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10
Damian is the best.
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8.5
With the second part of Gotham War in the books, I liked this a bit more than the Battle Lines one-shot. Bruce is truly on edge and starting to lose it here, which makes for an entertaining read. Plus, Jimenez's art just makes it better. He's able to convey this more crazed state Bruce is in very nicely. I also enjoyed the rest of the Batfamily trying to stop Bruce, especially Tim towards the beginning of this issue. All things considered, I've enjoyed the two issues of Gotham War we've gotten so far and I just hope it continues to be good. The real test comes with the next part, Catwoman #57, in my opinion. I enjoyed the co-written one-shot, Battle Lines, and I've consistently been enjoying Zdarsky's Batman run. As for Tini Howard's Catwoman, while not terrible by any means, it's taken a downturn for me since Issue 50. Hopefully, Gotham War is what Howard needs to fully get back on track. more
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8.5
Previous issue, the opening act for the Gotham War was received a bit poorly, and after seeing the first reaction to this issue before reading it, I was a bit worried if this would land.
But in my opinion, it does land very well. Bruce isn't acting himself, being tired, on edge and haunted by Zurr-En-Arrh, so being a bit ooc here isn't breaking character or anything. I get why Bruce acts like this.
And everyone said that Batfamily would also join Selina in this issue, when in my opinion they just started to think their options before Bruce went unhinged. They are not attacking Bruce because they agree with Selina (besides Jason), they want him to calm down and talk to them, but Bruce can't in his current mindstate.
I mean Nightwing doesn't say "Selina is right", nor does Tim. They just want Bruce to stop being so unhinged.
And add Jimenez wonderful art and I think that makes this one a win in my books. more
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8.0
The Gotham War kicked off on a rather uninspiring note in last week’s Battle Lines prologue and lines are further drawn in this week’s BATMAN #137 by Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez.
TL;DR
After a nearly 3-month break since the last issue in the Dark Knight’s own series, we see more concern from the Bat Family over Bruce’s current worldview and the role he believes he’s meant to play for the people of Gotham now that he’s aware of Catwoman’s plans for the city’s former henchpeople. He goes on a spree rounding up Selina’s “rehabilitated” criminals, leading to Catwoman and the rest of the Bat Family, save for Damian Wayne, working together to try and stop him. Damian shows up to save his father, who makes a retreat before discovering someone has threatened his ability to protect Gotham by purchasing Wayne Manor from under his nose.
Review
Zdarsky’s script for this book is much tighter than the haphazard writing he and Tini Howard combined for in the Battle Lines, even if Batman’s current personality seems off. In the most recent issue of the series before the “Knight Terrors” event paused everything, Zdarsky set Batman up as damaged goods thanks to his previous dealings, including Batman of Zur-En-Arrh and Failsafe. Batman had to deal with coming to terms with the new state of Gotham while he’s been kept busy elsewhere, and I can’t imagine his most recent dealings with Insomnia or his 8-week slumber revealed in Battle Lines did anything to help his fragile psyche. The presence of Zur-En-Arrh as Batman is stewing in the Batcave near the end of the book does a lot of work to help explain his current actions so far in this event.
I also appreciated how quickly the rest of the Bat Family coalesced around the need to contain Batman. There was some hesitancy in Battle Lines, but the downside to Batman’s actions are now apparent — violent crime is now about to go back up as evident by members of Batman’s rogues gallery starting a new alliance. They don’t try to rationalize Catwoman’s plans. They lay out the pros and cons of each and weigh what does “do the most good” mean in a world where there aren’t absolutes. Of all the Bat Family, I particularly enjoyed Zdarsky’s writing for Jason in this issue. When written at his best, Jason has always been one of the more interesting members of the family given his anti-hero status and it really shows here. The writing for these characters all felt off in Battle Lines and I think a lot of that had to do with how rushed the plot development in that issue felt.
I found Jorge Jimenez’s art really captivating in this issue, even more so after not seeing him on this series during the “Knight Terrors”-caused hiatus. There was something off about the Batman art in Battle Lines and Jimenez brought things right back to feeling normal. He has an uncanny ability to convey motion which shown bright during the major battle between Batman and the Bat Family. I also love the detail he brings to each costumed character. Everyone looks intimidating and ready for battle. Tomeu Morey’s colors and Clayton Cowles’ lettering also continue to lend extra life and depth to the visual tone throughout the book.
Final Verdict
I thought this was a major step in the right direction for the event after Battle Lines. It gave depth to Bruce’s mindset and every character’s actions felt more earned that they did in the event’s prologue. If Zdarsky continues shining a light on Bruce’s psychological trauma and coming to terms with his own mortality, I think this event can lead to some really intriguing long-term ramifications for Batman and Gotham-at-large. The surprise reveal of Vandal Savage at the end was a true surprise as I was fully expecting it to be Selina or the new alliance of Batman’s rogues. It will be interesting to see how this impacts the Gotham War, which continues in Tini Howard’s Catwoman #57 out on September 19th, and if it’s what ends up causing fences to be mended between Bruce and Selina.
