It feels like a page has turned in the Batman mythos, and for those out there keeping score, that is precisely how Rebirth should function. Read Full Review

King doesnt fail to deliver on the big reveal and the purpose of this secret mission. In case readers thought Batman was going to slow down after the War of Jokes and Riddles, Rules of Engagements first chapter proves the fun definitely isnt over yet. And this fantastic run still has plenty of exciting twists and turns to go. Read Full Review

Joelle Jones and Jordie Bellaire make for an inspired art team. They give a barbarian, antiquated touch to the world of Batman as he wanders through the desert with his fiance. Together they face a great enemy. Possibly the only person who could stand in the way of the two heroes becoming one. Read Full Review

This issue is a very fun read and a diversion of sorts from the epic storylines King has written in the past. In that sense this book comes highly recommended and a must-read for Batman fans and also for those that wanted to get something a little different. It is not a most action packed chapter, but it is highly enjoyable. Read Full Review

Putting Batman and Catwoman front and centre in an issue that's spectacularly written and drawn, Tom King's Batman continues to prove itself as a book that's essential reading for any fans of the Caped Crusader. Read Full Review

Overall I thought Batman #33 was a solid issue and an entertaining read. Here we see Bruce's engagement come full circle, and I can't wait to see what happens once he and Selina return. King gave a great cliffhanger which introduces an old Batman foe to the mix. I'm not giving away any names but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how Selina will deal with this threat in the next issue! Read Full Review

It was a huge move for King to get Bruce and Selina engaged, so I am really hoping that they actually go through with the marriage, as it would feel like a wasted opportunity if they break up with one another. I’m very excited for this arc, as the premise appears promising, so I’m hoping that King doesn’t drop the ball with this. Read Full Review

Jones has an excellent range of emotions of show that are clear and look natural and realistic, and creates the best ‘acted' comic visually I have seen in some time. Bellaire's colours, especially between scenes from the cooler Wayne Manor to the desert sands of Khadym, are strong and vibrant, and help add to the important clarity in the pages. Combined with Jones' linework, it creates some genuinely gorgeous artwork. Read Full Review

Everything comes together this issue for a glorious Batman story, whether it's Batman and Catwoman in the desert on a horse with no name, or it's just the Robins bantering back-and-forth on the couch. Great read. Read Full Review

One of the great things about this series is the way it always feels fresh and different with each new story arc. The return to the present, the increased emphasis on the Batman/Catwoman romance and the series debut of Jordie Bellaire all contribute to an exciting and unpredictable new storyline. As much as this series is highlighting the bond between the bat and the Cat, it also reminds us that marriage might not actually be in their best interests. Read Full Review

If this issue is any indication, Batman will continue to be a great book. The combination of King, Jones, and Bellaire will be something great. King has a great grasp on all of these characters and Jones/Bellaire combo will be killer. Read Full Review

Overall, this was a very fun issue. Seeing the aftermath of Batman's question to Catwoman is entertaining and exciting. Some fans may not entirely like this issue, but I think that's safe to say for most of Tom King's run. Read Full Review

Batman #33 is a fine start to the next arc of Batman and ends on a revelation that leaves the reader excited to see what happens next. It's great serial storytelling, providing character moments while also being a compelling read. Read Full Review

Joelle Jones and Jordan Bellaire are on pencils and colors, respectively. Jones does an excellent job of capturing both the barren vistas of the desert and the interior of Wayne Mansion. There's not much action this issue for her to work with, but the intricate detais of her pencils is enough to hope for her to stick around for this arc. Jordan Bellaire brings out the best in her artwork with his vibrant colors. He does especially well in portraying the desert scenes. His colors bring a immediacy to each panel that helps anchor the entire issue. Read Full Review

This story is titled “The Rules of Engagement,” which is ironic given that Batman's apparently thrown all rules to the wayside. But don't worry, the end of this issue makes a lot of sense out of that. Read Full Review

A storyline moving along is always a good thing. Filled with some solid art and a few funny moments any Batfan will enjoy, this issue was a lot of fun. Read Full Review

