What do you think?
Rate this book
Batman: Urban Legends (2021)
Batman: Urban Legends (2021-) Vol. 4
FEAR THE FUTURE, FIND ALLIES IN THE PRESENT! The fourth volume of Batman: Urban Legends is full of serialized stories from the best talents working in comics today. Ram V and Anandrk unravel the mystery of the Wight Witch. Mohale Mashigo and Arist Deyn bring Eternity to Gotham. Che Grayson and Serg Acuña create a brand-new Birds of Prey for a new era. All of that in addition to Batman teaming up with Aquaman, Plastic Man, the Flash, the Question, Black Adam, and…Alfred Pennyworth?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2023
44 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Tim Seeley
1,648 books609 followersTim Seeley is a comic book artist and writer known for his work on books such as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, The Dark Elf Trilogy, Batman Eternal and Grayson. He is also the co-creator of the Image Comics titles Hack/Slash[1] and Revival, as well as the Dark Horse titles, ExSanguine and Sundowners. He lives in Chicago.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 26, 2023
An anthology with 17 stories. Had to rely on the changes in art styles to know when a chapter ended and another began.
“Dark Tomorrow” ft. Cassandra Cain - super short. The art didn’t really fit Gotham. 2.4/5⭐️
“The Executive Game” ft. Damian Wayne’s Batman - yeah this was confusing. Just bad. Only redeeming thing was a cat named Alfred. 1.1/5⭐️
“The Batman with No Name” - actually, kinda interesting. Really like the generous use of blue. Interesting how he? It? Is programmed with all the Bat-family’s skills. 4.3/5⭐️
“Death Wish” ft Lady Shiva - didn’t like the art. Didn’t like the character depiction of such an awesome character to be so… suicidal? 0.6/5⭐️
“Memory Lane” ft Birds of Prey with Lady Shiva, Katana, Ghost, and Miracle Molly - unsure if this 3 part story was fully enclosed here because it felt like only 2 parts were presented. Interesting premise but disappointing execution. Fun colors though. Would have liked it to be longer and more developed. 2.3/5⭐️
“Little Pyg. Little Pyg.” - I hate that this exists. Hate the color. Hate the villain. Hate the art. Made me feel sick reading three panels. 0.0/5⭐️
“Down the Rabbit Hole” ft Tweedledee and Tweedledum. 😭. This was just sad. And pretty much a commentary of the U.S. broken healthcare system and healthcare worker shortage. He tried doing everything right to save his brother. Sadly, everyone in this horrid city are just too burned out and/or apathetic. Kinda including Batman whose solution was to lock one of the brothers up so the other could be treated. Really messed up considering how Tweedledum was really trying to be on the straight and narrow, but the system, which includes Batman’s “justice”, only continued to punish him and push him towards crime as his only solution. The justice for criminals were only punishment for life, not rehab. 4.3/5⭐️
“Wight Witch jn Stigma” - disliked the hazy art style. Didn’t even try to read. 0/5⭐️
“Eternity in Gotham” ft Christopher Freemen - fantastic short story about a minor character who could totally star in his own story outside the Batman universe. Only complain is how hard and harsh the lines were, and the faces proportions didn’t always feel right. 4.3/5⭐️
“Cold Shoulders” ft. Batman and the Flash - nice art. Average story. 3.4/5⭐️
“The Sea Beyond” ft. Batman, Aquaman, AND Mera - basically “The Terror Beyond” episode in the 2001 animated Justice League, with a nicer ending. 3/5⭐️
“Statecraft” ft Batman and Black Adam - rather than helping Black Adam become a better leader for his people, Batman decides to fight him instead. I do like that Batman trusts his family of protégés to stop him if he ever turned evil. 2.5/5⭐️
“Right Answer Wrong Question” ft Batman and Question - wish it felt more like a detective story rather than more fist fights. 2.1/5⭐️
“Bending the Rules” ft Batman and Plastic Man - another example of how other heroes are more willing to give others a second chance and help them exit crime instead of just punching as an outlet for his trauma cough cough. Meh art. 1.6/5⭐️
“Some Things Remain” ft. Alfred Pennyworth - love how protective Bruce was of Alfred. And yes, he absolutely would and should sacrifice one night of patrol to take care of his adoptive father (plus he can trust his large family of crime fighters to protect Gotham for one night). 3.8/5⭐️
“Blood In and Blood Out” ft. Batman and Etrigan and Randhir Singh - I love the premise of returning stolen artifacts back to the museums of the countries where they are from, cough cough developed countries cough cough. The rest was a pretty typical Batman and Etrigan team up story. 3.2/5⭐️
