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Batman by James Tynion IV
Batman: The Cowardly Lot
Following the tragic events in the Infinite Frontier special , Batman and his new ally Ghost-Maker must reckon with a new gang operating in Gotham City.
The bestselling creative team behind last year's epic "The Joker War" returns for a thrill-packed, dangerous story line as "The Cowardly Lot" begins.
Is the new gang in Gotham connected to the resurgence of the Scarecrow? Meanwhile, Mayor Nakano has a meeting with shadowy billionaire Simon Saint, who has come to Gotham to pitch the concept of an advanced law enforcement project know as...the Magistrate!
It's always darkest before the dawn, especially in Gotham City!
Collects Batman #106-111 and Infinite Frontier #1
The bestselling creative team behind last year's epic "The Joker War" returns for a thrill-packed, dangerous story line as "The Cowardly Lot" begins.
Is the new gang in Gotham connected to the resurgence of the Scarecrow? Meanwhile, Mayor Nakano has a meeting with shadowy billionaire Simon Saint, who has come to Gotham to pitch the concept of an advanced law enforcement project know as...the Magistrate!
It's always darkest before the dawn, especially in Gotham City!
Collects Batman #106-111 and Infinite Frontier #1
168 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2021
98 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,641 books1,982 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
October 9, 2021
DC's really trying to force Future State on us and I'm not impressed. Tynion starts up all the nonsense with Gotham's mayor being easily manipulated by Simon Saint into authorizing the Magistrate. This title seems to be stuck in a rut with the same kind of story over and over again between City of Bane, Joker War, and now the upcoming Fear State along with this Magistrate stuff that I find completely uninteresting. Scarecrow's new costume is stupid looking. He looks like a cross between a ghillie suit and a rice farmer, not a scarecrow.
On the plus side, Jorge Jimenez is killing it on the art. He may be the best artist working at DC currently. As an FYI, some reviewers mention the Ghost Maker back up stories. Those are not in this collection. I'm guessing they will come in a later release along with the Annual that completes the story.
On the plus side, Jorge Jimenez is killing it on the art. He may be the best artist working at DC currently. As an FYI, some reviewers mention the Ghost Maker back up stories. Those are not in this collection. I'm guessing they will come in a later release along with the Annual that completes the story.
September 27, 2021
Jimenez is just killing it with the art--there aren't many better looking books out there right now for my money. The story's a little...odd...at times, but on the whole I'm enjoying it. Onto Vol. 5.
November 29, 2021
AHHHHHHH I love Tynion so much. This probably makes me extremely biased, but at this point I don't care.
I finally decided to pick up this trade even though I've read most of the single issues. I still need to read the issues that lead up to and are about the Joker War because it's referenced so much in these issues, but I'm absolutely loving where this story is going and let's be honest it doesn't hurt that Jimenez is doing such a damn good job on the artwork. How could you not appreciate the work that he does on the Scarecrow in this run? One of the biggest hiccups that I have with this specific run is that it really waters down Harley Quinn. I'm not really buying her as a character that is a side kick to Batman. I think there could have been a different way to make her more morally grey. Overall, the story itself is interesting. Gotham is at the height of tension as Arkham faces an attack that is extremely similar to those during the Joker War. There are politicians now in office that are convinced that Batman and other masked vigilantes are incapable of doing what's best for the community as a whole. It's interesting how much I loved these issues because readers technically know how the story is going to end (we get glimpses of the magistrate in Future State). I think watching exactly, step by step how Gotham gets to this point is so intriguing and I can't wait to move on to Fear State. This is an extremely big deal for me as an individual who reads DC, but has never been extremely invested in the Bat Family. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to future issues.
I finally decided to pick up this trade even though I've read most of the single issues. I still need to read the issues that lead up to and are about the Joker War because it's referenced so much in these issues, but I'm absolutely loving where this story is going and let's be honest it doesn't hurt that Jimenez is doing such a damn good job on the artwork. How could you not appreciate the work that he does on the Scarecrow in this run? One of the biggest hiccups that I have with this specific run is that it really waters down Harley Quinn. I'm not really buying her as a character that is a side kick to Batman. I think there could have been a different way to make her more morally grey. Overall, the story itself is interesting. Gotham is at the height of tension as Arkham faces an attack that is extremely similar to those during the Joker War. There are politicians now in office that are convinced that Batman and other masked vigilantes are incapable of doing what's best for the community as a whole. It's interesting how much I loved these issues because readers technically know how the story is going to end (we get glimpses of the magistrate in Future State). I think watching exactly, step by step how Gotham gets to this point is so intriguing and I can't wait to move on to Fear State. This is an extremely big deal for me as an individual who reads DC, but has never been extremely invested in the Bat Family. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to future issues.