Rating: 8/10
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7.0
Still curious to see how this plays out. Feels a little rushed overall, makes the train if thought of everyone less believable.
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7.0
Undeniably great art from Jimenez, and Batman’s internal conflict about his abilities is still intriguing me. The rest of the bat family, with the exception of Damian, feels quite out of character though. Not necessarily in their allegiances, but in their indecisiveness. To all of the people saying that Catwoman’s plan is stupid and would never work, I agree, and it seems clear that the flaws in her plan are starting to show in-universe. So, while there is still some flimsy logic, the book seems to recognize the impracticality of her scheme.
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7.0
i felt this issue was a huge upgrade and standout from the previous issue. For starters, Jorge Jiminez must have scoliosis because this book would have got much lower reviews if it werent for him. His artstyle just oozes style and it clearly shows.
For the story, I was very skeptical and nervous coming into this issue and tempering it. But the more I think about it and the more reviews I read, the more i slowly buy into this. The Bat family dont completely support Catwoman's ideals, but they try to hear both sides before coming into their own conclusions. Batman's ideals are very strict and rigid, and while I agree with him mostly in this event, I do think he's stubborn. I also like how we see more of Batman's thought process in this issue, and I hope the same can be said for Catwoman. But I wont hold out hope, since its written by Tini howard.
Overall, this was a good issue. But the only reason why I'm not giving it higher is because I am very apprehensive about this event, and a lot of things could go wrong in this event and series, where Batman or Catwoman get ruined. The first issue still left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm just very wary and hoping this event lands well. more
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6.5
Great, a story I can't fully understand if I don't get two other series. I hate these things. Anyway, why would the Batfamily stop Batman considering he's doing what he's always done?
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6.0
I was really concerned having Tini Howard involved in this crossover as I don't feel any writer can salvage anything she's involved in but this issue somewhat tainted my feelings on Zdarsky's writing (who I find to be one of the best writers currently at the big 2). Dick Grayson saying Bruce needs to get off his "Moral Ledge" is practically blasphemy. Dick and Superman are supposed to be the moral compass of the DCU so he would never make such a statement of act like this.
Just when it seemed the Bat-family was finally in a good place and getting along, we' thrown right into another rift that we keep seeing repeated through each writer's runs and it's getting so old and frustrating at this point. The Bat line is in dire need of a capable editor to manage the direction of these books and to challenge the writers to re-assess their ideas to get the most out of their potential.
On a more positive note, it's so great to have Jorge Jimenez back on this book as his art style is amazing bringing so much life to it. Easily my favorite artist right now. more
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6.0
😴😴😴
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6.0
Well this issue was written much better than battle lines and i had less problems reading it and the majority of it is because selina panels was limited and she didnot talk much last issue when ever she started to talk it was so painful to read ok move on the art was much much better so i am glad about it lets continue to talk about writing well unlike many people i had no problem with the characterisation of batman well this man has had so much on his plate recently from 4 back to back wars to failsafe to insomnia to waking up and seeing the love of his life has built a criminal empire so him acting like this is totally fine with me ok the fight scenes were cool but unrealistic on the concept bruce one shotting everyone was too much to take and is just wrong,batfam members take on crime was awkward because yu know their job is to stop crime no matter what type seeing them doing nothing towards crime is again wrong as well and we still have the biggest issue of this event which is the most painful part of this story( charactetisation of selina) truly it hurts to see her being dumb, heartless and mobboss at the same time i wish i just wish they come with sth to redeem her character later on because this is not who she is at all
And her characterisation is the exact reason that i just cant be excited about this event
Zor en ar is cool, batman going on beast mode is cool but as i said i cant be inttested about this selina what so ever well i am done more
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5.5
The art is great as jiminez is on the pencils, but this event is just not good so far. Everyone's acting like an idiot. Batman's off but that's a little understandable, since he was in a different universe for 2 months, but the rest of the bat family is just written so stupidly.
Like did you not think that eventually the villians will team up? Or just hire goons from other cities..... or just pay their old henchmen who are now better trained l. To do bigger and more dangerous jobs.
Selina's whole idea, makes zero logical sense, and I know we are talking about comics here. But this has to be Howard's idea. Because it just seems to stupid to come from chip. He's no god of comics or anything, but I expect him to be smarter then " if the criminals only rob the rich, then nobody gets hurt " ..... yes except once you rob everything the rich have within 6 months. Now what?
I was originally going to give this a 6.5 but the more I thought about it. I feel this end of the event was written, and then the rest of it was made to make a story around the ending.
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5.0
Nothing much to say as it looks like everyone else has already covered the major issues. Everyone is out of character, which is understandable for Bruce, so does everyone else also have Zur En Arrhs in their heads too? Also, I may be the only one, but Jorge's art even seems a little below his usual standard.
