It’s Batman versus Red Mask in a brutal Gotham that’s never known hope! Can the Dark Knight overcome the terrifying infection that Red Mask has unleashed? Only one thing is certain: he won’t be able to do it alone. The conclusion to the bestselling “The Bat-Man of Gotham” is so big it could only be contained in an oversize #900 anniversary issue featuring the return of fan-favorite artist Jorge Jiménez and a wild collection of guest stars! Full of wild revelations and a new path for Batman, this is one issue you won’t want to miss!
Publication Date
Publisher
Format
Kindle Edition
Print Lenght
53 pages
Language
English
Price
$6.99
Amazon ASIN
B0BZJYSDXX
Author
Artists
Colorists
Cover Artists
Variant Cover Artists
Letterer
24 Critic Ratings & Reviews from:
- 100
Geek Dad
Chip Zdarsky has been building one of the most fascinating Batman runs in recent memory, first pitting Batman against a lethal robot assassin he created to kill himself if needed, and then catapulting Batman into a terrifying alternate reality without a Batman and ruled by a sane Joker. But all that’s been just a teaser for what comes in this brilliant conclusion to the arc—doubling as issue #900. When we last left off, Batman lost a hand fighting the Red Mask, and has no time to process this loss as he simply tapes it up and heads off to battle. All of Gotham is in flames, the Red Mask is desperate to regain his true self and his madness to become a proper Joker once again, and several familiar faces are in the line of fire. The best part of this arc has been the unconventional bond formed between Bruce and members of his supporting cast who are familiar but still radically different. The best of these has been Alfred—here a man who has suffered terrible losses, found happiness, and is maybe a bit of a kind coward scared to lose anyone else. His transformation into a hero this issue is brilliant, and his farewell to this alternate Bruce is incredibly powerful. Selina’s goodbye… not so much, but very in character. Of course, Red Mask is the familiar face who is the most concerning, and there’s an amazing twist this issue about exactly what his experiments are doing—and it sets off one of the most dazzling segments in any comic book I’ve seen in a long time. We’ve known this story is about the multiverse—but this chapter sends Bruce through an elaborate journey across some of the most famous worlds in all of DC. I won’t spoil exactly who shows up here, because that’s something that should be experienced on its own. I’ll just say that I’m stunned that Zdarsky was able to get agreement to use all of these properties, especially the last. Making it even better, there was no real hype for this—making it a true example of an out-of-nowhere comic book surprise. This will get the most hype, but it’s not what makes this title work so well. The biggest draw here is just how nuanced, how human Zdarsky’s Batman is. I don’t know if I’ve been this excited for a next issue of a Batman book since the heyday of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s run. - 100
But Why Tho?
Batman #135 is a winner. Not once is the prime Bruce not the center of the tale, and Failsafe, Joker, his psyche all play into what’s going on. All the artists draw with fire as the styles will change drastically across the issue, as will the art and colors. But this is a beautiful issue full of what makes Batman strong and what makes him weak. And that same combination of power and fragility in the Red Mask makes him my new favorite villain. Never saw that coming. You will be surprised by this book. The Bat stans should love how our hero overcomes, while those waiting for him to be more human can find points here to cling to. Anyone loving any piece of Batman mythos will jump up and down in their seats. And hold on for the ending. Not sure how I felt about the last page. Who am I kidding, loved it. Just. Buy. It. This is comics. Justice, combat, and ridiculous storytelling with a spoonful of heart to stab you in the gut. - 100
Comics: The Gathering
Its finally here! The epic finale issue of the “Batman of Gotham” arc of Batman as well as the 900th overall issue in legacy numbering and there really couldn’t have been a better issue to celebrate such an achievement as reaching 900 issues. While ill be the first to admit that this arc has been a bit slow and at times has dragged on a bit, Writer Chip Zdarsky lays all his cards down on the table in this latest issue and shows readers its all been a methodical plan as he unleashes everything he has in this newest issue that will both surprise and excite not just Batman comics readers, but anyone who has enjoyed Batman across multiple mediums. Batman #135 also marks a major milestone for the series with it being the 900th issue in the series and DC couldn’t have chosen a better creative team to celebrate this achievement. Batman #135 opens up with an action-packed sequence that picks up right after the events of last month’s issue and brings all the events from this arc full circle with Zdarsky revealing the bigger picture in a way that will have readers glued to every panel all the way to the last page where Zdarsky teases an even bigger event to come as a consequence of Batman’s