Batman #58

Writer: Tom King Artist: Mikel Janin Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: November 7, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 23 User Reviews: 67
8.0Critic Rating
7.5User Rating

+ Pull List

The Dark Knight waddles into a turf war with the Penguin! Still reeling from the attacks on his Bat-Family and reputation, the Caped Crusader looks to track down the mysterious operator lurking behind the scenes in Gotham City. As the hunt rages on, Batman runs "a fowl" of Oswald Cobblepot. But the Penguin is on Batman's side for once, and the crime boss sees dangerous things on the horizon. How can he convince the Caped Crusader he's on the level?

  • 10
    Comicosity - Londyn Jackson Nov 7, 2018

    Batman #58 was an issue that stood out for me. Penguins sympathetic side story and Batman having to use his better judgement to keep himself and his loved ones safe will draw the attention of any reader fond of these classic characters Kings The Tyrant Wing is already shaping up to be a deep dive into what defines Batman, something the writer has been tackling throughout his run thus far. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Infinite Earths - J.D. Jr. Nov 7, 2018

    King's work easily stands toe to toe with the very best, easily offering up some of the greatest tales to feature in the Caped Crusader's 80 year history! Read Full Review

  • 10
    DC Comics News - Steven Brown Nov 9, 2018

    Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this issue! The action is great, the story is emotional and very impactful and I thought that the clues to the Freeze case fit together perfect. Although we still don't know who's killing these women throughout Gotham it's clear that Bane and Penguin were involved, and now it's obvious that Bane is the mastermind. It seems that Bane pulling all the strings from the lowest depths of Arkham Asylum, and I'm starting to wonder if Bane had Penny killed in the first place as a warning to Penguin about his failure. I definitely can't wait to read the next issue! Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Nov 8, 2018

    King is just killing it on this title. It just keeps getting better. He deserves all of the accolades he is getting. The art by Janin is tops too. This could be a definitive Penguin story arc for the character. Let's see what happens! Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    AIPT - Russ Whiting Nov 7, 2018

    All in all, an auspicious start to "The Tyrant Wing" arc and one that portends plenty of compelling interaction and synergy between Batman and the Penguin. Flock to this one. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Nov 7, 2018

    An interesting issue from start to finish and worth reading. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Black Nerd Problems - Keith Reid-Cleveland Nov 7, 2018

    To end on a good note, I've got to give credit where credit's due. The plan that Penguin puts in place to get to Batman fits his character to the core. It's cruel, but calculated. It's bloody, but not over-the-top. It's truly the result of a sadistic mind. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Nov 7, 2018

    I'm hoping to learn more about Penny Cobblepot, because her random introduction is sort of an odd touch for the issue, but this is much closer to the best of King's run than we've seen in a while. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Nov 7, 2018

    Batman #58 is a visually stunning comic that also adds new layers to the Penguin. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicsverse - Maite Molina Nov 7, 2018

    BATMAN #58's conclusion may feel anti-climactic, but the focus on The Penguin's most recent tragic journey in addition to the intensity of his confrontation with Batman is more than enough to satisfy. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    On Comics Ground - Travis Tucker Nov 7, 2018

    PICK THIS ISSUE UP, I am beyond hyped to see what comes of this arc. ITS ABOUT TIME TOM. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez Nov 10, 2018

    Tom King created greater interest around Penguin in one issue with Batman #58 than the character has had in recent memory. In doing so he further developed the major story involving Batman and Bane's rivalry. These elements came together extremely well to make Batman #58 another strong chapter in the long-term narrative King is crafting in his run on this series. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Batman-News - Elena Carrillo Nov 7, 2018

    "The Tyrant Wing" kicks off what may prove to be a nasty showdown between not The Penguin and Batman, but Bruce Wayne! The fallout from Mr. Freeze's acquittal is starting to rain down Batman's world in an intimate way. And with Bane calling the shots, you know he'll want to make this a fight to the death. While it's questionable whether any of the principal players are going to die, King nicely ratchets up the tension and throws Bruce's most valuable assets into the direct line of fire"let's just hope the suspense pays off! Read Full Review

  • 8.1
    Comic Watch - Bethany W Pope Nov 9, 2018

    This is a remarkably clever, multilayered narrative which balances a measure of heart with an abundance of punching. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Nov 7, 2018

