Batman #68

Tom King's extended run on Batman has its highs and lows, and while more recent installments of the "Knightmares" arc have been more on the low side of things, this week's Batman #68 is decidedly a high point -- and possibly one of the most enjoyable issues King's done yet. Read Full Review

Overall Batman #68 was a good read and I can't wait to see how this run ends! Batman has endured so much in these issues that I wonder what his mind will be like once he gets free. Will he be able to tell what's real and what's not? Will his mind be scarred or altered by what he endured? I have so many questions and Tom King is the only one with the answers! Read Full Review

The art from Conner, Panosian, Timms and Janin is both fun and light. The style does a great job of lulling the reader into embracing the fun and fantastic elements of the story before plunging back into the seriousness of the storyline. Read Full Review

This is an extremely elaborate way to get Batman to the next step, but with more issues like this I'm ready to be patient and enjoy the ride. Read Full Review

Showing some much-needed humanity amongst the craziness of Batman's life and the DC Universe as a whole, this interlude proves to be one of the highlights of Tom King's latest arc. Read Full Review

Individually, this issue is a fun step away from the main Batman story. But, it also suffers from being exactly that. We haven't covered much ground in this story in 8 issues now. By my rudimentary math, that's four months. I know I'm not the most patient fella, but I'm not sure what I'll do is issue #69 doesn't get us back on track. Read Full Review

Batman #68 offers a welcome dose of humor even as it explores the depths of Bruce Wayne's psyche. Read Full Review

Bright, bold fun with a healthy helping of hard hitting honesty! Read Full Review

In the penultimate issue of the Knightmares arc, Tom King and Amanda Conner team up to produce tensions pointing at the problems inherent in Batman. Read Full Review

Ultimately I felt like this issue does a great job of showing us a side of these characters that isn't often on display. We really get to shine a light into the people behind the capes and cowls and leather and whips, and we get to go beyond their jobs as heroes and reporters or their positions as profiteers and we really get to have one fun night before everything gets real, before we start to wake up from our dream and realize that it never was, because for Batman as one dream ends, the next nightmare is always on its way. Read Full Review

The Knightmare continues...torturing Batman and readers. Read Full Review

Batman #68 is a fun read and is definitely one of the easier to digest issues of the Knightmares story arc and does a decent job of moving the story along. Read Full Review

Although the art is as arresting as the plot, the story (and its unworkable shift in perspective) leaves a lot to be desired. This is something of a low-point for an otherwise fascinating arc. Read Full Review

Tom King's Batman run has a massive fan following and it's clear that he's a writer with a larger plan rife with interconnecting threads. Like his whole body of work, his best in this issue is brilliant and his worst is on par with Heroes in Crisis. Read Full Review

Overall, I am still not convinced on this arc and despite the amazing issue with Constantine, nothing has lived up to that since. That being said, I will continue to stick with the series because I like a lot of King's work including, most of his issues on Batman. My hope is that the “Knightmare” arc finds a satisfying conclusion soon. Read Full Review

While this issue is a part of the “Knightmare” story arc, the parts that really shine are the portions unrelated to the overall plot. The majority of the comic was fun, hilarious, and colorful. Unfortunately, a quick 180 turn in the tone and the abrupt ending undercuts a lot of the fun scenes. Read Full Review

Bruce is still caught in a nightmare in BATMAN #68. This time, he and Selina celebrate their bachelor and bachelorette parties, each in a very different manner. Without giving away spoilers, the issue takes us to some weird and uncomfortable territory (in a bad way), with characters who just don't seem to be themselves. It's probably best to skip this one. Read Full Review

Tom King gets his (not a wedding) cake and gets to eat it too as we get another bachelorette party issue to a wedding that never happened.  Fans of the Superfriends fair issue may dig the reprise, but those looking for the story to go forward or even some answers will have to wait another couple of weeks at least.  Frustrating! Read Full Review

While this issue is visually strong the artwork is not enough to salvage an overtly silly story. The comparatively light subject matter and rom-com like tone stand out for all the wrong reasons in King's Batman run. Read Full Review

Earlier, I thought Knightmares was going to start making sense soon and have an out of nowhere terrific finale. At this rate the best part of this arc is it should be completely contained in one skippable trade. Youre fine to ditch this unless youre a big Conner fan. In an odd scheduling setup, Batman #68 comes out the same day as Detective Comics #1001. Its not that tough of a choice. Read Full Review

Tom King's "Knightmares" ends with this issue, and while I wish I could say there are redeeming qualities within this story/ "arc," there aren't. The best thing about any of these issues is the art, and that remains true here. I was ready to move on from "Knightmares" weeks ago, and I'm happy that we finally are. Read Full Review

Andrea D’Alò

Apr 12, 2019

Another thrilling episode of Knightmares where we explore another nightmare of Bruce Wayne. And if Bruce Wayne is not enough? For his city For Superman For Selina King’s take on Batman is HUMAN and he humanises all these characters, people have “stupid” nightmares and so Batman, people do the wrong thing when they know what’s correct to do and so Batman, people are fragile and so is Batman. Good art, amazing words.

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Andrea D’Alò - Apr 13, 2019

Thomas Wayne and Bane are the two behind these nightmares but they can’t control the nightmares, none can. And yes I said “stupid” because someone can see it as “oh Batman fear the Selina could left him for supes!1!1” but this is a very low point of view of the entire issue.

