Batman #127

Zdarsky and Jimenez's Batman run is cruising with a strong pair of issues that suggests the book is in the right hands. With this creative team locked in place, Batman's future looks bright regardless of the outfit he's wearing. Read Full Review

Batman #127, all in all, this issue was fantastic dark fun that rolls out a blockbuster story. I highly recommend it. Grab it. Enjoy its grim modern energy lovingly mixed in a pot of Silver Age manic sunshine. Read Full Review

Batman #127 is an essential read. The expansion of the Batman mythology is engrossing, the action is first rate and the final panel is inspiring. I cannot recommend it enough, so I implore you, add this title to your pull lists as soon as you can. Read Full Review

Zdarsky and Belen Ortega both bring their A-games with the story and the art with the entire book feeling richly satisfying. Simply put, this isn't just a good issue; it's a great one. Read Full Review

If you need help finding your local comics shop, you can head over to, comicshoploacator.com Read Full Review

This is a bigger, weirder, and wilder Batman story than we've seen in a while. Read Full Review

Theres no getting around the fact that this is well-covered ground. Fortunately, it is also ground covered well, in this case. As an opening tale and presumably a way of establishing what Zdarskys approach to the title will be its a strong statement with beautiful artwork and a thoughtful and well-executed premise. Read Full Review

Jimenez delivers some beautifully detailed and thrilling art throughout the issue. The action is fantastic and Jimenez beautifully nails the visual tone of the characters as well as the backgrounds. Read Full Review

Batman #127 offers satisfying explanations, a new look at Zur-En-Arrh, and a conclusion to the backup story that gives readers a bit of closure. Throw in some excellent references to modern classic Batman tales, and you've got a comic honoring the past while barreling full steam ahead. Read Full Review

Batman #127 keeps up the rock-em-sock-em action from the previous issue as Zur-En-Arrh Batman tags into the fight with Failsafe with mixed results. Zdarsky's pacing and rise-and-fall in the action make for an engrossing read, while a ton of exposition and flashbacks fill readers in on how Failsafe came to be. The art is gritty and kinetic, and the backup story drops a tidbit with big implications for the main story. Read Full Review

Batman #127 is a great examination of how Bruce Wayne has built so many different contingency plans. Seeing how the idea that Batman is prepared for any scenario has made this entire Failsafe arc such a fascinating read. This is definitely a can't miss story for Batman fans. Read Full Review

This comic is pure fun Batman and Robin goodness, the exact sort of thing I love to read. Zdarsky takes some classic ideas and adds some new twists on top of them, and it totally works for me here. Read Full Review

Batman #127 continues Zdarskys creative juxtaposition of a few classic Batman stories and uses them as the backdrop for a new tale that will help fans forget all about the past half-decade of the series. Its fun, exciting, clever, and filled with action. With only a few minor questions that dont completely ruin the narrative, Batman #127 continues to push this series back towards the top at DC Comics. Sure, the story is pretty wild but its the art team thats truly made Batman exciting and fun along with the Zur-En-Arrh persona. If youve been off Batman, you need to get back on right now. If these past couple of issues are any indication, Batman fans are in for a treat! Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless! Read Full Review

I've generally liked the new direction and creative team but the story feels like it's mining a bit too much in Batman's history as opposed to charting a new course. Read Full Review

This new run is finally starting to do some interesting things. It looks stunning and the story seems to be catching up with the art. Read Full Review

Some of the things that I enjoy in the main story are also things that I end up criticizing, hence I'm having mixed feelings. This issue is well-drawn and technically well-executed, but I think Zur-En-Arrh is introduced way too early and some of the inner monologue is overcooked. As for the backup, well, it just ain't it, chief. As such, I can only recommend this issue for the main story, because at least there's still fun to be had there. Read Full Review

Batman #127 is a bit silly, but it serves well enough as a vehicle for asserting Bruce Wayne as the ultimate Batman while also making Superman the ultimate safeguard for Bruce's missteps. Read Full Review

Tempra16v2.0Turbo

Sep 06, 2022

It's always good to see Frank Miller's Batman parody

Tony

Sep 06, 2022

My first contact with Batman in its continuity was with Morrison's Batman, from that moment I followed the character in form, going through the stage of Dick in the mantle, the Snyder/Capullo era, King's Batman and later without to move away completely I separated during the stage of Tynion, he never managed to fully capture me, what Williamson did seems acceptable to me and now with Chip in command of the controls I think that a great time can come for the character, something that over time will become a cult, or at least I hope so, because CZ's previous and current works are of great quality. As a fan of Morrison's Batman, seeing Chip explore the myths created by him is very pleasing to me and the mastery with which he does it is an absolute delight, without a doubt it is a run not to be missed and although like everything it will have its very high and very low points I think the character is in good hands. The classic and modern touch of the story is amazing. Regarding the second narrative, we will see what it leads to... Story 10/10 Art 10/10 Colors 10/10 more

Stormwrath

Sep 06, 2022

If anybody ask me if this book is worth it, the perfect answer is "if you like awesome stuff, then sure". Holy shit Zdarsky is doing some insane dope shit here, his voice for Batman is amazing, always great having a title that goes back to previous similar stories and tie them together. And Jimenez is destroying on art.

