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/54.jpg "Batman #54")
Maybe people just think it sucks?
Batman #54
| Writer | Tom King |
| Artist | Matt Wagner |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
Dick Grayson-the original Robin-gets to spend some quality time fighting crime with his mentor for the first time since Batman popped the question to Catwoman. It's a walk down memory lane as Bruce Wayne helps Dick get over the loss of his high-flying acrobat parents, which in turn led to his crime-fighting career. Guest artist Matt Wagner (Mage, TRINITY) jumps on board for this special issue!
CRITIC REVIEWS
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10
Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles
Sep 05, 2018Batman #54 is a standalone issue, but it's another one that taps into King's character-based focus strengths. Batman has been pretty much untouchable since the wedding and continues to be one of DC's must-read titles each release week. Read Full Review
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10
Comics Bookcase - Zack Quaintance
Sep 05, 2018Following the three-part Cold Days arc is a tough act, but the standalone story about the father-son relationship between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson in Batman #54 pulls it off. Matt Wagners art is fitting and emotive, and Tom Kings script is tonally perfect, an honest look at the emotional fragility of hurt men and how difficult it is to open up. Read Full Review
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10
Infinite Earths - J.D. Jr.
Sep 05, 2018A beautifully cathartic piece of comic book filler that reminds us true friends are always there for us when we need them the most. Read Full Review
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10
AIPT - Russ Whiting
Sep 05, 2018All in all, Batman #54 is an engaging, emotional ride from start to finish. Much like Grayson himself, this issue, especially after last arc's melancholy, is like best friend that comes to kick it with you after a bad break-up to cheer you up " one to be grateful for. Read Full Review
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10
Big Comic Page - Dave MacPhail
Sep 08, 2018This issue is an easy recommendation for those invested in Batman and readers who want to see how far he has come as a character. It is about as perfect a story as anything you will ever read and its not just because of Batman, but also his supporting cast and how they are affected when he is going through emotional turmoil. This is easily one of the best books on the shelves today and this issue is one of the finest to date. Read Full Review
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9.6
Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz
Sep 05, 2018It's a funny, emotional ride that King and Wagner give us. The story is fantastic. The art is some of Wagner's best. The ending is a little abrupt but I'll forgive it. This is another beautiful issue in King's run. I know it was controversial but I hope this team, much like Bruce and Dick in this issue, work together again for some time to come. Read Full Review
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9.6
Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck
Sep 08, 2018An entertaining issue that's a nice counterpoint to the usual grim doings here. Recommended! Read Full Review
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9.5
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Sep 05, 2018Matt Wagner's art looks great, but he's been very vocal about not being allowed to use his choice of colorist. That's a fumble on DC's part that might keep this legendary creator from working with them again. Shame, because this issue is pretty close to being an all-timer. Read Full Review
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9.0
411Mania - John Pumpernickel
Sep 06, 2018In a world filled with multi-issue, mega-crossover books, this was refreshing and much needed. Read Full Review
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9.0
Bounding Into Comics - Matt Johnson
Sep 06, 2018This is one of the best single issue stories I've read in a long time. Not only does it fit in extremely well with seasoned Batman fans, but I also think this would be a great jumping on point for anyone who wants to start reading Batman. Tom King shows again how much he understands the family dynamic in this book, and it makes me wonder what King could do on a team book like Teen Titans. This book rates very high with me for one very simple reason: comics are supposed to be fun, and this one is. Read Full Review
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9.0
Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills
Sep 08, 2018Tom King works his magic and writes a simple and wonderful issue that perfectly explains that relationship between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson; which, I'll admit, is my Kryptonite. Read Full Review
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8.8
Multiversity Comics - Alexander Jones
Sep 10, 2018"Batman" #54 is an impressive and emotional exploration into one of the most overlooked aspects of the relationships between Bruce and Dick. Read Full Review
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8.5
Comic Book Corps - Jason Saba
Sep 05, 2018This was a warm and comforting issue that will possibly give you something akin to the secure feeling of finding a childhood blanket you've misplaced many years ago and thought was lost forever. It's a nice experience, but is it enough to charm back some lost readers? Nonetheless it's a small triumph. Read Full Review