Andrea D’Alò - Apr 14, 2019

Uh, ok. I don’t know how someone can control nightmares but ok, we’ll see in the 69.

Tony

Apr 10, 2019

The issue is what it is, a funny vision of some events before the non-wedding. If you want more, well, good luck with that. So, from that point of view, the art of Amanda Conner is fine and fits perfectly with the whole point of the issue and the story isn't bad, it's designed to make you laughand and yeah I guess is an ok issue. At this point I feel the biggest problem with the lastest books is the repetition of the same things. Honestly, I don't know what is real or could be real and what is just a dream or a nightmare or whatever. I say this because I remember King said that some events of the Batman's nightmares are memories which that means we are talking about situations that just real happened, so now, beyond the obvious things, W e don't know what is or was real or what is a dream. Anyway, I enjoyed it in general also I like the final page, but like I said before, We need to push the whole story because it seems like everything just stopped since issue 50 or at least it seems to slow and We all know that the Bat is broken and the Cat is his greatest love and the man is suffering so much. I just hope this arc guides us to something relevant, and I don't mean the Flashpoint Batman, because it is obvious, I mean something else. Each comic book has to work by itself and as part of a great story, maybe in 8, 9, 10, etc., issues we can say, hey, now this or these or all nightmares have sense but even if that happens, one issue needs to work alone and at this moment not all nightmares works alone. I need this arc ends, it's not I don't like it or enjoy it at all but I think there are some important things to tell the readers or maybe King could has explored other aspects about Bruce's psyche in this nightmares. I guess if you have enjoyed the last issues this one is for you if you did't like or enjoy the last ones I think your opinion with this one will be the same. I can understand if some peope feels this like just another filler issue because in some way (at this point) it is. I hope King surprises us in the final issue. I don't know how to say it, I enjoyed the issue but I feel that the story has been stagnant a long time ago. more

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Superheroes for Hire - Apr 10, 2019

I wouldn't expect Tom King to pay anything off from this arc. It's just his excuse to pad out his run with some weird stories that don't matter to the ongoing story. Before issue 50, this series had some sort of vision and direction, but since then it's just spinning wheels.

Tony - Apr 10, 2019

I hope everything returns to normal in the next arc and that there are at least reasonable explanations. I really want "City of Bane" to be a good story.

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln

Apr 12, 2019

It was a fun issue, very much akin to the Super Friends arc. It will be nice to be over with the Knightmares though.

Linkush

Apr 10, 2019

I really enjoyed that issue. It reminded me the "SUPERFRIENDS" arc which I really liked. Thing is, I just feel like this is meaningless because we already know what happened with the wedding. Honestly, I'm just waiting for this arc to end and it seems like next issue is going to be the last one of this arc. Art, as usual, was good.

FASHI

Apr 10, 2019

This would've been better if it wasn't connected to knightmares. The Lana/Selina half is the most solid part, giving a nice respite for the run and giving King the opportunity to focus on someone who isn't a despondent baby. Bruce, If we're taking the events literally, is celebrating his bachelor party with his apparently only friend (no sign of Alfred or the rest of the bat-family) and doing it with the charisma of a potato. This is in contrast with Snyder's Justice League where their relationship always feels warm and sometimes jokey, here we're dragged back down to the depths of knightmares. Exposing Bruce's fears is after all the point of the arc. You can interpret Selina's reason for loving Bruce as a tad abstract, like she does n't know the reason she loves him except maybe that the thinks she should. Combined with Bruce's disinterest in Clark's advice to him. Lots of red flags all around. I haven't been in love since middle school but I think it looks a little different than this. Outside of the love-stuff this doesn't really move the plot foreward in a meaningful way. more

bucswin611

Apr 26, 2019

It was fun enough and had some sly character insights, but overall didn't contribute much to the story or people behind the masks. A different visual take with Conner involved was kinda nice.

Nihilist

Apr 10, 2019

I am very conflicted here. the reason is - I liked most of the comic. I did, really. And you know why? Because it was fun, contrary to regular King's Batman comics. As a refreshing filler issue, it would be good, if not great. Heck, this is exactly what we should have gotten instead of terrible Preludes to the Wedding leading to even worse #50. But it's too little too late for a bachelorette party when we know it leads nowhere, and most importantly, it unfortunately connects to the Knightmares arc instead of being its own stand-alone thing. That's why I can't give this issue a negative rating - I liked Selina and Lois' adventures in Fortress of Solitude, but I also can't give it a positive rating either, because I know it's a mere illusi on connected to a terrible story arc. more

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RBL - Apr 10, 2019

You leaned positive, man. True neutral is 5. That said, fun issue, stand out within this arc in that there’s enjoyment to be found in it and despite being filler it’s not garbage.

Nihilist - Apr 10, 2019

Yeah, it's not fully neutral, because positives seem to outweight negatives - I would like the story if only it was a filler, not a part of Knightmares, I liked the first half's art - overall it was significantly better than issues preceeding it. But then again, it's ruined by being a dream belonging to a terrible story arc.