September 10, 2021
It's hard to review The Cowardly Lot without talking about Their Dark Designs, the first volume of James Tynion IV's Batman run, because they do very similar jobs. They're both stories that are building up to something larger (Joker War and Fear State, respectively), but whereas Their Dark Designs functions on its own as well, The Cowardly Lot is much more of a Fear State prelude than a story on its own.
That's not necessarily a bad thing - we know going into this arc where it's going, because it's hot on the heels of Future State and its Magistrate-enforced Gotham. But there's definitely a hint that The Cowardly Lot is just laying groundwork for what's to come rather than trying to be a total package on its own. We get the introduction of the Unsanity Collective and Miracle Molly, as well as the continued appearances of Ghost-Maker, Clownhunter, and Harley Quinn, but just when you think the story is building to its crescendo, it's actually only the beginning, whereas Their Dark Designs had its own denouement before heading into Joker War.
The artwork's phenomenal though, because Jorge Jimenez is again on hand to pencil the hell out of everything. Tomeu Morey's colours are lovely as well, really getting into the neons of the Unsanity Collective and giving the post-Joker War Gotham a new feel compared to before.
There are also some Ghost-Maker back-ups which are pretty good; they're all tales from his past framed by a story set in the present, but they don't actually end since there's an annual later in the year containing the conclusion, so again it's like you're only getting half a story.
The Cowardly Lot is good, don't get me wrong. But it's definitely one half of a greater story. Go into it with that mindset and you'll get a lot more out of it, I'm sure.
That's not necessarily a bad thing - we know going into this arc where it's going, because it's hot on the heels of Future State and its Magistrate-enforced Gotham. But there's definitely a hint that The Cowardly Lot is just laying groundwork for what's to come rather than trying to be a total package on its own. We get the introduction of the Unsanity Collective and Miracle Molly, as well as the continued appearances of Ghost-Maker, Clownhunter, and Harley Quinn, but just when you think the story is building to its crescendo, it's actually only the beginning, whereas Their Dark Designs had its own denouement before heading into Joker War.
The artwork's phenomenal though, because Jorge Jimenez is again on hand to pencil the hell out of everything. Tomeu Morey's colours are lovely as well, really getting into the neons of the Unsanity Collective and giving the post-Joker War Gotham a new feel compared to before.
There are also some Ghost-Maker back-ups which are pretty good; they're all tales from his past framed by a story set in the present, but they don't actually end since there's an annual later in the year containing the conclusion, so again it's like you're only getting half a story.
The Cowardly Lot is good, don't get me wrong. But it's definitely one half of a greater story. Go into it with that mindset and you'll get a lot more out of it, I'm sure.
August 8, 2021
Not where Tynion's current best writing efforts are, but it's still a solid middle-of-the-road superhero book nonetheless. The Ghost-Maker backups are also pretty fun.
April 8, 2022
I guess it was good?
We basically are introduced to some new characters like Simon saint and his magistrate program after the A-Day incident and then we have him forming his peacekeeper and pushing for the privatization of police to hunt down Batma and the other vigilantes in Gotham and he is also secretly working with Scarecrow who has his own plans of domination! The other group, Unsanity Collective, is also introduced here along with a new character - Miracle Molly and we have Batman going undercover against them and then the revelations, double turns, big fight with the Peacekeepers when this group is compromised and a big war coming with Scarecrows as he realizes his even bigger plans!
Its awesome and yeah it does do a good job of hinting at the new characters involved like Miracle Molly and what the status of Gotham is after the A-Day attacks and also loving the focus on "fear" and like what it means and how it affects Batman and his own self. Plus side chs with Harley and Ghost-maker were fun and shining a light on Simon SAINT, who looks a bit like Steve jobs but then again giving Batman new challenges which I like about this run and then the way all these characters come together is fascinating as it leads to a big face off and leads to FEAR STATE like really well and Jiemenez returns for the artwork which is so awesome!
