Batman: Kings of Fear #3

Writer: Scott Peterson Artist: Kelley Jones Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: October 24, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 21 User Reviews: 12
7.6Critic Rating
8.0User Rating

There's nothing to fear but fear itself-unless, of course, the Scarecrow is trying to scare all of Gotham City to death with his fear gas! Dr. Jonathan Crane has undergone an intense therapy session in order to "cure" Batman of his various psychoses. That involves Batman and Scarecrow battling through the streets of Gotham City, with the Caped Crusader not knowing what's real and what's fake. Can Batman handle this sudden influx of personal demons into his psyche? Or will the next cell in Arkham Asylum be reserved for Bruce Wayne?

  • 10
    Comicosity - Londyn Jackson Oct 24, 2018

    I feel for Bruce in this issue for the simple fact that he is entangled in Scarecrows fear games and, for someone so obsessive about control, not knowing what is real or a hallucination must be exhausting. This of course makes me anxious to see what exactly Scarecrow will find within the mind of the Dark Avenger in Part Four. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Infinite Earths - J.D. Jr. Oct 25, 2018

    A darkly humorous glimpse into the multiple psychoses of the Dark Knight! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Nov 5, 2018

    Batman: Kings of Fear highlights one terror-filled night for the Caped Crusader. The Scarecrow is like his evil conscience, pointing out all his flaws and weaknesses along the way. There are times you want to see Batman just punch him right in his scrawny neck, but that could mean the death of a hostage and that can't be risked. It will make the Scarecrow's eventual comeuppance all the sweeter. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Batman Universe - Corbin Pool Oct 24, 2018

    I really did not like issue one, and I stand by my thoughts for that issue. That being said, this book has progressively gotten better with each new installment. This issue was absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it to others. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Hussein Wasiti Oct 24, 2018

    I really don't have much to say about this issue other than it's fabulous and I loved it. It's so weird and different that I don't know if a general reader would enjoy this, but it tickled all my spots and gave me what I wanted from just a story I want to read. Kelley Jones is a mastermind. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Bin - Andy Frisk Oct 28, 2018

    Kelley Jones' Batman Kings of Fear is just another example of the powerful and unique storytelling ability of one of the greatest sequential artist of this era of the art form. I can't wait for his next project, and this one isn't even over yet. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Dark Knight News - Steve J Ray Oct 24, 2018

    Great stuff. This issue is bordering on perfection. It narrowly misses the full ten out of ten for me, but only because we're only halfway through the story, and I think that the best is still to come. I cannot recommend this series highly enough, now that it has finally hit its stride. Read Full Review

  • 8.9
    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman Oct 24, 2018

    Batman: Kings of Fear (2018-) continues to gain momentum as the Dark Knight slips deeper into the asylum-like nightmarescape that the Scarecrow has crafted for him. DC's overarching deconstruction of the Caped Crusader continues. Read Full Review

  • 8.6
    Comic Watch - John Jack Oct 29, 2018

    Really enjoying this series, certainly more than the main Batman title. Worth your time. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Oct 25, 2018

    Now that Jones is moving away a little from being a clone of Bernie Wrightson, his art is much more enjoyable to look at. This whole series has been a joy and I can't wait to read it all together. This is one of the more underrated series to come out for Batman in recent years. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    On Comics Ground - Travis Tucker Oct 25, 2018

    Kings of Fear is turning out to be a fun ride of nostalgia, humor, and thought-provoking to the fans. I recommend this for any hardcore Gotham reader. This series cuts to the chase and makes sure the chase isn't boring or complex for the reader. With the classic and iconic artwork of the series to help out, what else could you want? Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    GWW - Nick Friar Oct 24, 2018

    This is a great issue to show off Scarecrow for the outstanding villain he is. Batman is putty in his hands the entire time. That probably won't change next issue since he's one of the few villains " may be the only one " who can take away Batman's greatest weapon: his mind. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Oct 24, 2018

    As this showcase continues, it is only increasing its capacity for fun while Jones remains the stylistic dynamo readers have come to know across so many years of great Batman stories. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Batman-News - Casper Rudolph Oct 25, 2018

