Batman: Damned #3

Writer: Brian Azzarello Artist: Lee Bermejo Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: June 26, 2019 Cover Price: $6.99 Critic Reviews: 21 User Reviews: 49
7.1Critic Rating
7.5User Rating

The stunning conclusion to the groundbreaking miniseries by the critically acclaimed team of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo is here! Batman's most baffling case brings him face to face with his worst nightmare in this highly anticipated finale!

  • 10
    Word Of The Nerd - Jordan Claes Jun 27, 2019

    My favorite thing about Batman: Damned is that immediately after I finished reading issue #3, I reread the entire series. It will both engage and enrage readers, and I can't wait to witness the divide. More importantly, it pays homage to all the great accomplishments of the Batman universe over the past 30 years while simultaneously cementing itself into the conversation of “Greatest Batman Story Ever Told”. Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo have a classic on their hands, folks. Let's just hope for all our sakes that they don't decide to wait another decade before we get to read the next one. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Black Nerd Problems - Khadjiah Johnson Jun 25, 2019

    Batman Damned #3 helped me question the idea of letting go. What does letting go of your fears look like? What is it rooted in, and why does it still affect the decisions you make now? I learned about my own trauma in Batman Damned. Honestly, this limited series was an amazing trip that challenges readers to reflect on their own decisions, their relationship to control, and its ability to inhibit us from making decisions healthy for us. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Comic Watch - Cody White Jun 28, 2019

    Batman Damned,the maiden voyage of DC's Black Label imprint, ends in spectacular fashion. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Batman-News - Casper Rudolph Jun 26, 2019

    The writing is solid and makes me ask a lot of questions, and subsequently makes me want to reread the story to find answers to those questions; the artwork is out of this world with amazing colors, great characters, and great action; and, lastly, the conclusion to this story feels like it should be clear enough, and yet it makes me wonder if I did miss something. The final page prompting me to reread the story from the start doesn't make it easy for me to put this comic away. It's a true page turner, and I highly recommend it. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Major Spoilers - Robert Mammone Jun 27, 2019

    An impressive effort that falters at key moments, Batman: Damned #3 will provoke endless debate because of the deliberate narrative choice that ambiguity rules. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Sequential Planet - Greg Mysogland Jul 17, 2019

    Batman: Damned may be far from perfect but it explores interesting, largely uncharted territory for a Bat-story and has the makings of a possible cult classic. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Jun 26, 2019

    Batman: Damned #3 is a flawed but unforgettable sendoff to this bleak and moody series. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Batman Universe - Paul Shanly Jun 26, 2019

    I enjoyed this story, but it was left too ambiguous and I feel that there is a larger story at play that I wish that Azzarello had decided to explore as opposed to what was presented here. That being said, this is an effective ghost story featuring Batman and his world and I look forward to reading all three volumes of this story. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Dark Knight News - Adam Ray Jun 27, 2019

    It's hard to conclude a story that doesn't give itself a clean cut conclusion. Mirroring one of the greats, we're left with a familiar shot of one character doing what they do best, looking out to an uncertain future. We don't know what the fate of our Batman was. I personally believe that's the point. In owning up to his past and his code of conduct, we saw Batman Damned. A unique, dark and important story that will stand the test of time, and become a key piece in the Batman canon. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Legion - Kelly OneShot Jun 26, 2019

    Batman Damned is a series overshadowed by controversy but once you shine a Bat Signal on it you're able to see the gorgeous highly detailed artwork that does a spectacular job at playing with shadow and light to create what I consider the best artwork I've seen in a series all year. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - David DeCorte Jun 26, 2019

    There are some dropped threads and unnecessary elements at play, but BATMAN: DAMNED #3 is a satisfying conclusion to the series. It's the strongest from a narrative standpoint, with stellar artwork that would justify the price of the book on its own. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    411Mania - John Pumpernickel Jun 27, 2019

    An OK book but never elevates itself to fulfill the promise it had. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes Jun 26, 2019

    So there you have it; the first Black Label series is done, with the usual DC tomfoolery of adult content that's “too adult” and a delay that gives the Doomsday Clock a run for it's money. Was it worth it? If I am honest, I could probably live without the series. I applaud the idea of it, but like so many DC projects of late, the setup far outweighs the payoff. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Weird Science - Jim Werner Jun 26, 2019

    All in all, the story was alright.  Before reviewing the third issue I read through the entire series to refresh my memory.  The tone remained consistent for the most part, even if it started to fall off for me midway through the second issue.  I felt like the initial controversy from the first issue caused the writer to really tone down the graphic “Black Label vibes” that I had been looking forward to with this imprint.  I felt like certain aspects of the story needed more explanation but had a decent time nonetheless.  I did not like the lettering with Constantine's narration, it grew old fast.  Lastly, to reiterate, the art is almost perfect.   Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jun 26, 2019