RBL - Apr 10, 2019

Yeah, I can’t say I did not enjoy the issue, would have been much better served occurring before issue #50

Nihilist - Apr 10, 2019

Yup. Instead, we've got 4 bad prelude comics made just to monetize on he upcoming wedding that ended up not even happening. Nightwing/Hush issue was okay, but the rest was so, so bad. This, or something equally lighthearted would've been so much better.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 10, 2019

Still nothing since a non-wedding... 18 issues later and no answers to anything 9 months!!!!! Seriously!!!!! No answers!!!!!

Darkseid24 - Apr 10, 2019

I expect a forced wedding in the end, that won’t do any of these characters justice.

Tony - Apr 10, 2019

It is pure marketing, I extend the league as much as I can, I market a new series (Catwoman) and I play with the answers and a year later I start to release them. I just hope they are convincing.

Nihilist - Apr 10, 2019

Yup. This, plus most likely King planning what will be the end goal of his run (Bat and Cat marrying) without actually planning what and how will properly lead to it.

Darkseid24 - Apr 11, 2019

Then I hope whoever is taking over makes a divorce story, where Selina gets half of Bruce’s money lol

Quinn

Apr 10, 2019

This is a weird issue. It's all a dream, but it plays like it's a memory of one night. Basically, Lois and Selina go to the Fortress of Solitude to have a girl's night out/bachelorette party. The art is fun and nice. The hi-jinks are meant to be fun, and I can't say they're terrible, but they are sort of a 1980s thing. The jokey vibe doesn't fit with King's dour Batman. Also, the drinking booze from 10,000 planets just drags on too long. The hot tub thing is kind of cute, but kind of lame. Again, not terrible but . . . not as cute and charming as King wants it to be. While Lois and Selina frolic in a way that would be totally unacceptable if they were men, Clark and Bruce have an awkward night at Wayne Manor. King writes Clar k as if he really were a slightly socially awkward farm boy who is intimidated by the wealth of the Bruce. And Bruce is written as a total workaholic who can't relax for one second. He is unable to function in any way that might be considered normal. It's Batman or nothing for Bruce, which I find to be a boring and not terribly interesting way to write the character. But that's me. It ends with Batman being on a table being pumped full of drugs to keep him docile. Problems: This is Bruce's dream, so how does he know what goes on with Lois and Selina. And the dynamic of Selina and Lois having fun, while Bruce is a grump is a rehash from the issue where the couples go to the county fair. Nothing new is shown. It would have been nice to see Lois and Selina interact in a new way - maybe Selina helping Lois track down a story or something. Finally, this dream arc is just dragging. As least this one is fun, but just get on with it. What's good. Like I said, the art is fun in a way that I like. The idea that Lois and Selina might be friends away from Bruce and Clark. Their having their own thing is actually a pretty good idea. I will say that Lois complaining that she deserves her own night out because tomorrow she'll be a wife, mother and reporter (I guess King hasn't been reading Bendis' Superman) and then the day after that I have to be a wife, mother, reporter. It's called being a grown-up Lois. There was enough Charm to not make me hate this issue, but there are problems. Or I could be wrong. more

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RBL - Apr 10, 2019

It’s easily the best issue of this arc that has just been mediocre. If it were an issue taking place before 50 it would have been much better received.

Darkseid24 - Apr 10, 2019

The one with Pyg was still the only one, which was ok for me. This one was a mess.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 10, 2019

Honestly I think Biff said it best, this story arc is about “as useful as a screen door on a battleship.”

waltgator93

Apr 10, 2019

All throughout the issue kept on saying wtf. And not in a good way. I get that Bruce is in a dream but we literally had a Bachelor party issue. The dialogue was awful! Only reason to get this issue was the art! And the fortress of Solitude scene and the bachelor party scene were just god awful!

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Dispatchdcu - Apr 10, 2019

My man! We got some peeps that like to talk comics on here who need to join us on our slack!!!!

waltgator93 - Apr 12, 2019

Lol exactly! Some seem very passionate about it also!

Dispatchdcu - Apr 12, 2019

Come join Walt and I if your interested! All comic fans welcome!

RBL

Apr 10, 2019

This was a fun issue, completely pointless and adds another month of nothing at all happening in this title, but fun. I would even go as far as to say it’s worth checking out. The last assertion is saying a lot because this arc has been some of the worst writing in the title so far. Unfortunately due to its numbering it amounts to nothing but filler. If this were to have taken place before issue #50 it would have been great and a lighthearted addition building up to the much-anticipated nuptials. Regrettably it was not the case. One of the best results that comes from this issue is that the next is #69. Nice. It’s also the end of this piss-poor arc so that’s even Nicer. Can’t wait for this arc to be over and actually see the story go somewhere, although I retain my apprehension about what King can deliver after it but hope it can improve. more

Afre

Apr 11, 2019

It is not terrible. Art works very well to this issue. Dynamic between Selina ja Lois is very good. Supes and Bat's -stuff is meh. But this issue doesn't work because it is not real. It would work so much better, if it was before issue 50. And Bruce wasn't written so workaholic. Now, the final panel is something that this event has needed for a longest time. Something to show that this is part of something bigger. Sure, we know that Batman is facing his nightmares, but if you didn't read synopsis, every issue has nothing to do with another. I mean nothing. And while that final panel is something that is needed, this issue shouldn't be that.