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8.3
Sequential Planet - Pashtrik Maloki
Sep 11, 2018King has proven that he is more than capable at writing bittersweet stories and this book just confirms it. Too bad such a great book has to be accompanied by some unnecessary baggage in the form of editorial meddling. Read Full Review
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8.2
IGN - Jesse Schedeen
Sep 05, 2019While not the best standalone issue the series has seen, Batman #54 is a satisfying celebration of fathers and sons. Read Full Review
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8.0
GWW - Christopher Rodriguez
Sep 04, 2018This issue will probably be brought up by Batman and Nightwing/Robin fans for years to come. It encapsulates everything their relationship should be at this point in their lives. Tom King seems to be getting better and better at deconstructing Batman as a human being. Read Full Review
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8.0
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Sep 05, 2018Tom King continues to deliver something new and interesting with his take on Batman. Read Full Review
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8.0
ComicBook.com - Nicole Drum
Sep 05, 2018A little light on action, but strong in emotional weight, readers might not claim Batman #54 as a favorite, but it's definitely a turning point and it will be interesting to see where things go for both Dick and Bruce going forward. Read Full Review
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8.0
Black Nerd Problems - Keith Reid-Cleveland
Sep 05, 2018Matt Wagner returned toBatman in this issue and the vastly different art style works. In a way, it's reminiscent of the older runs of the series that make the flashbacks seem even more rooted in the canon of the story. Read Full Review
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8.0
On Comics Ground - Travis Tucker
Sep 05, 2018Sometimes filler is good. From my experiences, King has always excelled in this area. This specific issue I have a soft spot for. Growing up with Batman reading his comics to now having the great honor of reviewing them for you there has always been one constant the dynamic duo that pulls at my heartstrings. The importance of not allowing yourself to face the pain alone, no matter how much you think you have, having at least one shoulder to lean on can a big difference. No matter how super of a hero you are you're going to feel it. When the time comes, having someone break your fall can make the difference between being a dark knight or psycho killer clown. Read Full Review
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8.0
Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez
Sep 06, 2018Batman #54 is an excellent issue that continued to explore the aftermath of the failed wedding between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. Tom King does a fantastic job showing how much of an emotional toll that event took on Bruce. Bringing in Dick Grayson to help Bruce deal with his emotional and mental state showed how strong of a big brother-little brother relationship these two have. Seeing King delve into this key relationship makes Batman #54 a must read for every Batman fan. Read Full Review
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8.0
Newsarama - Pierce Lydon
Sep 06, 2018Right off the bat, it's easy to fall in love with Wagner's artwork. It's been a minute since the Mage creator took on the Dark Knight but he settles in quickly and Tom King gives him a few funny villains to render as well. Read Full Review
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8.0
Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison
Sep 06, 2018Batman #54 is a heartfelt comic focusing on the importance of Bruces first ward and closest companion. Its about being there for those vulnerable and in pain, and it tells the story well. Its good read and comes with a recommendation. Check it out. Read Full Review
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8.0
DC Comics News - Steven Brown
Sep 07, 2018Overall Batman #54 is an enjoyable read. Although we don't have any real follow ups shown to the Freeze case in this issue, I did want to know how Bruce was actually coping with the wedding to Selina ending how it did. The last few issues we saw Bruce immediately going back to work as Batman, without merely a thought or comment as to what happened, so when we finally see Batman break down while working on case, especially during a joke-to me it says a lot about where he is mentally right now. Everyone needs someone to talk to about their problems sometimes, apparently even Batman. Read Full Review
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8.0
Comic Book Bin - Herv St-Louis
Sep 11, 2018Matt Wagners art has not aged as well but his function in this story was to refer back to an older mythical time in the past. That he does well even if the art looks a bit gauche in 2018. This is what he was supposed to do. He was not expected to draw like the current crop of artists. Read Full Review
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8.0
All-Comic - Milo Milton Jefferies
Sep 19, 2018Batman #54 is a love-letter to the relationship between Dick Grayson, and Batman, exploring it from its rocky early days to the two characters learning to trust each other. Read Full Review
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7.5
Batman-News - Elena Carrillo