actions across this issue. While it may appear to Batman that this chapter of his mission is over, it’s only just beginning and if Zdarsky is able to deliver this kind of excitement to an arc like this, I can only imagine the madness and excitement to come. If the writing of this issue wasn’t already exciting enough, Artist Mike Hawthorne brins his A game to the final chapter of his arc and delivers some of the best line art we’ve seen from him to date that echoes the excitement of Zdarsky’s story and brings it to life in a stunning fashion, BUT WAIT, THERES MORE! Acclaimed Batman artists, Jorge Jimenez and Mikel Janin also lend their talents to this exciting issue to blend universes with look of Hawthorne’s Batman and the result is something readers could have only dreamed of. Colorist Tomeu Morey really shows us his talents in this issue as he is tasked with blending the art of three artists together to create a cohesive look throughout and he makes it look flawless! This issue is easily one of the best drawn issues we’ve ever seen, and everything is executed flawlessly thanks to this incredible artistic team. Overall, Batman #135 is one of the best single issues of Batman we have seen in a long time and its because of the genius writing of Chip Zdarsky that brings all the previous events full circle, topped with one of the best artistic creative teams in comics all coming together to deliver the best book they could to celebrate 900 issues of Batman and an issue that paves the way for 900 more! - 100
Dark Knight News
Batman #900 is simply magical. Yes, it’s a great wrap up to the current arc yes, but it’s ultimately also a treasure trove of Batman incarnations through the ages. It demands several repeat readings and is an milestone issue that will stand the test of time. Oh, and the choice of variant covers is also mind-blowing! I simply implore all Batman fans to pick up a copy as soon as you can. - 100
Fortress of Solitude
- 100
Get Your Comic On
Batman #135 is a wonderful celebration of the Dark Knight. Without ever forgetting its place in the ongoing storyline, Zdarsky is able to touch every corner of Batman’s legacy. Over the past few months I’ve praised the Batman book for striking deep in to the heart of what makes Bruce fight for his city. This month Zdarsky doubles down on that by pushing Bruce to his very limits. (...) The highlight of #135 is obviously Bruce’s trip through the multiverse. Here Zdarsky shifts focus and uses the time to celebrate the history of the character whilst galvanising him for the final battle ahead. Of course the cameo appearances by a number of legendary Bat-men will thrill readers. I don’t think that either Michael Keaton or Adam West has looked so good. But in true Zdarsky style these aren’t just for show. There’s wonderful meaning behind the journey which reaches far beyond simply celebrating 900 issues. There’s a veritable Bat-family working behind the scenes on the artwork this issue. It’s great to have Jorge Jimenez back as his art is now synonymous with the character. Amazingly, all three artists slot together perfectly. Unlike other recent books there multiple artists work have sat awkwardly next to each other, Batman #135 feels seamless. All tied together perfectly by the coherent colours of Tomeu Morey and Romulo Fajardo Jr. and the lettering of Clayton Cowles. Quite simply, outstanding. Dzarsky doesn’t put a foot wrong in setting up an epic conclusion to the current Batman arc. With a superstar art team this is a true celebration of the Dark Knight’s 900th solo issue. - 100
First Comics News
The Red Hood arc comes to a surprising conclusion with Chip Zdarsky pulling out all the stops that will bring a gigantic smile to the hardcore Batman fans while giving the readers something fun and exciting with the whole Multiversal aspect. To stop the Red Hood from releasing a gas that controls multiversal energy by infecting everyone who comes in contact with it, Batman uses the former’s traversal machine so that he can go after the Red Mask. Along the way, he encounters multiple Batmen, from the 1989 Michael Keaton version, Batman Beyond, The Adam West version from the 60s, and even Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” and the big surprise is Jorge Jimenez (Who make this triumphant return to this title) really captures the essence of these iconic moments with his art and I swear his version of DKR is ten times better than Frank Miller (It truly is); Along with Jimenez, Mikel Janin also provides such stellar art to take away from Mike Hawthorne’s dullness to make this issue (# 900 according to the legacy numbering) even special and I have to say that from the beginning of this every arc, this was not Hawthorne’s best work but thankfully Jimenez and Janin save the day. While the surprise in this issue is without a doubt fan service, it’s one of the best Batman issues to come out after the boring elements from this arc so it’s glad to see Zdarsky and company end it with a bang to where it’s exciting to see when comes next. - 100
Graham Crackers Comics