We basically are introduced to some new characters like Simon saint and his magistrate program after the A-Day incident and then we have him forming his peacekeeper and pushing for the privatization of police to hunt down Batma and the other vigilantes in Gotham and he is also secretly working with Scarecrow who has his own plans of domination! The other group, Unsanity Collective, is also introduced here along with a new character - Miracle Molly and we have Batman going undercover against them and then the revelations, double turns, big fight with the Peacekeepers when this group is compromised and a big war coming with Scarecrows as he realizes his even bigger plans!
Its awesome and yeah it does do a good job of hinting at the new characters involved like Miracle Molly and what the status of Gotham is after the A-Day attacks and also loving the focus on "fear" and like what it means and how it affects Batman and his own self. Plus side chs with Harley and Ghost-maker were fun and shining a light on Simon SAINT, who looks a bit like Steve jobs but then again giving Batman new challenges which I like about this run and then the way all these characters come together is fascinating as it leads to a big face off and leads to FEAR STATE like really well and Jiemenez returns for the artwork which is so awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2021
This was decent but the weakest entry so far.
This is about scarecrow fucking shit up. Making a fear state. Yep, fear toxin. Making whole state fear him. Clever title. But this is more a prelude to the event coming and it builds up how scarecrow gets control of the entire city while introducing a new character, miracle Molly, who is basically the woman of the people.
It's not bad, the art is as always amazing, and there's some great fight scenes mixed with interesting character moments for Bruce. I also liked Miracle Molly, and I thought she'd come across to Punchline but instead was way different and fun. I would like more of her. But nothing major happens and this feels like just a part 1 of a bigger story.
A 3 out of 5.
This is about scarecrow fucking shit up. Making a fear state. Yep, fear toxin. Making whole state fear him. Clever title. But this is more a prelude to the event coming and it builds up how scarecrow gets control of the entire city while introducing a new character, miracle Molly, who is basically the woman of the people.
It's not bad, the art is as always amazing, and there's some great fight scenes mixed with interesting character moments for Bruce. I also liked Miracle Molly, and I thought she'd come across to Punchline but instead was way different and fun. I would like more of her. But nothing major happens and this feels like just a part 1 of a bigger story.
A 3 out of 5.
September 24, 2021
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
As the repercussions of the Joker War continue to take a toll on Bruce Wayne, the city of Gotham struggles to see any hope at the end of the tunnel. With new allies also comes new threats but the resources are not the same anymore. Having to start from scratch yet determined to rid the city of its criminality, Batman needs to reevaluate his ways, to shed himself of the past, and to push forward towards a future where change can be possible. Unfortunately, many others have their eyes set on changing Gotham City but prefer to approach things with a touch more radicalism, and that means that a little bit of political and societal manipulation isn’t too bad for these people.
What is Batman: The Cowardly Lot Part One? Set after the events in Infinite Frontier, Batman works together with Ghost-Maker towards creating a new crime-fighting vision for Gotham City. This time around, a new gang surges from the shadows with the mysterious Master Wyze and his Unsanity collective amidst the clown violence within the city. Meanwhile, Mayor Nakano is invited to discuss with billionaire Simon Saint who wishes to put in place a new law enforcement project known as the Magistrate which involves the development of an army of Peacekeepers. As if there weren’t enough pawns at play, Scarecrow also makes an appearance behind the scenes as the city plunges deeper into a Fear State.
Collecting Batman #106-111 and Infinite Frontier #1, this first part sees the talented duo who brought fans the Joker War look into a brand-new crisis in Gotham City that not only introduces, once again, original characters (from shady villains to morally grey allies) but also pushes the limits of Batman in new ways. More of a prelude to a larger event, writer James Tynion IV sets in motion multiple pieces to his puzzle and ends on a cliffhanger that mostly elucidates the overarching mystery centered around the larger plan at play. Unfortunately, his far-reaching imagination and untamable ambition lead him to tango with too many ideas without giving them the proper amount of attention for readers to fully invest themselves in each of their plights.