    You are into psychedelic horror storiesScarecrow is your favorite Batman villainYou like Gothic imagery that reflects the struggle and horror of the plot I really enjoyed this issue. We see nice Gothic imagery that adds to the horror elements; the lines between reality and hallucinations are blurred and thereby the stakes have been raised; and we get to see Batman's more caring, soft side when he finds a little girl all by herself in the streets. To all Batman fans: by all means, pick up this issue. Even if you dislike the artwork, I'm sure you'll find plenty to enjoy in the writing. Recommended! Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    AIPT - Chris Showalter Oct 25, 2018

    Scott Peterson and Kelley Jones use Batman Kings of Fear #3 to aptly assess the Dark Knight's greatest fear and provide depth to the character in spite of the story's slow burn. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Oct 25, 2018

    Batman: Kings of Fear is an odd book, equal parts psychological study of Batman's mission and art showcase for Kelley Jones' unique style. I'm not entirely sure that either half fully works due to being split between the two missions, though. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Multiversity Comics - Elias Rosner Oct 29, 2018

    "Batman: King of Fear" #3 is good fun, with dark, soulful art, providing a nice counterpoint to the main "Batman" title. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes Nov 23, 2018

    A slim story that depends on the visuals to sell books. I can't disagree with how good this issue looks, but I don't see how this develops the overall plot. This is a book you look at and don't read. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Weird Science - Jim Werner Oct 24, 2018

    Besides the Kelley Jones art, there is nothing to see here.  There is hardly a story and what little we get is not paced well and can be confusing.  I had high hopes for this series, but they have been smashed to bits here. Read Full Review

  • 3.0
    Comic Crusaders - David Howard Oct 24, 2018

    I don't feel this book lives up to the standards I have for DC and Batman. Read Full Review

  • 2.0
    DC Comics News - Christian Ruiz Oct 30, 2018

    Its disappointing when you know a story could be great and change the way we look at the Caped Crusader's exploits while still creating a special place for the books themselves within the plethora of books that depict the Dark Knight's life. This does a poor job of really cementing itself in the Bat-verse. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Khamul Mar 28, 2019

    Great story and one of the most memorable touching scenes ever in comics...ok,but at least in the last ten years or so.This title is why I'm a comic fan.I wish more books were like this.

  • 9.0
    Darkseid24 Oct 24, 2018

    I thought this issue was great. Scarecrow acting as Batman‘s psychologist is funny& interesting to watch& it actually makes sense for both. Batman normally is always in control, but in this story he doesn’t know what is real& is forced to do what Scarecrow demands. Some scenes between the two are just priceless.
    It is also a fresh idea for a Scarecrow/ Batman story, one we haven’t really seen yet, what makes the story even more fun, so I definitely can’t wait until next issue.

  • 8.0
    Amazing Psycamorean Oct 26, 2018

    I really like the art and Scarecrow's characterization in this.

  • 7.5
    myconius Oct 24, 2018

    the beginning of this issue feels a bit disconnected from where we left off from the previous issue. i wasn’t 100% sure as to what was going on right away, though i was still able to enjoy the visual storytelling. if what i interpreted from previous issues is true, some of this could be that Batman is still hallucination from Scarecrow’s fear toxin.

    Scarecrow has a hostage and is threatening them if Batman doesn't do his bidding.
    i’ll admit this isn’t the greatest story ever told, but i’m still enjoying it for it’s creepiness.
    i do really like Scott Peterson’s depiction of Batman. he has a very good voice for the character. this is the confident, no-nonsense Batman that i've been missing!
    this series more

  • 6.0

    With the novelty of the art fading away, the cracks are starting to show, and its' simplicity may not keep it afloat another 3 issues.

  • 5.5
    Gizmo Oct 26, 2018

    The plot is getting clumsy and meandering, the artwork is the only thing carrying the issue. I hope the writer gets it together for the second half of the series.

    + LikeComments (3)
  • 9.0
    Fmernamz0 Jun 21, 2021

  • 9.0
    hebele Jan 10, 2019

  • 8.5
    Reitherschach Dec 23, 2018

  • 8.0
    Spider-Man Prime Dec 13, 2018

  • 8.0
    mrbrans Oct 29, 2018

  • 7.5

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