Batman #147

A blistering issue from Zdarsky and Jimenez. The story is leaping forward in huge bounds with the Zur-en-Arrh threat ramping up and Bruce forced to confront his own shortcomings as a leader to the rest of the Bat-Family. Read Full Review

We don't see the big showdown start this issue, but Zdarsky does an amazing job of building the tension as both players make their moves. Read Full Review

Batman #147 is engaging stuff. It works as a bridging issue to the next phase of the arc but also has enough meat on the bone to stand tall on its own merits, too. The pacing's spot on, the reflective character beats are welcome and it never feels anything less than engrossing. Read Full Review

Batman #147 is a thrilling chapter in the “Dark Prisons” saga. Zdarsky masterfully builds tension and showcases a desperate Batman. The phenomenal art by Jimenez and Mendona brings the story to life. While some plot threads feel rushed, this issue is a must-read for Batman fans eager to see how the Dark Knight will overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. I highly recommend giving this issue and series a fair shake if you havent done so already. Read Full Review

Jimenez delivers some beautifully detailed art throughout the issue. The visuals are fun and exciting. There are so many great visual moments in the issue and I love the art style of this series. Read Full Review

Batman #147 further fleshes out now long-running story elements like Failsafe, Captio, and Bruce's desire to keep everyone safe while also being the best Batman he can be. It's fair to say Zdarsky is playing a long game here with intriguing elements, plucking at what we know and building a new future. Read Full Review

Batman #147 is exactly the chapter that this Zur-En-Arrh Saga needed to move forward with. Batman of Zur-En-Arrh moves his plans forward in a way that both work to escalate the narrative Chip Zdarsky is crafting and builds towards the Absolute Power event. It's a delicate balance that ends up working to make progress for all the players involved to have greater importance. Read Full Review

With Gotham and his confidence slipping further away, Bruce Wayne gets some much needed help to reclaim his city and identity. Zdarsky sets up some unique pairings with the writing. Jimnez, Morey and Cowles grant fans a vivid picture of the new era of justice along with a glimmer of hope. A showdown is brewing that cannot be missed! Read Full Review

Although I have not really enjoyed the Zur En Arrh narrative, Batman #147 does better than many of its more recent predecessors, marking some key emotional moments and advancing the narrative. Plus, Tim! Read Full Review

Batman #147 is one of the better examples of a setup issue that moves the players in place for the next big thing. Bruce's next steps to reclaim the mantle of Batman from Failsafe are intriguing. Damian's realization that he's been duped leads to a surprising reaction from Failsafe, and momentum is building. Even the backup shows promise. Read Full Review

Batman #147 is an inert continuation of a storyline that has a few gems to still provide, even as it circles the same overall beats for the third time. Zdarsky displays a quality level of scripting that hits all the right elements on paper, yet lacks the specificity or subversion that makes his writing pop. The issue struggles to bring its repetitive Bruce, Zursafe conflict into a new or interesting way, and even the masterful pencils of Jimnez cant elevate. The artwork shows glimmers from its previous level of boundless energy when in flashback, letting a character like Barry Allen rev the plot and visuals. Those moments stand out thanks to Moreys tones, incorporating the palette of the Flash to shock some life into the pages. Whether it be a delay due to the larger movements of the DC Universe or an attempt to draw out a villain, Batman needs to break the rules to find its way back to interesting. Read Full Review

While it certainly feels like the Zur-En-Arrh storyline is dragging out a little bit too long at this point, Batman #147 feels pretty stable as turning points go. Read Full Review

Batman #147 is a story about how one copes with not having total control and needing to trust others. As a lead in to the upcoming Absolute Power event it makes sense and works well, but feels somewhat out of place with what the larger story has been about so far. In many ways the calm before the storm, its quiet moments allow for dramatic tension as well as reflection on what might not work with the overall narrative. Read Full Review

I have had a real problem with Zdarsky's run on batman after being so excited after Batman: The Knight. His characterizations of the Bat Family sans Tim is bordering total disrespect. Read Full Review

liolia

May 07, 2024

oh my gosh I looooved this! So many good things - the flashbacks to Happy Harbor, the old and new conversations with Tim, Bruce coming to his senses. Huge shout-out who Jimenez who killed it once this issue. I particularly like the panels with Tim's flashbacks and how it could be any of the Robins, or even Bruce and his dad in the beginning. I'm also really excited to see what's going to happen next with Capio and Riddler, and all the robots. Great issue!

sawright20

May 10, 2024

The elements Zdarsky has set up since he began his run are culminating beautifully—I only worry they’ll get lost in Absolute Power.