Overlooking the unnecessary plug-in for another comic book series with a little story about Damian Wayne’s future with his mother as well as the forgettable five-part mini-story featuring Ghost-Maker’s journey to defeat a group of quirky criminals who all have a history with him, artist Jorge Jimenez deserves all the kudos in the world for carrying the weight of this story arc on his shoulders. Despite my eternal love for his artistic style that rewards readers with gloriously stylish, detailed, and expressive artwork, he does a phenomenal job in giving this story arc a tone and visual direction that makes it more enjoyable than it actually is. As a whole, it might all feel more like a prologue for something bigger to come but this feeling has been more like a déjà-vu as of late and writer James Tynion IV needs to deliver something memorable before he calls it quits with the following volume.
Batman: The Cowardly Lot Part One is an intriguing preamble that ambitiously seeks to present a city collapsing under fear but lacks a much-needed and unexpected narrative explosion to justify its direction.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
October 25, 2021
Не знаю, як в інших онґоїнґах зараз, але з арки «Бетмен» #106-111 видно, як DC всіма фібрами хоче нав'язати нам Future State. Тут кілька сюжетних ліній. Одна якраз веде до початків Магістрату і тут воно вже бісить. Адже мер Ґотему, таке враження, без ніякої підозри пішов на повідку Саймона Сента, який є основоположником Магістрату і розробником формату нової поліції «Миротворець».
Також велику частину арки займає нова антагоністка Диво-Моллі, яка з'явилася після «Війни Джокера» і входить у кримінальну організацію «Колектив безглуздя». Але основний акцент на Опудалі, який захопив Бетса і завдяки новій формулі токсину бажає покрити страхом увесь Ґотем. Звісно, що співпраця із Сентом тут беззаперечна.
Тайнін, Тайнін, Тайнін... Та сама проблема, що й у «Війні Джокера» — величезна затягнутість і багато безтолкових діалогів. І загалом — це прелюдія до події «Стан Страху», яка стартує з #112 номеру. Ідеї гарні, а реалізація не дуже. Глянемо, як піде подія.
Також велику частину арки займає нова антагоністка Диво-Моллі, яка з'явилася після «Війни Джокера» і входить у кримінальну організацію «Колектив безглуздя». Але основний акцент на Опудалі, який захопив Бетса і завдяки новій формулі токсину бажає покрити страхом увесь Ґотем. Звісно, що співпраця із Сентом тут беззаперечна.
Тайнін, Тайнін, Тайнін... Та сама проблема, що й у «Війні Джокера» — величезна затягнутість і багато безтолкових діалогів. І загалом — це прелюдія до події «Стан Страху», яка стартує з #112 номеру. Ідеї гарні, а реалізація не дуже. Глянемо, як піде подія.
January 24, 2022
An awesome book. This book is the tipping point between the Future or Fear state.
Since Batman appeared he has been using criminals frea and superstition as a weapon. Now however the criminals have evolved and now the people of Gotham have lost faith on Batman and the Bat Family to protect them. What better time gor the master of fear the Scarecrow to reappear.
Batman need to solve three mysteries at once if he has a hope of saving Gotham even with his now allies, but also on a budget. On a personal note I love the interaction between Harley and the Ghostmaker.
The book has it all a gripping story, and awesome artwork. On top of all that the biggest thing are still to come. I can't wait for Fear State. The book finishes with the wraparound varient cover in the cover gallery.
Since Batman appeared he has been using criminals frea and superstition as a weapon. Now however the criminals have evolved and now the people of Gotham have lost faith on Batman and the Bat Family to protect them. What better time gor the master of fear the Scarecrow to reappear.
Batman need to solve three mysteries at once if he has a hope of saving Gotham even with his now allies, but also on a budget. On a personal note I love the interaction between Harley and the Ghostmaker.
The book has it all a gripping story, and awesome artwork. On top of all that the biggest thing are still to come. I can't wait for Fear State. The book finishes with the wraparound varient cover in the cover gallery.
November 10, 2021
Fun, but absolutely stuffed to the gills with side characters and a bit difficult to follow.
And this is just the Main Cast...
And this is just the Main Cast...
March 6, 2022
I haven't really read much Batman over the years, but even I can see these story arcs seem very 'samey' and recycled repeatedly. Yes this story at it's core feels rinse and repeat, but I still enjoyed and engaged with Tynion's writing and character work. On top of that Jorge Jiminez is in another stratosphere with the art in this series. This is one of the best looking series I've ever seen and maybe the colour palette adds to it. There is a disinct difference from a DC book compaired to Marvel these days.
