Batman #156

Batman #156 is a solid connecting issue that does its best to shift from the noir thriller of the last issue to a more by-the-numbers superhero action story. Zdarsky writes a Batman that naturally pieces together the wide breadth of clues from across the arc while still throwing fists. Daniels artwork is consistent and reliable even when it lacks some of the strong styling flair of previous artists. The transitional nature of the artwork occurs in the most natural way possible thanks to Moreys coloring and Cowless lettering. As Zdarskys time on Batman comes to an end with the next issue, it becomes clear that this final arc might be the strongest due to the back-to-basic approach to the story engine combined with elevated stylistic choices. Read Full Review

Zdarsky heads into the finale of his run with an incredible set-up. The writing keeps readers locked in with action and surprises. Daniel, Morey and Cowles ramp up the intensity with each panel. Expect nothing but fireworks with this storys conclusion! Read Full Review

Overall, Batman #156 is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. Zdarsky expertly balances action, intrigue, and character development, creating a must-read for any Batman fan. With “The Dying City” reaching its climax, the stage is set for a truly unforgettable finale. Read Full Review

It's a little messy, but still very entertaining and thankfully Zdarsky has an extra-sized finish to bring it home next month. Read Full Review

Batman #156 has set the stage for an earth shattering few issues to come. The future of Gotham is at stake, which is nothing new, but the global ramifications are potentially cataclysmic. Enter The Beast… Read Full Review

Chip Zdarsky continues his excellent geopolitical Riddler epic in stylish fashion as we see the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting climax. Read Full Review

As Chip Zdarsky reaches the end of his time on Batman the series is working a break neck speed to bring its current arc to a conclusion. Batman #156 is a sprightly issue which helps to amplify the stakes and portent potential doom for the Dark Knight and his city should he fail to achieve his mission. Read Full Review

While Batman #156 manages to keep you on the edge of your seat with its action-packed plot and stellar visuals, the hurried pacing and lack of depth for key story elements make it feel like a missed opportunity in what could have been a more nuanced conclusion to Zdarsky's run. Fans of fast-paced superhero action will enjoy the ride, but those seeking more thoughtful exploration may feel let down. Read Full Review

The end certainly feels near for a major era of Batman. Though the way we are getting there is not giving the vibe of epic payoff. Read Full Review

Batman #156 squanders what narrative potential it had by placing everything behind a contrived and unsatisfying mastermind. Previously interesting aspects such as the murder mystery and the involvement of the Court of Owls are rendered irrelevant while the comic opts for a simplistic explanation in hurried anticipation of the story's ultimate conclusion. Read Full Review

BirdmanG07

Jan 12, 2025

Fast paced when the Riddler mind games mixed in. I enjoyed it.

daspidaboy

Jan 02, 2025

Chip Zdarsky's Batman was a rocky road, but I enjoyed it. I want to see how this ends, and I hope it wraps up nicely

Agente Znow

Jan 09, 2025

The first pages of the issue are good.. Batman solving the puzzles and trying to get to the riddler as fast as possible is just amazing, I think the plot goes from more to less when Batman leaves the riddle as "silly", this "plot twist" is very bland and cheap, and the sudden change of personality and goals of the riddle feels unnatural and rushed.. However, the last page of the comic poses an unexpected (Excellent, by the way) plot twist  and turns the zero interest I had in the outcome into an impatience and excitement to see the end of this arc.

Screaming Enigma

Sep 05, 2025

The weakest issue of this arc thus far, unfortunately, which is a shame after how much I enjoyed the last issue. Nonetheless, this was still good. I do think the faster pace for this story is hurting just a bit. Furthermore, I wasn't super into Gordon's interactions with Riddler towards the end. It was fine and everything, but just not my favorite. In any case, I'm still looking forward to the next issue. I'm hoping Zdarsky closes out the run strong.

sawright20

Jan 02, 2025

I’ve generally been a big fan of this arc, and I like the story and twists Zdarsky has in this issue. It unfortunately just suddenly unspools in the middle, making the Riddler look bafflingly dumb. Maybe an extra issue would have been helpful, and part of me wonders if editorial was pushing Zdarsky to wrap this up to get on to Hush 2, or if this is what Zdarsky intended. On the positive side, I always enjoy Daniel’s art on Batman.

Afre

Jan 02, 2025

Should've been a longer arc, has too much going on currently and with one issue left, it doesn't feel like Zdarsky is going out with a great ending.

K-23

Jan 29, 2025

This issue is so rushed and all over the place that it takes away any sense of suspense or shock to the poor reveals. The issue further destroys all interesting plot points that were developed and has the biggest lack luster reveal at the end. Looking back, this series never really established a solid identity and looks like its heading for a disappointing conclusion. Its a shame as I was a huge fan of Zdarsky's Daredevil and The Knight but find he failed to deliver on many of the cool ideas he presented in his Batman run.

George

Jan 03, 2025

Prior issues was pretty good. Not great but I enjoyed it. Everything in this issue feels rushed and almost incoherent. A 5.0 is generous.

Quinn

Jan 01, 2025

A lot of stuff happens, but they happen so fast, there’s no tension. The court of owls guy flees Riddler’s hq but so what. What was his role in Nygma’s evil plan? Riddler says he won’t go back to prison, but Gordon punches him out. Apparently Ed’s magic glasses made Jim kill the mayor but sleeping with the wife is all on Gordon. So what? I never got the sense that Gordon cared about that. Which is fair because he killed, so adultry is not a big deal. Captain Fascist Hypes up the rabble, saying we must destroy Gotham to build it anew. This plot again. Why does anyone live in Gotham? Elements unspools so fast, nothing has a chance to land. Batman’s plan seems to be go to Riddler building and punch people. The whole setup c omes off as half-baked, so the payoff is haphazard. I suspect this is because the writer is moving off the boook before he planned so everything is rushed. The art was nice. But not a good book. Or I could be wrong. more

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George - Jan 3, 2025

You are not wrong. If you haven’t, check out Batman Dark Patterns. A good Batman book. Detective also is great compared to this.