Adsun22

Apr 19, 2020

The Lois - Selena part was funny and cringy at the same time. I can't decide if I liked it or not.

egonnn244

Apr 10, 2019

"She's more important than the galaxies" - This issue was fun. It was a quick and breezy read from start to finish. - said one friend to another. - There is a "but" coming isn't it? - asked the other. - Well... it is. Sadly. I'm serious here. This was fun. Very lighthearted and enjoyable, but... You remember, maybe, those "Prelude to the wedding" one-shots some while back? This issue, the story in it, is perfect for something like that. Some goofy side story that may or may not happened. Yet it isn't a one-shot. It's a part of the ongoing story or "story" that has been treading in place for months now. So if we judge it like this, then I ask one thing. WHAT!?!? IN!?!? THE!?!? HELL!?!? IS!?!? THIS!?!? Is t his a joke? After the horrible last, Looney Tunes issue we get some Robo-Superman striptease times three? For the love of Barbatos, come on! How this thing got greenlit baffles me. If the next week's issue won't move the plot forward I might start dropping 1/10's. I have never done that before. It's a statement of how dire the situation has become. #saveBatman #Alfredcantholdhisouffleup more

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Superheroes for Hire - Apr 10, 2019

I have come to realize that Tom King views the comic book medium as a joke. Comic readers? A joke. Batman? A joke. Continuity? A joke. $3.99 per issue twice a month? A joke.

SupesAmongSupes

Apr 10, 2019

What the hell is happening?!?!

Psycamorean

Apr 11, 2019

Meh. This was a waste of my time. I'm so glad that now I know Bruce dreams about Lois and Selina bathing together. That's the type of deconstruction I love. These are such pointless issues that are used to get across the smallest of things. But I forgot that King's name is on it so I gotta appreciate how great it is. Let me try: I hate Tom King's Batman run, but I love to hate Tom King's Batman run. 10/10 tbh.

Talon1load

Apr 11, 2019

Wow. Ok, so this was yet another waste of an issue. Even in Batman’s subconscious this makes no sense. Stripping Superman robots, endless panels of intergalactic wine, and THE most boring Bruce Wayne ever set to page. The art was nice but was so completely tonely different from the rest of the series that it was off putting Batman who, being the greatest detective, would know Lois and Selina apparently thinks Lois is going to have a robot version of her husband strip for her new friend. Come on man. This issue was so stupid, it was painful. The 4 is just for the art.

CaptnAmerca

Apr 11, 2019

Waste of time. Look, man...I'm sorry you never got to do a Catwoman & Lois Lane bachelorette party, but that's entirely your own fault. Cramming it in now is just being a spoiled baby. Move it along, or walk away.

Spacey Medicine

Apr 30, 2019

This was a waste of my time.

cincyfan

Dec 14, 2020

Darn, this is back to back issues I really haven’t cared for. While this was better than the last issue it’s still just pointless and odd. I haven’t hated king’s run like some and I actually really liked the first few knightmares books these last two are really disappointing.

I Review Comics

Jan 25, 2022

Batman #68 + Bruce Dreams of Being Cuckold. Writer: Tom King | Artist: Amanda Conner Publisher: DC Comics Review ✍ After giving high marks to the last few issues in Tom King’s Knightmare story arc we get this shit. The focus of this issues nightmare is the Bat/Cat respective Bachelor and Bachelorette parties. It sounds interesting considering the characters involved but boils down to Bruce and Clark engaging in a few lame activities. Meanwhile, Selina and Lois have an actual party in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, involving booze and strippers. Batman #68 is a very odd issue and represents the worst of modern comics focus on the trivial. The comic also highlights some of King’s worst writing ticks. Prior to this is sue, I was tempted to write the Tom King hate as overblown but this issue didn’t help his case at all. What man dreams of being this lame? Who dreams of his wife getting a nude massage from his bestie? There’s porn out there covering this subject matter. If this story was a Catwoman/Lois Lane One-Shot the story would have worked. If this was Selina’s dream it would make sense but the idea that this is Bruce’s subconscious at work is just bizarre, even for a comic book Amanda Conner’s art doesn’t stand out and there isn’t much for her to do with this material besides tell a coherent story. Everything else in this issue is mundane and feels ultimately pointless. The best part of the book is the very last page which hints at what is actually going on with Batman. A strong explanation may salvage this storyline but I’m not getting my hopes up. In Short: Bruce and Clark get cucked on the way to the alter. For More: https://ireviewcomics.substack.com/ more

Federico Liguori

Apr 17, 2023

I'm probably being drugged and forced to experience my nightmares just like Batman. What is this? A terrible rehash of the Super Friends great story? Tom King trying to look cool writing Clark and Bruce as boring idiots and Lois and Selina as """"""""funny"""""""" independent women?