    Given the state of the Batman books of late, King is able to sell a very suspenseful moment before a big twist that could lead to Batman getting a pivotal victory over Bane. In spite of the brief narrative challenges, this new arc has me looking forward to what King has in store next and if this take on Penguin will be as memorable as his work on The Joker, Catwoman and The Riddler. So far he's off to a promising start. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon Nov 9, 2018

    While Tom King's Batman run has a larger game plan in mind, certain installments like this issue can feel a bit slight. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Dark Knight News - Eric Lee Nov 10, 2018

    King's script is both competent and flawed. He has many good, fun ideas, but the execution is always a bit flat. Fortunately, he is bolstered by great artists like Janin. This issue is a good example of what makes King'sBatman both a compelling, but also frustrating read. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Batman Universe - Ian Miller Nov 7, 2018

    Fourth months after Batman #50, Penguin steps onto the balance point between Batman and Bane in this powerful issue. Read Full Review

  • 6.8
    Weird Science - Jim Werner Nov 7, 2018

    While this was one of my favorite Batman issues in a while, I am pretty fed up with the lack of details in the storytelling.  This book has a very forced feeling to it and even though I really appreciated the callbacks to some loose threads, I was pretty bored will reading it.  Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Crusaders - Kevin Given Nov 8, 2018

    This issue sees a slow down in the action as Oswald Cobblepot and the Batman deal with another death. It's a poignant issue and brings the antagonist to a point where he has to contemplate the reality of this situation. The Penguin seems to be going further off the deep end with the death of his daughter. His behavior is erratic even for him. The Batman is thrown for a loop while investigating the Freeze case. He winds up in the Penguins lair! To be continued! *** (8.2 rating) Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Nov 10, 2018

    A tense and twisty issue has some odd storytelling choices that hold it back. Read Full Review

  • 5.7
    Sequential Planet - Josh O'Farrell Nov 9, 2018

    Setting up an interesting team up and finally starting to develop the over-arching evil plot, Tom King puts Batman's beaky friend in an interesting spot. The start of a new arc, I'm interested to see what happens with Penguin and his revenge. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    ComicBook.com - Nicole Drum Nov 7, 2018

    One thing Tom King has excelled at during his Batman run is humanizing the villains in a way that doesn't make them sympathetic but instead gives better insight into who they are. Unfortunately, despite a genuinely intriguing setup with The Penguin, the issue continues with a further dehumanizing of Batman. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Aussie Dad Nov 9, 2018

    Tom King has incorporated a Shakespearean poem "The Phoenix and the Turtle" to mirror the tragedy that has occurred to the Penguin. He has also created a mystery as to who was Penny Cobblepot and that is only a fraction of what transpires in this well written and drawn issue

  • 9.5
    Linkush Nov 7, 2018

    "TO THIS URN LET THOSE REPAIR. THAT ARE EITHER TRUE OR FAIR."

    King's stories are starting to connect and it's so interesting. Art was great and this issue also reminded me how much I love Bruce and Alfred's relationship.
    I honestly can't wait to see what bane's big plan is.

    Recommended.

  • 9.0
    I Review Comics Mar 13, 2019

    There is a huge contrast between Tom King's Batman and Heroes in Crisis. Batman has been rolling the last several issues while Heroes in Crisis has been running in place during the same length of time.

    The Penguin figures heavily into this issue as he actually gets more panel time than Batman.  The comic follows the villain as he grieves the loss of what I presume is a family member. After being defeated by Batman Penguin is sent to Arkham and subsequently dressed down by Bane and given the mission to kill Alfred. 


    The comic ends on a cliffhanger and pivots into a completely different direction than I expected initially. Hinting at a possible team-up. 

    As a single issue, the comic is fantastic. more

  • 9.0
    Synthozoid Nov 8, 2018

    if you’re a fan of his writing you are in for a real treat.
    if you’re not a fan, best stay away. there’s a lot to keep up with.
    and you’d better read it slow and carefully.

  • 9.0

    Loved the tone in this one, and it is nice to see some of the ties coming together.

