Batman #13

7.6

Critic Reviews

21 Reviews
7.8

User Reviews

91 Reviews
Writer Tom King
Artist Mikel Janin
Cover Price $2.99

"I AM SUICIDE" conclusion! Batman and the remains of his team come face to face with Bane and the Psycho-Pirate in a final battle at Santa Prisca-and learn whether this was truly a suicide mission!

Reviews (21) User Reviews (91) Rate / Write A Review

CRITIC REVIEWS

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  • 10

    Newsarama - Jon Arvedon

    Dec 22, 2016

    Part five of "I am Suicide" wraps up what has been a roller coaster of a story arc thus far. Tom King has taken Batman to Hell and back, and in Batman #13, the splatters of paint from each of the previous issues finally come together to form the beautiful painting King imagined. Read Full Review

  • 9.2

    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles

    Dec 21, 2016

    Overall, I Am Suicide was an inconsistent story arc. There were some great moments and a number of unnecessary story decisions, but when it clicked like this issue, it was a very enjoyable storyline. And best of all it sets up a number of future stories I'm looking forward to seeing where King takes Batman. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Comicosity - Terrence Sage

    Dec 21, 2016

    From the personal look into what motivated Bruce as a child, to Selina Kyle's analysis into their relationship… the arc had more in store for us than just rescuing Gotham Girl's state of mind, it brought up renewed examinations inside characters we thought we knew and left just enough for us to wonder what's next for several characters in the Bat mythos. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    GWW - Mark Delaney

    Dec 21, 2016

    The entire arc has felt like a Rube Goldberg machine. We've watched Batman put all the pieces in place for the past few months of releases. Issue #13 is as satisfying as sending a ball in motion through such a contraption. You see everything perform its specific task, timed precisely, and it's a joy to see all facets of the machine cooperate and work as one unit by the time the panels have come to an end. We haven't seen the last of these villains, and that's an exciting cliffhanger too, but for now, Batman #13 reminds all readers that he can't be outmaneuvered by either brawn or brains. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Manny Gomez

    Dec 21, 2016

    This is still a solid book and a must read for Batman fans. The creative team is obviously laying groundwork for a long, slow burn story yet still dropping in enough attention to details and characters to make it rich and filled with substance. Its not boring by any means, but there is a meatiness and seriousness to this title that I havent found in any of the other Rebirth titles. I will continue to read Batman as long as King, Janin, Petrus and Chung are all involved. Lets see where the next arc takes us. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Graphic Policy - Joe Ryan

    Dec 21, 2016

    I do see that this run so far has been a little polarizing, but I really have enjoyed it so far. Tom King has done a great job on giving us something different for Batman, and that is what I want. Sure, I want familiar things and tone to this book, but I also want a new take on the character, and that is exactly what we are getting. A lot of this issue, and this story overall had some over the top moments, but that is what makes it fun for me. We see him take on hundreds of guards and survive, we see him seemingly have his back broken and snap it back into place, and we see Punch and Jewlee blow bubbles into a raft they all escape on. I think that is what Tom King is doing best on this series, marrying the ridiculousness of a being a superhero, with the flaws of being a human being. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Heroes Direct - Eammon Jacobs

    Dec 23, 2016

    The end of Batman #13, involving bubblegum, was a little comical. It felt slightly mismatched given the weighty style of the series. But, for the rest of the fantastic issue - we'll let it go. Especially since Bane seems to have regressed back to his original mind set before the Pirate had his powers on him. There's no doubt in our minds that he'll be back. This series occasionally misses a beat, but when it does - it really delivers. Luckily, this issue redeems the previous one's mistakes. Each team member made up a piece of the puzzle, and once they're brought together, it works wonders. Whilst it's not quite as good as the current All-Star Batman series, if you're a fan of the Caped Crusader - don't neglect this story. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Comic Book Bin - Avi Weinryb

    Dec 30, 2016

    Tom King delivers another solid issue, bringing us Part 5 of the "I am Suicide" story arc. It contains some delicious twists and turns and offers a lovely throwback to the Knightfall storyline of the 90s. That can't be so easily avoided when you've got Batman and Bane going head to head. But it's more brains than brawn driving the conflict, with sharp dialogue and tidy plotting. Read Full Review

  • 8.4

    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge

    Jan 04, 2017

    With some amusement early on with a Waller/Pennyworth moment, this arc comes to a close and sets up things for the Justice League vs Suicide Squad event that's rolling out. I'm not getting into that and, in fact, this marks my last issue with this series. While I can see the larger threads that Tom King is pulling with it the whole thing just lacks something to really make it resonate and connect, leaving me feeling pretty adrift even as I enjoy the visuals and spectacle of it. This arc had its moments, and a lot of it comes down to Janin's work, but as a whole it simply felt too padded out and without enough context or meat to it for me to want to continue on top of the problematic opening arc with Gotham and Gotham Girl. I'll likely circle back in trade form at some point but even that has me feeling a bit wary, which reinforces this as a good time to jump ship. Read Full Review

