Batman #42

Great issue intense writing and artwork. The creative team was clicking on all cylinders this issue. Loved the horror-esque vibe it gave off. Scott Snyder would be proud. Read Full Review

King and Janin hit it out of the park again with their second issue of “Everyone Loves Ivy”. It is funny, intriguing, and dramatic. Read Full Review

Overall Batman #42 is a very entertaining read. Although the world is entirely Ivy controlled, seeing Batman and Catwoman trying to navigate through it is perhaps the most entertaining part of the book. Read Full Review

It's really the little things that make BATMAN #42 a success. The plot itself is a tad slow, but it's the way the characters move within that slowness that makes the book interesting. Writer Tom King is a master of character, and it shows in those in-between moments. Mikel Janin, June Chung, and Clayton Cowles's art is wonderful, but most impressive at the extremes. The issue really sets up a lot of good to come in future installments. Read Full Review

Surprisingly, it's both one of his funniest issues, and one of his most powerful as he addresses some of his most controversial moments involving Poison Ivy head-on. Read Full Review

This arc gives Batman fans a taste of what the Batman dynamic will feel like for the foreseeable future with Selina taking the place of the usual Robin role, resulting in a fresh take of Batman himself. While there is a questionable moment regarding the extent of Catwomans abilities, the relationship between her and Bruce is worth the price of admission. Read Full Review

Janin, Chung, King, and Cowles are absolutely a Batman dream team, and this is a story arc well worth your time. Read Full Review

Batman #42 is another incredible chapter in Tom King's run on this series. King has done an absolutely wonderful job developing Poison Ivy into one of the most powerful characters in the DC Universe. King's writing of Poison Ivy is well balanced with how Batman and Catwoman interacted with each other and the villain as they try to figure out what to do next. King's story is given even more depth by the phenomenal artwork that Mikel Janin and June Chung provided Batman #42. If you are a Batman fan "Everyone Loves Ivy" is a must read story arc. Read Full Review

This arc, though just started, is a great story to pick up, and if I may suggest becoming a monthly reader, by adding this to your pull lists. The Tom King Batman from Rebirth on is some of the most fun you can have reading a Batman story! Read Full Review

This was a great continuation of the Ivy storyline with some great narrative elements and beautiful art. The banter between Batman and Catwoman is amazing. Read Full Review

I'm all for letting this duo play with any characters they want to because their work has raised the stock of many of them already. Read Full Review

Everyone Loves Ivy is shaping up to be another fun arc for Batman. The beauty of King's run is how versatile it's been and I love that he keeps finding new, uncomfortable arenas to place The Dark Knight. Read Full Review

Don't miss the Batman issue everyone will be talking about for weeks to come. I hope after what happened to Batman he can recover and come back stronger" I hope. Read Full Review

Batman #42 is yet another compelling entry in Kings run with the character. It takes the premise of last issue and drives it to interesting places while keeping a tantalizing distance from what is really going on with Poison Ivy. Janin and Chung ply their talents to wonderful effect, and this book earns a recommendation. Check it out. Read Full Review

The constant back and forth between DC's newest power couple is as entertaining as always, as is Batman's clever takedowns of fellow league members. All of this moves perhaps a bit too fast, but the creative team can be forgiven for trying to craft a story this big in only three issues. Read Full Review

Batman #42 emphasizes both comedy and tragedy and manages to succeed at both. Read Full Review

We still have one more installment of "Everyone Loves Ivy" to go, though and if Batman #40 taught us anything " one can't adequately judge King's work until all is said and done. Read Full Review

The artwork was pretty decent for this issue. I loved the expressions in particular; such as Selena's face when challenging Ivy, or the smug expression on Harley's face at the end (which I suppose is really a smug expression of Ivy's?). Ivy's costume looks a bit off though. I always picture her green skintight outfit to be one made of plants, but in this issue it looks more like a green leotard with some plants over the torso. It's oddly one dimensional and flat, which is ironic considering how vibrant and alive it should look. Read Full Review

A solid addition to the Ivy story. I like how King has set things up and paid them off. Lets see if he sticks the landing. (Also, lets bring in Swamp Thing!) Read Full Review

Batman #41 showed a lot of promise, and Batman #42 managed to deliver on it. Read Full Review

Tom King dives deep into character studies in his ongoing Poison Ivy story, taking what could have been a standard villain tale and making it something truly special and enjoyable. Read Full Review

