.

    + LikeComment
  • 8.0
    Batmanaholic Jul 6, 2022

    Fun read, I like the story and the art is amazing as always. You can tell this is not the same series tynion was writing. Even though it has the same artist. Jimenez is flawless as always on pencils. The man can stay in Gotham as long as he wants!

    Fail safe the new villian doesn't play a part yet, but I am intrigued to see where it goes.

    Tim drake felt like Tim drake.

    I still don't like them making him bi, but this comic does it right. Let's not focus on his sexuality, but make him Tim drake again.

    All in all it's a 7.5-8 but the art gets that half a point extra from me.

    Great start to a new Batman run.

  • 8.0
    Tempra16v2.0Turbo Jul 5, 2022

    I'm already tired of Jimenez's art in Batman.

  • 7.5
    fzanca Jul 13, 2022

    The art is great, but I'm not sure I like the story beats. Robin is shot, and Penguin commits suicide. It was great seeing Alfred for a page. I'm sure where the story is going but it doesn't seem very heroic and if Robin can get shot so easily, what was his training for?

    Let's see where the story goes, but I wasn't as impressed with this issue as some people. I enjoyed the Catwoman story more.

  • 7.5
    Loafy Trophy Jul 13, 2022

    Intriguing, ambitious start from Zdarsky and co. He throws a ton at the reader here and it mostly sticks. Jimenez work on the title has somehow gotten better with the past 6 months off and he produced some stunning looking action sequences that paired nicely with Chip's bombastic script.

    + LikeComment
  • 7.5
    Afre Jul 7, 2022

    What is this? Intruiging writing finally with Jimenez's art? So that it's not the only good thing about ongoing Batman book?

    I liked this. But not as much as I wanted to. This wasn't as fresh start as I wanted this to be, but maybe I had too high hopes. Zdarsky is currently one of my favourite writers.

    It's not bad by any means. A lot of stuff happens here in the first issue and the status quo is changed. But not every single aspect is interesting. I'm not sure where Zdarsky will takes us, but I am hopeful.

    It's odd to be hopeful about Batman's ongoing series. williamson's run wasn't bad but it was just a placeholder. I just hope I won't be disappointed for the third time (like with King and Tynion). If I am more

  • 7.5
    Jawsh Jul 6, 2022

    COMIXS thing where the new direction feels a lot like that one big movie that came out earlier this year.
    A LOT happens in this issue that it's almost whiplash. I feel I should care more about what happened so I really hope the next issues unpack all the 'Action-Packed' of this one.
    Jorge Jimenez has got the style for this, but overall an entertaining start to a promising new era.

    P.S. Read this while listening to THE BATMAN musical score, its basically more THE BATMAN.

  • 7.0
    Brownie Aug 2, 2022

    Арт хорош, несмотря на пару страниц и я, конечно же, о первой истории. Но вот кроме него ,выделить тут в общем-то и нечего. Интересного я тут для себя ничего не нашел, линия с детьми пингвина скука смертная, на нового робота плевать, ранение робина как инструмент для раскрытия бетмена в дальнейшем неплохая идея, но, когда вот так это с порога показывают, не дав самому робину подышать, понимаешь, что ничего серьез more

  • 7.0
    justonemore Jul 6, 2022

    Quite disappointed, I was expecting more. Feels like Zdarsky did'nt want to write all the penguin stuff cause it feels extremely fast. Man, there's a lot of important thins happening, and, I dont knoe, they just feel like.... Things, just that. Tim being shot by a random guy, batman declared murderer, the penguin dead! Thanks to the bad timing of the plot, it just feels like nothing. Jimenez is good as always, but I'm sorry, I can't give it a high score. Hope this story improves with the failsafe stuff.

  • 7.0
    thecomiccookebook Jul 5, 2022

    I am a big Chip Zdarsky fan and was really looking forward to his take on Batman and it was pretty good. A positive out the gate is Jorge Jimenez’ incredible pencils. I also like that this feels more like a return to the mystery storytelling compared to more recent action-oriented Batman stories. On the other hand, I’m not terribly interested in where this mystery is going. I’m not going to be continuing with this series month to month but buzz over subsequent issues might make this a solid trade.

  • 5.0
    Prodigalson16 Jul 5, 2022

    I like Zdarsky but didn't really care for this.

  • 2.0
    Quinn Jul 6, 2022

    If you want to push my buttons, have a plot depend on people being stupid.

    And boy, Bats was stupid in this issue. Penguin is mad at the 1 percent and will kill anyone who inherited more than $5 million. That’s a lot of people. $5 million really isn’t that much money. But there’s going to be some big billionaire ball, and Bruce might not qualify because he doesn’t have the bucks. He might even be worth $5 million and thus be off penguin’s radar.

    Bruce is working with Tim and Tim only. No Batgirls or other sidekicks. Bruce wrangles an invite. Clay face is faking being Penguin, who is dying of mercury poisoning BECAUSE HE EATS A LOT OF FISH. HE’S A PENGUIN AND HE EATS FISH, GET IT? GET IT?

    Tim is s more

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  • 2.0
    myconius Jul 6, 2022

    Zdarsky continuing the tradition of a sad mopey Batman.

    But this time Batman is an idiot that walks right into letting himself get framed for murder.

    ..... whoopsie-poo!

  • 2.0
    Bats20832 Jul 5, 2022

    The old frame-up plot is literally 100 years old in illustrated stories.
    I can't even count the number of times it was done to Batman.
    But Canadian writer Chip Zdarsky and some reviewers believe it is fresh, new, and innovative.
    Can't wait until they discover bell-bottom pants.

    And of course, The Penguin would massacre the wealthy and then take poison (huge eyeroll).
    Maybe The Joker can take a trip to Mars in the next issue.
    You know this isn't Spider-Man, right, or the primarily Sci-Fi Marvel Comics?

    If you enjoy it, great, it is your money and you have the right to spend it on whatever you want. Even the crazy 1950s Sci-Fi monsters that Batman of that age fought had some coherency in stoppin more

    + LikeComments (13)
  • 1.5
    RKS Jul 18, 2022

    This book became tedious after 15 pages. I guess being rich is a "bad" thing and we should all hate people with money now. A key element of Batman is escapism and Bruce Wayne being a "Millionaire Playboy" is part of that. This...This is just crap, no getting around it.

  • Zaid Jan 2, 2023

    loved it

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