Batman: Urban Legends #1

Writer: Stephanie Phillips, Matthew Rosenberg, Brandon Thomas, Chip Zdarsky Artist: Eddy Barrows, Ryan Benjamin, Laura Braga, Max Dunbar, Marcus To Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: March 10, 2021 Cover Price: $7.99 Critic Reviews: 15 User Reviews: 77
8.4Critic Rating
8.4User Rating

Batman may be the biggest name in Gotham City, but there are lots of other heroes-and villains-who will get a turn to shine in Batman: Urban Legends, a brand-new monthly series tying into the biggest events in Gotham City. The series begins with these can’t-miss tales:
• Superstar writer Chip Zdarsky enters the world of Gotham City with celebrated Detective Comics and DC Future State: Robin Eternal artist Eddy Barrows for a six-part story chronicling Red Hood’s investigation of a new drug sweeping through Gotham. It’s a night that will change his life forever-and put him in Batman’s crosshairs.
• Writer of the DC more

  • 9.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Mar 9, 2021

    Despite the hefty price tag, this is a very enjoyable anthology thats a must-grab issue for Batman fans. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Weird Science - Jim Werner Mar 9, 2021

    Urban Legends was an enjoyable read, and while I couldn't wait to read Chip Zdarsky's Red Hood story, I liked the whole package.  Chip's story wasn't even my favorite by the end, and it had nothing to do with the quality of his story because it was great!  Check it out, and don't skip any, you hear! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Mar 9, 2021

    Overall, though, a very solid first issue with no real weak spots. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    But Why Tho? - Collier "CJ" Jennings Mar 9, 2021

    Batman: Urban Legends #1 is a solid chronicle of the Dark Knight's friends and foes, featuring tales of triumph and heartbreak. If you're a fan of Batman or a specific character within the Batman mythos, chances are there's a story in here for you. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Dark Knight News - Carl Bryan Mar 11, 2021

    Pick this up, as it will be one of your favorite playgrounds for some time to come! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - Nathan Simmons Mar 9, 2021

    This series is off to a strong start, presenting multiple tales that show how flexible and versatile this side of the DC Universe can be. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    GWW - Nick Friar Mar 9, 2021

    Last, but certainly not least, Matthew Rosenberg is back at it with Grifter. The start of his five-chapter story, "The Long Con," was a bit frustrating " but in the right way. Cole Cash is something else; this story was a great way to end the first issue of this anthology. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Mar 9, 2021

    Rosenberg makes Grifter a more interesting character in this short story. Beyond the characters bravado and attitude, there is potential for an evolution for the character especially given the circumstances created in the plot. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton Mar 9, 2021

    Batman: Urban Legends #1 is an absolute win for the anthology format that DC Comics has been trying out with all of the four stories in the comic being entertaining and shedding light on a unique cast of characters. The longer stories that bookend the comic are especially noteworthy thanks to Chip Zdarsky's pitch-perfect handle on the fascinating character of Jason Todd in “Batman and Red Hood” and Matthew Rosenberg and Ryan Benjamin's skill with verbal and visual humor in “Grifter”. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    COMICON - Tony Thornley Mar 16, 2021

    Take a trip into Gotham's darker side in four fantastic tales by creators at the top of their games. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Oscar Maltby Mar 9, 2021

    A well-curated mix of stories from some of the best creatives currently working in the superhero genre, Batman: Urban Legends #1 marks the successful re-establishment of the jumbo anthology into the direct market. Harley and Ivy is the highlight here, but the quality is high across the board. After 'Future State''s mixed results with the format, this successful launch bodes well for the future of the DC anthology. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Tony Farina Mar 15, 2021

    Batman: Urban Legends #1 is an old timey digest of awesome. The stories are up and down, but for the most part, this has a ton of legs. It makes sense for some of these smaller characters, who for some reason, could not sell books on their own, to be here, in a book, with the big guy's name on it to sell a few more copies. Hey, if this is what it takes to get an excellent Red Hood story, to get to see the Outsiders again, and to watch Grifter go toe to toe with Bruce and Dick, I am all in. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Patrick Cavanaugh Mar 10, 2021

    The quality of the installments range from riveting and complex to entirely forgettable, which will surely satiate the curiosities of readers who were drawn into the book by the more well-known characters. Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Multiversity Comics - Michael Govan Mar 15, 2021

    Three out of four ain't bad. Not bad at all. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Batman-News - Jay Yaws Mar 9, 2021

    "Fine with room to grow" about sums up my feelings, and I wish I could be more positive here. I mean, Batman by Zdarsky? More Rosenberg Grifter? Wackiness with the Outsiders from Brandon Thomas and Max Dunbar? This should have been a home run, but instead it was more of a base hit. Hopefully the upcoming chapters find the stories hitting a stride, along with leaving room for some solid standalone one-and-dones. As it is, Batman: Urban Legends is a great idea that falls short in the execution. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Κυανό Jun 23, 2021

    The problem with this type of comics of variable quality with a lot of stories thrown into the content is that it doesn't work as should, that is the reason why this kind of comics stopped, and them focused on series with only one character, at most they presented one single short story, and if this comic can be placed within the list of best sellers by value, but not in those that are sold by unit due to its high cost. As good as Chip's work is, the poor man has been dragging with him, from acceptable stories to really bad ones. I can assume that only Chip and RH fans could be consuming the book, it is a mere guess of mine.
    Another thing that I notice in most viewpoints is the tendency to rate the main story, and I think I'll do it t more

  • 10
    Vellichor Mar 18, 2021

    Red Hood was amazing.