September 24, 2021
Batman: The Cowardly Lot picks up where the previous volume left off and collecting the next six issues (Batman #106–111) of the 2016 on-going series and Infinite Frontier #0 and covers one main story "The Cowardly Lot", two back-up stories "Demon or Detective?" and "Ghost-Maker" with a story from Infinite Frontier #0.
"The Cowardly Lot" is a six-issue storyline (Batman #106–111) that has Bruce Wayne as Batman dealing with a new gang in Gotham City that may be connected to the resurgence of the Scarecrow. Meanwhile, Mayor Nakano meets with shadowy billionaire Simon Saint, who comes to Gotham to pitch the concept of an advanced law-enforcement project known as the Magistrate.
"Demon or Detective?" is a one-issue back-up storyline (Batman #106) that serves as a back-door pilot for the upcoming Robin series that has Damian Wayne as a former Robin encountering the League of Lazarus featuring Talia al Ghul – his mother. "Ghost-Maker" is a five-issue back-up storyline (Batman #107–111) that has Ghost-Maker as readers learn more of his backstory and past as he fights against various criminals from East-Asia.
James Tynion IV penned the entire trade paperback and the back-up story in Batman #107–111 and Joshua Williamson for the backdoor pilot (Batman #106). For the most part it was written rather well. Tynion has created an interesting story with an equally interesting take on Jonathan Crane as the Scarecrow, while simultaneously working on a secondary story on how the Magistrate came into power in what could be the precursor for the Future State event.
Jroge Jiménez (Batman #106–111), Ricardo López Ortiz (Batman #107–111), and Gleb Melnikov (Batman #106) penned this trade paperback. For the most part the pencilers have distinct penciling styles, but the artistic flow is mitigated by one penciler doing one story.
All in all, Batman: The Cowardly Lot is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
"The Cowardly Lot" is a six-issue storyline (Batman #106–111) that has Bruce Wayne as Batman dealing with a new gang in Gotham City that may be connected to the resurgence of the Scarecrow. Meanwhile, Mayor Nakano meets with shadowy billionaire Simon Saint, who comes to Gotham to pitch the concept of an advanced law-enforcement project known as the Magistrate.
"Demon or Detective?" is a one-issue back-up storyline (Batman #106) that serves as a back-door pilot for the upcoming Robin series that has Damian Wayne as a former Robin encountering the League of Lazarus featuring Talia al Ghul – his mother. "Ghost-Maker" is a five-issue back-up storyline (Batman #107–111) that has Ghost-Maker as readers learn more of his backstory and past as he fights against various criminals from East-Asia.
James Tynion IV penned the entire trade paperback and the back-up story in Batman #107–111 and Joshua Williamson for the backdoor pilot (Batman #106). For the most part it was written rather well. Tynion has created an interesting story with an equally interesting take on Jonathan Crane as the Scarecrow, while simultaneously working on a secondary story on how the Magistrate came into power in what could be the precursor for the Future State event.
Jroge Jiménez (Batman #106–111), Ricardo López Ortiz (Batman #107–111), and Gleb Melnikov (Batman #106) penned this trade paperback. For the most part the pencilers have distinct penciling styles, but the artistic flow is mitigated by one penciler doing one story.
All in all, Batman: The Cowardly Lot is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
August 10, 2024
Liked this as a precursor to something bigger...
August 23, 2021
An interesting story that potentially will be the penultimate arc of Tynion’s run. I like the introduction of the Unsanity Collective, but it’s strange that as important as they are to the plot it still feels like we haven’t spent a lot of time with them. I think that may be part of the problem: we’re getting a glimpse at a cast of characters that Tynion could easily flesh out into their book independent of Batman, but there’s so much else going on that they don’t get that time. Jimenez instead carries the bulk of the character work through his art, which I greatly appreciate. I like this story, but it’s all setup for Fear State, so however good that arc ends up being will retroactively affect my opinion on this.
I know some are bound to like the Ghostmaker backups but they’re not my thing. I like the antagonists’ designs, for sure, but otherwise the dialogue and pacing kills it for me and I found myself skimming them after the first few.
