Batman: Kings of Fear #1

I have been excited about this Peterson and Jones series since it was announced and so far the story has exceeded expectations. Very much a fan of Scarecrow / Batman tales that focus on Bruces psyche, so I cannot wait for Part Two to see how far we go into the depths of the Dark Knight. Read Full Review

Peterson and Jones have kicked off a white knuckle thriller set to send its readers deep into the darkest corners of fear and uncertainty like never before! Read Full Review

Its only at the end where The Scarecrow aka the real villain appears, (Jones finest and most disturbing rendition yet, by the way) and judging from the solicitations, what this mini is really about properly kicks in, but the foundations have already been set in this first issue. Batman has being doing his dance with these maniacs for years, but has he made any difference at all? Deep down, whats his greatest fears? It looks like were about to find out and youd be insane yourself if you arent along for the ride. Essential. Read Full Review

Absolutely recommended for fans of the Dark Knight! Batman versus the Joker and a slew of villains illustrated by the incredible Kelley Jones. Every illustration is like a dive off the deep end into adventure. Read Full Review

While Jones is a master at shading and detail, and his artwork would be as beautiful denuded of color as well as fully colored, it is more than enhanced here through the brilliant work of Michelle Madsen, who previously worked with Jones on such titles as Convergence: Swamp Thing and Batman Gotham After Midnight. As was the case with her work with Jones on both titles, Madsens bright, yet wonderfully nuanced and multi-shaded colors meld inseparably with Jones pencils and inks to complete the visual story that Jones and Peterson are telling. It would be a vastly different, and inferior, rendering of Batman Kings of Fear without her influence on the visuals. Read Full Review

BATMAN: KINGS OF FEAR #1 is not the perfect debut. With its single-minded plot and its lack of characterization for the main character, it definitely has its issues. However, this story also has a great feeling of nostalgia that stretches back to the glory days of Neal Adams and Denny O'Neil. Also, the characterization of the Joker and the overall thematics are some of the best in the medium. Read Full Review

BATMAN: KINGS OF FEAR #1 is not the perfect debut. With its single-minded plot and its lack of characterization for the main character, it definitely has its issues. However, this story also has a great feeling of nostalgia that stretches back to the glory days of Neal Adams and Denny O'Neil. Also, the characterization of the Joker and the overall thematics are some of the best in the medium. Read Full Review

Batman: Kings of Fear (2018-) #1 looks, feels, and reads like a classic Batman tale. This issue is light on Scarecrow, but it packs a punch and sets the stage for a nightmare to unfold. Read Full Review

If you are looking for a classic feeling Batman story that isn't trying too hard to be deep or emotional, this may fit the bill.  Kelly Jones' art is great and Scott Peterson already has me hooked and looking forward to next issue.  Recommended. Read Full Review

This was an awesome issue, full of nostalgia for what exactly I love about Batman. While also holding up a very critical lens to the character and what he does (feels like a theme throughout his publications of late). I'm excited to see what's in store for the next parts of this series and eagerly await more phenomenal iconography in the issues to come. Read Full Review

Basically, the good doctor needs to get over herself and focus on her job. I understand it's not exactly easy dealing with the Joker, but I'm pretty sure he's going to be his crazy self no matter what. Read Full Review

Kings Of Fear. The title of the book could just as easily be a description of the two main characters, Batman and Scarecrow. The first chapter of this series, and that terrific cliffhanger, have set the pace, and I'm happy to be along for the ride. Read Full Review

Fast-paced action, iconic designs, and nightmare sequences all build into an unforgettable reading experience. This won't change how you think about Batman, but it will certainly raise your expectations for how the vigilante is depicted. Read Full Review

The script by Peterson is especially good. I'll be reading it to see where it goes. The ending was just nuts enough to make me smile. Read Full Review

Peterson's story does everything it should do in this opening issue ofKings of Fear.He allows Jones to create hauntingly absurd images that remindthe reader that Batman's greatest weapon is psychology. It might be easy totake the art in this book at face value and walk away from it, but there is a surprising subtlety at work here. Jones' hyperbolic art paired with a plot that doesn't try to be overtly special makes for a fantastic, visual journey that doesn't have to be great to be fun. Read Full Review

'Kings of Fear' #1 is a love letter to the "Batman" comics of the 1990s that is a welcome tangent from the current continuity. Read Full Review

Going to the back lot of any comic store is an experience onto itself. Nothing describes finding hidden gems, critiquing covers and finding art work you never thought would work, but did at the time. The only sad part of the experience is knowing that the era in which those books were written is gone. This book is the exception, great art that calls back to what a lot of the audience grew up with, stories that have that edge and go places no other comics can go. What a great start and we definitely hope for more! Read Full Review

It's been said that it's constantly night time in Gotham City. That's the tone you get from this place. The sun may never shine. That is certainly the vibe in Batman: Kings of Fear. There's a feeling of dread that comes through every page as Batman's evening gets worse and worse. We know that the Scarecrow is going to play a major part in this mini-series, so that will play up the horror angle considerably. Unfortunately, he's not in this issue all that much. It looks like that will definitely change in the near future, leading to some terror-filled adventures. Read Full Review

Kelley Jones' art elevates Peterson's narrative based thematically on the concept of fear. Read Full Review

