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/20.jpg "Batman #20")
Yeah, a lot of these modern meathead writers just can't write for a character that should be a supergenius. "Detective", brilliant Batman is dead.
Batman #20
| Writer | Tom King |
| Artist | David Finch, Danny Miki |
| Cover Price | $2.99 |
"I am Bane" finale! In this epic climax, there is no going back. No more tricks, no more allies. Just Batman. And Bane. When the final blood spills...nothing will ever be the same for the Dark Knight.
RATED T
CRITIC REVIEWS
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10
Comics: The Gathering - Batmanaruto
Apr 05, 2017In conclusion this issue is a perfect conclusion to the 3 arc epic, before the Button, and I would definitely without a doubt recommend this series highly. It has its ups and downs, but what book doesn’t, and right now provides a really new and interesting take and run on Batman. Many people wondered if Tom King would be able to write to the same or a similar standard as Scott Snyder, but with this issue I felt he really stepped out of his shadow to prove to readers why he is writing Batman. Read Full Review
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10
DC Comics News - Steven Brown
Apr 05, 2017This book to me will go down as a classic in the matches between Bane and Batman. Priest did a wonderful job of increasing the stakes in each issue, as we saw Bane and Batman play mental games with other as well throughout the entire series! I've stated before I've always hated whenever Bane was written as a simple "monster." To me he's waymore than that and Priest shows it all here in this series andmakes itgreat read. Read Full Review
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10
We Got This Covered - Sergio Pereira
Apr 05, 2017Beastly! Tom King's Batman #20 is a fantastic conclusion to the truly excellent "I Am Bane" storyline. Read Full Review
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10
Black Nerd Problems - Keith Reid-Cleveland
Apr 05, 2017"You don't see the impossible " you see the impossibility no one else sees." King may delivered the best damn line of the arc in this latest issue as he perfectly summarizes what makes Batman so extraordinary as a character. This is the kind of observation that only comes after truly getting to know a character. Read Full Review
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9.5
The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman
Apr 05, 2017Batman #20 is a highly-entertaining and fitting conclusion to amazing 'I am Bane' arc. Read Full Review
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9.3
We The Nerdy - Aron Pohara
Apr 05, 2017There's not much else to say about how good this book - and this arc - was. It was talky at points, butvillains always talk too much before the confrontation. What worked here is that Batman was playing off it perfectly and there was no wasted momentum. Bane did not stop to give a grandiose speech - he told the story as he was causing chaos. So if you are a fan of Batman, do yourself a favor and pick this series up. Read Full Review
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9.2
The Pop Break - Mark Henely
Apr 05, 2017Batman #20 doesn't just recap the action of Tom King's impressive run on the Dark Knight's solo book, it deepens the experience. It adds texture to it. It reframes it in a way that shows how every moment of this run has been driven by a singular desire that Batman harbors. Read Full Review
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9.0
Weird Science - Jim Werner
Apr 05, 2017Those looking for a clear cut ending to the I am Bane (and I am Suicide) arc may be disappointed, but Tom King is going bigger here. The reader gets to see what's been driving Bruce since even before Rebirth started and it's the big picture reveal that grabbed me. The story and art were both outstanding and if you have been a fan of Tom King's run, I think you'll be satisfied and ready to move forward. Read Full Review
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9.0
Newsarama - Justin Partridge
Apr 05, 2017The current Batman title has been a tough one to champion due to its odd structure, but this chapter shows that payoffs sometimes are worth the wait. Tom King has marched to his own beat from the start of this run, and now with the debut of this newest issue, he's earned back much of the goodwill some of the slower and more esoteric issues of this arc had sapped away. Read Full Review
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9.0
GWW - Mark Delaney
Apr 05, 2017Batman's writers look inward to the character more often than perhaps any other, so it's not that the ideas we explore, namely Batman's unbreakable will, are wholly new ideas. Read Full Review
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9.0
Comicosity - Matt Santori
Apr 05, 2017I Am Bane (not to mention I Am Gotham and I Am Suicide) continues to impress, if only because King manages to seduce me every time into thinking one thing, and being flabbergasted at my own naivet by the end. Batman #20 is only the latest in that pattern, and I sincerely doubt it will be the last. Read Full Review
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9.0
IGN - Jesse Schedeen
