Batman #131

Batman #131 very smartly pivots direction from the high-stakes bombast of the previous issue (and arc). Character-driven and far more personal in scale (despite being a "trapped in the multiverse" story), Chip Zdarsky is proving he has what it takes to move the needle on what makes Batman Batman and redefine that for the next generation of readers in a way that honors the past yet yet recontextualizes it in bold new ways. Bravo. Read Full Review

Batman #131 changes gears dramatically, throwing Bruce Wayne into the deep end of an entirely different universe. We're privy to some excellent fight choreography as we try to unpack how Gotham is different, driving your interest in the larger mystery. Read Full Review

Zdarsky did an amazing job of emphasizing just how well Bruce and Tim work as partners, and this story is the ideal evolution of that dynamic. Read Full Review

Both artists deliver beautiful visuals throughout the issue. Hawthorne crafts a beautifully dark and bleak Gotham. Mendonca creates some great visual thrills with the action in the story. Read Full Review

Now, this wasnt Zdarksys Failsafe run thats been humming on all cylinders since he took over the book. Yet, I still found myself entertained by the unique cast of characters and the multiversal mayhem that awaits on the horizon. So for now, Im in hopes that we dont get huge gaps of time between this new story and whats happening back in the Prime Earths Gotham with Failsafe. I would love the full attention here on this new story and not split between the two places. In order to really hook the readers on this new development, I think Zdarsky will need every page to do just that. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless! Read Full Review

Batman #131 is a great start to a new era for Batman in a new world. It's opened up new potential for interesting storylines and character interactions. Whilst this new setting won't last forever, there's a lot of story to be mined and we should be in for some exciting months ahead. Read Full Review

A well structured and intriguing first chapter for a brand new arc. Both stories perfectly compliment each other to create an overall narrative that picks up right where Failsafe left off. Read Full Review

Batman #131 sees the launch of an exciting and refreshing Batman adventure that gives off serious Grant Morrison Batman vibes (in a good way). Read Full Review

Batman #131 is available now, so pick up a copy from your local comic shop or via digital format from your preferred digital retailer. Read Full Review

The next chapter of Chip Zdarsky's Batman kicks off with a nice issue of set-up and character exploration. And he continues to do great things with Robin, so I'm happy with that. Read Full Review

An interesting start to an alternate Earth tale. The art's great, but the story is a little scattered. It seems to be headed in the right direction though. Read Full Review

Batman #131 is a decent opening to the second arc in Zdarsky's run. But, it feels like it's something we've seen before. It really needs to show how it's original and can stand out from what has come before. Overall, not bad but also nothing that really excites. Read Full Review

Batman faces a whole new Gotham while his protegees deal with his absence, but it feels like we're breaking new Bat-ground for the first time in a while. Read Full Review

While it's a move that might feel like it operates counter to the idea of balance Zdarsky created up to now, the result is an intriguing detour from what Batman fans might expect even if this first installment is a little slow to get off the ground. Read Full Review

Batman's 2023 direction starts in a way that is reminiscent to the characters direction throughout 2022 with Shadows of the Batman and Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths. Because of that it does take a lot more work for Chip Zdarksy and Mike Hawthorne to build momentum for this new story where Bruce Wayne finding himself trapped in an Elseworld universe somewhere in the Multiverse. Now with Batman #131 getting the set-up out of the way the next issue will be key in getting a full buy in for this new storyline. Read Full Review

Batman #131 takes a big step backward in the creativity department by transporting Batman to an alternate Earth where everything is slightly off. The technical execution is fine, but the story concept is so played out, it's become a boring clich. Read Full Review

I had quite a bit of fun reading this issue because the fights are so entertaining, but in terms of plotin both the main story and the backupit remains to be seen how strong this stuff will be. It definitely doesn't help Zdarsky that he's drawing so heavily from the Morrison era, but with this being but the first chapter of the new arc, it's still possible for the creative team to course correct and deliver something awesome. That said, this is a direct follow-up to the "Failsafe arc and while there's a little bit of exposition to explain that stuff for new readers, I don't think this is a great jumping-on point. If you don't know what happened previously, you might be a little lost when you first pick up this book. Read Full Review

Zaid

Jan 03, 2023

Great issue, liked the art even though it wasn't as good as Jimenez.