    The reveals come fast and furious in these last few pages, but the series doesn't so much end as stop " leaving us with many questions about who even survived this story. It's brilliantly drawn and delivers some haunting visuals, but it doesn't remotely work as a coherent story. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford Jun 26, 2019

    As the first series to come out of the DC Black Label I would've hoped for a stronger start. Instead, Batman: Damned, the series and this issue, can only be described as coming in with a wang and out with a whimper. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    The Pop Break - Rachel Freeman Jun 27, 2019

    Despite my criticisms, Batman: Damned is still a story I think you should read if you like darker Batman stories and if you liked Joker (if you haven't, you should 100% read Joker). While you shouldn't expect it to live up to Joker or to be mind-blowing, you can expect it to be an interesting, thought-provoking, read. Just be ready for those thoughts to never reach a satisfying conclusion. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Forces Of Geek - Atlee Greene Jun 26, 2019

    Establishing Black Label's format for prestige mature content took precedence over telling a compelling story. Swamp Thing and Constantine's reunion was a nice touch and Batman facing off against his worst nightmare was a good idea that was bogged down by faulty execution and poor pacing. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Multiversity Comics - Gregory Ellner Jul 1, 2019

    Bermejo does his best to redeem this final installment, but much like its title, this comic is damned by its own pointlessness. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Jun 26, 2019

    Despite its superficial appeal, Batman: Damned earns a big "keep it." Read Full Review

  • 3.5
    AIPT - Alex Curtis Jun 26, 2019

    While not an assault of outright awfulness like the previous issues, this finale is a headache and a half, a stew of pointless nihilism and jumbled execution. The solicit says this series is "groundbreaking." The only thing groundbreaking are the DC execs falling into a chasm of their own making. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Ferrrnandodo Jun 26, 2019

    It's like reading a goddamn Cortázar book. That's felt. And it's fu**ing amazing!

  • 9.0
    rayonymous Aug 29, 2019

    Immediately likeable dynamic between Constantine and Swamp Thing, loved the cemetery action sequences. Harley Quinn is unbelievable, she's a different person without Joker, no wonder she buried Batman alive. After two books the narration get a real hold of the wit and flair for the dramatic.

    Enchantress/Bruce himself is the reason for the death of his parents, open to interpretations - quite a notable aspect of this comic. Boston and Constantine together with the help of Zatanna make Enchantress' deal go away, finally making it easier for the Dark Knight to accept his final fate. The whole take on the Batman was not tried before, it's laudable even though it sacrifices some of the Batman's characteristics for the plot. A satisfyi more

  • 9.0
    Azrael Jun 28, 2019

    The artwork is brilliant! Putting aside the faux “controversies” that get people all unnecessary mad, this issue close the story, for now, very nicely. Would have loved to see more Zatanna and Swamp Thing though. And the parts felt a little rushed.

  • 9.0
    Matches_Malone Jun 27, 2019

    This book requires some thought and effort on the part of the reader, which I appreciate. The story goes places you don’t necessarily expect. While those places may not be immediately satisfying as a punch out between Batman and the Joker, this issue will linger in your mind and have you digging into previous issues and previous graphic novels. Bermejo’s art is always brilliant. There’s also a “surprise” link to the team’s previous work. Highly recommended.

  • 8.5
    Ryan Dec 31, 2019

    Again, I thought the art was great and I loved the supernatural and dark elements. I did think it was pretty obvious that Azzarello tried to make this a little too dark because it was the first book of Black Label, but that didn’t affect the overall story too much. The narration makes this comic much more harder to follow than it had to be, and I think I will like Damned better after a reread or two

  • 8.5
    Psycamorean Jun 27, 2019

    I expected to hate this going in after really disliking issue two so many months ago. But I was actually into it. With most of the more "edgy" components that plagued issue two missing, we get something more like issue one. And it's well drawn and mostly well written. I just wish Constantine was more like he was in Azzarello's Hellblazer. There are hints of it there, but he doesn't come close. I also wish the middle chapter was better, because then I'd probably be picking up the trade. (And I'd only go for the uncensored version, of course.)