  • 8.1

    Comicsverse - A. Chowder

    Dec 21, 2016

    The conclusion of "I am Suicide" is saved by the art since the script leaves you with mixed emotions. The issue delivers a memorable back-shattering scene that will echo in the Bat mythos for some time. You might question the use of some characters for Batsy's suicide mission, but BATMAN #13 proudly boasts why Batman can do the impossible. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    The Batman Universe - Matthew Mahar

    Dec 21, 2016

    Another arc, another uneven presentation. All of the elements were there in "I Am Suicide," but the execution faltered. Mikel Janin really saved this arc for me. His art has been phenomenal and I cannot wait for his next run on the book. "I Am Bane" features the return of the competent David Finch, but Janin's art and presentation bring a wholly different much more dynamic feel to the pages. His panel layouts alone bring this score of this book up. I can't say enough about the guy. That's it for "I Am Suicide." You were fun in parts, but I'm glad you served your purpose and are in the past. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    The Beat - Kyle Pinion

    Dec 21, 2016

    The bottom line here is, if you're enjoying this arc, this is a good closer and marks a step-up from the already good, if somewhat scattered, "I Am Gotham" storyline. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this Catwoman two-parter with Mitch Gerads and "I Am Bane" pull everything together in the coming months. I'll call this one a buy, as hope springs eternal as clearly the final moments here will prove important for what's to come. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    DC Comics News - Steven Brown

    Dec 22, 2016

    Batman #13 is an entertaining read but I definitely suggest reading the previous issues to get the entire story. Anytime there's an encounter between Batman and Bane I expect awesomeness! This issue gave me just that. Read Full Review

  • 7.8

    IGN - Jesse Schedeen

    Dec 21, 2016

    It's not easy following up one of the best Batman comics in recent memory, so it's not surprising that Batman #13 isn't on the same level as issue #12. This "I Am Suicide" finale features a great take on the Batman/Bane rivalry, but also some predictable plot twists and relatively underwhelming visuals. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    Dark Knight News - Eric Lee

    Dec 22, 2016

    The finale to "I am Suicide" was a mostly well-done conclusion that gave each character at least one good scene and ends with acliffhanger that makes one anticipate the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin

    Dec 27, 2016

    Batman #13 is a good but flawed ending for Tom King and Mikel Janin's "I Am Suicide" arc. How Batman defeated Bane at the end couldn't off been more telegraphed. Luckily King's strong characterization of everyone involved in Batman's plan helped overcome this problem to not be as noticeable. The ending also opens the door for an even greater story involving Bane to be told in the future. Seeing as Bane comes to visit Batman Gotham City in February we won't have to wait that long for his revenge, which I cannot wait to see how it turns out. Read Full Review

  • 6.5

    Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick

    Dec 21, 2016

    With Batman #13, the "I Am Suicide" arc comes to its ambitious, inconsistent and ultimately unsatisfying conclusion. The creative team tries to bring a lot to the table, but having so much going on means the plot loses focus. Do I think that this issue, and the arc as a whole, would have been more effective if it had been more focused on simply delivering a compelling and twisty adventure? Sure. Do I love a lot of what they put into this arc, though? You betcha. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    Weird Science - Jim Werner

    Dec 21, 2016

    It's a shame that the finale to the "I am Suicide" story is my least favorite issue of Batman since Rebirth started.  After such a well paced and intriguing setup, it all just fizzles out leaving me feeling a bit ripped off.  I expect more from Tom King and maybe that's not fair, but a writer with his talent is going to have to deal with that.  Mikel Janin's art was great, but this ending just left a bad taste in my mouth. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    AIPT - Russ Whiting

    Dec 22, 2016

    Even still, there's hope moving forward. Despite the enigmatic air surrounding Catwoman's alleged murder-spree (a narrative choice that has had Selina Kyle fans the world over clamoring the phrase "character assassination"), King has handled her quite well; he's treating her like a big-time character, giving her some shine and this is the most capricious and dangerous I can remember her ever being. I look forward to some great synergy between she and Batman in upcoming issues. Read Full Review

  • 3.5

    Batman-News - Brandon Mulholand

    Dec 21, 2016

    The entire plot is deliberately over-engineered to perform the simplest of tasks in the most overly complicated and outlandishly convoluted ways possible. Are you one of the people who was expecting King to pull out some mind-blowing twist that will have us all rereading the previous issues with awe? Did you want answers to all those earth-shattering questions that have been rumbling around in your head since issue #9? Well, don't get your hopes up on either front. You'll get no such conclusion here. Read Full Review

  • 3.0

    Nerd Church Radio - Brandon Reid

    Dec 21, 2016

    I had high hopes for the I Am Suicide arc. I loved the idea of Batman's own Suicide Squad with a possible rematch with Bane and a cool yet weird team dynamic. But my hopes were sadly crushed. I didn't care for how the team was used. They weren't even in an entire issue. The only thing I liked about this issue was the art. Simple yet gritty. With really great textures in the colours. Mikel Janin's art is definitely the highlight of I Am Suicide. Read Full Review

USER REVIEWS

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  • 9.0

    ockedman

    Dec 22, 2016

    This issue isn't a simple battle-to-death as it could have been. Tom King shows all the madness of Batman and Bane and their complex relation. Also, the story-telling in this issue is unique and excellent as always. I'm eager to know where all this leads to in the next arc, "I am Bane".