Dispatchdcu

Apr 10, 2019

I NEVER and I mean NEVER give a score this low. I hate giving a score this low because their is so much work that goes into making a book. That said, I think TK threw in the towel on this arc and issue. What did I just read? The art was good enough but appeared too cartoonish from what I’m used to seeing from this book so that even threw me out of the issue . That said, the art was the entire 3.5. Where to begin? Ok, so how much longer do we need to see dreams? Why would Bruce have dreams about a bachelorette party in the Fortress of Solitude? Why would he dream about Selena and Lois becoming buddies? Why would Bruce think that’s a nightmare? Why would Bruce dream about Lois breaking into the fortress, having robot supermen strip for her and Catwoman? This issue was more wasteful than the rest. This arc was a waste. The book is becoming pointless. And this needs to stop. Next, I’m truly disappointed in what TK showed us even if it was a dream. I would NEVER ask my wife, or my robot wife that looks identical to her, to strip for my friend! That was disgusting and out of line for the character even in a dream. Why did TK waste a page on describing wine? Was it to be funny? Because it wasn’t. Who cares about the football player Campbell? No one does. Let’s move on! And if someone is having a dream or nightmare it’s from their perspective not Lois Lane’s. Was this done to make us wonder if it was actually a dream? And this is how you choose to end the arc? DC should be angry that this arc has waste their time, the readers time, and that TK has ruined the credibility of this book. A story can take 100 issues to build up to a big event but you can put in filler for 18 issues after a big event. This has to stop! And this is was done with such poor taste. Such poor taste.. I truly wonder if TK gave up. There is NO WAY when he sat down to tell his story to Dan Didio that he said “I want to do a 6 issue arc of only dreams that really mess with Batman and the reader. AND one issue will be About Selena and Lois breaking into the fortress, watching naked Supermen, drinking diamonds and beetle wine, while swimming in a lake made by Brainac to trap Superman.” TK is winging it and has lost is mind! Awful... truly awful.... more

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RBL - Apr 10, 2019

Have you read Heroes in Crisis #1 that’s an easy 1/10, while most of the title is also on the lower end of the scale. Superman/Action Comics currently are easily below a 5 currently. Nightwing I’d go negative on if I could. That said this arc has been abysmal, nothing has really happened for months. Only the crossover which interrupted it had developments take place. Regardless it’s close to half a year of nothing. To say this issue is the best one in it is saying something.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 10, 2019

I am reading HiC and it’s also going no where. I don’t mind Superman or action comics TBH. Nightwing is bad, TT is bad, I would say I love Wonder Twins right now, JL is hit or miss depending on if it’s too crazy and I can’t understand if, GL is ok, young Justice is ok too... but nothing is really great. This issue certainly wasn’t the best and TBH I was all in on TK at first but then it started going down hill before the wedding an after that he lost me. Now, I don’t even know what I’m reading.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 10, 2019

I think TK just wakes up a writes something quick and calls it a day

Darkseid24 - Apr 10, 2019

Basically lol

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln - Apr 12, 2019

The nightmare part is Batman is unhappy the entire dream, while everyone around him is living it up. Superman is constantly trying to get something out of Batman in this issue and he keeps shutting him out. At the end Superman realizes and accuses Batman of being unhappy at the possibility of no longer being BM. Also, the Superman robot thing is a joke and I feel like if you take it seriously, well... why? They're totally wasted, Selina even points out that Lois will only have herself to blame.

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln - Apr 12, 2019

Also when will it end? Did you miss the final page? I don't check solicits but I assumed that meant this was the final dream.

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln - Apr 12, 2019

You do have a point about there being a lack of progress since the wedding issue though. I think there is a point to the madness. We are seeing Batman at his absolute lowest and we are seeing a lot of hints that maybe he wasn't really understanding why he was getting married? Nobody knows for sure how this title will end up, but I think everyone should approach it as a 100 issue story and realize we are in the 3rd act where everything goes to shit, and that it may have a redemption final arc.

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln - Apr 12, 2019

Or it could go up in flames. I don't know for sure, I am just a fan of some of Tom King's other work so I have hope that he knows what he is doing long term.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 12, 2019

5 to 6 issues about a dream/ nightmare is redundant and unnecessary. We got the point. The Superman strip party with robots was done for shock and aw and was done without taste imo. I get that it’s a dream but it’s out of character for Superman Lois and Selena.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 12, 2019

One issue would have been enough. And, we don’t need a 100 issue story drawn out. This entire 100 issue story could take 50 issues max, probably less but he’s stretching this out. No one should be on a book for 100 issues. No one. His style may be good for some but you must admit that it’s getting stale and redundant. New blood is needed

Dispatchdcu - Apr 12, 2019

New spicy, new angle... 100 issues is over 4 years double shipped. If it was monthly it would be 8 years...... 8 YEARS!!!!!

Darkseid24 - Apr 12, 2019

I’d give 100 issues to Doug Moench or Chuck Dixon& Alan Grant, but King isn’t a good enough writer to pull this off. Problem with his entire run is, that I don’t buy it for a second, that breaking up with his girlfriend would break Bruce like that. King is overestimating Bruces relationships to women& is forgetting, that being Batman& protecting Gotham is what he’s obsessed with. His entire Batman run is mediocre at best& I can’t thibk of one single arc, that I loved. As for Knightmare I‘ve read

Darkseid24 - Apr 12, 2019

so many better Fear gas illusion stories, that really explored the characters. Also the fear gas explanation seems kind of random, especially because Scarecrow isn’t even part of the story.