Though a Bat-God purist like myself is more accustomed to Batman breezing through endeavors such as this, there is a part of me that likes the uncertainty that comes with King's humanized version of Batman. I don't know where the story is going next but I absolutely can't wait to see " especially with the revelation at issue's end. And that's the crux of what makes Batman #33 work so well. Read Full Review

With the War of Jokes and Riddles over, and Batman and Catwoman engaged, Batman #33 begins the Rules of Engagement arc. This issue is slower than I like, but this is typical King's work. Despite some minor problems, Batman #33 is a solid read. Read Full Review

Not being a regular Batman reader I did really enjoy this issue.Tom King writes Batman and Catwoman as a pretty good couple and the story seems like it is taking an interesting direction; couple that with a really good art team in Jolle Jones and Jordie Bellaire and I think I may stick with this for a few issues and see where it takes me. On a side note, I do know one thing about Batman, it is not good to be a horse around him and that definitely stays true in this issue! Read Full Review

I wasnt sure what to expect out of this book, but I can say Im definitely happy with the outcome. The start was rocky, but this was a narrative win for the creative team. A short, three issue arc will be a good palette cleanser after the lengthy War of Jokes and Riddles. Ive said before that Tom King excels in these quieter stories, so Im looking forward to seeing what he can do, and I hope these next chapters maintain the intimate feeling of these pages. Read Full Review

Time will only tell if the pairing's meant to be, but at least the journey there is shaping up to be an exciting one. With Dark Nights: Metal owning a more storied Batman, and with the main title playing up on his more dramatic elements, Bat-fans have been well and truly catered for. Here's hoping it continues. Read Full Review

This issue was absolutely rife with dramatic effects and Storytelling. The art was detailed and expressive, with a good note of humor. I especially enjoyed the goof about the Bat-Cow. Read Full Review

BATMAN #33 is an entertaining issue by Tom King, Jolle Jones, and Jordie Bellaire. While the character development is fabulous, problems with the art as well as an uninspired story prevent this comic from reaching its potential. Read Full Review

The comic is an interesting one and in some ways continues the fantastic story King has set up but in other ways things feel like a trip. This is a prelude in every way and sets up… something that could be interesting. King has proven he can do thought provoking before and this looks like it'll be that sort of arc. A step back but still an entertaining read. Read Full Review

This issue was pretty slow from what we read in The War of Jokes and Riddles, but it doesnt beat the fact that you know something intense is about to go down. The wait is over; we finally see Batman and Catwomans engagement. What they have planned is still a mystery but that person waiting for them surely will not like where Batman and Catwomans status is at right now. Read Full Review

Batman #33 is a solid start to the new arc that pushes the engagement of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle forward. Their journey that eventually leads them to Talia Al Ghul's location is made even more important by the implications of all the possible consequences. Those consequences make what happens next a bigger mystery as Tom King explores Bruce and Selina's evolving relationship. Read Full Review

A slow start with beautiful illustrations for some interesting times for the Bat crowd. Read Full Review

It took a while to get a real sense of the first year's shape and with that now being built on top of, it'll take a while before the expanded picture - and where Bruce's head is now at - becomes clear, however the idea that a run can feel that large more than 30 issues in is worth savoring, as is the opportunity to try and fit the pieces together. Read Full Review

The comic gives enough to hook readers, but it feels a little rushed to get the plot into place. Read Full Review

I am really on the fence with this issue and if I am perfectly honest, that's exactly how I feel about the whole run since Rebirth #1. It seems that rather than tell a straight up story, Kingis always look to deliver a mini event of sorts. He isn't the one wholly to blame, DC has been playing that particular card since New 52. At times it's worked and other times, maybe not so. Finally, does anyone else miss the Batman that used to stop crime in Gotham? Where did he go? Maybe we should light a signal, or something. Read Full Review

While I'm very interested in where this story is headed, I felt that the execution of the opening chapter left much to be desired. It's got a lot of filler, a lot of missed opportunities for character exploration, and a lot of sand… Read Full Review

While I think that some of the character choices in this issue come off strange as hell, I did find myself enjoying the majority of the story that took place in Gotham.  Really though this is an odd issue that is setting up the next arc and while I didn't love or hate it completely, I'll keep an open mind with going forward.  As for the art...... well, that was a mixed bag for me too. Read Full Review

Watching Bats kicking some villains in the face is nice, watching the Family coming together and saving the day is cool, too. But those little intimate moments like the one in this issue when Alfred is talking to the Robins is what I really love in the Batman comics.