Once again, I need to point out to the major comic publishers that if you have a title that has reached issue #900, this is a BIG deal and should be celebrated. Giving me a little #900 Legacy notation in the corner is really kind of an insult. That being said, we have finally reached the last chapter of this multiversal hodge-podge. And I must applaud writer Chip Zdarsky for this ending. He includes the mentality between the Joker/Batman relationship, the purpose of the Batman, and a cornucopia of cameos from Batmens from all media sources. Each version of Batman giving this Bruce Wayne a piece of themselves to complete him. The most touching in the 1960’s Adam West Batman handing him his utility belt and stating, “…a Batman needs a Utility Belt to fight the darkness, friend.” Get’s me all choked up. And don’t get me started on Shark Repellent! And while the cover might read Dawn of DC, I can’t help but feel that this is some sort of ending. - 96
Batman on Film
I do applaud Zdarsky for the creativity he’s displayed throughout this story and this particular issue. Its strengths are in its unpredictability and devotion to the character of Batman/Bruce Wayne. He doesn’t do the man an injustice but rather takes him to his core we all know is important to understand him. There’s a trio of artists working on this celebrated issue, and they do a seamless job working together. Mike Hawthorne continues his great work on this arc, having established his own kingdom, and coming up with a fresh setting that establishes him from others. Jorge Jimenez returns for some excellent pages that’ll surely get you excited. And Mikel Janin brings an animated series of beautiful panels that also just pop. This is a great-looking issue. But at the core, it’s about Batman. He says on one page “…a world without Batman is still a world with monsters”. That stands out to me. There’ll always be a rogues gallery, whether in Arkham, the city of Gotham, or internationally. And wouldn’t you rather have a Batman there to take them on? Great issue. - 95
COMICON
I don't often give a book an extremely high rating almost entirely on art, but this issue deserves it. Jimenez has proved himself as the greatest Bat-artist of his generation in the back half of this issue. - 95
Lyles Movie Files
Chip Zdarsky hasn’t been afraid of taking chances on his Batman run. Even when the results haven’t always worked out it’s nice to see a Batman writer go against the norm to come up with some original story ideas. This double-sized issue marks the finale of The Bat-Man of Gotham arc as Batman attempts to take down The Red Mask. To do that, Batman is going to have to traverse the multiverse and partner with some familiar faces to stop the would-be Joker. Zdarsky takes full advantage of this premise to have Batman encounter several different versions of himself including a few with big screen experience. This is the kind of story Grant Morrison would do and have fans raving and Zdarsky makes it just as fun and unpredictable. With the extra pages, artist Mike Hawthorne gets some backup from Mikel Janin and Jorge Jimenez, who mold their styles to play more in line with the era of Batman they’re handling. It’s pretty impressive work as the trio channel other artists while keeping the story cohesive with the jumps through the Multiverse. (...) There’s a great payoff to the Tim Drake backup as well as an emotional moment between Batman and Alfred. Zdarsky’s track record might not be 100%, but an arc like this should be encouraging for Batman fans who want something beyond the normal somewhat stale presentation of Batman. - 94
Comic Watch
Batman #135 is an issue that takes the best parts of this arc and connects them into a satisfying at worst, thrilling at the best conclusion. It feels like an issue that works towards true closure when it comes to the death of Alfred, the sidelining of Tim Drake, and the suffocating darkness of an isolated and doubtful Batman. Zdarsky gets to work in the quieter moments, which is where his scripting sings, letting Jiménez deliver on the bombastic through the exploration of Batman and various styling through the multiverse. This issue sets up an excellent emotional status quo for the Dark Knight and cements Jiménez as one of the greats when it comes to illustrating the hero. - 90
The Comicbook Dispatch
Zdarsky did an outstanding job for a 900th issue. Batman fans get a glimpse of multiple artistic renderings of the vigilante from multiple universe while tying together multiple Jokers in the process. So, from an artistic standpoint as well as a way to pay homage to the character, Zdarksy does a phenomenal job. That said, the actual story itself, its plot threads, and machinations, as to exactly how and why this is happening, were certainly a bit flat. The science and reasoning were a bit off as well as the explanation associated with how Halliday and Bruce were jumping across multiverses. More was definitely required to provide readers with a better understanding and purpose. Hopefully, Zdarsky can iron those details out in Batman #136. - 90
AIPT