Afre

Jan 03, 2023

New year, same old Zdarsky. I had no idea where this would go after Failsafe. I still don't, but I am very interested.

darkknight of steel

Jan 03, 2023

Well it was a great setup i have much more hopes for this arc than failself had pretty decent dialoges i give it 9 because i dont know where it goes but it could even be 10

Hex

Jan 03, 2023

The premise isn't highly original but it's still pretty cool and the execution is what really matters. It's fun. It's beautiful to look at. The characters are written well. Zdarsky has always had a handle on characters so to say anything else is complaining for the sake it. There are a lot of real stinkers in Batman's catalogue. This isn't one of them. Shut up and have fun reading. Comics are inherently for turning your brain off, sitting down, ignoring the world around you for 10 minutes or so and just enjoying the ride. Any piece of media that isn't trying to really elevate itself does this. Not to say that comics haven't been thought provoking or make commentary about the world but their initial intention is to just have fun. To poke and prod just to find some reason to complain outside of poor dialogue or bad art when you just have to sit back and enjoy your time reading a dope Batman story, you really have to be a stick in the mud. more

Screaming Enigma

May 05, 2023

This was a good start to this alternate universe storyline that sets up a lot of intrigue. While I do miss Jimenez working on interiors, Hawthorne isn't bad whatsoever. I appreciate the world building taking place here as this new story gets started. I particularly enjoy this version of Commissioner Gordon, while I also find this take on Harvey Dent interesting. This issue's backup story is also done very well. Here, we see Tim almost going into a spiral of sorts in the aftermath of #130's main story. While the fight scene is enjoyable, it's Tim's conversations with Jon and Dick that are the best part of this. You can sense the latter two just trying to help and be supportive to Tim, who's starting to almost push them away. All this conside red, this was a good start to Zdarsky's second arc of this run. more

daspidaboy

Jan 03, 2023

A really strong issue to start off 2023. I am interested to see where this takes us.

justonemore

Jan 03, 2023

Well, it's just an elseworld after all, with the typical changes and all the stuff, it's not bad, I'm interested in see how this goe.

Batmanaholic

Jan 04, 2023

This series has not exactly been what I expected from a zdarsky Batman book. But it's always a good solid read. This was a fun issue, I like the skeleton Jim Gordon. Excited to see where this series goes. It's paying homage to older stories while doing its own thing at the same time. Let's see where this all goes!

Comics Code Authorities

Jan 15, 2023

In truth this story's not off to a bad start, though it's mostly just stuff we've seen before. Not to mention I'm not very fond of the Multiverse, so I'm not very thrilled that Batman has somehow been knocked into it. But this is really just reminiscent of R.I.P. and all the hodgepodge that followed. This time he's just been sent to another reality rather than through time. As for Tim in the backup story you'd think he's seen this happen enough, especially over the last few years that he'd have that feeling that Batman will be back. After all he's died or vanished yet returned to save everyone's ass at the last minute how many times over the last 15 or so years now? It's a monotonous loop anyone would notice, even if it were really happen ing. It also looks like Zdarsky's going to continue his regular tradition of ending one story immediately continuing into another and another. This will probably continue throughout his run. But I still have to say this story is off to a reasonable start. Now let's see if he can face this challenge without having to look up this world's Justice league members for backup (probably not). This may be the story that determines whether I stay with Batman or leave, as Legacy #900 is only now a few issues away.In a so-so era like this I can't say for sure. But this was a better issue than the last 3 or 4. more

K-23

Feb 01, 2023

This arc may be good but really struggles with bad timing. Batman being "dead" after just coming back in Crisis and too much multi-verse focus going on everywhere, really makes it hard to buy into another one. But the issue was interesting and better than what we're getting in Detective so I'm positive overall but would have been better if Zdarsky adjusted his plans accounting for what's just happened in the DCU.

