This issue is a must buy whether you have been following Layman's run from the start, have consumed all Gothtopia tie-ins, or have just read this three issue arc. Next month sees a new creative team take over in the form of Brian Buccellatto and Francis Manapul, fresh off an acclaimed run on The Flash. Let's hope their stay in Gotham is just as satisfying as Layman's. Read Full Review

I'm sad to see Layman's end on Detective Comics coming to an end because I've genuinely loved what he has done on the title. But at the same time, it is also nice to see that he is going out on a high note. And Aaron Lopresti's stay has also been a fun one. Read Full Review

"Detective Comics" #29 is the end of the John Layman era, and the writer, along with artist Aaron Lopresti brings the 'Gothopia' arc to a satisfying end. The characters all act appropriately, the dialogue is to the point and not overdone, and Layman makes wise story telling choices that avoid repeating familiar twists and tropes. Perhaps the biggest complement that can be given is that the tone harkens back to Batman: The Animated Series, with its use of familiar motifs, and blimps, to tell engaging and entertaining stories. If the story had been stretched out to several more issue, it would have very likely been lethargic and predictable; the brisk pace makes for an enjoyable read. Read Full Review

Layman does manage to deliver an effective cap to his run, so that this issue works as a larger finale. I do wish he had more space to work with. The immediate fallout of Gothopia could have used some more attention, particularly in terms of Batman's relationships with Catwoman and Poison Ivy. Still, not a bad way for Layman to pass the torch to the next creative team. Read Full Review

To be fair, the story does remains interesting throughout, and watching Bruce's keen analytical mind at work certainly is enjoyable. The exposition that actually pushed things forward is compelling and even with all the problems,Detective Comics #29 is still a fun read. There are plenty of unique ideas and concepts in play that readers will enjoy, but they never quite come together and are never the focal point. Many of the best moments are fleeting and, much like the strong interaction between Batman and Catwoman or the concept of Gothtopia, never gets the attention they deserve and fail to live up to their potential. Read Full Review

 And with that, Layman's time on Detective Comics comes to an end with the conclusion of Gothtopia.  Despite some questionable comic science, Gothtopia finished with Batman doing what Batman does best, being smarter than everyone else. Unfortunately, while we get a good helping of clever Batman, there's not a whole lot more to the conclusion other than "Batman figures out what's going on and stops it." The conclusion was good, just didn't really leave a lasting impression, which is unfortunate, given it was Layman's last issue, and I think he's done some pretty great stuff in his run. At least we've got four issues of Batman: Eternal from him! Read Full Review

John Layman finishes his run on Detective Comics with the conclusion of Gothtopia, but doesn't quite earn the finish. Although his portrayal of Batman is one of the best"showcasing Bruce's ingenuity and compassion extremely well"the overall conclusion of the story lacks a meaningful climax. Read Full Review

Even though I'm not a fan of Gothtopia, I am sad to see John Layman leave the title.  As for this issue it just seems anticlimactic.  Scarecrows whole plan is to take fear to it's next level, and to do this he's using a fear toxin to control everyone he needs to control.  Pretty standard, but this all falls apart because Batman is always alright on the fear toxin.  That and I would of liked to see Poison Ivy play a bigger part in this issue, than just a throwaway aspect to the story.  Sorry but Gothtopia wasn't the story I was hoping for for Layman's farewell tale. Read Full Review

There are a few nice moments (particularly the final pages with Batman and Catwoman), but I wasn't all that impressed with the conclusion to “Gothtopia.” It's an okay issue and I think readers who just want a quick arc with lots of cameos will be entertained, but for a story that has Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and others conquering Gotham it certainly wraps up way too easily and has the Dark Knight making some rather questionable choices. Read Full Review

As I said, this isnt a terribly bad issue, its entertaining enough and its gets its job done, but it all just feels very routine and disappointing. I cant recommend this one to anyone who isnt already buying every issue of this title. If however youre curious about seeing Gothtopia shine, I do recommend the Batgirl and Catwoman tie-in issue as they make far more interesting reads. Read Full Review