I know some are bound to like the Ghostmaker backups but they’re not my thing. I like the antagonists’ designs, for sure, but otherwise the dialogue and pacing kills it for me and I found myself skimming them after the first few.
December 14, 2021
Batman Vol. 4 The Cowardly Lot collects DC Comic's issues Batman 106-111 and Infinite Fronier 0 written by James Tynion IV with art by Jorge Jiménez.
Simon Saint has developed a new cybernetic Polic force called Peacekeepers that he has planned to unleash upon Gotham City to cleanse the newly arrive Unsanity Network, all of Gotham's vigilantes, and possible resurgence of the Scarecrow.
I thought we would get some smaller scale stories before we dived into Fear State, but that was wrong. This is a pretty large scale prelude for Fear State. Tynion's writing has been really good, but there have been way too many huge battles in Gotham over the recent years: The War of Jokes and Riddles, City of Bane, The Joker War, and now Fear State. It is too much. Please focus on some smaller character driven stories. Batman's cast continues to grow so you can't tell me there is not an abundance of stories they could come up with. Also, what was the point of the last volume's huge push that Batman will be cut off from his money and gadgets only to get a shiny new Batmobile in the first issue of this volume? 🤔
I'm not a big Scarecrow fan (All his arcs end up being the same - Fear gas effects Batman, he is traumatized, he overcomes, he beats the hell of Scarecrow, end) so I'm not looking forward to Fear State. I'm loving Ghost-Maker and Harley's relationship. At this point, I would welcome a Ghost-Maker ongoing series. Jiménez's art makes this action-packed but otherwise nothing special series pop off the page.
Simon Saint has developed a new cybernetic Polic force called Peacekeepers that he has planned to unleash upon Gotham City to cleanse the newly arrive Unsanity Network, all of Gotham's vigilantes, and possible resurgence of the Scarecrow.
I thought we would get some smaller scale stories before we dived into Fear State, but that was wrong. This is a pretty large scale prelude for Fear State. Tynion's writing has been really good, but there have been way too many huge battles in Gotham over the recent years: The War of Jokes and Riddles, City of Bane, The Joker War, and now Fear State. It is too much. Please focus on some smaller character driven stories. Batman's cast continues to grow so you can't tell me there is not an abundance of stories they could come up with. Also, what was the point of the last volume's huge push that Batman will be cut off from his money and gadgets only to get a shiny new Batmobile in the first issue of this volume? 🤔
I'm not a big Scarecrow fan (All his arcs end up being the same - Fear gas effects Batman, he is traumatized, he overcomes, he beats the hell of Scarecrow, end) so I'm not looking forward to Fear State. I'm loving Ghost-Maker and Harley's relationship. At this point, I would welcome a Ghost-Maker ongoing series. Jiménez's art makes this action-packed but otherwise nothing special series pop off the page.
December 19, 2021
First off, I love Jimenez' art coupled with Morey's colors. Each panel is packed with detail and color that gives this whole arc a unique look, pushing it towards a futuristic, yet still grungy, personality for Gotham.
The primary focus of this volume is to get everything prepared for the Fear State crossover. It primarily details exactly what pushed the city to invoke the Magistrate program. You'll find out who manipulated all of the pieces and who Magistrate 01 is. It all builds, for the most part, organically. Barbara is back as Oracle, which I love. Harley is still Batman's sidekick, which is "different". I'm still not sure what the point of Ghost Maker is. Having basically another Batman sort of defeats the point of stripping Bruce of everything, when he can just call up his friend and use all of his resources.
The next arc should be the last step until Fear State.
The primary focus of this volume is to get everything prepared for the Fear State crossover. It primarily details exactly what pushed the city to invoke the Magistrate program. You'll find out who manipulated all of the pieces and who Magistrate 01 is. It all builds, for the most part, organically. Barbara is back as Oracle, which I love. Harley is still Batman's sidekick, which is "different". I'm still not sure what the point of Ghost Maker is. Having basically another Batman sort of defeats the point of stripping Bruce of everything, when he can just call up his friend and use all of his resources.
The next arc should be the last step until Fear State.
January 25, 2022
Yeah, this is more like it. This is the awesome Tynion stuff I love. Ghost-Maker is reigned in a bit and made much more palatable. He's still dumb, but small doses makes him better.
