Batman: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition, Book 3

Batman: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition

by Tom King, Clay Mann (Illustrator), Mikel Janín (Illustrator)

The newest tales from Tom King's classic series in the making, Batman, are collected here in hardcover for the first time!

Following Catwoman's answer to Batman's marriage proposal, Batman leaves Gotham City on a quest of renewal and redemption in the desert. As he travels and fights, he encounters members of his family--each disturbed by Batman's journey, each ready to stand in his way and push back against his stubborn determination to evolve into something better than a superhero.

Has the Caped Crusader passed the point of no return? He's going to need a little help from his friends, but this help comes with a Batman's true intentions will be exposed. A young admirer of Bruce Wayne's, Mattie, wants nothing more than to grow up to be like his millionaire idol. But what would happen if Mattie was forced to relive the worst tragedy of Bruce Wayne's life and his parents were murdered? Batman's hunt for the killer brings him face to face with a strange mirror image of his own painful past.

This stunning series continues as Batman and Wonder Woman's storied friendship--one that has stood at the heart of the DC Universe since the beginning--unravels while the universe itself begins to crumble around them.

Tom King's critically acclaimed, best-selling Batman series collected together in a deluxe hardcover edition is here. Collects Batman #33-43, Annual #2.

Genres: Comics, Batman, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book, Superheroes

328 pages, Hardcover

First published December 11, 2018

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may go down as my favorite book of 2018.



Everything that I personally love about comics was in this thing. It just flipped all the right switches and gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling in my tummy.



I mean, everything about this collection was fantastic, but the stuff with Lois & Clark and Selina & Bruce just hit me in all the perfect places.
Clark dressed as Batman wearing his glasses over the cowl? <--I don't know if anything will ever top that image for me.



This is the Batman that I've been waiting for and I honestly cannot rave about it enough.



If there was a way to give this book more than 5 stars, I'd do it.
Highly Recommended.

[Matěj Komiksumec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nevím jak to ten King dělá, ale jeho Batman mě neskutečně moc baví. Celá kniha perfektně mixuje žánry takže chvíli tu máme vtipné části které se střídají s těmi vážnějšími jako například kdo je Bruce Wayne. Prostě naprosto boží, obzvlášť sešit "Origin of Bruce Wayne" byl výborný a hezky nutí popřemýšlet čtenáře o Batmanovi a Brucovi.
Lepší knihu s Temným Rytířem jsem dosud nečetl.

[Remxo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bag, really, with great art.

The rules of engagement and The origin of Bruce Wayne were definitely the low points in this volume for me. Uninspired stories, cringeworthy dialogues ridden with clichés. I suppose King was trying out different storytelling approaches during his Batman run. Some work, some don't. But as a whole his run is starting to feel unhinged. As much as I like Tom King, I'm starting to get some of the criticism. Watching Cat's and Bat's romance develop is fun. The Superfriends story was a blast.

[Paz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Rules of Engagement so much, but gotta be honest here, Bride or Buglar was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe my second least favorite TPB so far. Still, there are always moments that I love in every issue and I can't wait to keep reading, even if I know what comes next...

(Review and ratings later!)

[Jirka Navrátil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yop, tohle bylo fajn čtení. Superman s Lois, Batmanem a Catwoman v zábavním paku, příběh s Ivy atd., a nejlepší z toho Catwoman když si šla vybírat šaty.