“On His Worst Nights” ft. Riddler - I despise this wonky art style. Faces should not look like that. Wtf was with that giant butt jaw and Catwoman’s eyes?! 0.2/5⭐️
Overall, a mixed bag. Some really good stories, some experimental art that did not work, and some disappointing characterizations of Batman and a mixed message about justice. 3.2/5⭐️
“Dark Tomorrow” ft. Cassandra Cain - super short. The art didn’t really fit Gotham. 2.4/5⭐️
“The Executive Game” ft. Damian Wayne’s Batman - yeah this was confusing. Just bad. Only redeeming thing was a cat named Alfred. 1.1/5⭐️
“The Batman with No Name” - actually, kinda interesting. Really like the generous use of blue. Interesting how he? It? Is programmed with all the Bat-family’s skills. 4.3/5⭐️
“Death Wish” ft Lady Shiva - didn’t like the art. Didn’t like the character depiction of such an awesome character to be so… suicidal? 0.6/5⭐️
“Memory Lane” ft Birds of Prey with Lady Shiva, Katana, Ghost, and Miracle Molly - unsure if this 3 part story was fully enclosed here because it felt like only 2 parts were presented. Interesting premise but disappointing execution. Fun colors though. Would have liked it to be longer and more developed. 2.3/5⭐️
“Little Pyg. Little Pyg.” - I hate that this exists. Hate the color. Hate the villain. Hate the art. Made me feel sick reading three panels. 0.0/5⭐️
“Down the Rabbit Hole” ft Tweedledee and Tweedledum. 😭. This was just sad. And pretty much a commentary of the U.S. broken healthcare system and healthcare worker shortage. He tried doing everything right to save his brother. Sadly, everyone in this horrid city are just too burned out and/or apathetic. Kinda including Batman whose solution was to lock one of the brothers up so the other could be treated. Really messed up considering how Tweedledum was really trying to be on the straight and narrow, but the system, which includes Batman’s “justice”, only continued to punish him and push him towards crime as his only solution. The justice for criminals were only punishment for life, not rehab. 4.3/5⭐️
“Wight Witch jn Stigma” - disliked the hazy art style. Didn’t even try to read. 0/5⭐️
“Eternity in Gotham” ft Christopher Freemen - fantastic short story about a minor character who could totally star in his own story outside the Batman universe. Only complain is how hard and harsh the lines were, and the faces proportions didn’t always feel right. 4.3/5⭐️
“Cold Shoulders” ft. Batman and the Flash - nice art. Average story. 3.4/5⭐️
“The Sea Beyond” ft. Batman, Aquaman, AND Mera - basically “The Terror Beyond” episode in the 2001 animated Justice League, with a nicer ending. 3/5⭐️
“Statecraft” ft Batman and Black Adam - rather than helping Black Adam become a better leader for his people, Batman decides to fight him instead. I do like that Batman trusts his family of protégés to stop him if he ever turned evil. 2.5/5⭐️
“Right Answer Wrong Question” ft Batman and Question - wish it felt more like a detective story rather than more fist fights. 2.1/5⭐️
“Bending the Rules” ft Batman and Plastic Man - another example of how other heroes are more willing to give others a second chance and help them exit crime instead of just punching as an outlet for his trauma cough cough. Meh art. 1.6/5⭐️
“Some Things Remain” ft. Alfred Pennyworth - love how protective Bruce was of Alfred. And yes, he absolutely would and should sacrifice one night of patrol to take care of his adoptive father (plus he can trust his large family of crime fighters to protect Gotham for one night). 3.8/5⭐️
“Blood In and Blood Out” ft. Batman and Etrigan and Randhir Singh - I love the premise of returning stolen artifacts back to the museums of the countries where they are from, cough cough developed countries cough cough. The rest was a pretty typical Batman and Etrigan team up story. 3.2/5⭐️
“On His Worst Nights” ft. Riddler - I despise this wonky art style. Faces should not look like that. Wtf was with that giant butt jaw and Catwoman’s eyes?! 0.2/5⭐️
Overall, a mixed bag. Some really good stories, some experimental art that did not work, and some disappointing characterizations of Batman and a mixed message about justice. 3.2/5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
It is difficult to review this book as it contains many short stories by different writers and artists. There were some stories I liked better than others but I find not find a single story I thought was bad or I hated. So it was from very good at best and ok worst. On a personal level, I would like to see Batman in more fights and maybe he could win a couple?
