I was a huge fan of his run from issues 1-23. Once War of Jokes and Riddles started, I think his run went way down. Since then I’ve like issues here and there, but it’s always one step forward and five steps back.
For me, King’s Batman is at its best when David Finch and Tony Daniel have been onboard. I admit I’m biased however, as I adore Finch and am a pretty big fan of Daniel too.
I tuned out of Batman after #65 came out (which, along with #64, wasn’t written by King, rather Joshua Williamson penned those issues) and I haven’t gone back to it since then.
Leading up to that point, the series just became kind of dull to me. 2019 is the first time since 2005 that I haven’t been reading the solo Batman series.
Overall, I think what most of what I read was a good run. However, there are other Batbooks I’m much more interested in right now. Even though Tony Daniel is back on Batman, I’m still not interested in the series right now.
Batman 75 has been a little mixed, but I kind of enjoyed the issue. Now, if 76 does not address some of the gray areas, then it’s just classic Tom King and five steps back once again.
I love this series. Admittedly, though, I haven’t read the last two arcs because I read it in trade. It’s a very unique, slow burning, psychological take on the character, which I appreciate. It’s a departure from what people have done before, and a nice shakeup from the “Kicksplode” attitude of Snyder’s run (which, don’t get me wrong, is also great).
I own most of the trades but I read this series as the issues come out every other week. So in your case maybe it just reads better in trade form. Due to this, I will have to revisit his run from the start and re-revaluate it. Also, I am worried about this generation changing moment that King is teasing in the last few issues of his run.
I own most of the trades but I read this series as the issues come out every other week. So in your case maybe it just reads better in trade form. Due to this, I will have to revisit his run from the start and re-revaluate it. Also, I am worried about this generation changing moment that King is teasing in the last few issues of his run.
He came on after Snyder’s mostly phenomenal run. I’ve said before in other threads that I wish he would use a seasoned script writer and just do the overall story. His response to certain complaints to “just wait a few issues and all will be revealed” shows what a lazy writer he is. Plenty of writers have planned twists and turns they hold onto for years or more. Difference is they still release quality issues and don’t need to sell you that the bigger picture will be worth it when they get there. I think 10 years from now King’s run will be largely forgotten.
@Tromeo I agree! Maybe not so much his run being completely forgotten. I just think over time people will like it less and less.
I guess i can womder if any of his stories are ‘real’ or not. Some seem to be hallucinations which we learn is true in a later story.
The first issue was bizarre trying to save a plane while wondering if his parents would think well of him. Then after that a superhuman saves the day totally negating the story.
I want Batman to be a hero utilizing his skills not fighting hundreds of Bane’s men and winning. Unless he was on drugs eventually his endurance would collapse.
And it’s issue after issue of this nonsense.
@TurokSonofStone1950 the way he uses all kinds of poems and old literature also shows how much of a lazy writer he can be.
@TurokSonofStone1950 the way he uses all kinds of poems and old literature also shows how much of a lazy writer he can be.
I enjoy Tom King’s Batman, but I’m more than happy to admit that he does his best work in 12 issue bursts. Mister Miracle, Sheriff of Babylon, Vision, and Omega Men are all better than Batman.
Definitely looking forward to his Adam Strange series with Shaner and Gerads
I’ve been reading and obsessing over Batman for nearly all of my 50 years. King’s run is far and away my favorite of all time. To each their own.
That’s what it’s about! I’m happy for those of you who are enjoying the run. For me, it’s just disappointing because I started reading comics the week of that Geoff Johns JL #50 of his new 52 run. So, this is my first full Batman run that I’m reading and I wish I was able to enjoy it completely.
I’m so happy it’s ending early. I’m getting tired of it. And it’s a shame. I like the idea of a 100 issue long character breakdown. I just wish it was done well.
After issue 75 I dropped it. I am a huge fan of Tony Daniels art, but Tom King cannot tell a coherent story. His Gotham Girl sounds so out of character it is ridiculous. I am excited for Strange Adventures. But beyond that he is a blip atm in terms of Batman writers.
To me it’s going to be reminiscent of, say, Brian Michael Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-Man or other longer runs – it has some incredible high points, some “eh” low points, but when you put it all together, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Yeah the war of jokes and riddles was prob the last story i absolutely loved, but i really liked the Talia part. And dick and damian hanging out while they wait. After that it all just slowly goes more down hill. I really liked Tom King at first (and i really didnt want to hate the story just because every one else did, wait for the ending and all) but now i think he prob only has one story to tell. And it’s a good story. Man and war and the tragedy of losing ones self and all… Batmans a good character for those kinds of stories. But not for 100 issues, this has dragged on way to long. And the joker was aweful in the best man stuff. Just the whole wedding issue, really… “your eyes” was to mushy for even my female… ummm… self. So yeah… i’m wondering if it’s even worth getting invested in the next run or if i’m just going to finish Doomsday clock and see how things change from there