[Mykhailo Gasyuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Романтична секція Rebirth-частини про Бетмена. Бетмен та Жінка-Кішка навідуються до його бувшої (з натяком на оргію та мордобоєм); влаштовують подвійне побачення з іншою парочкою пафосних персонажів (Супсом та його дружиною), з атракціонами, перевдяганнями та запозиченням сцен з простеньких сентиментальних комедій; проживають ціле життя в якійсь альтернативній версії всесвіту, де Кішка все ще в костюмі епохи “Довгого Х(Г)елловіна” (чи “Нічийної Землі”), а Бетмен більш компромісний; перевіряють відносини часом (буквально: Бетмен разом із Диво-Жінкою більше 20 років навалюють орді монстрів у світі, де час йде швидше, але ти не старієш, то як у Кішки минає всього день); переживають історію з юним маньяком, який намагався наслідувати історію походження Брюса у частині загибелі батьків (єдина історія, яка у цій збірці відповідає духу Бетменівського детектива, рідко таке побачиш); опиняються майже посеред рослинної утопії, спричиненої Отруйний Плющем (просто наслідки історії війни жартів та загадок, але в мене ще й виникла аналогія з Darkwing Duck, де один з поганців весь час намагався передати всю владу рослинам); демонструються у ретроспективі їх стосунків - з класичних коміксів були зібрані та перероблені знакові сцени, навіть вибудовані в таймлайн, де змінюються лише костюми.

Стійке відчуття філлера. Пропускаєш таке - і нічого не губиш, живий-здоровий. Історія малолітнього мавпувальника сподобалася. Сюжет з ретроспективою - це вже давно не щось інноваційне, але я от класичних бетменів не читав, тому аж стало цікаво, що переробили у сучасному каноні (на щастя, в збірці є додаткові матеріали, де можна побачити трохи класики та порівняти з тим, що вийшло у Тома Кінга). Все інше надто нудке.

Додам ще один плюс: міміка Селіни Кайл. Джоель Джонс зробила її неймовірно жвавою. Дуже живий персонаж.

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, you ain't never read a Bat like this before.
I enjoyed Book One of Tom King's run, then Book Two dragged a little as I was struggling to see what his story was actually about.
Book Three has answered my question. It's a love story. I knew the relationship between "Bat" and "Cat" was at the centre of King's run, but I wasn't sure what the exact plot was until this book. The plot is literally just that... Bruce and Selina really figuring out how to be a normal couple. And it's charming.

We never get to see Bruce Wayne be this mundanely human, and he is extremely well written in this. How does the constantly angry and depressed caped crusader respond to genuine happiness? It's an interesting question that Tom King finally begins to answer in this book. The scene with Dick, Damian and Bruce as they leave Talia's cave is genuinely heartfelt and real.

Super friends was by far the best arc King has written and it might now be one of single my favourite Batman arcs ever. He's the only writer I know who has been able to really show us Bruce's friendships with Clark and Diana beneath all the muscle and superheroing.

Like a lot of Book Two, I felt the arc with Poison Ivy meandered a little bit before getting to the point, and some of the constant Bat/Cat back and forth dialogue got annoying. Like seriously, who the f*ck calls their partner by their name at the start of every sentence.

Every. Single. Sentence.
Hey Bat.
Hey Cat.
I love you Bat.
I love you too Cat.
Want a burger Bat?
You read my mind Cat.
Fries Bat?
With Ketchup Cat.
Alright already! We get it, they're cute.

Anyway, those minor gripes are the only reasons this didn't get 5 stars.
A really touching book.

[Justin Partridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Now…give me your answer:

BRIDE or BURGLAR?”

Now this is the good stuff. I mistakenly called the arc here “Date Night” last time, but “SuperFriends” is legit my platonic ideal of a Batman comic. Just breezy, two to three issue stories that just jumble up our cast and give them a goofy problems to solve.

But sincerely, and I think this volume finally solidifies it, I think the Catwoman stuff is really popping for me this time around. King genuinely has a very fun voice for her and his continually setting her up as the deflating foil for Batman really charms the hell out of me. “Everybody Loves Ivy” is really where it gets highlighted as you see what it could be like when they would patrol together and work a super villain problem together, truly really enjoyed all that.

But really I think the choice for this stretch to go a bit smaller was the right one. Two “big” stories back o back in the last one made it feel really unwieldy so this one being quieter and more focused on the characters and not the situations was a really welcome downshift for me (as I gotta start picking up the pace here if I’m gonna get to all these).

[Michael Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is where things start to slip for me. I really enjoy the Art, and again find the stories to be hit and miss.

The Super-friends stories are fun! Love the dynamic between Batman and Superman, and later between Wonder Woman and Batman. Always a treat to see the Trinity/fragments of the Trinity, working together.