Harley continues to evolve and Miracle Molly is a cool, genuine character in a story filled with monsters and titans. Her viewpoint on modern society is surprisingly succinct and in lockstep with a lot of my personal issues with the world today.
We get just the right amount of Batman outsmarting and out-maneuvering his foes. Also, the Peacekeeper-01 soldier is cool. Kind of like a parallel take on Bane with less finesse.
My only qualm: The Unsane Collective? That's a pretty horrible name. Not enough to bother me, but a chuckle and shake of the head.
Harley continues to evolve and Miracle Molly is a cool, genuine character in a story filled with monsters and titans. Her viewpoint on modern society is surprisingly succinct and in lockstep with a lot of my personal issues with the world today.
We get just the right amount of Batman outsmarting and out-maneuvering his foes. Also, the Peacekeeper-01 soldier is cool. Kind of like a parallel take on Bane with less finesse.
My only qualm: The Unsane Collective? That's a pretty horrible name. Not enough to bother me, but a chuckle and shake of the head.
October 23, 2022
Mostly ok. It was a little tedious and predictable watching Tynion IV and Jorge Jiménez set up Fear State, but that’s basically how big titles like Batman are. The new supporting cast adds a lot. This is better as a character piece. Not bad overall, I’m excited for Fear State, I just with this had less of a first day of school vibe.
June 5, 2022
This series is beginning to feel like a Batman villains greatest hits collection, which I guess I haven't read enough Batman stuff to know if that's normal. Really enjoying the Bats/Barbara dynamic in these though, and I don't normally love Barbara for reasons of animated series shipping.
May 4, 2025
Tried to push through this but I give up on this run. Hate all the new characters. Hate the storyline. Made it halfway through this one but not going to waste my time with the rest of this or the next volume.
October 27, 2022
Deluxe prologue to Fear State, this volume is overall very good.
I still don’t go for Ghost Maker and cyberpunkish Miracle Molly rubs me the wrong way but I’ll let it slide because the general tone of the book- - is definitely well handled. A classic but really well done so I can’t complain.
Add amazing Art by Jorge Gimenez and superb colours by Tomeu Morey and you get one hell of a good prologue.
I still don’t go for Ghost Maker and cyberpunkish Miracle Molly rubs me the wrong way but I’ll let it slide because the general tone of the book- - is definitely well handled. A classic but really well done so I can’t complain.
Add amazing Art by Jorge Gimenez and superb colours by Tomeu Morey and you get one hell of a good prologue.
November 15, 2023
Liked it a lot!!!
Scarecrow is shown here as a really evil mastermind, and I loved that fact, the introduction of the Unsanity Crew was a really wellcome adition to the Batman cast of characters, it shapes that the FEAR STATE event it's going to be solid y entertaining.
Love the art.
Four solid stars for me.
Scarecrow is shown here as a really evil mastermind, and I loved that fact, the introduction of the Unsanity Crew was a really wellcome adition to the Batman cast of characters, it shapes that the FEAR STATE event it's going to be solid y entertaining.
Love the art.
Four solid stars for me.
February 21, 2022
I haven't been thrilled with James Tynion IV's Batman run, but other than The Joker War, they've been relatively solid, if unremarkable. The Cowardly Lot is the best of the bunch, so far. It teases a promising (and dark) Scarecrow storyline while weaving its own intriguing narrative with the Unsanity Colective and the Magistrate program. It's a propulsive read that features a lot of the new-look Bat Crew, who I'm fortunately a fan of. Ghost Maker and Harley teaming up as the new Robin? I'm fine with that!
Jorge Jimenez's art is terrific in The Cowardly Lot, sharp and action-packed. Perfectly fits the Batman atmosphere. Jimenez also gives a distinctive look to the Unsanity folks, especially new fave Miracle Molly. I'm curious to see how their story plays out in the midst of Scarecrow's "fear state." The Cowardly Lot doesn't offer a ton of content you haven't seen before, but if it's a recycling bin of ideas, at least it's well put together.
Jorge Jimenez's art is terrific in The Cowardly Lot, sharp and action-packed. Perfectly fits the Batman atmosphere. Jimenez also gives a distinctive look to the Unsanity folks, especially new fave Miracle Molly. I'm curious to see how their story plays out in the midst of Scarecrow's "fear state." The Cowardly Lot doesn't offer a ton of content you haven't seen before, but if it's a recycling bin of ideas, at least it's well put together.