  • 10
    redhood Mar 17, 2021

    Excuse my English I am a Spanish girl. I love Red Hood's job and it's the only reason I pay $ 8. I smell like drama on the road, I don't know if there will be reconciliation and why Bruce insists that Jason is a murderer. This new DC current of anything goes, it can make things more confusing, I think it was a mistake, unless as always Bruce is an idiot and does not care that Jason did not kill Oswald.

  • 10
    Blackgirl Mar 17, 2021

    I have this comic in my hands, I'm reading it again. There is no doubt, the story of Red Hood takes the entire book, the narration, the dialogues, the art, everything is beautiful.
    The other stories aren't so bad, I just didn't understand the purpose of the couple's story. Pamela and Harleen felt a bit out of place. Zdarsky does a great job, I knew he would when he volunteered for such a job, the comment he likes about the antihero Red Hood. Maybe by next year we will have Zdarsky in charge of reviving the series. cross our fingers.

  • 10

    The Zdarsky story saves the issue.

  • 10
    Emma Mar 9, 2021

    Red Hood and Grifter was the Best, Red Hood was incredible. I love it.

  • 10
    prettythief Mar 9, 2021

    Zdarsky take to my favor character and do a amazing work, just when I'd given up hope and put the DC comics aside.
    It is a pity that the price does not allow me to buy it, it is a very expensive number for a single story.

  • 10
    fearUhavemeisenough Mar 9, 2021

    What can I say, this was very exciting, for years Jason finally has a writer he deserves. With the other stories he could light the fire in the fireplace, nothing really interesting.

  • 10
    Stormwrath Mar 9, 2021

    Fantastic

  • 10
    SenpaifenixJäger Mar 9, 2021

    I shouldn't rate this so high since there are two bad stories and mainly Harley's who was rubbish and I hate those fillers, however Hood's story destroys emotions from beginning to end. Chip develops an excellent story giving us a glimpse into the past, when he is that adorable Robin, and when he becomes a hood, Alfred that man and his wisdom that Batman does not know how to take advantage of, Jason needs Bruce Wayne, his father, says Alfred, without However Bruce opts for the bat, we all know how that ends, with a batarang cutting Jason's neck.
    Hood is struck by his past, I think it is seen in the little boy, he is reliving the pain he left behind, something that we thought was overcome but apparently Chip decides that he is not (this more

  • 10
    DoorMan Mar 9, 2021

    I always jump at the opportunity to read Zdarsky's material. Really enjoyed his piece here and very much look forward to this series.

  • 9.0
    Spacey Medicine Jun 23, 2021

    I am so extremely here for Dad Hood it’s unreal.

  • 9.0
    Boudi Mar 29, 2021

    Lovely first issue! The take on Jason is amazing and Zdarsky makes great use of flashbacks to show us how Bruce failed Jason and continues to do so. The pencils and colours are good in all the four stories. The take on the Harley Quinn x Poison Ivy couple is good here and I like how this story is connected to the new Catwoman storyline. I was never a fan of Grifter but this story seems interesting. The only drawback is the Outsiders story, that was very short and doesn't spark any emotion.

  • 9.0
    J. Rabbit Mar 20, 2021

    There are 4 stories here that I would rate 10, 10, 9, and 7.5 in whatever order you choose. Overall, an excellent book with some outstanding writing.

    Overall...
    Story: Good to Outstanding
    Writing: Good to Outstanding
    Pencil/Ink: Good to Great
    Layout: Good
    Color: Good to Great
    Lettering: Good to Great

  • 9.0
    Afre Mar 11, 2021

    I'm only here because of the Red Hood story. And damn it was good. Chip needs to start writing Jason as well.

    As for the others? I guess they were fine.

  • 9.0
    sebastianorellana95 Mar 9, 2021

    Amazing story of Red Hood. One of the best about this character. Give him a new solo series writed by Chip.

    And entertaining story of The Grifter.

  • 9.0
    Psycamorean Mar 9, 2021

    This is a really good anthology. Anthologies are usually rough, but when you put good creators on them, it tends to go better. The Red Hood story by Chip Zdarsky is my favorite. The best Red Hood I've read since... Well, honestly, ever, thanks to Scott Lobdell. That ending sure is a hook. The Harley and Ivy story is not on par, but it's not bad. I kinda found the stuff set in the past a little annoying. Harley is just annoying to me. But the stuff in the present worked better and I liked that. The Outsiders story is also in a vaguely good place. It was fine and then the ending happened, and that's where I was hooked. And finally, the Grifter story is great. Matthew Rosenberg can write scumbags well. This story also had a great hook. I feel more

    + LikeComments (2)
  • 8.5
    ICC Mar 24, 2021

    Really like this style of multiple stories in one issue. Feels classic and not to mention each story was actually good.