This is where the “Bat” and “Cat” dialogue becomes painful to me. I don’t know why it irks me, but it just does 😅 it comes across really tacky to me and I’ve never cared for it. Stories themselves are fine, and somewhat side quests, all leading up to the wedding issues in the next volume.

[Mohamed Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the Best Batman Books there is.
i love What Tom King is Doing with the Bat/Cat.
Annual 2 is one of the best Issues You Could Read and it will Sure Bring you to Tears.
The Art Was Superb with Mikel Janin, Clay mann, Joelle Jones and Lee weeks.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book read in 2019!

Pretty much fantastic. The art was varied but never bad, with favorites of mine like Joelle Jones and Clay Mann, colors by Jordie Bellaire and June Chung. Among others. Joelle Jones specifically came in whenever the wedding storyline was in full swing. It gave a good continuity to the whole book.

On to the stories. I haven't read the preceding two books, but it generally didn't matter.

The first story involved Bat and Cat sparring verbally and literally with Talia Al Ghul, Batman's ex. That was fun, I especially liked Catwoman and Talia's conversation. But I wasn't buying the BatCat relationship and banter just yet.
After that was a fun oneshot showing a flashback to early Catwoman messing with Batman, and they get to know each other more... culminating in a great kiss. It then changes up to a flash forward, to old Bruce and Selina, ending with Bruce dying of cancer? The art was great, by one of my all time faves Michael Lark. But it didn't make much sense, I'm not sure what its supposed to mean. Presumably it will mean something later.
Next was the storyline that I rented this book specifically to read. Clark, Bruce, Lois and Selina go on a double date. This story had the Clay Mann art, and he is so good with the chiseled men. There was plenty of character work, and humor. I overall loved it. My one caveat was a really bad sequence of cross cut conversations between the four of them, with a double page of talking heads. It was like the worst Bendis page times ten. It was especially frustrating because I could tell that the words being said were good, but figuring out their flow was so difficult that they lost so much impact. Oh well.
After that was a really confusing and weird oneshot about a rich boy who killed his parents, and other people, and tried to blame it on various supervillains? It was honestly so confusing. I thought it was Hush at first, its very reminiscent of his backstory, but it wasn't. Again, presumably this character will come back later, but dropped in the middle here it just made no sense.
Next was a very cool two parter with Batman and Wonder Woman being trapped for decades (but only hours in normal time) fighting a neverending horde. It was really badass. BUT if you actually think about it too much, its kinda weird that afterwards everything just continues as normal, that Batman just picks up exactly where he left off. But whatever. I'm willing to write that off as "comics, you know?".
Then there was possibly the best story in the book. Called "Everyone loves Ivy". Poison Ivy manages to mind control basically the entire world, to make everything better. Ivy dystopia. Bat and Cat are the only ones unaffected. Ivy has Superman and other league members watching them. They manage to "beat" Ivy by using her relationship with Harley Quinn to convince her that she needs help herself. It's beautiful and amazing. It did have references to a previous story I hadn't read, but it wasn't difficult to figure out. The art was gorgeous, and it had some really really funny moments as well. Just the best.
Finally, the last issue showed Catwoman breaking into a wedding dress store and picking her dress (a beautiful black and white gown) crosscut between flashbacks throughout Cat and Bat's history. Good stuff, good stuff.

Overall this book was amazing. It took me a little while to get into it, I was frankly pretty unimpressed a few issues in. But by the end I loved it. I think I will go back to the beginning of Batman: Rebirth and see if I like the earlier stuff as well. I had high hopes because I'd heard good things and I really really liked writer Tom King's "Vision" series for Marvel, it was one of the best books I read last year.