  • 8.5
    bcgocubs Nov 8, 2018

    A good return to form for the series. I'll have to wait to see how long it lasts, but this is good solid writing in my opinion. It has a complex plot and interesting details as well as excellent artwork as always from Mikel Janin. The one complain I would have is that I'm too dumb to understand the poem at the end of the story (turns out its an obscure Shakespeare poem) and so that was a bit frustrating for me.

  • 8.5
    bucswin611 Nov 7, 2018

    The series is back on track! While something about Janin's figures has never clicked with me (it looks kinda...'90s CGI, right?) - I have come to appreciate his strengths: angles and storytelling. Plenty of intrigue in this issue and Alred's facial expression in one panel will stay with me. The series is back on track!

    + LikeComments (2)
  • 8.5
    mynameisraj Nov 7, 2018

    Solid issue for the new arc.

    I like how the court room arc had consequences outside of itself. Batman not wanting to talk about what happened to Dick was a nice touch as well. I do like how Penguin cowers when it comes to Bane and will shoot his own man to prove that Alfred is in danger. King’s writing along with Janin’s pencils was great!

  • 7.5
    waltgator93 Nov 6, 2018

    I will give King this, his stories do connect. Unfortunately now I have more questions about a previous story arc and even this current one! For starters why is there a Batman behind Bane and is that the same Batman we saw on splash page of Batman 50, if so then that’s Flashpoint Batman which what the fuck is going on?! It would be nice if Bruce talked about the whole shot in the head situation. Batman comes off as a dick in the whole issue, like he has no soul. For being the first issue in the story, it definitely caught my attention at the end. However, King has a record of losing my attention the more the story continues. All that narratives at the end was not needed. Job well done for artwork by Mikel Janin

    + LikeComments (1)
  • 7.0
    Psycamorean Nov 8, 2018

    Well, this was definitely playing to my sensibilities. To see things start to connect is nice, because up until this point, I was thinking it was just bullshit that Tom King has a plan. Maybe it still is, who knows? I don't know why Bane would set up Mr. Freeze? I'm sure that might be explained, or we'll be forced to just accept it. Never know with Tom King. But just the idea that maybe, maybe there's some plan here makes me more optimistic. I'm annoyed that Penguin isn't dead, but I blame editorial on that one. I think the death of Penny was forced. Why should that resonate with anyone? Penny didn't exist before this. And I don't think Penguin's men are the time to kill themselves on command. I think with Joker running around, all the craz more

  • 6.5
    ohhaimark Nov 9, 2018

    THE GOOD:

    -Art is fantastic. Mikel Janin is easily the best artist working on the rotating series of artists for this run.

    -I actually liked King's portrayal of Penguin. He makes the reader empathize with him in the same way that worked with the Ballad of Kite Man.

    -Also a great portrayal of Batman's relationship with Alfred.

    -I'm actually curious about the direction the mystery from the Freeze arc is going. I liked that arc, and I'm curious. It's nice to know all of these post-wedding arcs aren't just one and done. Well, for this series' sake, let's hope they don't revisit the KGBest arc.

    -I'm not a fan of doing the same thing over and over and over in comics, but that double splas more

    + LikeComments (2)
  • 6.5
    MKW69 Nov 7, 2018

    Meh.

  • 6.0
    Spacey Medicine Jun 2, 2019

    This was okay, but that extended poetry jam sesh really dragged the whole thing down for me, it went on waaaaaay too long. I feel weird about this whole Penguin thing and I don’t believe his dudes would kill themselves for him.

  • 6.0
    daddyT Nov 8, 2018

    from a base of 6, this gets a rating of: 6.
    -1 because: if only Tom King could tell a story without trying to be so surreal all the time
    +1 because: overall the 1000000 foot view might be a good story, if you ignore the actual pages involved

  • 6.0
    egonnn244 Nov 7, 2018

    "How thrilling"

    I'd rather go with how confusing. The issue started good with, as always, strong art form Mike Janin, but then it kinda became "meh".

    So Bane shakes the Gotham's criminal underworld and he doesn't like failures. To remind Penguin of that he has his, I believe wife, killed. So now Oswald needs to "earn back his life". From this point on the issue drops the ball so to speak.