Darkseid24 - Apr 12, 2019

And I’d probably shoot myself if we got 8 years with Tom King Batman 😂

myconius - Apr 12, 2019

hahahaha!!! don't do that Darkseid24 !!! xD

Darkseid24 - Apr 12, 2019

Lol don’t worry 😂

Dispatchdcu - Apr 12, 2019

I know can you imagine.... 8 years!!!!! Holy cow! Darkseid24 I loved those a writers and creators you named but 100 straight issues of the same character.... I don’t think I could do it. I can’t think of anything in which I don’t need a break from for a bit.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 12, 2019

Also, over all, I think the other side of the coin would be this: have him finish the story under his own title for Batman but leave this book. Maybe “Batman: Breaking the Bat” and people could buy it on their own not on the main title. That way, your not taking down a flagship book with your own long winded tale

Dispatchdcu - Apr 12, 2019

This way he can go nuts and do what he wants their with his own King Contuity and everyone that cares about King can read it and everyone that doesn’t can stick to the main title. Plus, I wonder how sales would be? If you want to see if it’s all King or if it’s also the title or the book that drives sales, this I how we could truly tell

Darkseid24 - Apr 12, 2019

8 years would be terrible. King is mediocre, but I still hope, that Batman run will be great one day again. I think no writer should get so many issues. 50 should be the highest& if it works they can do more. King should have stopped with 50 as originally planned. Good idea. His run would be better if it was an Elseworld

Dispatchdcu - Apr 13, 2019

Not even else world as much. If he wants it in continuity.... sure... I can turn my head to it and just say “it’s king it doesn’t really matter anyway” realistically, no one else is writing his crap in their stories and he’s not doing it either. He beats to his own tambourine where he is the only one of value and he is the most important thing going on. Nothin else is weaved into his story. I can overlook the book then because it’s not a flagship book.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 13, 2019

This happened with Hitch and JL. It was a shame that he didn’t follow ANYTHING that was happening around him and he did his own thing. Destroyed JL and it took Snyder to fix the book and make it important. Sure, Snyder isn’t my fav, but JL is sooooooooo much better than it was with Hitch even if Snyder goes down these over the top, confusing plot twists. It’s still better. Someone big will have to fix this.....

Darkseid24 - Apr 13, 2019

Kings stories affect the DC universe. Dick is Ric thanks to him. Wally might be a killer thanks to him& others are dead. Thanks to him Catwoman can beat 3 Flashes& can slow beat Bane with one kick. It’s canon unfortunately. So I think as an Elseworld I could deal more with it. Especially when it comes to the wedding. I still hate the idea. I like JL. A little bit exaggerated like most of Snyders story, but it’s enjoyable up until now.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 13, 2019

I kind of meant the other way around as in HE doesn’t account for anyone else and what THEY are doing. Oh I know about Ric, but that will go back because it’s just DUMB and Wally won’t be a killer by the end of this. The last thing we need is another bad guy speedster especially if it’s Wally West. There are too many of them. King will throw in some sort of curve ball that he plans at the last minute to fix everything. Maybe it’s all a simulation in Boosers head or Wally’s head

Dispatchdcu - Apr 13, 2019

And what we’ve been reading is Batman going over the video logs and all that dumb stuff... something stupid like that. The ol switch a too in the end. O how clever king is (said with sarcasm). My problem is that DC is just sending out writers to write whatever they want. Do they not have retreats anymore? Can they not work together and weave the stories together? Are these writers not coworkers and friends? The stories should melt together, especially detective and Batman. I

Dispatchdcu - Apr 13, 2019

It’s two totally different Batmen. As well as JL Batman. They’re all different and no one talks about Batman’s marriage other than King. But yes, Catwoman defeating flashes, and who knows what other crap King is spinning. It’s getting worse and worse...

Darkseid24 - Apr 13, 2019

Now I get what you mean& I agree. I liked the Ric story, but I think since it was Kings idea& other writers had to change their story just because of him he should have adressed the recovery of Dick more. I mean Dick gets shot, Bruce almost kills KGBeast, then there is a time jump to Dick being able to walk again. As for Wally he shouldn’t be a killer, but it’s a good idea to address how multiverse crisis affects the human mind. I’ve never bought it, that sone heroes had memories of 2 lives

Darkseid24 - Apr 13, 2019

after Rebirth without getting crazy. But yeah Detective Comics Batman feels normal, Kings Batman just weird. Apparently DC wants to turn Oracle into a villain too& Female Furies writer will take over Batgirl. Hope we don’t get some forced fake feminists ideas in Batgirl.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 13, 2019

Where did you hear that? Not that your wrong I’m just curious. I hope oracle doesn’t become a villain... a geeeeeeez

Dispatchdcu - Apr 13, 2019

We have so many villains as is... just use one that we haven’t seen for awhile. Better yet, trade sims villains and have a flash villain in Gotham for a bit. Something like that. But no need to create new ones from good guys

Darkseid24 - Apr 13, 2019

It’s in July Solicitations. However it’s not Barbara, it’s Oracle as an AI or something like that. I also hate the idea. They should just use the regular Batman villains. They are the best. Or they could team up with some others. I miss stories like Torment.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 13, 2019

Love torment

RBL - Apr 13, 2019

Ric is a shitheel. Current Nightwing is utter and complete garbage, just like Superman and Action Comics. Unfortunately were stuck with bendis because they’re trying to bank off his name, but Nightwing would be better served ending the book until they can get someone who can do the character justice.