Apr 05, 2017"I Am Bane" has been a worthy addition to Tom King's Batman saga, and it wraps up in strong form in Batman #20. It delivers a visually spectacular finish, one that thrives as much on Jordie Bellaire's mood-enhancing colors as David Finch's ultra-detailed pencils. It also reinforces the central themes of King's work, reminding readers once again that the Dark Knight might be mortal, but he can never be conquered. Read Full Review
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9.0
Comic Book Corps - Josh West
Apr 05, 2017Batman #20 is one of the most important issues so far in Batman's Rebirth continuity. Tom King's multi-layered story arc concludes in a way that honors the character of Batman and emphasize his true heroism. Read Full Review
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9.0
Monkeys Fighting Robots - Manny Gomez
Apr 06, 2017How this arc completely works as an endpoint to one longer, multi-part tale.The way the art team imagines the fight, bringing out the brutality and violence with even the smallest detail (blood drops, sweat, teeth).Page layouts that completely convey the claustrophobic nature of this close-up fight.Finchs ability to capture emotion in faces (especially rage in this issue).The frightening image of the Joker on page 7.Kings emotional and revealing interior monologue that works as the issues narrative.Batmans vulnerability.The sheer imposing SIZE of Bane.As Gotham burns, I will stand on one of your gargoyles.The amazing splash image on page 18.The quiet and powerful way the story ends. Yes, mother. I know.Without a doubt, this was one emotional ending to an intense Batman story. King has been showing us the many facets of Batman and what makes him one of the most complex characters in comics. And now, he has done the same for Bane as well. Read Full Review
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9.0
Major Spoilers - Wayne Hall
Apr 08, 2017The fact that there are a lot of "I Am" arcs happening shows that King is finding quite a bit of depth to Batman. I'm not sure he'll ever run out of ideas as he takes us on a journey "where no Batman has gone before," if I can use a Star Trek reference. Read Full Review
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8.5
Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles
Apr 05, 2017I Am Bane restores the tarnished luster to the man that broke the Bat. Bane is cast once again as arguably the most formidable physical threat of all of Batman's Rogues. Hopefully with the start of The Button crossover next issue, King puts more of a spotlight on Batman's brains than his brawn. Read Full Review
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8.3
Comicsverse - A. Chowder
Apr 05, 2017Although BATMAN #20 falls short on the "greatest Batman battle" title, it's nonetheless a great examination of the titular character. Alongside the art, the last issue of the "I am Bane" storyline delivers heavy punches and kicks with the famous rivalry between Bane and Batman. While the fighting is quite brutal and entertaining, it's Batman's character and the inner conversation between Bruce and his mother that serve as high points for the issue. Read Full Review
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8.0
Big Comic Page - Craig Gorman.
Apr 06, 2017This is a fun read. It's not YEAR ONE, LONG HALLOWEEN or DARK KNIGHT RETURNS good, but if you are looking for superior superhero entertainment with great visuals, this is as good a place as any to start. Read Full Review
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8.0
AIPT - Russ Whiting
Apr 06, 2017A strong conclusion to King's overarching Batman narrative and one that shows he has a deep understanding of/appreciation for what the character represents... Read Full Review
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8.0
ComiConverse - Abel Loza
Apr 15, 2017Batman #20 was fitting ending for what has been building up for 19 issues. King makes some fundamental changes to the Batman character that make a much more well rounded person. This Batman story arc was a good start for Tom King in Batman and it has me excited to what he has coming up next! Read Full Review
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7.5
Batman-News - Brandon Mulholand
Apr 05, 2017While I thought the fight scene and Batman's martial ineptitude were immensely frustrating and lackluster to behold, almost every other element of this story was a shining example of how to do Batman justice. I think it's easy to get lost in the action of this comic and see it for nothing more than that. On my initial read, I did just that, and was very disappointed. All I could see was the fight, and found it lacking. But as I read it over and over, I found that there was actually plenty to enjoy beyond the obvious content. With this issue, it's not so much about what happens, but the ideas that are interposed and their ultimate ramifications. If you can look past the uninspiring fight choreography, at the heart of this story is actually a celebration of the character that is Batman. Read Full Review
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7.0
Dark Knight News - Eric Lee
Apr 05, 2017King's script createda mostly satisfying conclusion to the storyline, while being riddled with lazy resolutions and mediocre art. Read Full Review
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7.0
NerdEnt.Net - Flame Hawk