[James De Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman Rebirth Book 3

Pretty entertaining book. I actually enjoyed this a lot. I think it’s the best volume so far. The arcs here include:
- The rules of engagement - Bat and Cat go to Talia’s territory to retrieve Selina’s friend, Holly, who’s hiding? there. A few battles ensure and Talia and Selina end un fighting each other. Somehow, Selina gets the upper hand against Talia….but it sort of seemed like a battle to ‘get Talia’s approval’. One thing i don’t like about this run is that Batman takes a beating and gets stabbed, shot a few times, and continues as if nothing has happened. He gets stabbed here…I’m sure tomorrow there won’t be any consequences of that. It’s comics, but the universe established has some limitations for Batman in place.
Btw, Talia is a master assassin and she couldn't even beat Catwoman? Seriously, King?

- Some of these days - another Bat and Cat story…it’s okay.

- Superfriends part 1 - the one with Batman is pretty cool and is the one that get the most praise from everyone, and with good reason. It’s just pretty fun and filled with callbacks from older comics. The story works sort of as an introduction of Selina to Clark and Lois, and they connect pretty well. It’s a pretty good short arc.

- The origin of Bruce Wayne - a rich kid that wants to have Bruce’s life…literally, he goes to extremes to make it happen. I sort of saw the ending coming and hoped that this kid could be someone he would mentor, but clearly not the case. Cool story, though.

-Superfriends 2 - the story shifts to Wonder Woman. The Gentle Man requests Bruce’s and Diana’s help to fight the monster in another reality. They agree, but time moves much faster there, so they end up spending decades in that reality, while the Gentle Man spends a few hours in the main DC reality. The interactions acre cool, though Diana is a bit out of character. This one doesn’t get as much praise as Superfriends 1, but i liked it. I wish there was more of the Gentle Man at some point.

- Everyone loves Ivy - this one is also praised, but it didn’t do much for me. Ivy takes control of the humans in th world, call billions of them, except for Bruce and Selina (thanks to Bruce’s quick thinking). I did not know Ivy could that…..like, Where’s the Green? Anyway, Bruce and Selina try to save her from the funk she’s in with the help of Harley Q. it seems that Ivy feels pretty bad and needs some mental health help…she feels bad for killing a few people. WAIT WHAT? …. I guess it’s time for HEROES IN CRISI! Also, Catwoman defeats the Flashes here....c'mon, Tom...

- Annual #2 is yet another Bat /Cat story. This one centers around Selina sneaking out in the middle of the night to rob a place and find the purrrfect dress.

The art is good, though some characters are word looking at times. The story is good for most arcs. Even the Ivy one works, if I think of it as being a bit out of character…I read this after I had read Heroes in Crisis…so i guess I can see now why Ivy is in the Sanctuary,…even if it doesn’t make sense to me.

Volume is largely carried by Superfriends and the story of Bruce Wayne. Overall, 7/10.
and art is 8/10.


Joele Jones does most of the art, and while I like it overall, some of the characters look…too skinny?

[Alek Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly just a collection of Batman and Catwoman stories; that let you marinate in their relationship for awhile before the big wedding.

The first 3 issues "Rules of Engagement" have the Bat and the Cat (a nickname I'm forcing myself to accept) head to a middle eastern nation that the UN has declared off limits to supers. There they encounter Talia Algual, have some sword play, and then ask Selina's fugitive friend to confess to the murders everyone originally thought Catwoman did. A bit of a weak premise just to get Batman's Ex to cat-fight his fiancee, but what really made this story worth it was Dick and Damien's reaction to the engagement. The insight into why Batman hasn't announced his engagement to anybody; made me appreciate how Tom King is making Batman more human.

The Annual issue "Date Nite/Last Rites" was a nice romantic beginning and end story where we get to see Bruce and Selina as a married old couple. I liked the story just not where it was placed in the book. Kinda felt to soon.

"Double Date" was the highlight of this book really. Finally getting to see DC's power couples interact was enjoyable. Selina and Lois are the more charismatic characters in this story; with Bruce and Clark being the socially awkward men they actually are. It was kind of annoying though with all their "implied meaning" sentences, where they would never really finish a sentence coherently. Like I get the situation is awkward and the characters aren't big on sharing, but as a reader it got annoying.

"The Origin of Bruce Wayne" issue was a story I really liked for its portrayal of Batman's detective skills. The deduction process was visible to the reader and I liked that.

