Edit: None of this has been addressed satisfactorily as of issue 52. Don't bother reading.
"Rules Of Engagement" part two! Batman is on a quest in the desert, far from his Gotham City home. His friends and allies think he's gone crazy, and his mission puts him far outside the law. Waiting for him at the center of the chaos is an old enemy... and plenty of old demons.
King slowly unfolds the reveals with this arc and the reason for Batman and Catwomans road trip makes sense. Now it will be up to see how King pays it off. At this rate theres no reason to think he wont disappoint. Read Full Review
Overall, this is a must have. Its not necessary to be up to date on the story, this issue can be read on its own and nothing is lost. Its important to experience the passion of Jones art work here and the Kings story makes it that much more enjoyable. Dont miss this issue! Read Full Review
Batman #34 is a literal battle of the exes as we see Batman and Talia go head to head! I'm actually looking forward to the next issue honestly! I've always wanted to see the two loves of Bruce Wayne fight it out and next issue it looks as if we'll finally see it! Read Full Review
Tom King knows how to tell a compelling story and does so with ease. It's a funny and fun tale that reminds the readers just how awesome the world of Batman can be. Read Full Review
This was not only a very fun issue, it also had some awesome action. The art is brilliant as always and the character leap from the panels. Everything look right, from the people to the scenery. This 3 part story might be a bit drawn out, but I can't deny I'm having a lot of fun with it. Read Full Review
Batman #34 continues to show why King is the right person for Batman, and even though some arcs prior could have been heavy handed, it is nice to see that he is able to have fun with the Dark Knight from time to time. There really isnt much wrong with this book other than slight pacing in the middle. Read Full Review
Side note: What does it say about me that I laugh at the sight of Selina nonchalantly pulling a sword out of her lover? Read Full Review
This story is less about fighting a Clandestine Enclave of Tongueless Desert Ninjas (how's that for a descriptive sentence?) and more about personal relationships. Read Full Review
A strong issue though it doesn't move the plot forward all that much. Read Full Review
This issue ofBatman shows what King can do when he is not tied down to an overly ambitious story structure. He tells a straight-forward superhero tale and it works well. It is brief, exciting, easy-to-follow, and fun. This issue feels like what a Batman comic should always be. Read Full Review
Watch how Jolle Jones draws lines and movement in this comic. The goons gestures and drapery are like sinews and muscle all arching on one direction opposing the forces and counterweights of Batman and Catwoman. But once that segment of the story is over, Jones converts to a more intimate illustration style with less movement and more power given to the inks. A master is at work. Read Full Review
'Batman' #34 focuses on family; filled with action, warmth, humor and defining character moments. Another future classic issue from a great run. Read Full Review
This is a story that was already destined for greatness before it hit the shelves. Don't get left out in the cold. Read Full Review
Another great Batman story is being told with some pretty great Batman characters. This is even more fun than Kite Man. Read Full Review
Super simple yet insanely entertaining. Witty dialogue, cinematic artwork, sequential fighting and heartfelt gestures are but a few of the things you have to look forward to from this issue of Batman. Read Full Review
This story arc may be only two issues in, but I think it has the potential to be one of the best arcs King has crafted so far especially with this amazing art team he has the pleasure of working with. Read Full Review
Ultimately, Batman is an intelligent and fun book to read. The one-liners flow as fast as the action and it all works because King and co. are happy to take chances with the lore. Not everyone will be thrilled with recent events but those willing to give it a try will find an entertaining book that rewards long-time readers. Read Full Review
Talia Al Ghul and Catwoman meet for the first time as Taila finds out about Batman and Catwomans engagement, and ladies and gentlemen it is not a pretty sight! The issue picks up a little from the last issue, but nothing really over the top happens. The bickering between Batman and Catwoman is beautiful; you can tell they will make the perfect crime fighting couple. The issue ends leaving you wanting more as both ladies are ready for a confrontation you damn well know it wont be a tea party. Let the nails come out. Read Full Review
Tom King takes big risks with his characters. Whether his current decisions will pay off to everyone's liking remains to be seen, but this issue is interesting enough and an awful lot of fun in the meantime. Read Full Review
This issue was part 2 of the Rules of Engagement storyline and was a fun Batman story. I'm excited to see the character evolving and very curious to seewhat the future holdsfor Bruce and Selena. Read Full Review