Hex

Sep 06, 2022

There isn't much more to be said about this issue that hasn't already been said by others who loved the book. It has everything. Morrison callbacks, Waid callbacks. When ZEA calls Robin, "Chum" I just started hearing a more gruff Adam West in my head. The action is there for the people who don't like to actually read and it's beautiful. Batman and Robin with lightsabers! Never have I known I needed something so much until I witnessed it. Even if people criticize this for being unoriginal or simply playing off of the ideas of older writers it's just so much fun and is exactly what those people have been clamoring for. Older Batman. Batman with flaws. Batman with a family. Sons and daughters that actually have meaning. And how could you not g et a little choked up at the end? Bruce's thoughts of his family and the entrance of the strongest friend he has. Perfect. Sure this is all brute force right now but we know Zdarsky is a great storyteller. I hope we get more from Batman in a detective roll but we also have Ram V's Tec for that. All in all, it's a great time to be a Batman fan. more

Atomichound

Sep 06, 2022

Instant classic

Psycamorean

Sep 27, 2022

Super dope.

ICC

Sep 07, 2022

Don’t adore the cat woman side story, but the main Batman story is so great. Got genuine chills from the last two pages. Also it’s great to see the relationship between Bruce and Tim being so loving, it’s always been one of my favorite things about the characters but it’s not very often that a writer explores it.

Mighty Morphin Comic Rater

Oct 04, 2022

Fantastic! Great story, great art, great allusions to previous key stories in the Batman ethos, this is the best single issue of Batman that I’ve read in a long time. Even the side story, which is usually a throwaway, was better then normal.

Screaming Enigma

May 04, 2023

The best issue of this arc yet. Batman brings out the Zur-En-Arrh persona to fight Failsafe alongside Robin. Jimenez does great once again, especially during the action sequences. His work feels smooth and rough at the same time, I absolutely love it. As for Zdarsky's scripts, he's able to heighten the emotional investment here when the main Batman finally takes over again. I'm sure most know that Bruce views Tim and the other Robins as his children, but it's nice to see him actually say it out loud (even though it's technically in his subconscious in this instance). The arrival of Superman on the final page of the main story is awesome, as well. The way it's written by Zdarsky and the way Jimenez draws the scene creates a ominous feeling t hat is just great. As for the backup, it continues to be great as well. Selina confronting Oswald after he faked his death was a really interesting scene. It feels like Oswald is ready to move on for the most part, while also displaying some lingering villainous outlooks and qualities. Great stuff all around. more

Federico Liguori

Aug 16, 2023

It's not a 10 because of Catwoman's story that has an unnecessary twist I didn't like. The main story, though? Fire!

daspidaboy

Sep 06, 2022

Holy cow, I love this issue. Chip Zdarsky keeps this up, his run is going to be one of the definitive Batman runs out there, behind Snyder's Batman and maybe above Morrison's Batman. Great art, action, dialogue, characters (I love hte main difference between Regular Batman and Batman of Zur-En-Ahh) and hte ending gives me goosebumps. Jorge Jimenez is killing it with the art.

REYNARD

Sep 06, 2022

Just read it!

Brannon.44

Sep 07, 2022

Love it

Mout

Sep 06, 2022

holy shit that last page

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Hex - Sep 6, 2022

Isn't it awesome that even though you know what is about to happen it still surprises you?

Mout - Sep 6, 2022

YES!

fzanca

Sep 09, 2022

If you're looking for a Batman book that's full of action, then this is it. I'm still looking for some substance to this story and not finding much. I know this was established before - that there's an alternate personality within Bruce that's like a humanity switch, but I didn't like it then and I don't much care for that now. I appreciate all the callbacks to previous runs, but all we have at the core is a killer robot. I do like that he calls Tim his son and that's what brings Bruce back. Now that Superman has shown up, he should be able to tear the bots limbs off, but I guess we'll see what happens.

Jawsh

Sep 08, 2022

I feel as though this issue is being propelled by the stories of others. It's entertaining enough and feels like progression. But if the first issues felt THE BATMAN inspired, this one feels like such a tonal shift to a more weirder era of Batman, that I wish the transitions were a little better. I have faith this will all lead to something Zdarsky and team can call their own, as it is now, it's a reference fest. A very good-looking one.