The issues with Wonder Woman and the Gentleman were not my favorite to be honest. I mean I liked that King acknowledge the fact that Bruce and Diana have a romantic thing between them, but to do it by tempting them with an affair was not cool.

The last issues with "Everyone Loves Ivy" were a hit and a miss in my opinion. It starts off with Ivy pulling a Unity from "Rick and Morty" were Batman and Catwoman are the only single minded people left on Earth. There's even a shockingly gory scene that happens. But then King reveals the motivation for Ivy to try and "save the world" like this. Apparently she's attempting to make amends for the 5 mobsters she killed back in The War of Jokes and Riddles. I just found it hard to believe that an A-list supervillain like Poison Ivy is remorseful for killing five bad guys. I mean The War happened like 5+ years ago in this continuity, and she's just now feeling bad about it? She hasn't killed anyone else in her career as a villain? I know DC is trying to turn Ivy and Harley into good guys/antiheroes but to do it so their villainous origin is almost erased is sad.

"Bride or Burglar" is a Catwoman issue that looked back at the Bat and Cat relationship. It was really nice to see the dynamic costume changes of DC, but it's dialog was a bit of a mess. But I gotta say Selina's dress is amazing!

[Matthew D'Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dreamy romantic Batman love story with Catwoman!

Tom King’s comic book Batman: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 3 (2018) delivers on realistic drama for Batman and Catwoman’s blooming romance story. Tom King’s writing is very engaging with his action packed Batman tales like the Talia al Ghul duel or Wonder Woman warring on demons arcs. King is a great writer because he relates every single arc back to developing Batman and Catwoman’s precarious and precious romance drama. Batman proposing to Cat leads to nice interactions with the Robins, Alfred, and even Superman. I loved the fun double date with Batman and Catwoman meeting Superman and Lois Lane.

The finale simply being Catwoman trying on wedding dresses is quite beautiful and meaningful. I think Tom King will be remembered for perfecting Batman and Catwoman’s relationship in comic books, which is no small accomplishment. Catwoman sword duelling Talia al Ghul is remarkable as is all of her cat burglary. Selina Kyle comes across as intelligent, witty, empathetic, and funny as both foil and love interest for the ever serious and dour Bruce Wayne and Batman.

I adored the Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn story as we finally get to see what Ivy can really do against Batman. There are many cute or killer arcs here from the creative mind of Tom King. He finds the heart of Bruce Wayne in Batman’s insecurities and fears. In centering these comic chapters around Catwoman, each issue feels important. I really enjoyed how deep and lighthearted this trade book feels with a plethora of imaginative comic book issues collected herein for your reading pleasure.

Joelle Jones, Mikel Janin, and Clay Mann’s illustrations are really gorgeous with their lovely new designs for the ladies Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman, Talia al Ghul, and Lois Lane. Feminine looks with captivating costumes and resplendent pops of color. I think Catwoman’s black and white lace wedding dress may be the greatest Catwoman image ever drawn. Batman, Nightwing, Superman, and more heroes appear as strong and cool as ever. All the sleek inkings and lush colors are something else and work well for Jones and Janin’s art style.

Overall, Book 3 may be the best Batman comic from Tom King and company yet!

[Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant volume from Tom King, which puts a strong focus on the Batman/Catwoman romance.

The volume opens with Rules of Engagement, where Batman and Catwoman travel to confront Talia al Ghul and retrieve Holly Robinson in an effort to clear Selina’s name. One of Tom King's greatest strengths is character interaction, and the dynamic between Catwoman and Talia—Batman's ex—is a standout.

Next is the Batman Annual, a beautifully told story that traces Batman and Catwoman's relationship across time, from their early encounters to a touching future where they’re old and married. It's heartwarming and shows that they are destined to be together.

The highlight of the volume is the Superfriends arc. This two-issue story explores the mutual respect and friendship between Batman and Superman. The first issue focuses on conversations between Bruce and Selina, and Clark and Lois, about how they view each other. The second is a fun and charming double-date issue. This is the best exploration of the Batman/Superman friendship that I've ever read.