RBL - Apr 13, 2019

*we’re stuck with

Darkseid24 - Apr 13, 2019

@Dispatchdcu I love Torment too. @ RBL Ric will last at least until August, I assume until October or November. Somebody said King wants to keep Dick out of his City of Bane story, so it might be longer. However blame King. He forced Ric on Percy’s Nightwing run. Even so Knight Terrors was so much better than his dark web story. But you can’t blame him or Lobdell. They had to come up with a story in a short amount of time. I’m curious about Jurgens take on Ric. Court of Owls are boring though.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 14, 2019

I don’t mind the Court of Owls. I enjoyed the concept when it was introduced by Snyder in new 52. I loved it. That said, it got out of hand even in the new 52. If done well, I could enjoy the court... but we shall see... I agree with the Forcing on Percy, which is why he left. And if you’re forced to write a character due to someone else’s book whose is effecting the character, it ain’t your fault. You do the best with what you got

RBL - Apr 14, 2019

He was forced to drop his storyline while it neared his planned climax for it in favor of some of the worst and most regressive “development” ever put to page. It’s clear to see how to a writer, this would not be great. His writing of the first issue of “ric, total shitheel” was because he wanted to leave the book on his terms. But that title is far from worth reading. I’d find it hard for anyone to turn that garbage fire into anything worth reading.

Darkseid24 - Apr 14, 2019

His writing for Ric in 50 wasnt „total shit“ at all, it was actually one of the best issues since ages, but I can see why Percy left. Love Knight terrors though& after rereading it Ric actually makes a lot of sense. People should pay more attention to the storyline instead of just hating on it for no reason. I’m curious what Jurgens is doing, Ric will stay for quite a while. And it’s nothing co pared to how DC ruins the New Gods. Ric is still Dick.

Darkseid24 - Apr 15, 2019

@RBL it seems you were right with, that King is sticking with that Knightmares was a fear gas illusion. That’s what preview says. Still hope he has a better explanation.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 15, 2019

Same!!!!

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln - Apr 17, 2019

Even as a Tom King Batman fan, 8 years of him on Batman would completely ruin Batman I feel. I am on board for his 100 issue story in isolation, but the world needs Batman. Classic Batman stories and classic villains. Tom King is not writing Batman as an icon to be looked up to and be inspired by, he is writing a very depressing and dry take on Batman that would never have widespread appeal.

Darkseid24 - Apr 17, 2019

Yeah. For me King is writing an average guy with average problems, who coincidentally dresses up like Batman. None of the characters are recognizable.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 17, 2019

You know what I totally agree with that

myconius - Apr 17, 2019

@Br'er Lapin- "Tom King is not writing Batman as an icon to be looked up to and be inspired by, he is writing a very depressing and dry take on Batman" BEAUTIFULLY STATED! @Darkseid24- "King is writing an average guy with average problems who coincidentally dresses up like Batman" excellently state as well!

RBL - Apr 17, 2019

ric is total crap and irredeemable garbage. I mean it took 2 storylines and 3 writers for even most minute of progress to be made and it amounted to him not whining about needing a normal life. That shitheel is not Dick Grayson, he doesn’t even qualify as his shadow.

Darkseid24 - Apr 17, 2019

@RBL How is Ric so different from Dick?

Dispatchdcu - Apr 18, 2019

I agree with both takes in Batman. But I don’t go to comics, especially Batman for depression. And I agree Batman is being written more normal with every day problems who dresses like a bat, BUT again that’s not who I want to read. I want to read him to escape. Batman is supposed to be smarter, tougher, faster, stronger, and more durable emotionally then I. That’s why I go to his book... to imagine, to hide from my problems and not be remembered of them. This take would make a fine comic...

Dispatchdcu - Apr 18, 2019

But not Batman.. better yet, it would make a fine maxi stand alone/ elseworld but not in continuity

myconius - Apr 18, 2019

Dispatchdcu - excellent review, BTW. all these points you bring up are why i feel Tom King SHOULD NOT be writing superhero comics! ...they should just have him write another series of Sherrif of Babble On or something.

Darkseid24 - Apr 18, 2019

Agreed. He should at least do some research.

Dispatchdcu - Apr 18, 2019

Thanks myconius appreciate it! And I agree he should be writing more Sherriff

myconius - Apr 18, 2019

you're most welcome!

myconius

Apr 10, 2019

again this plot goes nowhere. bunch of jumbled conflicting tones thoghout this series. so inconsistent. no focus. just a mixed up hodgepodge.

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Quinn - Apr 10, 2019

Well done sir. In two lines, you summed up the issue quite well. Again, as I wrote in my review, it's tough to hate this issue, but King's tone throughout his run makes it hard to shift dour Batman to funny Batman. I get why he did it, and even think it's a good idea, but you have to lay the groundwork, and King just hasn't.

myconius - Apr 10, 2019

thank you. and i agree. none of the shifts in tone feel earned or make any sense. this series is just a random mess with absolutely no direction.

Darkseid24 - Apr 10, 2019

Yeah it was quite a mess. On the other hand it shows how lowly Bruce seems to think of Selina& Lois due to how disrespectful they acted towards Superman.

myconius - Apr 12, 2019

King just keeps trying to ruin these characters. why is editorial ok with this?