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4.0
It is very hard to take this arc seriously. It is written like no one know who these characters are with their decades of history. The bat family is acting completely out of character. When no character is really written in character and its not a black label title, how can you give it more than a 5/10? If these characters are actually acting like this than Batman should kick them all out of the bat family and just stick with a Batman/Robin team with Damian. They are not worth saving. Catwoman's logic continues to fail. Bruce losing his house is just another screw you. I mean the twist with that is crazy enough I suppose it breaks even for me, but this feels like Chip no longer cares for this run and is just wiping trashing everything now.
Remember for writers, you should 'put the toys back after you play with them', this arc feels like a 3 year old ripping off the arms of the dolls.
Art is great, people look like they should instead of the... whatever happened to them in the previous issue of this 'event'. Jimenez cant save this issue though. more
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4.0
Very disappointing. Gonna take a miracle to turn this around and make it worthwhile.
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3.0
Stupid. Everyone is OOC. "Saved" by Jimenez's art.
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2.0
Absurd.
The art is good, which is why this gets a 2, instead of deserving 1.
But it is also a reminder, that DC editorial, DC writers, and DC video - all do NOT understand who The Batman is and why. They create "characters" none of whom would understand The Batman.
The concept to help criminals become better criminals is absurd beyond belief.
Zdarsky's story is just another in a line of ridiculousness.
The best thing to do would simply STOP publishing The Batman.
But DC Comics just needs the money too badly, so it will keep trashing its number one IP.
One word: Absurd.
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2.0
This whole event is just stupid. Apparently, Chip has no idea how the bat family works. He's destroying 30 years of relationships and characterization to force this story to work. That's not how writing should be done. You don't force the characters into a story, you let the characters propel the story. Damien is the only one who doesn't turn on Bruce. Props to him. Dick, Tim, Barbara, Cassandra, and Spoiler all act outside of their character. This is a piece of garbage and after this event, I won't be reading anything by Chip or Tini again.
My comic Reviews - https://youtu.be/m7c7jeAi4Xc
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2.0
This just makes me so so sad. From a Doylist position, this GW event is still stupid and makes no sense and feels like the authors just spent too much time reading Twitter hashtags, with the added combo of reading all the love Wayne Family Adventures webtoon received and saying "what if we did the opposite of that"?
From a Watsonian perspective, poor poor Bruce. It sucks to read about how this character, who dedicated his life to helping others, ended up in this situation where his fiancee and all but one of his children have turned against him, won't help him when he is really struggling, and in general decided to renege on the whole "we're against crime" thing. Setting aside the fact that his villains are after him still.
The art is better than the previous Gotham War installment, but it doesn't cover up the fact that this is a pretty stupid and sad read.
I have very little hope that Zdansky can turn this ship around and make something redeeming out of it given the villanization and flandarization most of the characters in this story received. more
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1.5
Este evento es estúpido, los escritores no tienen creatividad y no sólo eso, ahora gritamos que la gente que trabaja y tiene un color de piel tiene que mantener a los mediocres y basura criminal porque patata. La obsecion de Zdarsky de sacar a los criminales de las cárceles, debería irse a vivir a un país de izquierda donde sacan a la basura a las calles y ver lo bien que se vive con miedo o estrés a que te asalten. Y bueno ahora hay que poner de forma redundante a Jason este personaje personaje vulgar de catwoman porque necesitamos a alguien a quien golpear olvidando de la evolución de cada uno de los personajes, porque ahora escriben todos fanfics y no se preocupan por investigar un poco y se dicen escritores. Que sigue? Emparejar a Sel8na con Jason, para repetir lo que pasó con Talia ya que no se tiene creatividad? more
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1.0
This issue,this whole arc, is stupid for several reasons. First it is just a repeat ofBatman loses everything and rises from the ashes stronger. Rinse lather repeat.
Second, the whole premise makes no sense. Crooks willing to be partipants in mass murder decide to become thieves and will be expected to be peaceful because why?
Third, the Bat family going along with crime? To quote Lana Kane , “Nnooppe.”
Fourth - Zur-an-that was and remains an uninteresting idea. Instead of allowing for character examination, it just acts a a macguffin for tedious stories.
When this is over, Bruce will have his fortune back, again. The family will say we’re a family again, let’s not fight again.
Bruce will say I will be nice again. I am guessing Cat and Bat will be dead as a couple, just like zMJ and Peter. Editors hate it, public loves it.
This really is just a terrible rehash of terrible ideas that have been run into the ground.
Or I could be wrong. more
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10
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10
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9.0
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9.0
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8.5
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8.0
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8.0
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7.5
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7.5
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7.5
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7.0
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7.0
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7.0
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7.0
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7.0
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6.5
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6.0
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6.0
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6.0
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6.0
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5.5
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5.0
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4.0
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4.0
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4.0