There’s a single-issue story about a disturbed kid obsessed with Bruce Wayne and who wants to be just like him. This is followed by another two-issue Superfriends arc, this time highlighting Batman’s friendship with Wonder Woman. I had mixed feelings about this one—it features Batman and Wonder Woman trapped in another dimension, endlessly fighting demons for 37 years due to time moving differently there. This mean that Batman has been fighting demons non-stop for the majority of his life. It seemed a bit over the top.

Next comes a three-issue arc where Poison Ivy is struggling with PTSD after The War of Jokes and Riddles, and as a consequence she takes control of the entire world to try and fix it. It’s a good story, and seemingly serves as an allegory for trauma and the guilt that can come from taking lives during wartime.

Finally, the volume closes with a one-shot in which Catwoman steals her wedding dress while reflecting on her history with Batman.

Overall, despite a few misgivings, this is another excellent volume from one of the best modern-day Batman runs.

[Matt Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to be a great example of what is possible when you take bold swings and have a clear vision of how to execute them. Now that Bruce Wayne's proposal to Selina Kyle is in the rearview and we're pushing towards this upcoming wedding that is going to act as the midpoint of Tom King's 100 issue run with Batman. That means tying off loose ends, doing things that I've never seen done in a comic.

More than anything, I think that's the legacy of this series. Because King is making firm and solid decisions about the character (Bruce proposed to Selina. She said yes. They are marching forward) it means we can get things like the storyline where Bruce definitively makes it clear to Talia where he stands with her. It means we get the indescribably fantastic two-issue arc where Bruce and Selina go on a double date with Clark and Lois. It means the lovely two part story where Batman and Wonder Woman protect the world for decades.

It's strange how refreshing this is. So much of the time comics feel like they're in this hermetically sealed vacuum where nothing can happen, everything has to stay relatively static for new readers or cross-universe continuity... but this isn't that. This feels like the sort of comics run I can just hand to anyone who's not read it and say "here. This is great Batman comics" and have it stand up to the great runs I always talk about (usually Brian K. Vaughan but there are certainly others). This is unusual but all the more welcome because of its rarity.

This shouldn't be hard to do, nor should it seem as revolutionary as it is. That is, perhaps, the most damning thing to me about modern comics. But every so often a writer will come along as good as Tom King and magic happens.

We are so lucky to have him.

4.5 stars (rounded up)

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5

I had originally read Tom King's run in single issues when rebirth kicked off but this style was a little too much for me at the time. Now that Tom King is off the Batman series I've decided to pick up where I left off and read the entire series. I know the die hard fans weren't big fans of the Tom King run but I've continued to find the stories he touches are very strong. This deluxe edition is incredible and I will recommend this to be your go to source if you're in the market for the Tom King storyline. I found the earlier books a little sluggish but King was clearly in his element with this volume.

Why the 5?

I really enjoyed this volume and found Tom King's writing to right on the money. There's a tiny arc here where Bruce shows interest a little boy who has had a similar Crime Alley origin but that is soon twisted into something much more sinister. I honestly felt Batman was beneath Tom King and if he was to inject himself into the Gotham world, it would've been better suited with an Elseworld or Black Label mini-series. King has themes that were more adult focused storylines and when he dials them up to 11 it's something original and amazing. I hope he has a chance to write detective comics at some point as he clearly knows how to create intelligent story beats. It's funny that this is a Batman book and one of the most interesting arcs was Bruce, Selina, Clarke and Lois going on a double date. I understand people weren't giant fans of the run but I've been enjoying the series and I hope that the newly announced Batman and Catwoman Black Label series can conclude the overall arc he wanted to tell.

[Joshua T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good Batman (and kind of Wonder Woman and Superman) book.
It had it's funny parts. It had its serious parts, it had its fair share of action sequences.

First, I'll start with the War of Jokes and Riddles. I liked that story. It plotted some of my favorite Batman villains against each other - Joker vs Riddler, Deathstroke vs Deadshot, and more. It was definitely a good read.