My favourite stories in the book were:
The team-up between Batman and the Flash, not only the interaction between these two heroes but it is also interesting how each of their villains sees them.
The Batman Vs Black Adam story was very well done for me. I also like the similarities but differences between the two.
I liked the short story between Batman and Lady Shiva, which takes place after the end of Batman and The Outsiders.
Another story I enjoyed was the Eternal story. Despite what he thinks I think Gotham is the perfect town for him. I look forward to more of his own detective stories. He might need some fighting skills though.
The book does what it is supposed to do. Moves the DC universe along, introduces new players in Gotham, catching up with other characters "outsiders" who do not have their own titles as well as sets up things to come and possible futures. The book finishes with a variant cover gallery.
My favourite stories in the book were:
The team-up between Batman and the Flash, not only the interaction between these two heroes but it is also interesting how each of their villains sees them.
The Batman Vs Black Adam story was very well done for me. I also like the similarities but differences between the two.
I liked the short story between Batman and Lady Shiva, which takes place after the end of Batman and The Outsiders.
Another story I enjoyed was the Eternal story. Despite what he thinks I think Gotham is the perfect town for him. I look forward to more of his own detective stories. He might need some fighting skills though.
The book does what it is supposed to do. Moves the DC universe along, introduces new players in Gotham, catching up with other characters "outsiders" who do not have their own titles as well as sets up things to come and possible futures. The book finishes with a variant cover gallery.
March 9, 2023
Like Volume 2, Volume 4 of Batman: Urban Legends grabs all of the shorter bits and pieces that weren't collected in the last couple of volumes and sticks them together.
There are 17 stories in total, ranging from a couple of pages to full-on multi-parters, so there's going to be something you'll like here somewhere, whether it's the Future State flashforward stories featuring Cass Cain and Damian Wayne, or some superhero team-up stuff featuring Black Adam, the Flash, and Alfred.
The centre of the book is some weirder stories, like a Kid Eternity murder mystery that I really liked, or a super-sad Tweedles story that will make sure you never look at those two throwaway characters the same ever again. I'll also single out the Etrigan story, because I love him a lot, and the writer gets his rhyme scheme down very well.
These Urban Legends collections are always a little all over the place, but I'm glad DC are collecting everything, either in these bigger books or other series trades if they're tie-ins instead. The quality is still pretty high, even if they're a little haphazard in terms of story focus.
There are 17 stories in total, ranging from a couple of pages to full-on multi-parters, so there's going to be something you'll like here somewhere, whether it's the Future State flashforward stories featuring Cass Cain and Damian Wayne, or some superhero team-up stuff featuring Black Adam, the Flash, and Alfred.
The centre of the book is some weirder stories, like a Kid Eternity murder mystery that I really liked, or a super-sad Tweedles story that will make sure you never look at those two throwaway characters the same ever again. I'll also single out the Etrigan story, because I love him a lot, and the writer gets his rhyme scheme down very well.
These Urban Legends collections are always a little all over the place, but I'm glad DC are collecting everything, either in these bigger books or other series trades if they're tie-ins instead. The quality is still pretty high, even if they're a little haphazard in terms of story focus.
March 25, 2023
one of the best Batman books i've read.
terrific Tweeledee/Twidledum story (the only time i've liked the characters) that is continued in another comic, putting the first half here was an unwelcome tease. First time i've read the Vertigo version of Kid Eternity, he's a favourite golden age character, greatly enjoyed it, not as much as his inspiration. Mera goes toe to toe w/Batman and holds her own. a good Batman/Plastic Man story, again i don't know that i've ever read a Plas story or even one w/him in it that i've liked.
There is an Alfred story that is almost the equal of "The Boy That Collected Spider-Man," an honest story about aging and it unfairness. really amazing.
There is a good Batman/Vic Sage Question story, and Flash/Batman that has some panels that looked like they were ghosted by Infantino. The Wight Witch is a character i've never seen and hope she got her own book, reminded me of the Vertigo Black Orchid. And finally Black Adam/Batman co starring in a story that showed the best of both characters.
terrific Tweeledee/Twidledum story (the only time i've liked the characters) that is continued in another comic, putting the first half here was an unwelcome tease. First time i've read the Vertigo version of Kid Eternity, he's a favourite golden age character, greatly enjoyed it, not as much as his inspiration. Mera goes toe to toe w/Batman and holds her own. a good Batman/Plastic Man story, again i don't know that i've ever read a Plas story or even one w/him in it that i've liked.
