Utterly fantastic.

Absolutely brilliant. For those disenfranchised with the Chip Zdarsky run, look no further. An intelligent and brutal Batman. I cannot wait to read more.

*Gabe Hernandez should be fired out of a cannon, shot directly into the centre of the sun. Upon his contact with the sun, the sun itself explodes - disintegrating Gabe Hernandez from being a comic book critic in this timeline and all others. Perhaps there is a timeline in which Gabe Hernandez is not a joyless twat. He has the critical observation skills of a rodent with no eyes. For all the great comics he has ruined with his shite, I feel he should be taken to task. Join me friends in slating him henceforth. A bit of friendly banter we'll call it. Batman turned up to 11. How much more Bat? None. None more Bat. For those disillusioned with the Zdarsky run, read this. It's over the top, it's fun, it's bombastic and it has some fascinating takes on familiar faces. Scott Snyder reasserts himself as the best modern Batman writer. The names that have failed to capture Snyder's excellence - Tom King, Joshua Williamson, James Tynion, Chip Zdarsky. Most of these authors have had the odd moment of excellence. However, none of them had a Court of Owls moment. So excited to see his Absolute run continue. Between Matt Reeves Batman Universe and Scott Snyder returning - it's the best time to be a Batman fan in ages.

This Batman run is the best we've had since Scott was writing the main series. Longterm, I'd love this Batman to visit the mainline Batman. Their difference in method and morality would make for an interesting quandary to explore. How do we take out the bad guys? With intellect or force? They are both Batman. Which Batman philosophy saves most lives?

What a finale.

A 10 for those that cannot get their brains around the fact this is a different Batman. If you want normal Batman and get upset at the notion of a variant, please - spare us your redundant commentary and just don't read it. This is the perfect comic for 2025. A working class Batman, he fights for the people and stands up to the rich. A mirror pointed at today's society. The rich getting richer, the poor poorer. A gross over simplification but you know the deal. He is defined, not by his wealth and social status, but by his will to help others "Oh but that's too heavy handed and political! My conservative mind can't handle social commentary because said commentary doesn't align with my beliefs! I can't enjoy anything that deviates from my core values!" And what next? "Oh, they changed Matches Mallone!" Like that character is so utterly sacred and can't be different. They did Matches dirty!" Give me strength. 'Edgelord Batman'. Bloody hell, is this a Fox News message board? "Oh everything he says is so extreme and on the nose!" Conservative speak for "I get upset when politics I don't agree with are espoused." Despite the cold hard fact that superheroes are an inherently liberal ideal. "Ohhh,too much dialogue! Not enough action!" If it was the other way about, they'd say there wasn't enough dialogue - and point out that it's needed as it's a new universe. This is a new Batman universe and it is still being defined. As such, exposition is required. Is this not obvious? I'd understand the criticism if it was Tom King levels of exposition, this is literally nowhere near that. Scott Snyders supposed 'shortcomings' have netted him the no 1 comic book in the industry. This series has people excited about comics again. But no - forget that and let's just go back to the same formula we've seen a million times. Let's not try to evolve or innovate.

The best Lemire book in years. This is the most I've ever cared about Wally West. I need to know what went down with him and a certain character! The Absolute line is the best thing going in modern comics. Unless you're Gabe Hernandez, of course.

I loved this comic instantly. I have to say, this has already completely eclipsed Lemire's current JLA run. Honestly? I'd have Lemire focus on this and this alone, DC wise of course. Barry is depicted as a good man from the off and his fondess for Wally is compelling. He has a vested interest in Wally that Wally's father seems to find problematic. It feels like there is more to this. Is Wally himself an experiment? Created by his dad maybe! Wally's regret over what he did to Barry is felt in every page. I feel it. But what exactly did Barry do here? In terms of character designs, I dig the new version of Captain Cold. Hoping to see more character development for him. Lemire does family drama as good as anyone in comics and that West family drama is the beating heart of this story. Absolute DC continues this renaissance era for DC comics. I look forward to every issue. I haven't felt this way about so many comics at once in years. Long may it run.

Love this. Gave me vibes of Ewing's Hulk run. Man on the run style.

Excellent, very intriguing. I'm in.

