Batman #135 is published by DC Comics and written by Chip Zdarsky. The over-sized issue features pencils by Mike Hawthorne, Jorge Jiménez and Mikel Janin. Inks are by Adriano Di Benedetto, Jimenez and Janin. Colours are by Tomeu Morey & Romulo Fajardo Jr. Letters are by Clayton Cowles. Cover art (left) is by Jorge Jiménez.
Batman #135 is available now, in print and on digital, where all good comic books are sold.
Synopsis
It’s Batman versus Red Mask in a brutal Gotham that’s never known hope! Can the Dark Knight overcome the terrifying infection that Red Mask has unleashed? Only one thing is certain: he won’t be able to do it alone. The conclusion to the bestselling “The Bat-Man of Gotham” is so big it could only be contained in an oversize #900 anniversary issue featuring the return of fan-favorite artist Jorge Jiménez and a wild collection of guest stars! Full of wild revelations and a new path for Batman, this is one issue you won’t want to miss!
Review
Finally, the big (final?) battle against Red Mask has arrived in Batman #135. The issue which also doubles up as the 900th edition of Batman in legacy numbering terms. So DC is here with an over-sized issue which brings back the legendary Jorge Jiménez to help bring events to a dramatic almost-conclusion.
Batman #135 is a wonderful celebration of the Dark Knight. Without ever forgetting its place in the ongoing storyline, Zdarsky is able to touch every corner of Batman’s legacy. Over the past few months I’ve praised the Batman book for striking deep in to the heart of what makes Bruce fight for his city. This month Zdarsky doubles down on that by pushing Bruce to his very limits.
So often the Bat-books focus on the typical rogues gallery or some Earth-shattering threat which is very focussed on Gotham. But whilst Gotham is the focus here, the fact we’re still on another Earth feels like a great way to raise the stakes. After the reveal that Red Mask is this Earth’s version of Joker the hits just keep on coming. With his multiverses plan revealed, Zdarsky raises the stakes even higher as the battered-and-bruised Bruce goes on a trip across multiple Earths.
Here’s where things get really interesting. A landmark issue such as this could simply have just turned the tide in Bruce’s favour. It would have been easy for Zdarksy and crew to create an over-sized showdown for the city between Bruce and Red Mask. Page-after-page bringing hit-after-hit as the two faced each other in battle. But that also would have been the easy option and Zdakrsky is not a a writer to take the easy way out.
In fact, Batman #135 is incredibly emotional. It puts both the reader and Bruce through the wringer. I’m interested to see how the loss of his hand continues to impact on him in the future. But before we even get to that, there’s a touching moment between Bruce and this Earth’s Alfred. Their connection traverses the multiverse but it’s heartbreaking to see both men facing up to the fact they don’t belong in the same universe. Again, Zdarsky earns his stripes by having the characters make the tough choices and not the easy ones.
The highlight of #135 is obviously Bruce’s trip through the multiverse. Here Zdarsky shifts focus and uses the time to celebrate the history of the character whilst galvanising him for the final battle ahead. Of course the cameo appearances by a number of legendary Bat-men will thrill readers. I don’t think that either Michael Keaton or Adam West has looked so good. But in true Zdarsky style these aren’t just for show. There’s wonderful meaning behind the journey which reaches far beyond simply celebrating 900 issues.
There’s a veritable Bat-family working behind the scenes on the artwork this issue. It’s great to have Jorge Jimenez back as his art is now synonymous with the character. Amazingly, all three artists slot together perfectly. Unlike other recent books there multiple artists work have sat awkwardly next to each other, Batman #135 feels seamless. All tied together perfectly by the coherent colours of Tomeu Morey and Romulo Fajardo Jr. and the lettering of Clayton Cowles.
Verdict
Quite simply, outstanding. Dzarsky doesn’t put a foot wrong in setting up an epic conclusion to the current Batman arc. With a superstar art team this is a true celebration of the Dark Knight’s 900th solo issue.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