Sep 05, 2018Catharsis is on the menu tonight and it's something I think we all need with the recent storylines. King gives us a one-shot that focuses on a more intimate aspect of Batman's life in a way that's less melodramatic than Bruce Wayne ranting at strangers, and more satisfying than the emotional shut-out I think we're come to expect from the Dark Knight. Read Full Review
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7.0
Dark Knight News - Eric Lee
Sep 05, 2018King and Wagner's one-shot starring Nightwing is a sentimental journey of two men. It is subtle and fun at the same time. However, in the context of King's run, it is also superfluous. Still, while it is not able to hit all of its emotional beats, it still resonates well enough for fans of the dynamic duo. Read Full Review
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6.3
Comicsverse - Maite Molina
Sep 05, 2018BATMAN #54 tries hard to be heartfelt and resonate with those who are still feeling the effects of BATMAN #50, but the issue ultimately ends up falling flat and failing to make an impact. Read Full Review
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6.0
The Batman Universe - Ian Miller
Sep 05, 2018A touching issue examining Dick and Bruces relationship at a troubled time. Read Full Review
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5.0
Graphic Policy - Brett
Sep 05, 2018Awkwardness abounds in this issue which just stumbles at every opportunity. A story which relies on emotional connection doesn't give us any reason to care for a character's well-being and connect with them. They're cold and leaves the reader much the same. Read Full Review
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4.0
Weird Science - Eric Shea
Sep 05, 2018If you're looking for a refresher into Dick Grayson's origin or an issue where Dick Grayson comments on lame villains than look no further because this is the issue for you. If you're looking for a decent Batman story though, then you're going to be a tad disappointed. There just isn't much here besides awkward dialog and forced moments and at the end of it all, the art is the only thing that I really enjoyed about this issue. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS
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9.0
"I HEAR WITH YOUR THIRD ABSURD VILLAIN YOU GET A FREE KITE MAN" Poor kite man can't get a rest. Overall it was a fantastic issue, really fun to read.
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9.0
Utterly fantastic - sentimental, yet genuine in its depiction of PTSD and post-relationship adjustment. Wagner is a nice change of pace...more enjoyable as a deviation from the usual style than as an ongoing artist.
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9.0
We often see Dick Grayson (Nightwing) as a goofball that doesn't take much seriously. It has been said for decades that the Robin character kept Batman from going over the edge. What's often lost is that Dick Grayson is that Richard's origin is just as tragic as Bruce's. Both parents were killed in front of him and he was left orphaned with no other family to speak of. It's a wonder that Dick Grayson was able to remain as grounded and optimistic in light of the circumstances. Batman #54 shines the spotlight on the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. Dick comes to Gotham to support Bruce as he deals with the pain of being left at the altar by Catwoman in issue #50. We have interweaving scenes of the characters teami more
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8.5
Finally a good issue. Perfectly shows relationship of Batman and Nigthwing.
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8.5
A touching issue of everyone's favourite duo helping each other through tough times. Any other time I would be disappointed that Matt Wagner's art doesn't live up to the standards of the run, but for this story his style was perfect in capturing a nostalgic feel.
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8.5
Beautiful story that will make you smile, no matter how filler-ish does it feel.
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8.5
I thought the story was perfect and well written and this book would have gotten a perfect 10 but the artwork for this book disappoints on every level.
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8.5
Not Wagner's best work
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8.5
This was a very entertaining and fun look into the relationship of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.
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8.0
Kind of pathetic that people are making alt accounts to review bomb this.
+ Like • Comments (13)• Likes (4) -
8.0
Entertaining break from the last few issues.
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7.5
When Tom King acts like a normal human being, he can write good stories like this.
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7.0
"Watch your language, chum" When Tom King is not trying to be overly profound and metaphoric he can churn out some nice comic book. This one takes a reader on a little trip down the memory lane. Just like Bruce once helped Dick, now his former sidekick turned friend is trying to help his former mentor. And his former mentor has been through a lot recently, like a lot lot. And on one of the pages, we can finally see it taking its toll. I know some people might hate the idea of Batman acting like a normal person (being hurt and having emotions) but I appreciate both Kind and DC for showing this. They did talk a little too much about cucumber sandwiches, but ok. One thing that bothered me was the art. I didn't like it.