This beautiful psychedelic trip set in the Absolute universe continues. Love it. This character hasn't felt this relevant in years. Deniz Camp's star continues to rise, despite people unfairly turning on his wonderful Ultimate run. The man might have the best new IP in years with Assorted Crisis Events. Watching his career boom has been a pleasure to see.

Mark Waid is truly excellent.

Fun set up. Interesting dynamic with Waller and the Brainiac child.

Magic.

This continues to be an absolute pleasure to read. The whole Absolute line is my favourite thing in comics. Haven't felt like this about DC in many moons. It makes me feel like a kid reading comics again. For me, I can give no higher compliment. As soon as I logged on today and saw the score! for this drop to 8.7, I knew instantly it was our master of mayhem - up to his antics as always! Gabe Hernandez! Swans in with the observational skills of a grape that's has only ever watched the Phantom Menace. "However, readers who insist Superman be the focus of a Superman comic will come away unsatisfied with this issue. Maybe Aaron is trying to out-Hickman Jonathan Hickman on Ultimate Spider-Man." My word! A comic having more than just Superman in it had its score reduced to a 6 for doing so. Very judgemental to assume readers don't have the brain power to assimilate dialogue for more than one character, no? Oh! The Absolute and Ultimate concepts are the same! Mr Gabe E Hernandez. E for Einstein. Maybe if Superman just spoke dialogue to himself whilst sat on a Scooby Doo beanie bag, in the middle of a plain white room, whilst wearing polka dot dungarees and jacking it for a laugh - would that suit you? If we're using your logic, that is. We love you Gabe!

Oh bugger off Gabe. "Wahhh! It's set on Krypton!" You're like a stuck record, every bloody review moaning about the Krypton story. Who hurt you?

Both beautiful and sad. I was moved by this. Well done Jason Aaron.

Absolutely wonderful.

Love it.

Like the rest of the Absolute line, a joy to read. Gabe Hernandez clearly has no soul. Automatic doors no longer move for you Gabe. Automatic doors have gained sentience Gabe. And in the first throws of that sentience, they have more soul than ye. Mr S. Door has reviewed your review and gives it a solid 3 out of 10.

Stuck the landing beautifully. The Absolute line has ushered in a new era of quality at DC. Marvel's new Ultimate line is great in parts. Absolute DC trounces it. The only thing Marvel are doing that comes close, is the new Ultimate Spider-Man.

One of the best crossovers ever.

As a big fan of Doc Oc due to his time as the Superior Spider-man, it's fantastic to see the spotlight on him again. His little adventure with May was a lot of fun. Thank goodness the Spencer run is over.

A truly classic manga, finally receives an official English translation.

Absolutely superb. Deniz is becoming quite the talent.

If only Zdarsky's Batman run was as good as this.

A fun follow up to a good debut.

Yeah no, Absolute Batman sitting at 8.9 and this is over 9. I'm enjoying this but to suggest it's better than Absolute Batman, is frankly ridiculous.

Sublime. Another winner for Waid.

Utterly superb. The same quality as World's Finest but ever better. Batman and Robin adopting the father and son approach to their relationship is so beautifully done. Waid just gets these characters. Every little thing feels deliberate and consequential. Along with Absolute Batman, this is the best new Batman series. Gabe Hernandez is a ball bag.

The perfect run continues.

Mark Waid continues to kill it. This is arguably the best DC book alongside Absolute Batman. Such a great time to be a Batman fan.

A wonderfully written Two-face

8 A fun continuation of the Burton films.

*insert people moaning about Zdarsky politics*

Seems Absolute Batman may have forced Chip to up his game. Pure speculation, of course. This was better.

Yeah, conservative comic readers won't like this. Commander Star's dialogue in particular is going to rile some (owl) feathers. Chip keeps taking shots at the right. Although I generally agree with his commentary, this will (continue to) work against his run - as it already has.

I am a huge Jeph Loeb fan. This underwhelmed. I re-read the original Hush to prep for this. It's a masterclass in comic book writing. Although, truth be told, it takes a bit for everything to click. As such, I have faith this will increase in quality. I'm not going to write it off in 1 volume like an inflammatory child with an agenda against the writer.

Critics are being a bit harsh. This is ok. I'm not as demanding as some comic readers on here but all this disperate elements here gave me immense deja vu. Hardly classic Loeb and not even in the same stratosphere as Mark Waid or Scott Snyder.