There is an Alfred story that is almost the equal of "The Boy That Collected Spider-Man," an honest story about aging and it unfairness. really amazing.
There is a good Batman/Vic Sage Question story, and Flash/Batman that has some panels that looked like they were ghosted by Infantino. The Wight Witch is a character i've never seen and hope she got her own book, reminded me of the Vertigo Black Orchid. And finally Black Adam/Batman co starring in a story that showed the best of both characters.
February 27, 2025
Batman: Urban Legends Vol. 4 collects many of the shorter story arcs from issues 7-18. Includes writing credits from Tim Seeley, Christian Ward, Ram V, Che Grayson, Ryan Cary and Joey Esposito.
Shorter story arcs that are broken into three categories: Dark tomorrows, tales from Gotham’s present, and bold Batman team-ups.
My favorites include a team-up with the Flash to battle Captain Cold and Mr. Freeze, Tweedledee trying to find help for his cousin, Batman confronting Black Adam in Khandaq, and a Gotham coroner who has the ability to talk to the dead.
The first arc being set in Future State with the Magistrate brought unsettling flashbacks. I’ll be happy to never hear about The Magistrate ever again. But thankfully it’s a very quick little story. Many of these arcs are forgettable, but nothing stood out as bad. There was just a whole lot of standard fair here. With all of the different creative teams involved, there are a lot of different art styles, but again nothing that stood out as something I don’t like. Mileage may vary, but getting 17 stories is awesome.
Shorter story arcs that are broken into three categories: Dark tomorrows, tales from Gotham’s present, and bold Batman team-ups.
My favorites include a team-up with the Flash to battle Captain Cold and Mr. Freeze, Tweedledee trying to find help for his cousin, Batman confronting Black Adam in Khandaq, and a Gotham coroner who has the ability to talk to the dead.
The first arc being set in Future State with the Magistrate brought unsettling flashbacks. I’ll be happy to never hear about The Magistrate ever again. But thankfully it’s a very quick little story. Many of these arcs are forgettable, but nothing stood out as bad. There was just a whole lot of standard fair here. With all of the different creative teams involved, there are a lot of different art styles, but again nothing that stood out as something I don’t like. Mileage may vary, but getting 17 stories is awesome.
April 24, 2023
Some of these stories are only very tangentially related to Batman but as long as they are good, who cares? There's 17 different stories in these issues as there's lots of leftovers in this anthology volume. The worst story in here is probably the new Birds of Prey story which isn't even really a teamup of these disparate characters, none of who was ever a Bird of Prey in the past. If they bring that title back I still want Barbara Gordon and Black Canary involved instead.
The really nice but maybe unwarranted story was a new Eternity story. It was a one shot for the little National Comics thing DC did in 2012 but a solid premise. A coroner is able to talk to the dead for 24 hours and help solve their murders. In this story, he has moved to Gotham.
The book finishes with a bunch of fun Brave and the Bold style teamups. I really dug those. This was my favorite volume of this title yet.
The really nice but maybe unwarranted story was a new Eternity story. It was a one shot for the little National Comics thing DC did in 2012 but a solid premise. A coroner is able to talk to the dead for 24 hours and help solve their murders. In this story, he has moved to Gotham.
The book finishes with a bunch of fun Brave and the Bold style teamups. I really dug those. This was my favorite volume of this title yet.
February 3, 2025
This book is a hard book to rate because it has.....17 separate stories in it! This reminds me of volume 2 of Urban Legends but 17 is beyond extreme to me as it should have been renamed "Short Stories in the Batverse". The stories range from wildy entertaining to just a romp in Batman's universe. As the cover implies, there are a bunch of team-ups and stories that include a wide range of characters. The book is good, but it falls short of great in my assessment. The art differs greatly from story to story, but I find that to be for the most part what makes this book special. There is always something special to me about the Flash and Batman teaming up. Add the Rogues and it makes it even more entertaining. Batman teaming with Aquaman and Black Adam also make this book pretty unique. I think this book has a little something for each and every Batman fan.
October 26, 2025
17 individual stories that are essentially a collection of one-shot fanfacition. Let's just say that I was not a fan of this Batman Urban Legends Volume. The JLA team ups where honestly the best part as it brought back nostalgia from "Batman Brave & The Bold" animated series. The rest were all rather mediocre with the Lady Shivia, Morgue arc, & Alfred's solo mission being the only discernable exceptions. I understand that one shots can be a creative way to shake up the dichotomy of a continuous multi series arc but the substance and quality was significantly lacking in this volume despite the beautiful illustrations.