Loafy Trophy

Jan 06, 2023

Zdarsky seems to be speed-running through some of the bigger Batman premises with his first two arcs as he brings us his take on the classic "What is Gotham without the Batman?" I really enjoy his internal monologue for Bruce, as it really sells the whole "smartest, most prepared man in the room" schtick that Batman is known for. Hawthorne's art was fun throughout and I particularly liked the placement of skeleton Jim throughout the story. Really added a nice touch of levity.

SomeRandomSmartA55

Jan 03, 2023

Normally I don’t like multiverse stories, I think they are overdone and O feel the multiverse needs to come to an end, but damn Chip you got me hooked! I know this is blasphemy to say….but I like Hawthorne’s artwork more than Jorge’s ( starts dodging tomatoes ) Sorry, not sorry. Just something about it feels more Batman-y to me, I don’t know how else to put it. I cannot wait to see where Chip is gonna take it from here. Also sassy skeleton Jim Gordon, is my new favorite character. I finally found the character that resonates with me the most. I need an on-going spin-off stat! Now onto the Tim story: THANK GOD!!! Someone who actually knows how to write my boy!! Chip has his character down, unlike that other book. I fina lly recognize the kid with a big brain and an even bigger heart that I know and love. That. Being. Said……I was very disappointed with this story. First off, wasn’t Dick captured by Failsafe in Gotham? How did he escape? Is Gotham still under Failsafe’s control? Why is Tim teaming up with Jon instead of Conner, his best friend? Where is Conner anyways? Why does DC keep teaming Jon up with every Robin except the one we actually want to see him team up with? The art by Mendosca is great, but I really hate how Tim’s hair is being drawn in this run, I know it’s an odd thing to harp on, but I just don’t like how it looks. Now, don’t get me wrong, this story is not bad by any means. I’ve just seen it done before already…and done significantly better in “Red Robin.” Seriously if you enjoyed this story, please go read the first 12 issues of Red Robin, and Adventure Comics #3 by Geoff Johns while you’re at it. It is the exact same plot. C’mon Chip you could’ve come up with something else. more

wakizashireviews

Jan 05, 2023

To be honest, this was a bit of a disappointment for me. The tone of the main story felt off, like it was unsure of what it wanted to be. A zany comedy or a more serious look into a multiversal Gotham City with no sign of a Batman. The art was disappointing after Jiminez's issues, despite some well realized fighting scenes. This issue was saved by the back-up story which is definitely worth reading, especially for fans of Tim Drake’s Robin.

fzanca

Jan 06, 2023

This is a mixed bag. It is delving into a whole new dimension with skeletal Jim Gordon which I assume only exists in Bruce's head, but it's never explained why. Even Bruce doesn't question his appearance. Then we have a dystopian future type of story. Tim is going nuts in Gothan looking for Bruce and is driven to find him, while Dick is like, "Don't worry he'll show back up. Let's just do our jobs." I do like the contrast between them and how Tim feels like one of his limbs is going with Bruce missing. We will see where this goes, but it feels like we have completely changed tracks from the previous issue. It doesn't even feel like the same writer and, of course, the artist has changed.

Mout

Feb 02, 2023

´´firefly's an idiot in any universe´´ kudos for chip, the guy is using fucking TOYMAN for the backups, brave

Fraidy Cat

Jan 03, 2023

Not another Multiverse.

superstan52

Jan 03, 2023

So, Bruce is in a city, not to mention a universe he's never been, and in 5 minutes he decides that this Gotham needs a Batman. Why? Is Batman's Gotham such a paradise? A few days ago, because of Failsafe, ergo Bruce, Gotham was an occupied fortress. It's been destroyed and subject to supervillain takeovers more times than you can count. And that's a Gotham WITH a Batman. Not to mention, Batman's whole reason for being is that his parents were killed in HIS world. He has no business being the Caped Crusader in a world where he doesn't belong.