Maker

Apr 10, 2019

Well, that ended the "nightmares" of Batman. As a result, we received a bunch of empty and inconspicuous releases. No. 68 is the worst of them. It does not justify the title of the plot. A naive and empty narrative (several issues are already hidden) only strengthens the negative attitude towards King’s work, and the art in this issue is disgusting and can’t fit the Batman comic stripes no matter what fake-intellectual idea the author has!

JBL Reviews

Apr 14, 2019

Another pointless story

Darkseid24

Apr 10, 2019

With a comedy issue like this you can’t call it nightmares anymore unless Batman‘s nightmare suddenly is Catwoman& Lois Lane acting both out of character. (Still hope it’s not Scarecrow‘s fear gas as it was stated issues ago, since I don’t want him to get dragged into this mess of a story.) Since when are Lois& Selina besties? Apart from the one story of King I’ve never seen Selina& Lois Lane being friends. The two taking a bath together also rather seems more like a teenage boys wet dream ( or apparently Bruce’s dream) than what two friends actually would do on their bachelorette party. There’s some bad dialogue & some lame jokes& the point of this issue apparently was, that Bruce hates being Batman ( what is out of char acter for him, since Batman is his real identity, what was stated countless times in comics), but loves, that he has to be Batman. Kind of contradicting Yeah& makes no sense. King reached the point, where he doesn’t care about what fits Bruce’s character. Overall up until now I don’t buy anything of Kings story how Bane is trying to break Batman. This entire Catwoman drama would never hurt him that much, but that’s what King is mainly focusing on. Batman feels like a CW show these days. As for the art, I personally don’t like it. more

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Tony - Apr 10, 2019

I like some things about Bat-Cat, but you're totally right when you say "This entire Catwoman drama would never hurt him that much"I mean if they don't end up married or together or whatever and everything is diluted like that because yes, all the drama will remain meaningless and I don't know, within the logic that is being handled in the story, how Batman will manage all of this,it will end up being the same traumatic that the death of Bruce's parents and the truth I don't think it's that bad.

Darkseid24 - Apr 10, 2019

I think what King is writing here is what an average man would break, but not what Batman would break. I’m not a fan of Batcat, but to make it believable it should have been portayed way better from the very beginning. There’s no explanation why Catwoman suddenly should be his one true love. He never had one. I think Bane would break him more, if he killed Catwoman.

Tony - Apr 10, 2019

Yeah, you´re totally right. Unless there is a plan, I don´t think DC dares to kill Catwoman, although if I remember correctly in some issue of "I am Bane" Bane promised that, in fact he promised many things that technically would have to happen in the story of "City of Bane". Strictly speaking he should punish her too, but I don´t know if that happens or someone remembers it. After all, as we know, she played crooked in Santa Prisca and was responsible for giving him the coup de grace.

Darkseid24 - Apr 10, 2019

Would be nice, if it was addressed in City of Bane& something has to happen there. I’m looking forward to City of Bane, but I have my doubts, that King can explain it all& do the story justice.

ohhaimark

Apr 13, 2019

THE GOOD: -Hey, I'm just glad these Knightmares are over, to be honest. -That one final conversation between Superman and Batman was pretty good, I'll admit. Even if it contradicted some of King's earlier issues, it acknowledged the Kinghtmares, and I'd rather see a Batman who likes being Batman than a depressed teenager-like Batman THE BAD: -I've never been a fan of Amanda Conner's art, I'll just say it. It's not for me. Never has been. -Ugh. The dialogue was especially awful this issue. It almost makes me miss the days when this comic had no dialogue whatsoever. -Why does Tom King constantly feel the need to make every superhero sound like an idiot? Batman and Superman just sound awful here. "Look at this soup. It's†¦ really good." -I feel like under the pen of a different writer, this might be fun, but it's not. -I guess this was supposed to be the spiritual sequel to those double date issues. That's too bad. I actually liked those issues. -That artist change partway through was jarring and it took me out of the story. more

SnakeWilson

Apr 10, 2019

so, like... superman hates being superman? batman likes the need to be batman? but, back in the beginning of this same run, it was stabilised that he is batman because he is suicidal, wasn't? this was awful and out of place

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myconius - Apr 10, 2019

you were paying much closer attention to the continuity than Tom King was.

Darkseid24 - Apr 10, 2019

LOL I also forgot about that

SnakeWilson - Apr 10, 2019

i love how this thing about batman being suicidal was completely forgot by the same guy who established that thanks king

Darkseid24 - Apr 10, 2019

You seem to be the only one remembering lol It’s embarrassing for King though.

Andrea D’Alò - Apr 12, 2019

Man, being suicidal and love to do something that neeed to be done can be quite similar.

myconius - Apr 12, 2019

Darkseid24 - King making Batman a suicidal was what tipped me off early on that he had no idea how to write the character.

Michaelbn

Apr 10, 2019

All hail the KING!!!

KFuqua

Apr 11, 2019

Just awful. Tom King continues to prove that he isn't capable of writing Batman (or any other major DC character). After buying Batman for over 40 years, I think I may have to say goodbye until they get King off this book.

Superheroes for Hire

Sep 22, 2019

A middle finger to anyone that's ever read a comic book. This comic profanes the names of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster that are legally contracted to be credited if Superman is used in a comic book. Amanda Conner's art doesn't even save this because she is equally to blame for this nonsense.