Batman is normally one of DC's consistently best books, so it's a little strange to see the series take such a hit in the middle of this new story arc. Issue #34 reads very much like a transitional chapter, one that pads out a handful of key character moments with repetitive dialogue and fight scenes. The most we can hope is that issue #35 will redeem this troubled storyline. Read Full Review
Dialog is repeated and scenes are extended for no real reason......... which if you've been reading Batman for a bit now, you're probably used to it and if you don't mind this, you might actually enjoy this issue, but overall, even with the art being decent, I find this story to be a whole lot of nothing with cheesy dialog just so we could get to the cliffhanger. Read Full Review
After my first read-through of this chapter, I was greatly disheartened despite the numerous great story elements. With subsequent read-throughs, I warmed up slightly, but I still can't get past the clunky dialogue. We're deep enough into Tom King's run that the flaws in his approach are becoming readily apparent. There needs to be some course correction if King is to remain on this title for an extended period. He has great plots and decent execution, but the dialogue and writing have been stiff, especially in the middle chapters of story arcs. Read Full Review
Well, that was pretty fucking awesome. Opening the book to see the side-by-side splash pages, Batman and Catwoman back to back in front of a hoard of swordsmen, I was in awe. Joelle Jones is so talented, and here, in some panels, she seems to go for fewer lines, with more thick lines, a bit more cartoony, as evidenced in the double-page spread of Bat/Cat following the 2 splashes. I enjoyed the small bit with Damian and Dick, which was touching and threw back ever so slightly to their relationship in the Grant Morrison "Batman and Robin." I loved the depiction of Talia. I love that this whole arc reminds me of the classic Neal Adams art of "Batman" #244. This is a great book.
Another great installment in this arc. We are really setting up something special in this arc. Batman feels more like a human then he has in years. The pace of this issue is spot on. There is action and a great sense of place. A city of criminals that the UN and JL won't touch is a great venue for this story, and I hope King or future writers return too. This city would be a solid place to establish a new hero in the DC universe.
Jones create wonderful art in this issue. The pages drip with character and heart. In general, we are putting a lot of heart back into Batman after the previous arcs have been such big epic stories. The coloring itself is worthy of being an example for aspiring artists.
You will not be disap more
I like when Tom King writes about couples/families... That seems to be his bread & butter. The dynamic between Bat and Cat is awesome. I hope they get married.
As with the last issue, the art was especially great. Loving the interactions between Damian and everyone else, especially Superman.
Things have been convoluted and disagreeable to get to this point in the arc. But (having to be) accepting the status quo this was a entertaining dialogue issue in itself. Bat & Cat. Boy & Supes. The dynamic action panels layout made up for the trope factor of the underdog victory. And the Catwoman vs Talia clash teased for next issue feels to be MUST SEE.
Jones' art took a step up this week - and a few lol-worthy moments made this another solid issue.
Great issue
I really enjoyed the interaction between Cat and Bat, it's been delicious since the very beginning of King's run. This arc focused on that relationship they have that is deep within them, but doesn't look like it at first sight. The snail's pace of the story actually fits the writing very well and the art is just beautiful. Jones delivers and the coloring completes incredibly well. I'm eager to see the showdown between Talia and Selina, and how the Justice League fits in all this.
Moral of the story: Don't let your current gf/wife/fiance meet your ex.
I thought this issue was better than the last in terms of story. The art continues to impress and is the best part of this book. I am excited to see where the story leaves, even though it is a little cheesy.
I do not like the direction Batman is going. Batman the husband is still weird to me. Dialog with Damian, Superman and Richard is good, we'll see where the story goes
Dreadful and unnecessary dialogues, good art and action.
I’m a big fan of Tom King but something is missing in his Batman run. I’ve enjoyed most of this run on Batman but nothing has made me say wow this is a great take on the character. It might be time for DC to let someone else take over the book. 34 issues in and it’s been a mediocre run a best. Hopefully this new arc can change my opinion.
This whole comic could have been made in two pages. Nothing ever happends.
Even though I'm not 100% sold on Joelle Jones' art for Batman, the art is fantastic and presents a unique take on the Dark Knight and his family of dark and mysterious vigilantes. There's some humor, some fighting, and some relationship building. I'm curious as to how and why Holly Robinson has ended up under the protection of Talia, or for that matter why Talia and her "realm" are off limits to the Justice League. But I have confidence that this will all be told in the upcoming stories. Overall a good, solid issue of Batman. I can't wait to see the fight between Bruce's leading ladies next issue. And how will Damian react to his mom and dad coming to blows over Selina?