Now, for the Superman story (Superfriends part 1). This story was fuuunnnnnyyyy! Batman switches costumes with Superman, and Catwoman switches costumes with Lois. Pure gold! But this story just makes the wedding in book 4 even sadder. Still, this shows that no matter what Batman says, Superman is his best friend, and if they weren't, Jon and Damian would do something about it.
They should get a book series together! Instead of Super Sons (Damian and Jon), it would be Super Dads.

And now for Wonder Woman's story (Superfriends part 2). I liked it, but it was a little weird. I liked that Batman and Wonder Woman got a team up story, and they were pretty cool fighting those monsters. And...that guy (I can't remember his name) was kind of selfish leaving them there like that. Sure they agreed, but he didn't tell them that time was different there. Another thing, it was kind of weird seeing Batman and Wonder Woman get mushy. Anyway, I loved seeing Batman work with The Trinity on separate missions away from the league. It makes me want to read DC Comics' Trinity.

Overall, this was a good book, and I would read it again.

[Affan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many exceptional stories here. Damien coming to terms with his father’s happiness. Catwoman finally cleaning her name, and an iconic Talia Al ghul (icon) appearance. A tear jerker peek into Batman‘s future that doesn’t end in tragedy. A touching in hysterical partnership between Batman and Superman. Best of friends. A horrific, smaller villain, the exact opposite of Gotham from volume one. An evil, Bruce Wayne. The gentle man’s respite from his eternal vigil through 37 years of selfless fighting from one of women and Batman. I can’t lie, the dynamic between catwoman and Batman is so so romantic. The Cat and Bat have become so endearing and precious in my heart… I will be crushed. CRUSHED. If it’s taken away. Somehow this tops the earlier issues, this was nigh perfect. I wonder how this lovely, grab bag of stories that any Batman fan would absolutely adore. Exciting, diverse and so, so satisfying. Some criticisms, making Batman even a little bit of a cheater is a little messy, though I get that it was realistic. But this is prob my favorite in the Tom king run!

“No, please, do not thank me, Catwoman. Not now. Not while I am leaving her. Not while I am showing, what a fool I am… That the only thing, I truly, stupidly, know… Is that I am the gentle man!, And the horde is everlasting!”

[Arun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best looking deluxe edition so far in this line. The art is very good, the whole different artist for each issues gig works here beautifully and King's writing brings it all together nicely. One might think that a bat love story will be cringe but you cannot be further from the truth in that aspect, again King's writing comes into its own (he definitely showed the critics from the first book what he is capable of). The human that is Bruce Wayne is portrayed in this run better than in any other (all of us wanted to read about the bat but eventually someone had to write about the guy under the costume and this is it). The chapter titled superfriends is probably the funniest batman issue ever, and in a good way (a "comic relief"). King does like to thrown in these awkwardly funny bits here and there and it works. Overall I dig this rebirth line, definitely a worthy successor to Snyder's run in the new 52.

Deluxe edition 4 is said to be the worst quality book DC has churned out in a while, so quality wise not looking forward to that!

[Rumi Bossche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished the third hc of Tom Kings Batman, its weird because i already know what will happen next because of all the buzz about the supposed wedding between the bat and the cat. Still this was highly enjoyable ! I love Batman because of his dark and broody stuff, but this one was a standout because it was nothing like that at all ! It was a super fun read (no pun intended) it was cool and really funny to see him chill with Superman and Lois Lane, just doing normal stuff. The issue with Wonder Woman was dope aswell ! They were stuck for an eternity fighting a neverending enemy. And of course the banter between Batman and Catwoman, great and well thought off dialogue, this combined with great artwork from Clay Mann and Mikel Janin and great colorists aswell, Elizabeth Breitweiser ! Always love her coloring, makes this a another great volume of the bat.

🦇🦇🦇🦇 stars/bats

[Faith Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I will wait. And all... Wait. With you. Thank you, Richard. For coming when others would not. And... For this. You and me, kiddo. From the beginning ... And all the way to the end."