Still, if you want a comedy featuring Batman and Catwoman, there's fun to be had here. It's a quick read with a solid group of jokes, and the Flash gets beat up. God I hate that guy. Anything where he gets beat up gets a thumbs up in my book. Maybe not two, but one. One's better than nothing. Read Full Review

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A peculiar day-in-the-life issue with some execution flaws that nonetheless makes for an engaging read. Read Full Review

Overall, this is a miss in the Batman run by Tom King. His unique and sometimes dazzling character studies (see Mister Miracle) do not work with Bruce Wayne or Poison Ivy. This chapter in the wedding engagement saga is not one I will likely ever go back to. Read Full Review

What did I just read? While I appreciated the driving thought behind the issue, I was completely unthrilled with the execution. On top of that, the tone of the issue seems to bounce back and forth faster than a ping pong ball at the World Championships. As with almost everything that King writes, you're either going to love it or hate it. This time around, I'm unfortunately the later. The only thing that really saved this issue for me was the art. Read Full Review

Ivy's takeover of the world continues here and with that......... Batman and Catwoman do and say things that feel odd and the story feels really thin with the only motive behind our villain's actions being linked to The War of Jokes and Riddles.  While the story and dialog suffer here, the art continues to be amazing.......... so at least we have that. Read Full Review

This may be one of the worst Batman issues of the last seven or eight years. The plotting is simply incompetent, the dialogue is stiff and uninspired, and whatever questions we have of the story will most definitely not be answered since we have one issue left in this mess of a story. Speak with your wallet, people. Drop this book. Stop talking about it. We need a writer change and sales are the deciding factor. Despite what you may think, you can make a difference. Read Full Review

Bruno Mael

Mar 10, 2018

Are people really dumb enough to complain about it? I mean, you morons have been reading Scott Snyder SHIT for what, 6 years?

jess212

Mar 08, 2018

As per usual one either loves Tom Kings take on Batman or hates it. That being said my review should indicate were I stand on the aforementioned topic. In this issue Ivy couples her abilities of botanical manipulation with the far reaching tendrils of the green to devastating affect. In essence Ivy in Ozymandian flare has won and so we venuture into this eerie premise wihich the world is at the beck and call of Pamela Isley. I can honestly say Tom King goes places I don’t expect and I am always surprised with what I get it’s not always good mind you. The dialogue is robotic at times yet there is always a rhythm to it. This has some moments that shocked me and I can honestly say this has been one of the more disorienting tales tales By King. Mikel Janin can do no wrong his artistic prowess alone is reason enough to get the book. Anyway looking forward to reading what comes next. more

Dispatchdcu

Mar 07, 2018

Answers. Many complain because King won't give us answers. Well, we know how Ivy's doing it. She controls the green in which is put in all things people eat. On burgers, in salad, you name it! But Bruce references someone who appears to be basically allergic to greens named Johnny Suntres. And Ivy has hidden him somewhere. I did a quick google search to find NOTHING on this name other than it is very close to John Siuntres, who is the host of the Word Balloon podcast! BTW, listen if you never have. It's a great show with great interviews with writers and artists. You'll love it! And since King has been on the show a couple times; I bet you he's writing him in! Maybe Bruce and Selina are looking for a cure through this boy/ and or podcaster? Maybe that is why Ivy hid him? We will have to wait to find out. Next, I understand many reviewers will be upset to see Bruce defeat Superman with a whistle and Selena taking down the Flashes with a couple kicks. But I think King did a good job explaining why that is the case. Bruce said Clark knows when not to listen, which implies Ivy is literally controlling everyone. And if she is, the heroes may have there powers but she doesn't have control over the powers themselves. She doesn't know how to use them and use them well. Sure, she can use their speed, but every nuisance of the speed or strength... she doesn't understand that avenue of it. We get Bat burger again with the KGBLT ( love BLT's) as well as the Killer croque. We also get funny back and forth with Selena and Bruce and ultimately we can see Ivy's reasoning: she truly wants to make the world a better place. Sorry to say it Poison Ivy League, but she is a villain here or at least an anti-hero. Now, her means are to make the world a better place but most villains come from a good place when they start their journey. We find out that she killed Bruce and as we know from Grant Morrison, every Bat writer must kill Bruce before they are done. more

mrDovydas

Mar 10, 2018

A lot more answers were given about what's going on here. Art was great, and the writing was strong as well. I can see why some may dislike this, but I enjoyed it.

Shodan

Mar 20, 2018

This arc has some seriously awesome full page art. First Ivy in issue 41 and now a post-punched in the face by Superman Bruce. Both worth the cover price. I'm taking the story with a grain of salt, Ivy being so haunted by her deeds in the war of jokes and riddles is fairly weak. Cat taking out the Flashes isn't great, but I think we have to realize this is the Justice League controlled by Ivy, no way in control of their powers like their real selves. Either way, King's run has me looking forward to Batman every other week and this is no exception.

Nihilist

Mar 07, 2018

There's one thing that makes Tom King so, so different from other comic book writers - he knows how to write about normal, ordinary daily life. He doesn't try to create unnecessary soap opera drama, he doesn't give too much attention and relevance to otherwise irrelevant situations, and finally, he doesn't try to add faux depth where's none. I was often praising his portrayal of Selina, and her relationship with Bruce, feeling just right, natural, realistic. These two have unquestionable chemistry you rarely see in comics. And once again, King served yet another irrelevant day in the life situation, showing his talent and skill as a writer. Of course, the fast-food restaurant scene is not what matters in this issue, it's just an addition , but I can't stop returning to it and remembering how entertaining it is. What matters the most is how the Ivy's story unfolded, and where it's leading. We know despite all the control over people, she doesn't understand how to control their powers. She tries to fix the world, making her somewhat relatable, but her desperation also makes her impulsive, which most definitely will be the cause of her downfall later on. Naively believing she has absolute control over everything and she does the right thing, she may feel secure. Too secure to be prepared for domino bricks to start falling one after another. I've enjoyed this issue - it may have not been outstanding, but it has everything that makes a comic good - solid story, great character development and dialogues, and finally, a truly fun cliffhanger, wanting me to see what's going to happen next. Right now! Definitely recommend this one. more

+ Like • Comments (2)

• Likes (4)

• bucswin611
• jess212
• Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln
• Dispatchdcu

Nihilist - Mar 11, 2018

Look, I get it, you hated the issue, you've commented about it under couple of reviews already. Let it go, it's just a comic, and that's just my subjective opinion about it, I'm not going to apologize for liking it, and furthermore, I don't believe day in the life scenes shown in it were meaningless, and contained no story. Quite contrary - they, in my opinion, show great chemistry between Bruce and Selina, which is one of the strongest things Bats' Rebirth run has to offer.

Nihilist - Mar 17, 2018

Hard to say, Ivy's plan may be somewhat similar to what happened in Justice League vs. Suicide Squad mini run, where she wants to fix the world by taking control over it, but it backfires. Absolute power corrupts absolutely after all. For now, I'd say she wants to heal the planet, but I really have no guess where it'll lead.

egonnn244

Mar 10, 2018

Great follow up to a strong start in issue 41. We learn a bit about Ivy's motivation and why she's doing the "control the whole world" thing. Also King knows how to write Batman and Catwoman. Banter between them feels genuine and real. I don't think I need to mention just how awesome Mike Janins art is, but I will do that anyway. He is amazing. The way he draws characters and especially emotions on their faces is incredible. No fault in this issue for me. Best part: when Bat and Cat are hanging upside down from the tower.

Spock's Brain

Apr 03, 2018

This issue was all right, though I don't really buy Poison Ivy's power level, in taking over, well, the world, and in turn, Catwoman seems disproportionately powerful--how exactly does she defeat 3 Flashes in seconds?? Anyway, it was sorta cool and shocking to see Superman punch off half of Batman's face...and it looks really good. Just not one of the most interesting arcs in a series that has had few misses as of late.

FlipGeek

Mar 07, 2018

I thought Superman doesn't eat but gets nutrition from sunlight? How did Ivy get to him?

Supes' soups

Mar 07, 2018

Some parts were kind of funny. The art is great. But I nearly shat myself when about midway thru the story, there was that panel with the plot twist, it was that double splash page with Superman and "Bendis is coming"... I curled up into a fetal position and started crying. The true villain shows himself...

bucswin611

Mar 07, 2018

Janin has some quality angry-faced characters, but sometimes (Diana within the issue, Cyborg on the cover), it looks like a completely different person. A few clever situations and lines of dialogue are evident. Some interesting points about the environment (what if humans suddenly DIDN'T ruin everything). The contrast action/conversation doesn't work as well as some other issues - a serviceable entry with a meh reveal at the end.

RaisingBlack

Mar 08, 2018

Ok I am pretty sure this is not really real but maybe real. The mind cast news cast is odd. Catwoman one punching three speedsters is a lot to handle. She is good but all three of the Speedsters? I am guessing this book takes place before the current arc of Flash because Barry still has his powers and I am pretty sure that that was the Titans Wally West. Seriously DC has a lot of timelines right now. Metal is not over but for some reason the world has moved on anyway. Doomsday Clock is on hold, but No surrender will start soon. I thought we were adding the Watchmen and did Dr. Manhattan create the dark multiverse? Why can't he rain in the Dark knights? Not to mention future Tim and his future stuff not having any mention of any of the event s in Metal or Doomsday clock. DC is still making solid books but the control I saw in Rebirth is getting lax. This book is better than the first one in this arc but it is still weird. Seriously is Jeff at the helm anymore because it is getting weird now but fans haven't kicked up much fuss sooooooooooooo..... Whatever. This has not been my favorite arc. more

DDJamesB

Mar 12, 2018

Another weird King issue with a not soo good story and some really good art.

Agent.Shawl

Mar 28, 2018

I think that as usual, the art is amazing and really does all it can do to redeem the book, but sadly, in my opinion, it was not enough to completely carry the load. I'm not saying King can't write, but he's just not my favorite when handling the Bat himself. I actually rather like his portrayal of Catwoman and understand that a person in love reacts different than a loner, but sometimes in this book I was wondering if Bruce was speaking or Poison Ivy. I suppose it could just be me, and I may just have to get use to it, but I'm rather bored with the current run. P.S The whole take down with only a whistle.......awesome.

Afre

Mar 07, 2018

This feels so unncecessary. Making Ivy villain again just to have her as a villain. It never felts like it's everyone against Bat and Cat and the writing isn't King's best. Artwork is the saving grace here.

TP

Mar 08, 2018

Mikel Janin's incredible art that creates an incredible tension of isolation cannot redeem this story. I'm sad to give this such a low rating because I really wanted and tried to like this story but it doesn't work for me. King erases pretty much everything other writers did with Poison Ivy the last decades (even stories that happened less than one month ago) just to fix/explain an earlier event in War of Jokes and Riddles. Will there be a "twist" in the end? Probably. But this is creating too much damage and since the obvious resolution would be mind-wiping Ivy (they will obviously not let her with the knowledge of everything in the planet) I can only see this arc as an attempt to erase the work of writers who wrote Ivy before and reset the character. more

Cktopshot

Mar 07, 2018

The plot feels so wrong here, its a shame though, the previous issue made it feel like a promising start for a new run.

daddyT

Mar 07, 2018

the 4 rating is all for art. this is the stupidest Batman story I've ever read. so.. Ivy controls the whole world except for Batman and Catwoman. and she causes Superman to kill him. and then she brings him back to life. and she wants to be the Maid of Honor at their wedding. !@#$ off Tom King.

FrenchLover

Mar 08, 2018

Weak issue

myconius

Mar 07, 2018

i didn’t find this comic interesting or very fun to read. -bland dialog -decompressed/padded story-telling -extremely overpowered two-dimensional Poison Ivy -Flash family treated like a bunch of punching bags to top it all off Ivy makes Superman kill Batman, then somehow Batman is alive again. this is just dumb.

GL Mike

Mar 07, 2018

I think "EDiakota" said it best. Just read his review.

EDiakota

Mar 07, 2018

This issue is the great exemple on everything wrong in Tom King Batman Run

Bloodraven

Mar 08, 2018

Wow. Seriously one of the worst issues of Batman I’ve read in a long time. It’s about time I dropped this book. Tom King is a terrible Batman writer. The story and dialogue are complete garbage. I miss Batman being a badass. him acting like a weak beta male just pisses me off. Please DC put a new writer on Batman soon. Let Tom King write a romance book or something because his Batman work SUCKS. I’m voting with my dollar and finally dropping this book and if you’re un satisfied with it, I’d advise you to do the same.

Federico Liguori

Dec 26, 2022

I don't know if this is pure genius... or one of the most idiotic Batman comics I've ever read.