Batman has battled all manner of criminals, monsters, and super-villains, but nothing could have prepared him for what’s coming with Failsafe, an unstoppable foe that can outfight and outthink the Dark Knight-but could a dark connection to Batman’s past be the answer? In the backup, Catwoman is piecing together the lineage of one of Gotham’s most notorious criminal families…and it’s not for the faint of heart!
- 100
ComicBook.com
Chip Zdarsky's first issue of Batman was not a fluke and Batman #126 more than proves it. This issue does something that this title rarely does well and that's dig into the core of Batman while also delivering a genuine threat that isn't just a fluffed up version of one of the usual Gotham suspects. - 100
Comic Crusaders
With Detective Comics taking a horror stance to Batman's crusade, it is left to Chip Zdarsky to bring the more expected style of superhero action in Batman. Man, does he deliver! An action packed issue, with a rash of family members all to try and take down Failsafe! - 100
Lyles Movie Files
The new creative team is firing on all levels right now and suddenly Batman feels like a standout read when each week is so cluttered with Batman releases. Make sure this one is a priority. - 100
Fortress of Solitude
+ Fantastic use of Chaos to throw Batman off + Brilliant use of beep cut Morrison era concepts + Shadowy, dark art with flairs of color used well - 100
Get Your Comic On
Two months in to his run on the main-Bat title and Dzarsky has delivered a blockbuster issue. His sizzling story is beautifully accompanied by the unparalleled team of artist Jimenez and colourist Morey. - 100
First Comics News
In this issue, we get to see Batman finally meet his own Doomsday and he’s called Failsafe; Right away, the battle between them spills out into most of this issue and then involves the Bat Family which really helps boost the story while bringing the intensity to a boil and at the same time, shows how deadly Failsafe truly is. I also have to add that the ending for this main story will shock you (**NO SPOILERS**) but I will say this- fans of Grant Morrison’s run will enjoy the ending with great pleasure; The Catwoman backup feature is a slow burner, to say the least, but the artwork by Belen Ortega is gorgeous to look at. Thanks to Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez, Batman continues to surprise the readers at every turn while re-introducing new elements to the delight of Batman fans everywhere. - 96
Women Write About Comics - WWAC
- 94
The Super Powered Fancast
Jorge Jimenez is a fantastic artist and brings a wonderful level of detail and energy to every page and panel in this issue. I am in awe of the art style and how thrilling it is. - 91
The Comicbook Dispatch
BATMAN #126 has energy, action, and story beats that mean something to the hardcore fan. This issue of BATMAN is a super easy read that will go by fast but leave fans with the perfect balance of exuberance coupled with the story. Mirror the exceptional writing with Jimenezs explosive designs and dynamic renderings and readers get a BATMAN story that will certainly help fans forget all about the past six years of what the heck is going on?! in your BATMAN series. If youve left BATMAN in recent years, I strongly recommend jumping back on board with BATMAN #126. Just start with issue 125 to get the full story which should still be easy to find. - 90
AIPT
For years Batman as a series has taken on different identities and even felt like an ensemble, but Batman #126 builds on the solo feel from last issue. It's funny to write that with most of Batman's Bat-family showing up, but the captions don't lie as Bruce Wayne is wrestling with dark thoughts and a growing need for isolation. Given the cliffhanger, Batman is on a darker path that's exciting to see unfold. - 90
Geek Dad
Zdarsky is a master of character work as always, and it's hard to pull off a character who expresses nothing but feels so much. Then comes the cliffhanger as we get our first hint of where Failsafe actually came fromand it's a brilliant callback to one of the strangest Bat-stories of all time. - 90
But Why Tho?
Batman #126 is superb in the stacked talent and the two great stories it puts forward. While I doubt it will end in a few months with the end of Batman, it does leave me wondering what will be left of him once all is said and done, and what status will Catwoman have in the Underworld is equally appealing. I highly recommend this issue because its really going places. - 90
Dark Knight News
Batman #126 is a great issue with lashings of action, character development, and a whopper of an ending. By taking away Batman's physical dominance, and also seemingly his correct state of mind, readers have been given some real meat on the bone to enjoy moving forward. Throw in a Terminator-esque villain and suddenly issue#127 has become even more of an essential purchase next month. - 90
Henchman-4-Hire
Despite a questionable cliffhanger ending, the art and writing for the bulk of the issue are top tier Batman comics. The danger and the stakes feel very real, making for some exiting storytelling. - 89
Comic Watch
Batman #126 is a solid and enjoyable read. While it does retread some recently stampeded ground, I am more than willing to give Zdarsky the benefit of the doubt for the moment, so well see where it goes. - 84
Batman on Film
Overall, this was another good issue in the BATMAN title. This team is delivering the goods, and has left me on edge for what’s to come. I just hope there’s no Bat-Mite. - 83
CBAMR.COM
- 80
The Batman Universe
Batman #126 is an explosive action piece that sees the return of an unexpected fan-favorite character. It's fun, fast, and absolutely stunning. - 80
Comic Book Revolution
Things definitely take an unexpected turn with the Failsafe storyline bringing us a part of Batman out that I did not expect to see. This all is on top of some very personal storytelling going around where Bruce Wayne finds himself at this point in his life. Add in wonderful artwork by Jorge Jimenez and Belen Ortega for both stories in Batman #126 all results in Chip Zdarsky already making the statement that this is a creative run that you don't want to miss out on reading. - 70
Batman-News
This is an exciting, action-packed comic. The art is really good throughout, but I think the book is a little overwritten at times. Failsafe is a cool character and I'm very curious to see where this is going. For now I recommend this comicit's very fun, even if it isn't perfect in terms of writing and execution. - 60
Weird Science DC Comics
Batman #126 does what every superhero comic should - confront the hero with a more powerful villain. The art is gorgeous and powerful, the action is intense, and the writing execution is on-point. However, the last-page revelation will make longtime Batman fans say "Yes!" or "Oh, no!"