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5.0
I'm very sad to report this, but it's a filler issue. Filler-filler, because King made few outstanding non-filler-fillers in the past - just to mention the Rooftops micro arc, and murder mystery involving Swamp Thing. This week, however, there's nothing to keep us engaged and interested, especially after rather underwhelming 12 Angry Men inspired arc. The story goes nowhere, really, although the general idea showing Batman and Nightwing's relationship back then and now, one helping another, seems really nice at first. In the end, however, it fails. The art is pretty bad - last few months weren't too kind for Batman, compared to what we've seen in the past, but this time it really looks like a rushed, low budget comic, not DC's flagshi more
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5.0
I'll keep this short. This is not a terrible issue and has all the strengths and weaknesses of King's writing. First the strengths. I am hard on the man and it's only right that I give him credit where credit is due. Richard Grayson sticking around to cheer Bruce up after filling in as Batman is a right and proper plot. Showing how Bruce worked with young Richard after the Flying Graysons had their lethal dispute with gravity is not terrible. (Though I've seen this in Batman The Animated Series and Robin Year One, so not a lot of new ground plowed here). Showing Richard has a cheerful person, also nice. Contrasting the two personalities makes sense. But that takes us to King's weaknesses as a writer. A lot of his stuff is concep more
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5.0
Yeah, I can't say I enjoyed this issue very much. My main problem stems from King's characterization of Nightwing, whose dialogue comes off as juvenile. As for the art, meh. Putting aside the fact that Matt Wagner has worked on great books (Trinity, Batman and the Monster-Men), as well as the controversy surrounding his son as colorist on the issue, I didn't enjoy the art. I can't tell if it was rushed or if it's a preference of style, but Wagner's art didn't really mesh well with king's writing (which was also not the greatest).
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5.0
I see where he was going with it, but it didn't all land quite right. kind of like dick grayson's parents.
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4.5
do yourself a favor... just read 'Robin Year One'. i really had high hopes for this Bruce/Dick team-up. it started like it was going to be interesting, but nosedived quick. that's not to say that this issue didn't have a it's moments, but all of this has already been done (MUCH BETTER) in other stories by more capable writers. and i was expecting a lot more from Tom King with his use of Dick Grayson as well. the art.... normally i really enjoy Matt Wagner's art, but this looked very rushed. i might blame this on hastened bi-weekly release schedules, but that's just my guess. this issue almost won me over for nostalgia points alone, but then again i'd much rather just re-read 'Detective Comics #38', 'Robin Year One', 'Dar more
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4.0
THE GOOD: -The opening for this comic was quite good, it had a cool effect and was very dark. -The dumb villain lineup was surprisingly satisfying. One of King's funniest moments to date. THE BAD: -This issue was a bit too bright and happy for me. It didn't really have enough emotion or darkness that the first two pages captured well. Although it was effectively heartwarming, the issue just felt like it was missing something. -I wasn't into the art. The stiffness and lack of detail were not a good combination. -I didn't like the writing for Nightwing at all. There were no layers to the one dimensional joker that they turned Nightwing into. And any issue that characterizes Nightwing worse than the current Nightwing ongoing more
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3.0
The art was okay. Dialogue was terrible, again. I'm starting to wonder if King has ever actually had a conversation with another human being. Also, not every bad guy needs to be a murderer. Just stop. Let the goofy ones just be goofy.
+ Like • Comments (5)• Likes (2) -
1.0
Even though admin really wants to silence me for some reason, I'll keep trying to express my opinion.
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1.0
wow. terrible art and no story. a complete and utter waste of pages. my "baseline" score for a book is 6, if it doesn't do anything to draw me in or push me away. a fluff/filler issue. etc. starting from the 6, the 1 rating comes because: -1 because: the art was distractingly bad. -1 because there was too much stupid humor. -2 because: an ugh storyline. -1 because: the author is the enemy here.
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1.0
Terrible, like all the time
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10
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10
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10
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10
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10
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10
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10
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8.5
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8.0
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8.0
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7.5
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7.5
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7.5
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7.5
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7.5
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7.5
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7.5
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7.0
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7.0
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6.5
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6.0
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4.5
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4.0
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1.0
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