Gizmo

Sep 17, 2022

Ah, yes, it makes sense that Batman would have a plan to take out himself as well as a backup plan.

bestlucas

Dec 07, 2022

I remember loving the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh line when I first read it when I was younger. I didn't think that psyche was Batman minus Bruce Wayne, though, I thought it was something completely different. Don't know if I loved that choice. It also doesn't feel like a big enough difference for a split personality. Just saying Also, it's hard to swallow that Batman wouldn't ask for a Superman help or something in this situation. Or that the Failsafe would click at the word of Batman murdering. There doesn't need to be any actual proof? Just the hearsay?

Praura

Oct 24, 2022

It feel liek, perhaps, we've accelerated too much in a single issue. Failsafe has defeated all his opposition in what's basically a montage.

Quinn

Sep 06, 2022

The art was good, but the story makes one critical mistake. By flashing back to previous stories where Batman’s backup plans go awry, the author is showcasing that he is repeating stories done by other writers. We start with a flashback to the end of Mark Waid’s Babel storyline, where Batman talks with Superman about Supes being the Ultimate Batman backup. We flash forward to the present where Tim and Bruce fight the evil robot, but Bruce is Zuranahr. Again going over old ground. Bruce says Tim is his son, a nice touch. I never bought Frank Miller’s good soldier Robin bit. There was a reason writer for 45 years had Bats call Robin old Chum, and not soldier. They were friends and their relationship was built on genuine affection and respect, not Bruce’s control freak insanity. Then Superman shows up. Which should have happened from the start. But the problem with that is the story would have ended in 5 seconds. I suspect the story ends in October. November will probably be Dark Crisis reboot, or perhaps the return of Alfred in one way or another. Why kill Alfred. We know he’s coming back and they did nothing with the story. There was no great revelation of character. Just a waste. This story is yet another Bruce plan goes off the rails. They left out Brother Eye. But it may make an appearance yet. This story is predictable and doesn’t amounts to spinning of wheels. 4 stars. Or I could be wrong. more

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Hex - Sep 6, 2022

I don't think you understand callbacks, the history of DC and their use of legacy stories, or grammar. Or I could be wrong.

Quinn - Sep 6, 2022

Oh, I understand it. My point is that it reveals the fundamental weakness of the story structure. Also, don’t steal my catchphrase, I worked really hard on it.

Hex - Sep 6, 2022

So by your logic anyone referencing older stories relies too heavily on someone else's work, therefore the story is inherently inferior in its conception and execution. Is that right? Or I could be wrong.

daspidaboy - Sep 6, 2022

So i am curious. What is a good batman issue to you then

Quinn - Sep 6, 2022 (edited)

Thanks. It’s tough because there have been thousands of issues. New stories become hard. But classic example, the laughing fish. It follows the first appearance of the Joker in structure, but the Joker is nuts. His plan is meticulously carried out. He kills people despite cops and Bats, but the plan is insane. “I will kill people until you let me copyright Joker fish.” I thought Chuck Dixon’s remake of the Penguin was very good. He found a way to make an old villain work today. It can be done.

Quinn - Sep 6, 2022

I liked how Mike Barr wrote Bats in the Outsiders. Tough, a bit distant, but very smart and truly cares about justice. The trick to Batman is to have guest star with problems that Batman helps. Bats remains mysterious and impressive but the story can show growth in a character.

Hex - Sep 6, 2022 (edited)

Miller's retelling of Batman's origin, King's handling of trauma in his first two arcs, O'Neill's Venom. All of these grew the character based around older stories. As does this issue. This use of ZEA is quite different from that of Morrison's. The establishment that Batman's failsafe of ZEA creating his own failsafe is a unique take and something that expands on the character. Saying new stuff is hard because there is older stuff that is better isn't really giving the new stuff a shot.

Hex - Sep 6, 2022 (edited)

Everything is derivative of everything else. It's hard to appreciate anything new with a totally cynical mindset that doesn't allow you to enjoy something just because it's similar to something older you liked. I like the old Blade Runner. The new Blade Runner was great but derivative of the first one. Doesn't discredit its accomplishments even though it wouldn't exist without the original's story.

myconius

Sep 08, 2022

Zdarsky clumsily over-explains what Zur En Arrh is, and my eyes couldn't roll any harder. Jorge Jimenez's art no longer looks like Jorge Jimenez. It appears that he's trying to become Dan Mora, but not successfully. This is such a poor quality fan fiction of Tower of Babel, Batman RIP, and Bruce Wayne: Fugitive, it's not even funny. I'll laugh next month if Failsafe is equipped with Kryptonite on the change that if Superman ever tried to stop him.

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Praura - Oct 24, 2022

While I obviously liked this a lot mroe than you did, it's true Jimenez is trying to emulate Mora! There was somethign bugging me about his artwork but couldn't figure it out.

Zaid

Jan 02, 2023

loved it