April 16, 2023
This was mostly build up for Fear State (Batman, Vol. 5: Fear State), which just had Scarecrow appearing a lot whilst a lot of other things were happening. You had an Arkham worker turned into Robocop and a group of freedom fighters wiping peoples minds, whilst playing Robin Hood.
I think there was just too much going on at any given point, that none of the stories gripped or invested me. If we had focused on just two of them, then this might have worked but to have three independent stories going on at once, it was just messy. You also have a man in a chair explaining how everything happened, Scarecrow says he's Batman but I highly doubt the guy in the gimp suit is.
It feels very rushed and sudden, going from a story that was extremely well placed and building up the Batman family, to everyone in Gotham is afraid and everything around me is falling apart.
I think there was just too much going on at any given point, that none of the stories gripped or invested me. If we had focused on just two of them, then this might have worked but to have three independent stories going on at once, it was just messy. You also have a man in a chair explaining how everything happened, Scarecrow says he's Batman but I highly doubt the guy in the gimp suit is.
It feels very rushed and sudden, going from a story that was extremely well placed and building up the Batman family, to everyone in Gotham is afraid and everything around me is falling apart.
March 1, 2024
Okaaaaay here we go. With Vol.4 Tynion has finally really delivered!
If you read my review for vol.3 you'll recall I mentioned it felt like pure set up for whatever was next. I'm pleased to report that set up has all really paid off!
The new characters T4 has created really shine in this issue, and having Jorge Jimenez back on pencils really lifts everything. Add to that Tomeau Morey's colours and you've got a thing of beauty.
My one criticism is that Tynion needs to find a more natural way to have characters names introduced. Multiple instances of characters awkwardly using full titles purely for the readers benefit and it takes me out of it.
Minor quibble though! This is a cool detective story for the most part, with some great social commentary to boot!
4.5 stars for this one seems fair. Just had a great time!
If you read my review for vol.3 you'll recall I mentioned it felt like pure set up for whatever was next. I'm pleased to report that set up has all really paid off!
The new characters T4 has created really shine in this issue, and having Jorge Jimenez back on pencils really lifts everything. Add to that Tomeau Morey's colours and you've got a thing of beauty.
My one criticism is that Tynion needs to find a more natural way to have characters names introduced. Multiple instances of characters awkwardly using full titles purely for the readers benefit and it takes me out of it.
Minor quibble though! This is a cool detective story for the most part, with some great social commentary to boot!
4.5 stars for this one seems fair. Just had a great time!
August 6, 2024
Man, I get exhausted looking at Batman going from one near death situation to another near death situation.
Jimenez is awesome as always. Tynion plot is interesting but a little bit too out there. Nakano was supposed to be a decent person with some neurons working well in his head, why would he think that surrendering law enforcement to a private company and giving them permission to kill would be a good idea?
Overall it's a fun read, mostly thanks to Jimenez probably. Now I feel I need a rest before getting into Fear State.
Jimenez is awesome as always. Tynion plot is interesting but a little bit too out there. Nakano was supposed to be a decent person with some neurons working well in his head, why would he think that surrendering law enforcement to a private company and giving them permission to kill would be a good idea?
Overall it's a fun read, mostly thanks to Jimenez probably. Now I feel I need a rest before getting into Fear State.
November 24, 2021
Another Batman adventure🦇
I cant seem to like this Tynion run and i dont see that changing soon, i think its just very standard and i dont like any of the new villains and flashy style of the rogues gallery if i have to pick a highlight its the artwork from Jorge Jiménez, which is really fantastic. And among the best i have seen in awhile on a big two book.
I cant seem to like this Tynion run and i dont see that changing soon, i think its just very standard and i dont like any of the new villains and flashy style of the rogues gallery if i have to pick a highlight its the artwork from Jorge Jiménez, which is really fantastic. And among the best i have seen in awhile on a big two book.
December 3, 2021
This volume was creepy; it felt a little less involved than the previous arcs. Scarecrow being able to control the city without using toxins is a great change and I definitely want to see where that goes.
December 19, 2023
This was a good book overall, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as other volumes in this run. Can’t quite put my finger on why—maybe it’s Ghost-Maker and his “I’m better than Batman BS?” Maybe. 3.5 stars.
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