Overall, Batman: King of Fears #1 is a mixed bag of goods. It's filled with beautiful and vibrant art. The writing is astonishing in its' slow pace. Yet stumbles throughout the quick paced conversation between hero and villain and dated remarks of the Joker. King of Fears is a series full of potential but falls just shy in its' introduction. Read Full Review

While not outstanding, this issue lays a nice groundwork for a 6 issue series to build upon. It may not be a must buy, but is nice enough for a simple Batman story. Read Full Review

What did you think to Batman – Kings of Fear #1? Let us know on Twitter @HeroesDirect! Read Full Review

BATMAN KINGS OF FEAR is an interesting and unique read while Jones' art is an acquired taste. If you can get move past Jones' style, I would give the series a try. Read Full Review

Batman: Kings of Fear #1 stands out more for its visuals than its story. Read Full Review

There are some annoying aspects of the story and the art, but I mostly enjoyed myself and I look forward to reading more. The artwork won’t be to everyone’s tastes but it scratches an itch that modern comic art doesn’t anymore. Read Full Review

Ultimately I feel like Batman Kings of Fear is a great throwback style book that will give younger or newer readers a brief taste of what Batman stories were during the 80's and 90's, as well as offering older and longtime readers a chance to jump back into the storytelling and artistic styling of the type of comics they grew up reading themselves. Read Full Review

Looking at this issue, it is clearly an out of current continuity book. The costume is neither the original or the one Batman wore “when she…”. It is almost a throwback to times gone by. I don't mind that so much, if only the story had more original facets. As it is, this book doesn't accurately represent the talents of a pair of creators who, in the past, have delivered much stronger work. Read Full Review

This first issue's story didn't do too much for me, but I'm looking forward to seeing this creative team do something terrifying with Scarecrow. Read Full Review

Your favorite Bat-suit is the blue and gray with the yellow oval!You are into psychedelic horror stories!You want to see Batman kicking ass! While there are times that the art is poorly executed and the writing veers toward clich, this is still a very fun read. If anything, Batman is as Batman as he can be"tactical, stealthy, powerful"and although this issue is almost entirely setup, it's a good setup, because all the themes have been introduced and now it's just a matter of kicking back, relaxing, and waiting for issue #2. Enjoy. Read Full Review

Batman: Kings of Fear #1 is decent. Its okay. It rises a bit over mediocre but doesnt in itself bring anything to the table beyond aforementioned fantastic artwork from Jones and Madsen. I can recommend it as a classic-feeling Batman tale, but its far from a must-read. Hopefully, #2 will bring something memorable in terms of story. Read Full Review

Unless you are a fan of Kelly Jones (and I'm sorry if you're read my review this far), I'd pass on this issue. There are better comics for you to spend your money on. Read Full Review

This was a very surprising first issue for a miniseries that was hyped up with the return of Kelley Jones. 2018 is seeing a Batman title that looks and reads like it was straight out of the 90s. While there are a few shining moments throughout this first issue, overall, it was a big let down. It will be interesting to see if the creative team can recover from this weak first outing and deliver something memorable. Most trips down Nostalgia Lane are pleasant; this one, however, wasnt. Read Full Review

Khamul

Mar 28, 2019

My god...so much to talk about here...but man, that 26 panel page...I WANT THAT AS A POSTER!

Ken b

Aug 22, 2018

I love Kelley Jones artwork so I was happy to see this book in the august solicitations. This book did not disappoint so I will be looking forward to #2.

myconius

Aug 22, 2018

ok! first off, Kelley Jones's art- WOW!!! The Joker's voice in this story is pitch perfect! the banter and antics between Batman & Joker was Gold! and i love that Scott Peterson writes a really bad-ass Batman of action! in this story, Batman is confident, competent, Man of few words, and he don't take NO guff from NOBODY! This Batman get's it DONE!! this is some of the BEST story sequencing i've ever seen Kelley Jones illustrate thus far! Batman comes off as menacing and someone you would not want to mess with. and the Rogues of Arkham look GREAT! Kelley Jones's Scarecrow also looks especially horrifying! this comic for me is actually be more of a 9.1 or 9.2 in score. Fast paced! Action packed! Terrific art! i reall y enjoyed this comic SO much! looks like it's going to be a fun ride!! more

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln

Aug 22, 2018

Pretty standard Batman fare, but it is also a bit refreshing since there isn't a lot of standard Batman anymore.

Gizmo

Aug 28, 2018

Everything about Batman: Kings of Fear feels like a throwback: from the artwork all the way down to the paper stock. The art is cool, making expert use of shadow and layout, though it gets wonky with the figure drawing at times: check out the knee growing out of Batman's shoulder on page 5. The first issue hooks you in with Joker, with the promise of Scarecrow following a brief dust up between Bats and the greatest hits from his rogues gallery.

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myconius - Sep 6, 2018

hey Giz, glad you got a chance to read this!! ...even happier that you enjoyed it! :)

Gizmo - Sep 6, 2018

You bet, thanks for the recommendation :)

myconius - Sep 6, 2018

you're very welcome!! ^_^ ....if you have the time and $$$ definitely check out the TMNT: Urban Legends!! ... i'm actually enjoying that a lot more that the regular IDW Tmnt series. :D

dannymalt

Aug 27, 2018

PROS Interesting art Cons Art may not be for everyone Bad writing See my review video of August 22, 2018 comic books, for my full review on this book, as well as others from the week. https://youtu.be/CvFFOdDXfuo