Apr 06, 2017Many have been praising the end to "I Am Bane" but I am just not seeing it. If this comic skipped the endless exposition which furthers the beacon of hope vibe it would be better off. The fight between Batman and Bane saved this issue as Finch and Bellaire perfectly capturing the aggression and exhaustion in the fight. Read Full Review
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7.0
Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez
Apr 07, 2017Batman #20 was not the cleanest of endings to an arc that started out strong. There was a constant feeling that for as strong as Batman and Bane's development were, that there was something missing around them to make "I Am Bane" a memorable story arc. That thing that was missing hurts the strengths this ending has from a story and artwork front. Read Full Review
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7.0
Multiversity Comics - Matt Lune
Apr 10, 2017A violent clash with some classic Batman moments, framed by strong character exploration. A satisfying conclusion to King's first act. Read Full Review
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7.0
Razorfine - Alan Rapp
Apr 11, 2017With Bane defeated, the Flash shows up next issue to begin the investigation into a blood-stained button and the secrets lurking behind Rebirth and the shitstorm known as the New 52. Worth a look. Read Full Review
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6.0
The Batman Universe - Matthew Mahar
Apr 05, 2017Where do we go from here? Right into the DC Rebirth mythology in a four-part crossover with Joshua Williamsons The Flash. Were going to (hopefully) be getting some answers. Reread your DC Universe Rebirth one-shot and get ready to hash some stuff out. Well be back in two weeks to talk about The Button. Read Full Review
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3.0
Nerd Church Radio - BrandonReid
Apr 05, 2017 There wereaspects of this issue that I really enjoyed like the art was really well doneonce again, the fight between Bane and Batman was good for the most part and ofcourse, Bane. He's so badass in these issues. Then there's the confusingnarration by Bruce's dead mother. I feel like I missed something with thataspect. Maybe it will be explained next issue. But all in all I was kind of disappointed.As awesome as the headbutt was, is that really all it would take to take Banedown? Is it because Bane just fought his way through Arkham and is drained?Maybe. But still. A little more would have been nice. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS
Back to Top-
10
Tom King will never stop surprising me! Since the beginning, everything this series has delivered was perfect: the characterizations of every single character is masterful, the story-telling is always innovative and elegant and the plot is unique. This arc is the best of the series and I'm really excited to know where the author is going from here!
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10
This was very good last issue.
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9.5
Tom King and David Finch conclude their "I am Bane" arc great. I love the part in which Batman almost mocks Bane for saying "I'm going to kill you". This accumulated everything that has been established in his whole series so far. Ending was almost bittersweet. I encourage individuals who dropped this to give it a second look because I think its fantastic.
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9.5
Finch at his best, though the second arc nude Bane is noticeable step backward from Janin's. Tom King is a master of ending big arcs, and I only wish the last panel had its own separate page, as it feels a little abrupt. Almost perfect book.
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9.5
Batman 20 is a perfect jumping on point in that it encapsulates everything that has lead to this final confrontation between Bane and Batman it shows everything Tom King has put into his first foray with Batman. It is emotional issue that captures Bruce's motivation the why of going out every night in the cowl. I would have preferred some more interesting choreography but overall David finch and King deliver a fine end to this year long saga to Save Gotham girl.
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9.5
Great fight you have to remember the past issues to appreciate what happened here. Nice parallels between Bane and Batman.
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9.5
I loved this one. I thought the writing was tremendous and the artwork was equally impressive
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9.0
There are hints of Nolan's TDKR in this issue for obvious reasons. King doesn't officially put his stamp on it until the end where Bruce talks with his mother. Other than that, most of the other story elements are borrowed from past Batman vs. Bane stories. 20 issues in and I'm still on the fence with King's Batman. On the one hand, it's very character driven unlike Snyder that had a slowly unfolding plot that often lead to a big payoff. Snyder explored certain relationships like Batman and the Joker but King seems to try to dig at Batman's psychology all the time. After the Button, I'm curious to see the next arc, which seems more story driven than character driven with a conflict between the Joker and Riddler.
