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aceinit's review
2.0
What a hot mess. Each volume in the series seems to get even more screwed up than the last one. I'm to the point where I don't even know why I'm reading anymore.
eileenthecrow's review
1.0
absolutely hilarious to me that people are shocked to see tom king's batman run drop in "quality." when has it ever been good? except for two or three volumes, i genuinely don't remember one i properly enjoyed... when will he get over himself? the lengthy monologues, 5 page-long folktales, odd song references, unwelcomed pet names, weirdly placed references... it just never ends with him. by the end of this volume, you aren't sure if any of this happened in the main universe and frankly, you don't really give a shit.
blairconrad's review
I appreciate what King's trying to do, but I just am not enjoying the jumping back and forth (in time? in Bruce's crazed mind? I'm not even sure, and that's my real problem here), and do not understand what's actually going on, and it's too much work. I'm out.
kevinowenkelly's review
4.0
Read in single issue format.
Wow. If you were one of the people who were waiting on King's epic plot to come to fruition but were turned away by some of the slower arcs or up-and-down narrative, then this is where you want to jump back on. Every single issue in this book packs a boatload of juicy twists and turns that pull threads from the rest of the run, tie them together, and then use them to try to strangle Batman.
Characters, plots, themes, all of it start swirling together in a maelstrom designed to bring down Batman. One revelation after the next threatens Batman's physical, mental, and spiritual well being, and while a few character turns feel slightly dubious, King does a surprisingly compelling job at getting us swept up enough to go along for the ride.
And throughout all of that, King still manages to deliver compelling mysteries, great dialogue, and solid action to further keep you engaged. But even with all of these revelations, King somehow manages to walk the tightrope of making the reader feel like this isn't it; this is just the final build up, and something gigantic is coming.
Really great read, and one of the best of his run. Somehow even manages to redeem some of the weaker arcs in his run in a way that makes me want to go back and re-read them.
Wow. If you were one of the people who were waiting on King's epic plot to come to fruition but were turned away by some of the slower arcs or up-and-down narrative, then this is where you want to jump back on. Every single issue in this book packs a boatload of juicy twists and turns that pull threads from the rest of the run, tie them together, and then use them to try to strangle Batman.
Characters, plots, themes, all of it start swirling together in a maelstrom designed to bring down Batman. One revelation after the next threatens Batman's physical, mental, and spiritual well being, and while a few character turns feel slightly dubious, King does a surprisingly compelling job at getting us swept up enough to go along for the ride.
And throughout all of that, King still manages to deliver compelling mysteries, great dialogue, and solid action to further keep you engaged. But even with all of these revelations, King somehow manages to walk the tightrope of making the reader feel like this isn't it; this is just the final build up, and something gigantic is coming.
Really great read, and one of the best of his run. Somehow even manages to redeem some of the weaker arcs in his run in a way that makes me want to go back and re-read them.
jonwesleyhuff's review
2.0
I have to say up front, I don't think this volume works that well. But I also think that has something to do with editorial changes that led King's run to be shortened from it's initial plan. After the experimental ups and downs of Knightmares, I doubt this is what King had planned. But he ends up having to do a fairly abrupt zig to the left, and the storytelling becomes confused, especially following the Knightmare arc. It's hard to trust what is happening, especially as the story seems to bounce around a lot. That being said, there is some gorgeous art to be seen here, and there are some really great moments. Know that it all pays off spectacularly in City of Bane, so even if you're a little frustrated with it, I think it's worth reading. Just not the best of the run.
joshgauthier's review
4.0
Oh, Tom King, I see what you're doing here. As King's run of Batman moves toward its final chapter, pieces begin to come together and everything moves toward the final confrontation. And it's not going to be pleasant. Nearly broken and alone, Batman pick himself up one more time if he has any hope of surviving and undoing the damage done to his city, his mission, and himself.
While not perfect writing, this volume is heading straight for a climax that I feel will pay off all that has happened in King's run. The art continues to impress, and even the bonus stories at the end of this volume are fairly solid. it's been quite the road to get here, and the story's not over yet.
While not perfect writing, this volume is heading straight for a climax that I feel will pay off all that has happened in King's run. The art continues to impress, and even the bonus stories at the end of this volume are fairly solid. it's been quite the road to get here, and the story's not over yet.
rhyno0401's review
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0