    + Like Comment
  • 9.0

    Kitaru

    Dec 22, 2016

    I actually really enjoyed the ending. I know that for some people this arc was less than perfect and had many problems, but I overall enjoyed it. It was not perfect and had moments that seemed odd and unnecessary, but I will always be a fan of Tom King, with this further cementing that belief. I also am looking forward to the next few arcs and seeing how everything ties together.

    + Like Comments (1)
  • 8.5

    ArkhamJamie

    Dec 30, 2016

    [ART: 9.5 | STORY: 7.6 | WRITING: 8.1 | TOTAL: 8.4 (~8.5)] I liked this arc on Batman. I particularly enjoy how King is taking the title in a bold new direction instead of simply rehashing the past. I also like how connected each issue feels and how they are all building to a big conclusion in the upcoming story arc. Sometimes I feel that King's Batman dialogue is a bit contrived, but overall I think he writes well. This was one of my favourite issues of his Batman writing, however. I loved how Batman was just taking the beating and then when he finally got his comeuppance, he was smug and cocky about it. The issue has some nice twists that end the story well and I like how the issue was paced. The art by Janin is as gorgeous as ever. I am more

    + Like Comment
  • 8.0

    Supes' soups

    Dec 21, 2016

    Batman has been wildly inconsistent in terms of storytelling since Snyder and Capullo left. It's confusing how King can get Dick Grayson as a secret agent so right the entire run or at least before he stepped off and Grayson went to sh!te. And then DC hands him Batman and most of the time he seems like he doesn't know what to do with him. With Snyder, he took Batman and ran with it and developed a solid interpretation of his vision of Batman. Sure some people didn't like it but you could read a few pages and knew Snyder's fingerprints were all over it. He was that distinct, with King he seems hesitant like he wants to put his own spin on it without upsetting the readers and what we get is a hodgepodge of wasted potential storylines. At this more

  • 7.5

    The Villain

    May 02, 2017

    The battle between Batman and Bane never really reaches the level it could have. There isn't anything particularly wrong with the issue it just doesn't make the impact it should. I found this arc to take a bit a drop. Hopefully King can get it under control in the next arc.

  • 7.5

    DarioV

    Oct 31, 2017

    "I Am Suicide" has showcased the best and worst this series has reached for now. The point of the arc itself didn't become clear before #12 and only now do we get the whole picture: Bane and Batman are each other's monster they want to get killed by. We also finally see the point of the Ventriloquist, who probably lives his best scene in recent years. On another note, though, the whole heist was super predictable for the most part, especially Selina's role in it, and her relationship with Batman seems thrown away with how hurried it seems in the end (and yes, I know the next issue focuses on their love story, but we're considering this issue now). The art necessarily suffers from this more traditional approach, with Janin constricted into s more

  • 7.0

    Holyjiebus

    Dec 28, 2016

    Comic Book Review (7/10) "Good" Batman #13 "I am Suicide Part 5" Writer: Tom King Penciller: Mikel Janin Plot: Batman has finally revealed his plans through his actions on how he will be kidnapping Psycho Pirate from Bane's grips. Can Batman and his temporary allies (Bronze Tiger, Punch, Jewlee, and Wesker) execute the plan or is Batman trapped? Because of the pedigree of the writer, I expected the payoff to be bigger for this book. Probably the most important aspect of this book is the tie in to the current event comic Justice League vs. Suicide Squad book. It is revealed that Amanda Waller was behind Hugo Strange and Psycho Pirate and it was all an elaborate scheme to get Batman to Santa Prisca to allow her to steal some files from more

  • 6.5

    ignalarra

    Dec 22, 2016

    This issue felt extremely bland, what I mean is that everything played out in a "eh" kind of way. I expected more and was a bit disappointed. But what can I say, It wasn't all that bad. Just wished for a bit more "wow" factor.

  • 6.0

    Spock's Brain

    Jan 15, 2017

    This title continues to be wildly inconsistent. This arc had some strong points but the final chapter here is underwhelming. It seems like it's trying to carry itself with a depth and weight that's not really registering for me. I loved his work on "Omega Men," "Vision," and " Sheriff of Babylon," so I am rather surprised to find Tom King's "Batman" to be merely okay.

  • 4.5

    myconius

    Dec 24, 2016

    Tom King's writing is confused whether it want's to be serious/grim-dark or a silly cartoony comic.
    i've seem some writers successfully blend the two, but this comic just doesn't jive.

    i don't like Tom King's dialog. i find it stale and dull.
    the plot is silly, and many of the actions leading up to the final end were just pointless.
    this would be more acceptable if this series wasn't trying too hard to take itself seriously with themes like Catwoman on Death Row for mass Murder, or Young Bruce Wayne attempting suicide, or Bruce constantly sulking all the time looking at the portrait of his parents, questioning "if Mother and Father would be proud of him?"

    the biggest problem i've had with this entire seri more

  • 2.0

    Mister Bungle

    Dec 21, 2016

    Apparently spinal injuries aren't all that serious.

    + Like Comment
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