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9.0
A surprisingly melancholy ending for an arc that has been led up to for quite a few issues so far. I realize that it is a Batman comic and a Tom King comic, but I still was surprised by how effective the voice over for the fight was with evoking a certain emotion response. Overall, I really enjoyed this and cannot wait to see what is next with Tom King.
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9.0
Finally!
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9.0
A fine conclusion not only to this arc, but the series as a whole up to this point. It is interesting to see the way King has come into his own as a Batman writer throughout the course of this series. Of course, the series rolls on, and I'm excited for more.
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8.5
This is it. As we're now used to seeing, King frames the main narrative (the brutal fist fight between Bats and Bane) with a long thought process spoken by an unexpected person in Bruce's mind, giving him even more depth than King has already done before. I must say that this time, after the already painful brawl in #18, King could've found a smarter way for Batman to approach his enemy, instead of just playing the punching ball all over again and mysteriously not succumbing under Bane's venom-powered hits. In this a pivotal role is played by Finch, who brilliantly manages to make the reader feel the power of every smash but without taking any to an absurd level of damage, making it less hard to believe that Batman is still alive after all more
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7.5
8 pages with flashback reprinted panels and 2 pages of hallucination sequence leaves only 1/2 book to rate. Lame Get beaten 'til an inch of your life gameplan and a dreary color scheme, too, and still it scores 7.25 rounded up which is a compliment.
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7.0
Did Batman have Vibranium in his head? ONE Headbutt and Bane done? Decent not great. Good Arc tho.
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7.0
well finally after I am Gotham and I am Suicide and I am Bane.. we get a massive fight which ends with "I'm Batman!" and a headbutt. extremely dis-satisfying ending to this arc. for a moment I thought Gotham Girl would save him. That would have been nice. This... was boring.
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7.0
Personally, I loved the arc. I love Tom King right now. But this issue built up to a head butt. That's it. I know there is a deeper meaning to this but I was just enjoying some crazy action, crazy story, and a built up that led to Bane getting knocked out by s head butt. Ok, so Batman may not have some type of honorable death wish anymore. So what? At least tell me something as to why the head butt knocks Bane out. Maybe a monologue from Batman saying how tired he can see Bane is.... maybe Batman monologues about Banes venom being all used up or how the villains took a toll on Bane through arkham. Give me a reason!!!! Tom king is doing great right now. This book would be in my $25 a month do or die pull list. But I wanted a better fight more
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7.0
Art is great but was dissappointed in the story and the conclusion of the arc. I understand what king was doing but he wrapped it up too quickly. He should have spent less time recapping his run to date and more on wrapping up the arc.
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7.0
Much better than City of Bane
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7.0
The story arc has gone downhill in the end, but it's still a good one.
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6.5
As Bad I thought. Bane is still some more eloquent Hulk. Bruce has problems. But at least there's a real fight scene! And pretty good fight scene. Still dissapointed.
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6.5
SCORE: 6.4
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6.5
I mean I love the writing. I don't quite get the schizo convo with his dead mother, but the writing, the dialogue, it's superb. But is no one at all bothered by one single headbutt ending the fight??
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6.0
After this issue I've decided King's writing and take on Batman are just not for me. Again we get exposition flashbacks that are not needed. Batman takes a beating of a life time only to bounce back at the last second, say a cheesy one liner and the threats over... After such a strong start to this arc it completely crashed in the last few issues.
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5.0
SPOILERS AHEAD: Oh, come on! Batman gets the ^%$% beaten out of him 2 issues ago (a day or two ago in 'real' time) comes back completely healed (?) and has no other 'strategy' than to get the ^%$% beaten out of him again? Isn't he a detective? Doesn't he have weapons besides his fists and, apparently, forehead)? Can't he concoct an antidote to Venom or something besides hoping for the head-butt to end all head-butts (and which doesn't hurt Batman as much as Bane?) As the pages turned, I kept waiting for some master strategy or...something. Ridiculous conclusion to a 5 issue buid-up.
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