  • 8.5
    allenquanobi Mar 9, 2021

    Literally this rating is only for the Zdarsky story. It was so good, it was one of the better Red Hood stories I've read in a while. I'm one of those people who thinks Jason Todd works better as a mistake/lesson for Batman, and that was shown here as well as providing much needed characterization for Jason as well. The other stories were serviceable, which to be fair, is all you can ask for in an anthology. The strengh of the Zdarsky/Barrows story really carries this book, and I hope that Zdarsky continues his work in the next issue.

  • 8.0
    JHugh Mar 14, 2021

    This one is hard to rate because the Red Hood story is a 10 for me. The Grifter story is good as well. However, the Black Lightening/Katana part? What is that? Awful, I couldn't get through it fast enough. The whole Harley Quinn/Poison-Ivy thing didn't fit in with the rest of the stories for me either. Given the price tag, it is hard to warrant paying that, when less than 50% of the book is a homerun.

  • 8.0
    Onomatopoeia Mar 9, 2021

    I have been complaining about Red Hood for years now, saying how DC can't find a decent writer that understands him. Enter Chip Zdarsky and my expectations were blown out of the water. What a completely refreshing take on an emotionally damaged hero. Batman did a number on Jason as a child, arguably as much so as the Joker, and we finally get to see the effect it's had on him years later. The Blue Hood scene was just the right amount of emotion and that ending... oof.
    Seriously, no complaints.

    Harley: meh. I've read this story a million times.
    Outsiders: meh. Really just couldn't wait for it to end.
    Grifter: Not too bad. Not all that familiar with the character, but I was entertained for the most part.

  • 8.0
    Merlyn Mar 9, 2021

    The Red Hood story is clearly the star of the show here, the art is perfect for this type of story and the characterization of Red Hood is really great and spot on, with a tiny thing that irked me as a Red Hood fan. I know Chip Zdarsky is pro-drugs in a very upfront way but hearing Red Hood, a guy whose mother overdosed (and I think his dad also was a pusher and eventually got to jail), that drugs "sound great" really didn't sound very in character. But that's just one complaint in an otherwise excellent story and I can't wait to see more of it.

    The Harley and Outsiders stories were okay at best and the Grifter one was good if I'm being generous. Stil, overall, I can't say any story here was bad and if I add the Red Hood part, I' more

    + LikeComments (19)
  • 7.5
    WhistleBlower Mar 16, 2021

    Chip Zdarsky deserves better.

    Lol that weirdo Red Hood fanboy is seeeeething

    + LikeComments (2)
  • 6.5
    C.V.R. The Bard Mar 9, 2021

    Zdarsky can't go wrong with heroes in Red, putting forth the most empathetic tale with my favorite Robin, that I've read in awhile; given that most Red Hood stories recently are just usually focused on him toting guns and walking the fine line between hero and villain. This story here shined a much needed light on all the abandonment that created Gotham's favorite prodigal son, through the eyes of a kid going down the same path - and what better mirror could there be?
    The other back-up stories don't work as well. The Outsiders story had such little dialogue and non-stop action that I hope Metamorpho goes back to working with The Terrifics and The Grifter story was in runner-up territory, despite beginning with appearances of other Wil more

  • 6.0
    myconius Aug 10, 2021

    not worth eight bucks!!!

    nice art throughout, but only one good story out of the whole bunch. and i'm not even 100% sure about how i felt about that one. will try re-reading it to see if i feel compelled to read on. but for eight funky @$% dollars, i'm not so sure about that.

  • 6.0
    ode_et_amo Jun 21, 2021

    took a look at some comments, indeed this is not adhering to the canon and I believe that no book is doing it, DC seems to be taking a sabbatical year in creativity due to so many layoffs, not even its new or old writers can or want give a good continuity, and less with so many nonsensical character changes.
    It is difficult to give a fair rating to this type of book with more than one title where stories and characters with an abysmal difference in quality and trends meet to be encompassed and give a rating, it is very unfair for well-made stories and others that grated on the definition of trash just to sell a good story at an exorbitant price.
    I will try to be fair.

  • 5.0
    E-Motion Jul 15, 2021

    I can't ignore the other stories, this makes buying this book very difficult, as two reviewers said. "As good as Zdarsky's writing is, he can't bear such a high cost if the other writers don't measure up."

  • 5.0
    RKS Mar 9, 2021

    The Red Hood story was good but then the book just dies after that. They also apparently kill off Nora Fries in the last story because you know, who needs a new and interesting character that motivates Victor around? Save your money kids as this is 1/2 a book at best.

    + LikeComments (1)
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