Batman #129

Batman #129 is the continuation of one of the wildest Bat tales in some time, plus a new arc is one of its most disturbing that is making me appreciate Bruce Wayne...and make me more determined he needs to retire and live in peace. With Catwoman. Anyway, this is an amazing issue you should read. Read Full Review

Chip Zdarsky is continuing to prove that not only is he the best writer on Batman in a long time, but he is carving out a spot as one of the all time greats. Read Full Review

Batman #129 is another excellent issue in the opening arc of Zdarsky and Jimnezs run, rising to a stunning level of quality. There are places where the story falls into the familiar ground, mirroring beats seen in each of the bigger Batman storylines, but Zdarskys script bypasses too much comparison by providing excellent insight into the mind and motivations of Batman. That paired with Jimnezs distinct interpretation of Batman, the Batfamily, and the extended DC Universe gives this series an edge propelling it to memory. The creative could lead this book after the arc and this story could hold a similar weight as something like Tower of Babel, but the writing and art are clear that the team has plans for Bruce Wayne and Batman. If the run is focused on this character study of the dual roles the vigilante leads, then it's sure to be one to follow. Read Full Review

Batman #129 begins Failsafe's chase anew with clever traps, hard-hitting action, and relentless pacing. The art's fantastic, and the cliffhanger is as perfectly impossible a situation as you can imagine. Read Full Review

Zdarsky has to be mindful of going too far with Failsafe, but it remains refreshing to see Batman actually work hard to defeat an opponent especially one of his own creation. Read Full Review

It may be a little late, considering this storyline is reaching an end, but I have to say my interest has perked up not that I was disinterested before. As of Batman 129, Zdarsky is establishing his own direction and outlook, which is far more interesting than just another Batman vs. the Price of Safety story. Read Full Review

Batman #129 continues to take the Dark Knight to all new places with intensity and fast-paced action that is sure to keep new and old readers thoroughly engaged. Zdarskys take does offer some interesting monologuing at times from Batman but the almost lack of confidence, questioning every step or action, coupled with his inconsistent demeanor makes Zdarskys Batman appear more human. Readers, I havent been this excited about the Batman series since Tom King began back in 2016. Its time to hop back on board. And, feel free to use this issue as the motivation. Moreover, Zdarsky does a fantastic job summarizing events to this point. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless! Read Full Review

Jimenez brilliantly captures the tension, darkness and action on every page of this issue. The visuals are thrilling from start to finish and wonderfully complement the story. Read Full Review

Batman #129 is fantastic from start to finish. Both the Failsafe main story and Batman of Zur-En-Arrh origin back-up are expertly crafted by Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jimenez, Leonardo Romero, and company. You are left on the edge of your seat with the desire to want to read what happens next right away. Read Full Review

Taking place in several timelines, it's more of a mood piece than anything as it delves into the origins of Batman's no-killing rule, and it ends with a truly chilling moment as we're left hanging for the next part. Read Full Review

Batman #129 is a thrilling read that perfectly tees up the next issue's conclusion to the Failsafe arc. It perfectly highlights the sheer unstoppable nature of the character and his almost invincible aura. Whether it proves to be the final curtain for the character remains to be seen, but I hope we get to see more further down the road. Read Full Review

There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing Batman on the ropes trying to figure out if he'll win this one. Read Full Review

Batman #129 continues to be an exciting race of action and tense moments. Zdarsky and Jimnez are putting Batman through the paces, and it's fun to see the hero fighting against his own creation. If no one can plan better than Batman, isn't his the ultimate foe himself? We continue to find out the answer might be yes. Read Full Review

Batman #129 looks fantastic, but the narrative falls short. Read Full Review

There's a beautiful story buried beneath the weight of Batman #129's intensity. Though it's overshadowed by an over-the-top game of cat-and-mouse, it's lurking in the shadows, and it has the potential to make this a truly great Batman story. Read Full Review

Not as much happens as I would have liked in this otherwise excellent Batman comic. Read Full Review

The main story feels rather pointless to me. Batman's destroying more than he's actually fixing this month, and he makes himself look like a bit of a fool in the process. I'm also losing interesting in Failsafe. The backup story is a lot more fun, though! I'd almost recommend this comic for the backup alone, but not at this price point. Aside from the backup, this issue isn't doing anything for me. Read Full Review

Psycamorean

Nov 06, 2022

Finally, a Batman story that stupid people don't understand.

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• Hex

Silver Rocket - Nov 9, 2022

Chip Zdarsky is not that deep.