    Alfred plays Nightwing, oh I'm sorry, Ric. He could have used a ladder really. People still use the word "yeah" and couple pages is "narrated" by some poem. Then there is this bizarre page where Alfred "plays" Bruce and tels a message to himself? What's that about? I always thought of Alfred as the sanest person in Gotha more

    + LikeComments (3)
  • 6.0
    Nihilist Nov 7, 2018

    There's no denying Batman is struggling - and I'm not talking about his life as a character, I'm talking about Tom King's writing in the series. His run has become so stretched and unnecessarily long, it feels like a cable TV show these days, which would work as a 10-12 episode one, but was turned into a 23 episode giant. I have nothing against writers taking their time to tell a story, I even said so while reviewing Bendis' Superman comics, but the point of a story, slow or quick, is to lead somewhere. I don't have that feeling with King's Batman anymore, unfortunately, and the saddest part is, this issue for once contained something that connects it to the big masterplan teased in #50. You know, the one everyone hated.

    Am I hap more

    + LikeComments (1)
  • 5.5
    Full Spread Nov 7, 2018

    It's perfectly serviceable. But like many Tom King issues, Batman #58 just doesn't give me anything truly spectacular or special to remember.

  • 5.5
    Darkseid24 Nov 7, 2018

    I expected more with this issue, because of Penguin, but the plot seems weird and comes out of nowhere. Out of nowhere we learn, that Penguin is married, even so there was no character development shown for him. Last time Penguin had a love story it was in Pain& Prejudice& he wasn’t capable there to have a normal relationship. So we suddenly should believe he can, because King decides?
    Another thing that didn’t fit was, that Penguin could aim at Alfred, since Wayne Manor has excellent security& Bruce is prepared for everything, but suddenly he isn’t.

  • 4.0
    Superheroes for Hire Dec 14, 2018

    I've really tried to hang on. I really have. I'm catching up on the last few issues, and this start to the Penguin arc is a waste of a comic book. The Mikel Janin art is fairly good, although panel comment is sparse. And panels are few. So 3 points for decent art. The story is okay, but goes nowhere. We get poetry, and poetry that is so difficult to read. What was it written in the 1700s? Then the implication Penguin loved an actual penguin. Great. Except we don't just get an implication; Tom King feels compelled to explain and reference and explain and hint and explain again that Penguin really loved this penguin. The key to writing a great gag is showing it and then moving on. Tom King does not understand nor employ subtlety. There is als more

  • 4.0
    Talon1load Nov 7, 2018

    Sigh. Once again, King writes a character with additions they’ve never had before just to take those additions away because you have to constantly have a shocking death. He also, once again, forces some ridiculous parallel between Batman and his villain. He’s apparently got a lot in common with every villain in Gotham. How King has been able to stretch out this one troupe for 58 issues is beyond me. He’s never done it well but he’s always done it consistently, I’ll give him that.

    + LikeComments (1)
  • 4.0
    Quinn Nov 7, 2018

    Nice art. But King uses a whole issue to tell us that Bane has ordered Penguin to kill or maybe hurt Alfred. The issue ends with Alfred at the Manor and we see a red dot on his forehead, telling us that a sniper has him in his sights. (By the way, as an ex-CIA agent, King should know that real snipers never use laser sights because they do tip off the intended target. It's just Hollywood nonsense.)

    That's it. Also, another woman is killed by the "freeze" technique. The hit of Alfred was ordered to punish Bruce Wayne for interfering with the Freeze trial. Boy, I hope King has something clever up his sleeve with Freeze, because right now framing him makes no sense, except maybe to get Batman crazy for sending an innocent man to pri more

  • 1.0
    myconius Nov 7, 2018

    right from the beginning there was no hook.
    dull panels filled with dull uninteresting dialog.
    i'm told Penny's throat was cut. who's Penny? why should i care?
    but, i did get to see Penguin get punched in the face,
    then get naked and take a shower. so at least there's that.

    i've seen very few modern writers actually tell interesting Penguin stories.
    this was not one of them.

    there are slight hints to the Bane story,
    but no real advancement made.

    now Tom King it threatening the welfare of Alfred Pennyworth.
    he must have mistaken himself for Scott Snyder?

    nothing redeeming here.
    this comic is trash.

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