Chip Zdarsky and Mike Hawthorne’s multiverse story arc comes to an end in an extra-size milestone issue of Batman #135, which is also Batman‘s 900th issue in legacy numbering. I wasn’t sure how a finale to a story arc could also be a milestone issue, but this issue acts as both a celebration of Batman and a good ending to a specific story. That’s thanks to the multiverse element, which allows the creators to make a statement about Batman and honor every character iteration. (...) Batman #135 is a lot of fun. It wraps up the current story arc, makes strong statements about Batman and Joker’s roles across the multiverse, and gets to give in-continuity Batman a chance to meet Batman icons across media and comic miniseries. It’s a huge and epic idea at work here, and the creative team pulls it off, guaranteeing you’ll have a big stupid smile on your face while you read it. - 90
ComicBook.com
Batman #135 (or Batman #900 if you go with Legacy numbering) is an incredible issue that functions both as a conclusion of sorts to the long, wild story that Chip Zdasky has been weaving and as a love letter to Batman himself – and not just the Batman of this comic but many iterations of Batman. We left off previously with Batman losing a hand fighting Red Mask and we pick up with him getting right into the battle again in classic Batman fashion, but we also get to see him have important emotional moments. This Batman is one that is perhaps more human than we've seen him in a long time, both as he deals with the unfamiliar world we're in but also has he bounces through the multiverse. Admittedly, a little bit of the storytelling is weak in spots and it does at time feel a little rushed, but there's a lot here that really speaks to the core of Batman as a multidimensional character, something I think a lot of creators miss. The art here is also bananas good. - 90
The Batman Universe
Writer Chip Zdarsky and the artists of Batman #135, Mike Hawthorne, Jorge Jimenez, and Mikel Janin, deliver a thesis statement that shows Batman as a self-sacrificing hero who can never settle down and be happy because of his obsessive war on crime. However, he has the potential to change the world, and in this issue, literally set Darwin Halliday’s universe right by inspiring a new generation of heroes. With his training and inspiration from the Robins, Batman, in turn, can be saved and rescued from the darkness by those motivated by his good deeds. It’s no coincidence that the Robin chosen to save Batman at the end of this issue was Tim Drake. Tim was the one who helped bring Batman back to the light after Jason Todd’s death, and in this issue, his saving of Batman is more than just multiversal displacement. It’s thinly veiled symbolism for Tim once more saving Batman from the brink. In recent issues, we’ve seen Batman grapple with his more violent other self, the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh. This also comes on the heels, still, of Batman dealing with the loss of Alfred and the wedding that never was with Catwoman. It would seem that finally, these years later, from those landmark moments, the creative team of Batman is ending that chapter and ushering back a hero who sacrifices to inspire and heal others. Apart from the overt metaphor, Batman #135 is an issue rife with references. The creative team found a way to weave in so many beloved generations of “Batmen” without it feeling ham-fisted or shoe-horned. There’s a reference for just about any Batman fan here, one that serves as a reminder of how and why they fell in love with the character. It’s truly a refreshing celebration for the 900th issue, and it’s one that inspires hope and a bright future instead of more grim-dark musings about vengeance. If there is one thing to knock Batman #135 for, it’s the art. Three artists pencil this issue, and it shows, especially Janin’s. Each one has an exemplary style and tone unique from the others, but when transitions happen, it’s super noticeable. The transitions aren’t handled in a way that fits into the story narratively speaking, either. That said, it’s a minor gripe in an otherwise spectacular issue. - 90
Henchman-4-Hire
Allow me to address the elephant in the room first. I probably would have been a lot more on board with this issue if I wasn’t already sick and tired of how the Flash movie is relying entirely on Michael Keaton’s Batman to entice viewers, and how all these nerds on the internet are lapping it up like good little Memberberries. So having Michael Keaton’s Batman show up and say, “I’m Batman,” just like in the Flash trailer, I was less than thrilled. Then the rest of the issue carried on with a bunch more cameos, relying on the same recognition as the trailer. This isn’t Zdarsky’s fault. It’s a fun trip through the Multiverse. And I like a good cameo as much as the next person. But the Flash movie has sucked all of the fun out of this issue for me. Alright, with the elephant dealt with, this was a really fun issue that makes good use of it’s wild ride. I don’t think the story that proceeded this roller coaster was enough of a set up, but I got lost in the moment while it was happening, and that was good enough for a single issue. It just doesn’t make sense if you try to think about it. This guy in this random world is able to invent a gas-based machine that can link him to multiverse versions of himself? And then it all just kind of overloads, and he’s sent randomly jumping to worlds with this power. It’s a lot. And we didn’t spend nearly