Psycamorean - Nov 9, 2022

Never said he was

Zaid

Jan 02, 2023

loved it

Screaming Enigma

May 04, 2023

This run has just been absolutely stellar. One highlight from the first half of the book is Arthur defending Bruce by letting the Atlantean guard know just how many times Bruce has saved the planet. Moving on, the bulk of this book was Batman facing Failsafe after #128's amazing setup. Gladly, this did not disappoint. Along with great inner-narration from Zdarsky, he also writes a fantastic fight between Bruce and Failsafe that ends with the former seemingly stranded in space. I can understand why some people might think this is a little absurd, but I personally enjoy it and believe we've seen crazier things happen. As for the backup, it continues to be even better than the Catwoman one (which was entertaining in its own right). Romero's ar t is a great blend of a classic feel with suspense and tension that create almost a psychological thriller. All in all, the main story and the backup story come together to make this a, simply, outstanding book. more

DariusTREE

Nov 01, 2022

A good issue but the pacing feels like I'm strapped into a rocket-

Hex

Apr 09, 2024

Very cool, but it goes very fast. Almost a bit too fast. We go from Gotham to Atlantis to the Moon at a breakneck pace which is the obvious intention. Evading Failsafe is impossible but some of the tension is starting to wane because we are told over and over how impervious he is. Excited to hit the conclusion.

daspidaboy

Nov 01, 2022

A very good issue that is action-packed. Cant wait to see how this story ends next month. Lets hope it sticks the landing.

Loafy Trophy

Nov 03, 2022

Bombastic and fun with a great backup. I like that Chip came out swinging with this first arc. It feels like he's leading up to a new status quo that will provide a jumping off point for a new set of stories (hopefully ones that don't involve the complete takeover of Gotham, as that's been a bit beaten into the ground in the last 50 or so issues of the main title).

Federico Liguori

Aug 16, 2023

A little too much. Gotham being destroyed AGAIN and Batman in space are just a little too much. Loved the back up story, tho.

Batmanaholic

Nov 02, 2022

Hard to rate without the conclusion, but the art so amazing and the story has been fast paced. It's good not great. It's worthy of the main Batman title atleast. I don't get the 4-5 ratings. The art alone makes this book worth reading. My only complaint about this arc is that it almost feels like the end of a long run on Batman not the start of one. Where do you go from this?

Mout

Jan 31, 2023

I am a Gun is a fucking blast

Brannon.44

Nov 02, 2022

Hard to really judge this issue without knowing the conclusion. Most I can say right now is that it has started to feel repetitive. It reads very fast but it wasn't as engaging as the other issues of this story. The backup, however, is a 10.

fzanca

Nov 08, 2022

I agree with some of the reviews that this has gone too far. A Bat-bot that is stronger than Amazo and one that Batman created. Didn't he learn from the whole OMAC thing? The action is good, but far-fetched even in the comic book world. It's breaking too many rules.

Mighty Morphin Comic Rater

Nov 23, 2022

The backup is better then the main story

superstan52

Nov 02, 2022

This whole arc is preposterous. So Failsafe anticipates every move Batman makes, until he doesn't. Whaaa? But more than that, Batman has wayyyyyyy too high an opinion of himself. To take himself down (via Failsafe) for killing one person, he's built something capable of almost killing Superman, imprisoning Robin and friends, destroying Gotham, and incapacitating the rest of the JLA. Some folks in Gotham have undoubtedly died from Failsafe's actions. And Batman is going to get a 'pass' on this when it's all over? "Hey, sorry, my bad," and all is forgiven? Dumb dumb dumb.

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• Mighty Morphin Comic Rater

Quinn - Nov 2, 2022

You, sir, are my hero. I am glad to see that someone besides me sees the same stripy structure problems in this Batman arc. Keep,up the good work.

superstan52 - Nov 2, 2022 (edited)

thx Quinn. Yes, too many stories have ludicrous plots that many, if not most, readers (and editors) accept uncritically. We may be dealing in the fantastical world of superheroes, but plots still have to have an internal logic to them.

Quinn

Nov 01, 2022

I may not be the smartest guy in the world, but I don’t consider myself dumb. And I, for the life of me, can’t rap my head around this story arc. It’s basically Batman failing over and over again. With yet another one of his backup plans backfiring and creating such havoc that in a fair world Bats would be locked up for life. I mean the man doesn’t have a backup plan for in case one of his backup p,and gets out of hand - somethoping that has happened multiple times in the past? I also don’t understand how his plan to beat the batbot failed. He was ripping off Superman 2, by reversing the transporter, so that all the people inside are protected and those outside are transported. It looks like the robot was being demolecuraliz ed then the Watchtowper blows up, stranding Bats in space with no ships. I don’t get and I don’t ’t like the copied plot that is just a repeat of a repeat of a repeat. This might work if DC doesn’t keep reprinting stories like Babel. Or I could be wrong. more

TheObserver

Nov 03, 2022

I do not agree with this story. Failsafe is a robot capable of beating all the superheroes by himself!!! well in that case, why bother having a justice league if all Batman has to do is make a robot to be sure to win any victory. Why didn't he do it before (by programming it better)? It's going too far and it's not credible. I was bored which was not the case until now. There is a rhythm for sure and it is well drawn. But neither the dialogues nor the plot are convincing. It should have remained a human-sized problem and here it is a megalomaniacal delirium. So no.

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Quinn - Nov 3, 2022 (edited)

YES! You get it. I hate these Batman’s ultimate enemy is, wait for it, BATMAM. It’s not original and it’s not even an interesting insight. It is basically saying we’re all the villains in our own story, and that’s just depressing.

Kreniigh - Nov 4, 2022

I don't normally correct typos, but it's Batma'am.