Screaming Enigma

Jul 23, 2024

Loved this issue, as I thought it was the best one for Dark Prisons yet and the best one overall in a while. I especially liked Bruce’s flashbacks and the sections with Failsafe. Zdarsky’s voice for Bruce continues to be great as well, in my opinion.

daspidaboy

May 07, 2024

A really solid issue. While it's redundant on how bruce realizes he needs his family. At least things are interesting, the action is dynamic, and Tim drake comes back.

KiryuMajima28t

May 07, 2024

Probably the best issue in zdarskys run since issue 129 imo. Very solid.

K-23

Jun 04, 2024

There were some awesome moments in this issue but the portrayal of Damian as being so naïve was just awful/unacceptable. Tim is clearly Zdarsky's favorite Robin which is fine and leads to great moments for him in this issue and throughout the run, but playing Damian like a fool isn't needed. I still was able to just accept it as I'm really into this story and Bruce finally has accepted he's stronger with his family.

derbycomics

May 07, 2024

This issue, written by Chip Zdarsky w/ art by Jorge Jiménez, was pretty middle-of-the-road issue that neither wowed nor disappointed. Part 3 of the Dark Prisons arc dove deeper into Failsafe’s long-term plans & sets up his interactions w/ Amanda Waller, which will play a bigger role in Mark Waid’s Absolute Power event. We also see a much more positive Bruce, who gets a surprise visit from Tim Drake. While Zdarsky’s script is engaging & moves things along, it lacks a punch to elevate this arc. Jiménez’s artwork is, as always, a highlight. His dark & moody style perfectly captures the tone of the Batman universe, & his action sequences are fluid & dynamic. Tomeu Morey’s colors & Clayton Cowles’ lettering complement his art, c reating a visually appealing package. Overall, this issue’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, plot development, & character moments. However, it all feels somewhat predictable. I’m actually more intrigued with Failsafe’s arc than I am Bruce’s, & I can’t tell if I’m meant to feel that way or it’s just that Bruce’s story is milquetoast. more

Psycamorean

May 10, 2024

The stuff with Bruce works. The problem is everything else. I couldn't give a fuck less about Absolute Power, and Captio is an abysmal plot device of a character that I just hope is killed off quickly. If not for the stuff with Bruce where I feel Zdarsky actually works in a nice voice for him, this issue would've made me so tired.

AmericanHealthcare

May 24, 2024

Zdarsky's storytelling is really good; it's the absolute, mind-blowing silliness of the underlying plot and Zur as a concept that holds it back. We are so far beyond self-parody at this point with Batman. That Zdarsky can take something this bananas and make it readable is really something.

ItsJess

May 07, 2024

Stinky

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MarVVel - May 8, 2024

Care to elaborate?

DomesticatedGiraffe - May 9, 2024 (edited)

It stinks the same way a fart trapped in a car stinks. Every time you open the car, you're greeted with the same smell, forcing you to relive the same fart each time.

Bats44121 - May 10, 2024

If anyone needs you to elaborate, they won't get it anyways.

MarVVel - May 10, 2024

I haven't read the issue yet, I just like to understand why people like or dislike certain things cause it helps me decide whether I should pick it up or not. I asked for elaboration on why this issue was deemed "stinky", and instead of an explanation I got a fart joke. So no, I guess I don't get it.

DomesticatedGiraffe - May 11, 2024

The fart joke is a metaphor for Chip's run. It's a retread of already done plot lines, just worse

Quinn

May 07, 2024

This issue was so meh. Bruce is being saved by the power of love. Flash and Tim tell him he’s not alone, amazing considering the first five decades of Batman had him working with Robin, Superman, Justice League. Now we are told Bruce’s mind has been seeded so he doesn’t have to take responsibility for writers going edgelord. Also Damian realizes robot is not dad. Evil shrink, the 87th we’ve seen in Batman is really ripped and notes robot is making mistakes. Robot also captures Damian and unveils his own robot Bat family. Now everyone will have their own doppelgänger to fight. This story is going around the block to get next door. I am all for Batman being sane, I put you don’t have to have a convoluted years long story to get th ere, just write him sane. All in all dull. Or I could be wrong. more

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Bats44121 - May 10, 2024

The 2024 sci-fi crazy Batman era makes the 1950s era of Batman look so sober, intellectual, and thoughtful by comparison. I will be glad when Chip gets back to ruining Daredevil stories.

Psycamorean - May 10, 2024

Bats, have you actually read 50s Batman?