Cinematic!

Story: 8/10
Art: 9/10
Chapter: 10/10

Story: I loved it. Easy read and well formatted. Quick to get in and through the premise. I haven't warmed up quite yet to this whole Batman/Catwoman dynamic yet. Still feels foreign.

Art: Just delicious stuff. The page layouts, the perspectives... I felt Catwoman's green eyes on page 8! Joelle Jones is someone I will be following

Chapter: As a first parter in the series, it did exactly as it needed to, built up the tension, set up the stakes, and had me itching for more.

9/10

A great beginning to a new Batman Arc. My largest hope to this arc is that we actually commit to it. I think Bruce and Selina should get married and future writers support this. Bat and Cat have been going back and forth for decades and creating a more human Batman has the potential to really evolve the character. Batman having a wife like Catwoman and a son like Damian really creates a test for him. Can you be morally black and white when the two people closest to you are as grey as they come? Tom King is setting up the next 20 years of Batman writing and it looks personal, real, and an actual test of a character who has literally done it all.

Jones's art in this issue is great and the nod to Batman Vs Superman does not go unnoticed. The art sets a tone and character art is really grounded. Jones excels at faces and tone in this issue. This is not an action-packed issue, but it does set us up for an excellent part 2. With all that is happening with Batman in Detective Comics, Metal, All-Star Batman it is really difficult to know what is happening when. Tom King does not seem that concerned and DC in the beginning of Rebirth kept continuity at the front, but that seems to have relaxed now. I don't need everything to make sense but this arc may bother those who struggle with those kinds of details.

If you want a take on Batman that doesn't make him seem broken and inhuman then this Tom King arc is one that you should love. I am looking forward to Duke Thomas becoming a bigger deal in the family because King is really starting to find Duke's Humor. It is great to see Batman's actual and adopted sons in the same place and recognition that Duke is really in this family.

Pick it up. more

I loved this issue. Joelle Jones is fantastic; say what you will about King's writing but he has consistently had the best artists involved in his projects. The story seems very interesting from a character development perspective where King has shined in his run thus far. Can't wait for the next issue.

Can DC get Tom King to write a Bat-family book? Whenever he writes them in a group, it's always a pleasure to read.

8.8

Am I the only one that hopes Talia stabs Bruce or Selina so this bat-cat nonsense will end? The art is superb though, gotta hand it to Joelle. I gave this issue a decent grade because I love awkward moments like riding in on your horse with your hooker/jewel-thief fiance to meet your evil, terrorist group leader baby-mama with a fetish for a harem of naked lesbians that makes Selina's fetish for whips and leather seem tame by comparison. Batman likes bad bitches, we get it Tom King, can we move on now??

Don't get me wrong, I love Tom King's work - but there was a little TOO much of the monosyllabic/abrupt sentence stuff at the beginning. The way he wrote it in the Rooftops and arc was believable, but I am not sure even Bat/Cat would speak the way they did in this issue. On a better note, the plot is set up to go a million different directions, and Joelle Jones is a welcome addition to the artist roster. The Robins' reactions was one of my favorite comic moments in months!

After reading the description for this coming arc I thought this was going to be pure garbage. In all reality it was pretty decent. It still doesn't warrant, in my opinion, the amazing grades that a lot of people are giving it, but hey, opinions are aren't facts. The art was out of this world. Definitely the high point of the book. Other than that it was average for me and this whole Batman run has been subpar. The ending leaves me interested though.

I seem to be in the minority here but since the I am Bane arc (Which I enjoyed), Batman is making decisions more and more out of character. At the end of this read I had no desire to find out what will happen next. Its Batman main comic so obviously I'm going to read the next issue but this issue was just meh to me.

Dialogue between Bruce and Selina was stiffed. Not enough scenes with Robins. No reaction from Dick, and Damian is awfully drawn. If not for the hair, I would mistake him for Tim. And Nothing Happens.