enough time with Halliday to really get to know him well enough for all of it to really work emotionally. But I’m not made of stone. Comic book Batman, dressed in a spare costume from Dark Knight Returns Batman, getting a loaner utility belt from Adam West’s Batman in order to use the shark repellent to stop a Joker shark at the end of all time and space is just plain cool. So that much works. I’m willing to let fans enjoy fan stuff. And the artwork is phenomenal, with the likes of Jimenez and Janin having a blast drawing the different Batmen. And while I would have liked the ending with Robin to be a bit longer, it still fulfills my anticipation of where the Robin back-up stories have been leading. Ultimately, the issue really works as it sends Bruce Wayne on a wild adventure where he gets to meet alternate versions of himself. None of them really impact him much, and he kinda just goes with the flow, but the scenes are fun and the cameos are a hoot. I don’t think the story and the villain support this wild ride, but that’s probably just me. It’s still fun to read. The nostalgia bait of The Flash movie trailers is turned into a synergistic comic book issue, which doubles and triples down on the fan service. It doesn’t necessarily work as an overall cohesive story or character journey, but it’s still just plain fun. - 85
Weird Science DC Comics
Batman #135 reads like Chip Zdarsky watched Spider-Man: No Way Home and said, "Yeah, I can top that." And he does. The small army of artists gives you every Batman you can imagine for a multiversal adventure for the ages, and it works. - 85
Comic Book Revolution
Batman #135 delivers a satisfying end to “The Bat-Man Of Gotham” that includes incredible fan-service Multiverse fun that’s fitting for the Batman #900 milestone issue. The way Chip Zdarsky, Mike Hawthorne, Jorge Jimenez, and Mikel Janin celebrate the history of Batman through the utilization of the Multiverse is something all fans of Batman should experience for themselves. - 85
Wakizashi's Reviews
I’m not going to go into too much detail about the story. Let me give you my summary. It concludes the Bat-Man of Gotham story arc well. In this story, Batman has been zapped into another universe where Gotham City lacks a Batman. The main villain is known as the Red Mask and he has an obsession with the multiverse and the Joker who he glimpsed in a vision. There is no version of the Clown Prince of Crime in this Gotham and the Red Mask is planning to change that. Our version of Batman takes up the mantle of the Dark Knight in this other Gotham and fights back against the Red Mask. At the same time, he is searching for a way to get back to his own world. This all leads to an exciting climax involving a myriad of universes which contain their own versions of Batman, and this is where we get the lovely nods to the different Batmen that have appeared over the last 60 years. Again, no spoilers from me apart from this page which I absolutely love and had to share. C’mon, how good is this image of Batman ’89 by Jorge Jiménez! If you are a Batman fan, then this issue is a must-buy. Yes it’s expensive, but you get double the usual page count. And as I’ve already said, the second half of this issue is a wonderful trip through the Batman Multiverse. Not perfect, but so much fun. - 75
Comics Nexus by Inside Pulse
This was a wild ride as milestone issues go. Our Batman following a sane multiversal Joker throughout the multiverse. Naturally, defeating him in the end. It was a difficult story to comprehend at times, but the key points were and made for an emotional story of a one-handed Batman. Decent art throughout, but not all art styles were complementary which was by design due to the various worlds visited in the multiverse. - 67
The Super Powered Fancast
The Story: Zdarsky instills this issue with a lot of flash, cameos and multiversal madness, but very little substance. While I enjoyed the trip through the multiverse and the nods to the history of the character on the big and small screen, the story itself was underwhelming. For what is the 900th appearance of the character in his own title, I expected more and kept thinking I was going to get that, but the story seemed to limp and drag along to its conclusion. The Art: All of the artists deliver great work. There are some visual moments that are better than others, but the subjective nature of art makes it hard to say which artist delivered better imagery. - 50
You Don't Read Comics
As fun as it is to see everything tumble through at the end of the issue, Zdarsky and company take a hard turn when everything looks like it will resolve somewhere around Page 26. Really, they could have ended it there, and it would have been a solid glance into drama with Batman. Though the art in the final pages is impressive, it scarcely justifies ruining the ending of an otherwise interesting and reflective drama. - 20
Batman-News
I do not enjoy this issue at all. Pretty much nothing resonates with me. The story is weak; the villain is uninteresting; nothing’s really at stake for Batman; and the ending feels unearned. I don’t recommend spending any money on this, not when there are so many other books on stands that deserve the support.