  • 8.5
    Darkseid24 Jun 26, 2019

    It’s sad, that this story isnt appreciated more just because of the penis outrage last year. We finally get the conclusion of the story& it stays interesting. I think the way Martha’s & Thomas relationship is portrayed in this series is quite interesting& fresh. It would be interesting to see how an unhappy marriage affected Bruce. It’s also hinted, that Enchantress is responsible for their deaths, but nothing is 100% sure in this Comic. I think there are many possible interpretations, which makes it more interesting. I also liked the horror elements. The outcome of Jokers murder was also kind of cool& surprising, even so I want to slap Bruce for what he did in the end.
    Since fear is a big theme in this issue I find it sad, tha more

    + LikeComments (4)
  • 8.0
    Spacey Medicine Aug 16, 2019

    I’ve missed you, not terrible Constantine.

  • 8.0
    #DontGiveDivasAChance Jul 10, 2019

    OK, I guess...

  • 8.0

    Pretty much exactly what I wanted from this series, I now have an interest in checking out Joker.

  • 7.5
    daspidaboy Jul 8, 2021

    this series was overhyped tbh, and while re-reading it, it's not that bad it still leaves more to be desired.

  • 7.0
    I Review Comics Jul 12, 2019

    Full disclosure, I cheated with this review. I was totally lost after reading this issue. I went back and read it again and was still fuzzy. At that point, I said f*ck it and watched Comics Explains rundown of the issue. 


    I typically never watch other content creators opinions prior to sharing mine for fear that their opinions may influence my own and diminish the credibility of my review. 

    Considering I got clarity from Rob It's only fair that I link his video. 

    ​​If you don't mind spoilers the link is an excellent assessment. 

    Batman Damned has been the most uneven series I've reviewed since I got back into comics in 2015 with possibly the exception of Bebop & Rocksteady hit the more

  • 7.0
    AdmiralWhiskers Jun 27, 2019

    I only read issue 3, never a good thing for a miniseries (always start at issue 1), so that may have impacted my score.

    It read like a tale of two books -- the front half being a supernatural "Justice League Dark" of sorts, minus the JLD characters sitting around and chatting for 90% of the pages like they do in the regular book. There was actual action and movement (I award an entire point for getting JLD right). Like the reliving of Batman's origin story (again), this time where Constantine tells Bruce to stop living in the past...fulfilling the dreams of so many comic fans who just don't want to see yet another Crime Alley scene. I wept in joy.

    The back half felt more like a "Greatest Hits" recap, tying the tit more

    + LikeComments (1)
  • 7.0
    Another Nerd Jun 26, 2019

    Constantine and Swamp Thing were done well. I'll have to read all 3 issues again.

  • 6.5
    MKW69 Jun 28, 2019

    That's it? Lame.

  • 6.0
    Liem Duong Jun 24, 2020

    *** Reviews the entire series ***

    Damn. The debut of DC Black Label courtesy of Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo. Gotta say, it was both underwhelming and impressive at the same time. In this elseworld tale, Batman has fallen unconscious and wounded, to wake up to the death of the Joker. Who did it? With the help of one John Constantine, Batman sets off to piece together perhaps his most startling case yet.

    Overall, a solid book. I can't say that I would recommend it, but its certainly is not a bad book. To start, the art. Its gorgeous. DC is so lucky to have an artist like Lee Bermejo, his art is so luscious, realistic and life-like. His style is similar to Alex Ross but with more texture. You can buy this book solely more

  • 4.0
    EDiakota Jun 29, 2019

    "I be frist kiss... I be frist love. I be frist blood. You be mine... I be your... Secrets."

  • 4.0
    Nihilist Jun 26, 2019

    Art aside, the biggest compliment I can give to this comics is: at least no one tried to rape anybody like in the previous, awful beyond belief issue. It's still a pretty bad comic, don't get me wrong, but hey, it doesn't insult the reader, so for Azzarello is a rare thing these days. Maybe if he was less busy ruining beloved characters by letting them either be banged by Batman (Batgirl, from The Killing Joke abomination of an animated movie) or trying to bang him (Harley Quinn, last issue of this trainwreck dumpster fire), he could caft some decent stories. That ain't it yet, though. It's just a baby step in between edgelord hack writing and actually decent screenplays. Maybe he'll get to the latter in the future.

    The art is gr more

    + LikeComments (35)
  • 3.0
    packtsardines Feb 21, 2020

    fuck this lol what a shitty comic

  • 10
    Venom Nov 10, 2019

  • 10

  • 10
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  • 10
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  • 10
    Inknight033 Jun 28, 2019

  • 9.0
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  • 9.0
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  • 9.0
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  • 8.5
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  • 8.5
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  • 8.5
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  • 8.5
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  • 8.0
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  • 8.0
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  • 8.0
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  • 8.0
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  • 8.0
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  • 8.0
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  • 7.5
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  • 7.0
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  • 6.5
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  • 6.0
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  • 6.0
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