Waid is absolutely killing it with this series. A joy to read.

What a beautiful story ark David had. This is why I read comics. Mark Waid must replace Zdarsky as the lead Batman writer as soon as possible.

A nice one shot. Waid is one of the most consistent good quality writers from the big two.

Nice to see the Spectre chuck the villain into the centre of the sun. Spectre? Please also do this to ball bag critic Gabe Hernandez. Cheers 4 stars

The energy Waid is putting into Batman and Robin Year One is much more interesting than the World's Finest status quo. This is solid as usual but it feels like its best days have passed.

Mark Waid is possible the most consistent in terms of quality in modern comics. I really wish they'd give him an Absolute character. He's so good at team ups. Absolute Justice League would be superb (or absolute JLA and Suicide Squad) .If/when that should happen, DC should give him carte blanche.

This is making me wish Russell would replace Zdarsky on the mainline Batman series. Thoughtful and intelligent writing. I love Zdarsky but his Batman run has been such a disappointment.

This was a blast.

I saw someone say Watters should pick up Batman after Chip leaves the flagship series. If the quality of these books is an indication, that could work beautifully.

That was fun, love the dark ambience that pervades throughout. A case of the artwork elevating what is a simple story. Excited to read more.

Excellent, as was #1.

A fun ride. Arguably an underwhelming concept that Aaron pulls off well. It's somewhat unique seeing Batman underpowered against aliens that would be your quintessential jobber in any other comic. It actually humanises Batman in a way that's a bit different. I think people have been too hard on this. It's depthless sci-fi fun, which is what I often want after a hard day at work. Job done. I look forward to reading this series. If this is the kind of quality to expect from Aaron in DC, his Absolute Superman should be good.

Stunning artwork from the always brilliant Andrea Sorrentino. Mattson Tomlin is quite the story teller. The real world vibes have been done in Batman before but not as well as this.

Loeb perfection. I'm just ecstatic we're getting this at all. That it's so we'll written is a bonus!

It's Jeph Loeb and more LH. 10. Obviously. I await Gabe and his urinating the the proverbial cornflakes.

A worthy follow up to the last mainline story. There are a few deep cuts for avid BH fans. If you dig BH, you'll like or love it. Lemire always brings the goods.

Instantly sold on the premise.

Critics are off the mark here. Excellent issue.

Superb

Nope.

The first story was beautiful.

Slow burn but my interest is piqued.

Conservative tears.

The best Daredevil since Zdarsky. Dig the premise. I'm in.

This is the stuff dreams are made of. Thank you DC and Sega.

Bloody underrated this. Love that Snyder picked up the threads of the Dollmaker and Joker deal.

I enjoy Taylor occasionally. Particularly when he puts narrative first.

I found this quite touch. I'm not a huge Taylor fan but this run has been wonderful.

Chip with an excellent start.

Love it. A nod to Superior Spider-man is a win for me.

What an absolute treat. I did not know I needed this in my life. Marvel, we need a proper series. Make it so!

A nail biter. Brilliant.

Gutted this is finished. One of King's best.

I have no idea who any of these characters are or what is happening here. Can someone explain to me what I need to have read to understand all of this? I like the premise and Tate is solid as always. Just need a bit more background. Not new reader friendly.

Absolutely spellbinding.

Smallwood is unparalleled.

Sticks the landing beautifully. One of best stories King has done.

The start of one of the greatest super hero comics of modern times.

Holy moly. The last Iron Man run I read was Christopher Cantwells magnificent take on the character. The depth and nuance of that run is all but gone. I understand Marvel are trying to give writers experience but after Cantwell elevated Iron Man in the comics for the first time in years, I'd have hoped to have seen some bigger names take on the task.

S

Ah yes, the critics that don't understand the Lemire slow build.

I'm a huge fan of Lemire. I just love his grounded characterisation and family dynamic approach. A winner for me.

This is getting a lot of bizarre negativity.

Waid does it again. My friends, we have defeated the deviant Gabe Hernandez. He gave this a 9.5. Somebody has clearly spiked his office water with MDMA as he is uncharacteristically feeling the love. The GH protest continues!

Part 2 of the World's Finest and JLU crossover. This is fantastic stuff. Waid continues injecting life into non Absolute DC. Grodd is a favourite of mine. This is the best version of him we've had in a while. The manipulation of Air Wave is just beautiful villainy.