I hope Batman Urban Legends Volume 5 is a better arc to redeem this series. 3.5/10 ⭐️, I was disappointed by the lack of substance but enjoyed the Batman & JLA team ups.
I hope Batman Urban Legends Volume 5 is a better arc to redeem this series. 3.5/10 ⭐️, I was disappointed by the lack of substance but enjoyed the Batman & JLA team ups.
January 22, 2023
Something you don't see a lot of in DC. Anthologies...
There's series, miniseries, and one-shots. Rarely do we get a DC collection of shorter stories. I wonder if this will change with the frequency of lead writers switching in and out of titles. Can you think of a better way to go back to an idea for a character you used to be writing, but moved away from?
Bonus: A 'Signal' story? When you can't squeeze his story into ANY other book...tada!
Bonus Bonus: These Pennyworth stories are great little Alfred moments.
There's series, miniseries, and one-shots. Rarely do we get a DC collection of shorter stories. I wonder if this will change with the frequency of lead writers switching in and out of titles. Can you think of a better way to go back to an idea for a character you used to be writing, but moved away from?
Bonus: A 'Signal' story? When you can't squeeze his story into ANY other book...tada!
Bonus Bonus: These Pennyworth stories are great little Alfred moments.
April 26, 2023
There were only a couple stories I found interesting. The one regarding Tweddledee & Tweedledum and the guy who could talk to the dead for 24 hours. A few others passable and the rest I didn’t care for.
February 28, 2023
Fun if your a Batman fan. Like all short stories some are better than others. Feels sort of like Webtoons in a good way.
June 14, 2023
Couple of okay stories, but some of the artwork I wasn't fussed on.
June 25, 2023
tiny hands in the dark, black Adam story, anarky story and murder club are peak fiction!
December 19, 2023
(Reread issues)
February 13, 2024
Anthology of varying quality. But named creators tied with what could be tryouts.
February 16, 2024
These probably would have been better if they were interspersed as breaks in other issues because a ton of unrelated very short stories just wasn't fun for me
March 7, 2024
OMG ARTSYLE FOR THE TIME DRAKE ONE, I AM IN LOVE
May 20, 2024
3.5 Stars
May 24, 2024
A good collection of Batman and Batman-adjacent short stories. There isn't anything too compelling included here, but it was an enjoyable read overall.
August 30, 2024
4.5 Stars
May 19, 2025
Cassandra Cain: Hunter...or Hunted, ☆☆☆☆☆
Batman 666: The Executive Game, ☆☆☆
Batman One Million: The Batman With No Name, ☆☆☆☆
Lady Shiva: Death Wish, ☆☆☆
Birds of Prey: Memory Lane, ☆☆☆
Batman: Little Pyg, ☆☆☆
Tweedledee & Tweedledum: Down the Rabbit Hole, ☆☆
Wight Witch: Stigma, ☆☆☆
Eternity: Eternity in Gotham, ☆☆☆
The Flash: Cold Shoulders, ☆☆☆☆
Aquaman: The Sea Beyond, ☆☆☆
Black Adam: Statecraft, ☆☆☆
The Question: Right Answers, Wrong Question, ☆☆☆☆☆
Plastic Man: Bending the Rules, ☆☆☆
Alfred Pennyworth: Some Things Remain, ☆☆☆
Etrigan: Blood In & Blood Out, ☆☆
Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman: On His Worst Nights, ☆☆☆
Batman 666: The Executive Game, ☆☆☆
Batman One Million: The Batman With No Name, ☆☆☆☆
Lady Shiva: Death Wish, ☆☆☆
Birds of Prey: Memory Lane, ☆☆☆
Batman: Little Pyg, ☆☆☆
Tweedledee & Tweedledum: Down the Rabbit Hole, ☆☆
Wight Witch: Stigma, ☆☆☆
Eternity: Eternity in Gotham, ☆☆☆
The Flash: Cold Shoulders, ☆☆☆☆
Aquaman: The Sea Beyond, ☆☆☆
Black Adam: Statecraft, ☆☆☆
The Question: Right Answers, Wrong Question, ☆☆☆☆☆
Plastic Man: Bending the Rules, ☆☆☆
Alfred Pennyworth: Some Things Remain, ☆☆☆
Etrigan: Blood In & Blood Out, ☆☆
Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman: On His Worst Nights, ☆☆☆
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews