Batman #51

Sure, it may not be as action-packed as we're used to, but that doesn't make it any less engaging! We're quite eager to see how things end up next month, and what this soulful search will mean for the Batman in the end. Read Full Review

Given all the hype around the wedding between Batman and Catwoman -- and the way that affair turned out -- one might expect that Batman #51 would take the easy way out by delivering a broken, violent, emotionally shut-down Batman. And it does, but to Tom King's credit the story takes a very different turn. Read Full Review

Lee Weeks is back drawing a Batman series. He is for me the classic pulp and Daredevil illustrator. Of course, his style fits nicely with Batman. I enjoy how different his panel layouts are compared to other artists who have worked with Tom King. You can tell that Weeks is a master storyteller and much more experienced than the others (who are no amateurs). His interpretation of the visual storytelling is pulpy and classic, while capturing all the nuances of king's script. Read Full Review

This Cold Days arc is starting off quite nicely with subtle but large reveals to the direction Tom King has decided to take Batman and company. It shows us a side of Bruce that we always know is there but is never acknowledged. Being the beacon symbol of justice he's striving we see a chance for Bruce to grow in a way that may generally lend to his shining example as one of the greatest heroes in comics. If it's going the way I see it going, we may have an entirely new hero's journey for Bruce to embark on. Read Full Review

Batman #51 was a good read and I can't wait to read the next issue! King gives you a great cliffhanger in the end that we don't see coming–and it seems that the fallout from the wedding between Batman and Catwoman isn't over either. The ending of the book confused me slightly but to leave me asking questions was a great way to end the book. It's obvious that this trial isn't over and I'm looking forward to seeing what else could be revealed. Read Full Review

This issue features some really strong character work and is undeniably some of King's best dialogue so far. As much fun as the action sequences are, King really strives when he gets inside Batman's head. This looks to be another of those highly satisfying mind trips. This is the kind of tightly focused story King needed after the emotional gut punch from last issue. Read Full Review

Overall, Batman #51 is a strong setup issue and an intriguing first step into the second act's new narrative direction. Read Full Review

Coming off the devastating wedding issue that ended with Batman being left at the altar (well, rooftop), Bruce Wayne is not in a great mental place as Batman #51 opens. And what's the one thing that'll make everyone feel better? Jury duty! Read Full Review

This arc is called “Cold Days,” which suggests we'll be following this Mr. Freeze trial for a while. (Which means we should get Dick Grayson as Batman for a while too!) As one of my personal favorite Batman villains, I can't wait to see what happens once he gets the King treatment and we find out what really makes him tick. Read Full Review

I know it's only the first chapter, but I really feel like we've got something special going on here, and I'd hate to see any Batfans miss out on what might end up being one of King's best Batman stories to date. Read Full Review

Batman (2016-) #51 is a visually impressive and well-written issue that focuses in on a newly emotionally distraught Batman. A must read from Batman fans. Read Full Review

Either way, this current storyline has gotten off to a great start. With an interesting story and gorgeous artwork, I can't wait for the next issue. Read Full Review

"Cold Days" is an exciting return to form for Tom King that does a lot to breathe new life into the second half of his purported 100-issue run. Read Full Review

Tom King sets up a really excited, character-focused problem that Bruce Wayne has to solve, and I'm on the edge of my seat. Read Full Review

After 26 issues of Superman, Lois Lane, Wonder Woman, Booster Gold, time travel, alternate universes, magical battles, the whole Batman rogues gallery, Poison Ivys world conquest, two proposals, and Catwoman shopping for a wedding dress, the wedding in issue #50 couldnt help but seem anticlimactic. Its a relief, then, to see this team taking Batman back to his roots busting heads in the streets, in a simple but novel story. Read Full Review

Despite the issue prior's missteps,Batman #51 is engaging, well-written, and will compel readers to return next month for the subsequent installment of "Cold Days." Read Full Review

Such a sharp change of pace might lead to an unbalanced issue in less able hands, but the creative team on "Batman" #51 is anything but. This entry expands on the situations these characters can lend themselves to, while showing beautiful page, panel and character design. Read Full Review

I have stated plenty of times before that I am not a big fan of Batman. But you give me an introspective/brooding Bruce Wayne with a good crime drama, add in some Lee Weeks sequential art, and I am sold. Some people will probably still be upset that this does not directly address the whole marriage thing and/or the whole Bane situation. That is understandable, but I like that King is going for the slow burn with this story and letting it build. Read Full Review

There are a lot of big concepts being introduced in this issue and they are handled in a way that gives an intriguing contrast between the two worlds of Batman. King has begun another intriguing arc with a really good mystery that challenges the reader. Read Full Review

BATMAN #51 presents a solid, simple tale that sets the stage for a new era of the Bruce Wayne we thought we knew. Read Full Review

In Batman#51,King, Weeks, and Breitweiser go beyond inserting Batman into the court room drama genre and use the trial of Mr. Freeze to probe into his anger and pain and the roots of Bruce/Batman's sense of justice. Lee Weeks' naturalistic approach to figures and faces really helps as most of the denizens of this book are ordinary citizens and not superheroes or villains. Read Full Review

Batman #51 delivers a moody, visually striking follow-up to the recent wedding storyline. Read Full Review

King rebounds well from his controversial #50 and begins a fascinating new court-based storyline that's well worth your time. Read Full Review

It's clear that Batman was taking out all of his frustration from his failed wedding out on the villains in the city. It's also apparent that he probably went too far. It's understandable, why Batman would seek solace in crime fighting. For the longest time it was all he had, and in many ways he probably felt that way all over again. In a way this trial was the best thing for him " if not for being slapped in the face with the repercussions of his anger, who knows how long it might have taken him to get out of this mood. Read Full Review

Bruce Wayne confronts how his emotional devastation affects his work as Batman in this heartbreakingly beautifully drawn and colored tale. Read Full Review

This issue is the follow-up to the heavy wedding comic that this title needs. It is light, while still progressing the overall storyline. It also keeps some deep characterization and clever humor. There are nitpicks with some of Bruce's choices and the treatment of Mr. Freeze that I take issue with. But overall, they do not drag down this story's enjoyment. Read Full Review

Bruce's single not guilty vote seems to suggest some serious introspection has begun. It looks like the rest of the jurors are in for a longer deliberation than they expected. Worth a look. Read Full Review

The trial of Mr. Freeze presented a unique opportunity for Bruce Wayne to be at the forefront of Tom King's latest story arc, "Cold Days." In doing so King is able to use Batman #51's story to explore Bruce's current state of mind following his failed wedding with Catwoman in a fascinating way. The involvement of other Batman characters and Lee Weeks artwork added extra dimensions for where King is taking his run on DC Comics top comic book. Read Full Review

Interesting enough, this book reads exactly like a Daredevil comic. Not surprising since until recently the artist for this issue had been providing the pencils for Daredevil. Read Full Review

I definitely recommended if you're interested in what happens to Bruce Wayne after the wedding hoopla, and You've been anxiously awaiting the return of an Batman without wedding talk, or if you enjoy your super-heroes comics injected with a bit of legal realism and a little social commentary in. Read Full Review

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this issue and if this is all playing into King’s 100 issue spectacular then perhaps the run would be improving now that it has moved away from the marriage. Lee Weeks art was phenomenal, but it is what we have come to expect from his art. It should be interesting how Bruce would have to prove Batman wrong without revealing that he is Batman. Read Full Review

It's a good place to start reading if you're curious about Batman after the wedding issue but beyond that it's nothing special despite some fantastic artwork. Read Full Review

Batman continues to disappoint with a story that doesn't make sense within itself to get the setup that we need to see it.  It's just more forced nonsense that's trying to show our hero unhinged after his failed matrimony, but everything in this issue comes off feeling ridiculous at the parts when it's not just out right boring. Read Full Review

As much as I love Batman it pains me to say this, but this is honestly one of the worst (if not the worst) Batman comics since the launch of Rebirth. Tom King plans to be on Batman for 50 more issues but if this is the stuff he is bringing to the table, it is going to be a LONG 50 issues. This issue had no redeemable qualities and will go down as my first 1 star review. I really wanted to have some hope for this series after the previous issue, but this just left me feeling hollow inside. Read Full Review

While the furor over Batman #50 is still fresh, don't make the mistake of dropping the story while it's still baking. King has a grand vision and his work with artist Lee Weeks is some of the best on the stands. You won't be asking yourself, “What's next?” but rather, “I can't wait to find out what happens next!” Read Full Review

Samuel Almeida

Jul 18, 2018

This issue is fantastic. Art and script. Sadly, people are still crying over Batman #50.

Batman Jones

Jul 18, 2018

The anti-King bias is incredible. This issue was freaking amazing. Nobody has ever written a better Batman than Tom King. I say that as someone who loves Batman more than any other thing and has read every single run. This issue was powerful as hell.

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Talon1load - Jul 18, 2018

Haven’t you given King a 10 on almost every issue? I don’t think you get to talk about being biased.

Batman Jones - Jul 18, 2018

That's true. If Alan Moore were still writing for DC I'd be doing the same. To me Tom King is like the Samuel Beckett of comic book writing. It's rare he doesn't earn a 10 and his artists are all beyond reproach.

Talon1load - Jul 19, 2018

It’s good that you enjoy it.

Batman Jones - Jul 19, 2018

Thanks. I'm sorry you're not but I hope you're enjoying plenty of other comics instead.

Talon1load - Jul 19, 2018

Yeah man. There are definitely good comics out right now.

Steve C

Jul 18, 2018

Brilliant. Just brilliant.

Ken b

Jul 18, 2018

This ark is very interesting I’m excited to see we’re this story goes. loved the gritty artwork really hope to see this artist on more issues.

nancehixon

Jul 19, 2018

I admit, I haven't read or watched every single Batman story in his near 80 year history, but to my knowledge this is one of those 'why didn't anyone think of this sooner??' stories. I'm a sucker for Dick Grayson as Batman and for Lee Weeks on Batman, so this issue already had a lot going for it, but it's the concept and King's writing that seals the deal. The quirkiness that you sometimes get from TK recedes here to tell a perfect courtroom drama that asks all the right questions about what Batman does and how we should react to it (Gordon's page on the stand? Wow!), as well as a great look at Bruce Wayne. It was also good to see Mr. Freeze in a fresh role. It looks like this arc is going to be three issues, which seems about right for wha t they're trying to do. If Tom King can keep up this quality for the next two installments, then we're going to have a landmark Batman story on our hands here. more

RyanSmith28

Jul 19, 2018

Though Tom King's previous Batman #50 ended disappointingly, Tom King goes back to normal by writing an interesting and thought provoking issue. Batman #51 shows us the aftermath of Batman's wedding showing a much angrier Batman. This brings us back to King's traditional break down of who Batman is and we also get Dick Grayson Batman, which is always a plus.

WhistleBlower

Jul 18, 2018

Very smart, well-drawn issue that serves as both a character study and an examination of how the legal system works with Batman.

Linkush

Jul 18, 2018

"WHAT'S THE PROBLEM, COMMISSIONER? HOW CAN I HELP? IS HE ALL RIGHT? NO" Really good start. Definitely worth a read.

Pallaki

Jul 18, 2018

Great number by king and by Weeks. I'd like to have a bit more of the aftermath of the wedding

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln

Jul 18, 2018

Refreshing, like a cold glass of water after a night of dehydration.

Jack The Don

Jul 23, 2018

Batman 51 Cold Days part 1 Batman 51 has Bruce Wayne is a situation we all have seen him before. Grieving. This time not for the death of Robin. No. This time, having been left at the alter by Catwoman. What happens every time? Batman gets angry and takes his frustrations out on the criminals of Gotham. Usually a giant crime spree. This time, Batman has set his eyes on catching a murderer of three woman. Prime suspect, Mr. Freeze. Batman gets a little intense getting a confection out of Freeze. Almost killing him. But he does. This story is cut in between the present. Where Bruce Wayne is serving jury duty and he happens to be Freeze’s trial. This trial is to prove Mr. Freeze is incident or guilty of the charges. Because it was not a police officer who caught him, it was Batman. I would like to think this is how every court case goes when it involves Batman. We see Bruce frustration with the whole sinario. He was in the court house cafeteria sitting with his fellow jurors. One of the woman say, If my husband fights Batman it’s a death sentence. This sen d Bruce to go into the bathroom and tare off one of the stalls and throws it to the whole shattering it. I found this sense pretty interesting. We never seen Bruce this mad and frustrated before. Why is he so mad in this scene? Is it because of Catwoman? Because he almost killed Mr. Freeze? Or that these people think Batman would kill? He wants the criminals to be afraid of him. Think that he may kill. What what about the civilians? He wants to be a beacon of hope for them. An inspiration. We also have a scene where Bruce sees the Bat single and refuse the call and Dick Grayson is Batman again! Gordon is not fooled by Dick. But understands the real Batman is in Trouble. Mr. Freeze tells his part of the story. Freeze says, If he didn’t give Batman the answer he wanted, Batman would have killed him. Theres a close up on Bruce face. Freeze also states Batman was a different person. He didn’t care Freeze was the culprit or not, he just wanted to hit some body. At the end, all the jurors think Freeze is guilty because they all like Batman over him. Batman is a good guy and Freeze is a bad guy. All jurors but one Bruce Wayan. I would say I enjoyed this issue. To start, I didn’t know Lee Weeks was going to be the artist of this issue and its beautiful. This issue being a court room drama, it needed a good artist. I especially liked Weeks Bruce Wayne. It has a Batman the animated series vip to it. Next, I would have to say I never read a Batman story like this one before. People joke about the legality of Batman work. I would like to think this happens every time Batman brings in a criminal. They go to court, say Batman just beat me up for no reason, and then the jury is like, “Batman is a good guy, and that guy is a bad guy. He’s guilty.” But this time, the Batman feels bad for what he did. He doesn’t know what he did was right. Is Freeze right? Did Batman just beat him up because he’s angry at the world right now? Find out in the next issue of Batman! more

#DontGiveDivasAChance

Jul 26, 2018

Obvious cliffhanger ending. But great overall

Shodan

Aug 02, 2018

I'm sure Tom King realizes how lucky he is to work with such incredible artists during his Batman run. Annual #2 with Lee Weeks was a highlight of the series since Rebirth started and the art here.....wow. I'm so happy we're done with the wedding and can go back to some smaller arcs, this has the setup for some serious Bruce Wayne brooding and soul searching.

Tony

Mar 14, 2019

Incredible.

Edgar Rubio

Jul 18, 2018

This is a good issue, very interesting to say the least. I really hope they're going for the story behind Freeze's motivation. The art is really good too. Now, I don't understand the recent hate for King's work. Yes, he kinda messed it up with the wedding, but his ideas remain solid and the flow of his panels remain untouched. His Batman will not be different from now on until #100, (if he reaches the goal, which is a sad thing to say). But I've been enjoying this run.

bucswin611

Jul 18, 2018

This would be a great concept in and of itself, and then we throw in the wedding context - this is a fascinating time for Bruce. Add some classic and solid detective/mystery elements, and I am sold. Weeks is A-list and delivers in kind.

nec

Jul 18, 2018

This is a great rebound from issue 50 and does a great job of showing how batman is dealing with the fallout from the wedding.

mrDovydas

Jul 19, 2018

As expected, King and Weeks once again deliver a very good issue of Batman. The story is very well-written, and the artwork works here very well as well. You would expect a story about the wedding aftermath. But Bruce Wayne did not had a wedding, and his world continues to go on. This is his own aftermath and it's been great so far.

cincyfan

Oct 11, 2020

The direction Tom king took this book after the wedding issue totally makes sense to me. This book was written and drawn very well

egonnn244

Jul 19, 2018

"I had to say yes" Batman or rather Bruce Wayne is reeling from the events of issue 50. Billionaire playboy is confused and angry, and he is letting loose this anger on Gotham's criminals and unsuspecting bathroom appliances. But then, while doing his civic duty he has a chance to see that maybe his anger is misplaced and that perhaps it clouds his judgment. Very good issue with some really stellar art from Lee Weeks. I also can not skip over something that the defense attorney pointed out. Something that probably many readers, including myself, never paid much attention too or cared for that much. Since Batman is a vigilante, not connected to any law enforcement agency or government, how any evidence collected by him can be admissib le in court? Even Gordon didn't know what to say to that. Again, good issue. Waiting for part 2. more

nickogle

Jul 19, 2018

A really excellent issue. I love the concept of a trial that essentially examines the legalities of Batman. I also really like the post-wedding Batman, who is written really, really well. As is the character for Mr. Freeze. And as always, Lee Weeks art is perfect. If I have one complaint about the issue, it's that Porky's doesn't make an appearance. Sorry. Just joking. I couldn't resist :). If I really have one complaint it's that not enough happens in this issue, it's essentially one of those issues that reads well in trade but doesn't have anything that makes it stand out. But, all in all, a really great issue that I would highly recommend.

Federico Liguori

Feb 15, 2023

Wait, what?! A story that's actually interesting by Tom King? Something happening instead of endless weird dialogues? Hey, I'm in!

Dani

Aug 02, 2018

This issue takes place after Catwoman leaves Batman at the alter and he is not handling it well (understandably). He has become extremely aggressive in the field. In my Batman 48 review I said that Batman needed to evaluate how effective he was with his villains. The time for self-reflection has finally arrived as Bruce was in favor of Mr Freeze after Batman turned him over to the police. It'll be interesting to see how Bruce justifies his decision in the next issue. This issue was drawn like an episode of Law & Order, which was appropriate considering the content. I didn't like Bruce's portrayal in a couple of the panels but otherwise the artwork was good. This issue was a decent follow-up to Batman 50. It was not as good as C atwoman 1 but it served it's purpose. Bruce is handling his breakup with Selena in a destructive manner. It is sad to watch. more

MKW69

Jul 18, 2018

Not bad, but it shows that King doesn't understands Batman. Like In Batman Incorporated, Bruce said that he supports Batman War on Crime. It was years ago, but I don't think a ex benefactor could be taken as a jury duty.

Nihilist

Jul 18, 2018

Can't say I'm impressed. It's readable, but the last issue made me question my normal bi-monthly excitement for Batman's comics, and quite frankly, #51 didn't offer enough to return it to the previous status quo, capture my attention once again. At this point everything depends on further development of Mr. Freeze - if his backstory is rebooted after Scott Snyder's plain horrible retcon in New 52's Batman Annual #1, it may be a good mystery story of Batman questioning his crusade in the light of recent heartbreak, and Victor's unwilling involvement in it. It could lead to some cathartic scenes of these two facing their losses and painful loneliness devouring them. But that could be just wishful thinking - we'll see what happens in two w eeks. For now I'm going to pass my judgement. more

GhostlyL

Jul 18, 2018

Mainly for the art.

TSwan98

Jul 18, 2018

Tom King rips off 12 Angry Men and somehow makes it more boring. At some point in this runit would be cool to get you know....Batman

myconius

Jul 18, 2018

to quote Heath Ledger’s Joker… “what happened? did your balls drop off?” a comic about a court drama with Bruce being just as big a cuck as ever. this comic was so decompressed, and spread thin beyond belief. not that the story that we do have was all that compelling to begin with. throw in some stupidity like Dick Grayson announcing his actual name while jumping out at Killer Croc, and the comic descends from just mediocre to just cringeworthy. this comic not only fails to offer anything worthwhile with Mr Freeze, but it’s just another issue of emasculating Bruce and making him seem ineffectual as Batman. Bruce getting frustrated and ripping the urinal off the wall only seems like a kid’s temper tantrum. and of c ourse the damage never gets brought up in the comic again. "Gee! how did this urinal get ripped off the wall? last one in there was Bruce Wayne. i think he needs to be fined for damages and removed from this jury." this deconstructing of Batman and his war on crime just a drag. there’s no way this needs to go on for as long as it is. …and that ending! for the love of PETE! Bruce’s action at the end of the comic...what a total CUCK!!! without the crutch of building Batman & Catwoman’s relationship to keep people’s interest, i don’t believe Tom King has anything else worthwhile to offer the character. the art was alright. not stupendous, but ok. i probably would have enjoyed the art more had it been attached to a story where Batman wasn’t such a pathetic little needle nuts. i was originally going to score this issue as a '4' but i needed to remove a score point for each one of Bruce's testicles that were missing from this issue. more

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myconius - Jul 18, 2018

exactly! it's a conflict of interest. they even alluded to Batman Inc. since Jim Gordon acknowledged recognizing Dick Grayson as filling in as Batman before. guess he can fund Batman Inc. and not be dismissed, as well as rip urinals off the walls and not be found in contempt of court. so utterly ludicrous!

myconius - Jul 20, 2018

i can definitely see your point. and this is a valid argument, especially when the comic is trying to go for a more realistic grounded tone. one of my biggest problems with this version of Batman is what a completely sissified panty waste Bruce has become. he used to be BATMAN, now he's just a Bat-unic.

Talon1load

Jul 20, 2018

Not only does Tom King not understand Batman, he doesn’t understand the legal system either. Someone who funded Batman would not be allowed to be in this jury. How long after the last issue is this because trails don’t move along very quickly. Just another piss poor issue from King.

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myconius - Jul 25, 2018

he's just phoning in these stories, and laughing all the way to the bank.

Melkor

Jul 30, 2018

F@#>! Off King. It was like 12 Angry Man. C'mon be creative you jerk

KFuqua

Jul 20, 2018

I truly hope that Tom King is not allowed to stay on Batman for another "50" issues. This book was not enjoyable in any way. After the horrible "wedding issue", now we get more garbage. I've been reading Batman for over 45 years and I have seen some terrible takes on the character....this is right there with the worst.

Mister Bungle

Jul 18, 2018

Trash.