Gripping first issue. A very interesting concept indeed.

This feels like a return to form from Lemire, his last run of books have been hit or miss. This nails the character drama in true Lemirian style and is encapsulated by a intriguing mystery. I wasn't sure based on #1 but #2 brings form to everything. Must read.

The best Moon Knight since the Lemire run.

Another Brubaker classic.

Thought provoking and wonderfully written, as always.

What a lovely little run this was.

Joyless critics bashing a fun little run. If you dig Wagners writing style, you'll love this. I hate when websites assign people to review the works ofwriters they don't know or like.

One of the best comics on the shelves.

10

Another Brubaker classic.

Ed continues this stellar run. These are a joy to read every single time.

Beautiful work from Lemire as always. The team behind Ascender and Descender bring this wonderful story to life. Joshua Williamsons work on the recent Robin comic run has been great but this eclipses it.

One the best Robin stories ever. The emotional depth is classic Lemire. After years of poor Robin stories, we are finally gifted this treasure. I had hoped Lemire would work with DC more. However, it seems Swamp Thing is his last. A shame.

Slowly plotted but beautifully written. Those with patience and a fascination for mystery are rewarded.

Tynion's works outside of Batman are routinely superb. I'm sure the ultra-conservative comics nutjobs on here won't approve.

Another fantastic issue. I hope this team continues to create more Trek comics. Thank you Colin Kelly.

Good Trek fun.

An excellent companion piece to the new mainline Star Trek comic.

An absolute joy to read. The writer understands Star Trek. A big issue in comics these days is writers taking on characters they do not understand. The commitment to making this feel like Star Trek is appreciated. A lot people these days seem to think nothing is sacred. Star Trek is.

I will buy anything Mark Waid is involved with.

After Tom King's mostly poor Batman run, he's finally tapped into the quality shown in his Vision/Mr Miracle comics. Why people who hate previous issues keep spending money on the next issue and reading a comic that they hate, is beyond me. I was upset at what he did with Batman also but it doesn't automatically disqualify his other works.

10

Russell, as thought provoking as ever. This feels like Superman.

Russell nails it. Ignore the negatity.

Mark Waid is perhaps the most consistent writer in modern comic's. Luthor has always fascinated me and Waid's love of the character is felt. How I wish this was a normal series. His Batman and Robin comic is one of the best DC books I've ever read.

Mark Waid = 10

Lemire, brilliant as ever.

What a wonderful run.

Here is a 10 for all you Tom King haters.

An intriguing premise. Sold.

I actually cheered out loud.

Pigeon is one of the most compelling characters of the year.

Superb finale to a quality BH story.

Surprised this series wasn't a big hit at the Eisner awards.

A magical read. Fantasy perfection.

I very much enjoyed this. The internal battle of each Dent is something I'm willing to explore again, having not done so in many years. This has potential. Ward's other Batman work was solid. As such, I'm giving this a fair shake. Roll on #2.

A glorious time for Two-Face fans!

Ignore the critic that gave this a 5. This and Hellblazer are the best mainstream comics going. Can Hickman keep it up? I hope so.

Weird Science Marvel Comics can bolt.

This is why I read comics. This is magic.

Perfect.

The best current Marvel comic, bar none.

mrgabehernandez should not be employed.

Oh look, Gabe Hernandez being a ball bag. Folk love this comic. Take your negativity and go a review yourself being fired into the sun by a cannon.

I'm a shill. 10. For you Gabe!

Nice try Gabe.

Time jumps are getting more jarring. What happened to MJs face?

Superb. A fascinating and unsettling look into Doom Reed.

I'm enjoying this more than Ultimate Spider-man man. Deniz Camp has been made by this series. Pure Marvel magic.

Deniz is best new name at Marvel. This run has made a fan of me. I'm enjoying Marvel more regularly due to Ultimate Spider-man and this. It's a shame Black Panther and X-Men aren't as good.

Usagi is only ever a 10. I cannot believe I only discovered this series few month's ago. It has given me an even deeper love for the comic book medium. Thank you Stan Sakai.

Best Wolverine comic in years. Critics are way off on this one.

Critics continue to fail this comic. The best Wolverine comic and years and it isn't being celebrated as such. Boring, negative, joyless critics.