Federico Liguori

Aug 19, 2023

Not a fan of this. I'm already fed up with this run...?

Quinn

Jan 03, 2023

So the Batbot sent Bruce to a world without Batman. This Gotham is basically the world of Judge Dredd. Harvey Dent isn’t Two-Face, but he is a venom-roided up enforcer of the law. Commissioner Gordon is a skeleton who walks, talks and has a mustache. Selina is some sort of thief with her own crew. Apparently, sending Bruce to a Batless Gotham is the machine’s idea of mercy. Bruce fights the law, who is Dent, and Selina sees him on tv and recognizes Bruce. Bruce now, to quote the Green Goblin, has a new world to conquer. What I liked. Hard to say because I reject the premise of the story. This story takes the main Batman book and reduces it to a elseworlds story. Given that DC prints about 1332 Batman elseworld stories every wee k, we don’t need another. This reduces the stakes. We know that Bruce will eventually return home, so anything that happens will not matter, it’s just another elseworld story. This story is just spinning wheels. Sound and fury signifying nothing. (You can never go wrong quoting Shakespeare). Or I could be wrong. more

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Hex - Jan 3, 2023

You really seem to just hate fun. You bitch and bitch about how the last series was just copying everything else that has ever been done like every writer ever hasn't had to do that for the last 20 years. Then this comes out, is something fairly unique but not altogether an original premise with a time/universe displaced Batman. Like at least be consistent in your complaints or shut the fuck up because that's all you do is complain whether or not Zdarsky changes something. Write your own.

Hex - Jan 3, 2023

Like straight up, you hate read everything. What is even the point? You think you are doing people a service by constantly shitting on books with the same 5 complaints? "Nothing happens, it's just spinning it's wheels, outlandish/unoriginal, blah blah blah, over and over and over". Your overall rating is a 3.5. Go read something you DO like so people can get a sense of what you think a good Batman story is.

daspidaboy - Jan 3, 2023

Wish I can like your comments

RKS - Feb 18, 2023

It's an Elseworlds story. Hard to care about it.

myconius

Jan 03, 2023

It feels like we've already done this. This issue felt like some half-assed mashup of Batman R.I.P./Final Crisis/Return of Bruce Wayne and JLA: Earth 2. But instead of Bruce getting sent back in time by Darkseid, he gets sent to some twisted alternate earth waking up all trashed in a dirty alleyway. As far as i can tell, Jim Gordon in this story is acting as the knockoff version of (Batman RIP's) Bat-Mite. It seems that "Jimbo" is just a figment of Bruce's imagination following him in this journey. This story also kind of smacks of the "Future State" Detective story we'd just gotten about a year ago by Mariko Tamaki. So far Zdarsky's Batman just feels like a mish-mosh of ideas we've seen from other writers. Just not done nearly as well a s what had come before. more

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Comics Code Authorities - Jan 15, 2023 (edited)

Today's DC writers were yesterday's Marvel writers. And apparently they weren't aware of much of what was going on here while they were there. Otherwise they may have realized this stuff has been done to death over the last few years. That or they just don't have any original ideas (possibly both).

myconius - Jan 15, 2023

Yeah, pretty much. I truly feel that many of the writers that DC hires just have no real creativity, nor do they even care to try. Feels like they're perfectly happy just phoning it in just to collect the paycheck. And it doesn't really matter since there's never a shortage of content starved people, ready to heap praise at whatever is thrown to them.

humgruffin

Jan 04, 2023

Is it really time to have yet another redefining of what Batman is? With the Failsafe story and now this, it looks like it. Until the next time. This is the second dull storyline in a row and with the yawn fest that is Detective Comics, I’m sorely in need of a Batman story I don’t have to stop and count how many pages I have left to read before I can get to something more exciting.