"Father is happy. No, kiddo. He's not. Look, Bruce is a lot of things. World's greatest detective, the caped crusader, The dark Knight. All of it. But what he's not is selfish. He gives whatever he has. You fought with him. You know. Whatever happens, he bleeds first. But being happy... That's not bleeding. That's not giving. That's asking for something. And it's not easy for Batman to ask."


"Father. Damian..... Are you happy? I... I'm getting there."


"You saw me. I see you. Great. Glad you get it. You and me. The two orphans lost. Who see the weak in one another."


"Bat? Yes, cat. You forgot the light. Yeah. I'll get it in a second. Just give me a second."

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

RE: the first half and annual: I read most of this in December ('17) when the issues were still new but only read 37 and annual 2 now. 36 & 37 and Annual 2 (esp. Annual 2) are the best books I've read in a long time. maybe it's just that it's a story I want with characters I care about, but the tone is great, the art is great, the writing is spot on, and it's just fun! The Wonder Woman interlude was compelling, but I wanted more to the story for two full issues. The Ivy story was less interesting to me, should have been 2 instead of three issues. I liked #44 fairly well two, the retrospective was well executed.

[Henry Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are my favourite trades of Tom King’s run so far. You know I enjoyed the War of Jokes and riddles but still didn’t love the overall consequences that trade brings to Batman’s character but these last two trades (in this collection) have been really amazing. I remember people saying the Wedding part of King’s run is something to hang out for and I have to agree it’s really really good.

The superfriends issues with Superman and Lois were some of my favourite single Batman issues ever written.

Butttttt even still, Tom king has the tendency to write really cheesy dialogue at times that I almost can’t forgive. Still, this TK run is worth reading because of these trades now.

[Edan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute change from the first couple volumes. The Annual was sad but I loved seeing Cat and Talia fight I did however find it a bit unrealistic that Talia lost. The double date episode was amazing and I loved that he did the same parallel with Superman that he did with Bane, the switching of the costumes and then having to admit that Superman’s his best friend was great especially after having to struggle with the new Superman. Ivy pulling a unity was so funny and I loved that they got Harley to bring her back. Wonder Woman and Batman’s relationship was so adorable and I’m glad even after 31 years he never betrayed Cat.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom King continues to provide an intriguing if not always engaging story that builds on pieces from the previous volume in subtle ways. This volume focuses largely on Batman's relationship to Catwoman in the build up to their "marriage" in the next collection. The narrative focus shifts with each arc while being supported with impressive artwork from Joelle Jones and Mikel Janin. I do not always appreciate the slow burn style of King's plotting with this series however. Hopefully the next volume picks things up a notch.

[Andreas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Superfriends story with Wonder Woman was the definitve highlight of this book, and the Superman & Lois story was also fun. Mostly good stories, but it’s a bit hit and miss. Tve Poison Ivy story was a bit over the top, but it was resolved fairly quickly (and well), but I’m not really digging Mikel Janin’s art that much. Looks too much like painted-over 3D-models at times, I don’t know… Otherwise, there are some weird lines at time, but the relationship between Bat and Cat is developing well. Looking forward to reading more.

[Will Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought, King seems to be really focusing on the Bat/Cat hanging out with other folks, but then I realized this book is a wonderfully written story about telling your friends, family, and ex you are engaged. They just happen to be a superhero and former supervillain.

The art is so gorgeous in this and King really nails every character and adds a ton of humor in it that never feels over the top.

[Ian Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favourite volume of the Tom King run, whilst it's not the most exciting and action packed after the last two volumes there is a heart and charm to this one.

A funny and touching Batman/Superman crossover which I loved getting to really delve into their unique friendship and how each sees the other with such reverence.

Artwork is superb as always and again emphasises the emotion of most of the stories in this run but also enhances the humorous aspects of the story too.

[Christopher Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this volume as it steers away from the Bat stories you’re used to and heads into all new territory. The Bat and the Cat are a great pairing and while they navigate this new step in their relationship, it’s incredibly enjoyable to watch Clark, Lois and Wonder Woman all react to their friend’s newfound happiness. A fun collection of one offs and two issue arcs that feel like fresh takes on an old classic.