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Batman (2016)
Batman, Vol. 9: The Tyrant Wing
The Dark Knight waddles into a turf war with the Penguin! Still reeling from the attacks on his Bat-Family and reputation, the Caped Crusader looks to track down the mysterious operator lurking behind the scenes in Gotham City—the Penguin! But the Penguin is on Batman's side for once, and the crime boss sees dangerous things on the horizon. How can he convince the Caped Crusader he's on the level?
Collects Batman #58-60 plus Batman Secret Files #1 and Batman Annual #3
Collects Batman #58-60 plus Batman Secret Files #1 and Batman Annual #3
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
56 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
May 9, 2019
Penguin loses his lady love and goes a bit mental.
And then Batman goes a bit mental.
Maybe?
I'm interested in seeing where this goes, but unfortunately, there were only a few real issues in this volume and the rest were 'extras'.
The Secret Files stuff is a mixed bag. I'm not a huge fan of issues like this, but Detective Chimp is always kind of fun. I mean, who doesn't like to see a talking monkey in a Sherlock hat, right?
Apparently, my kid. <--he just told me Chimp + Hat = Stupid Story
Ok, then.
The Batman Annual #3 was sweet.
Dawwww.
You gotta like that one or you don't have a soul.
So, it's not an action-packed volume that moves the arc along, but it's still a really readable book.
And then Batman goes a bit mental.
Maybe?
I'm interested in seeing where this goes, but unfortunately, there were only a few real issues in this volume and the rest were 'extras'.
The Secret Files stuff is a mixed bag. I'm not a huge fan of issues like this, but Detective Chimp is always kind of fun. I mean, who doesn't like to see a talking monkey in a Sherlock hat, right?
Apparently, my kid. <--he just told me Chimp + Hat = Stupid Story
Ok, then.
The Batman Annual #3 was sweet.
Dawwww.
You gotta like that one or you don't have a soul.
So, it's not an action-packed volume that moves the arc along, but it's still a really readable book.
April 13, 2019
Long ago Bane broke Batman’s back; now Batman has broken Bane’s mind – or has he? After his latest stint in the Asylum, The Penguin breaks the shocking news to Batman: Bane is running all crime in Gotham from his cell in Arkham – news that sends Batman over the edge as he begins punching his way to the truth. And then there’s the other Batman lurking in the shadows…
It happens with long-running titles that you occasionally get Franken-books like this: Batman, Volume 9: The Tyrant Wing collects just three issues (#58-60) of Tom King’s main story and the rest is made up of a crappy anthology issue called Batman: Secret Files #1 and Batman Annual #3. Still, The Tyrant Wing is yet another stonkingly good Batman book in Tom King’s run of the title!
I loved the main story, seeing The Penguin being dragged into Batman and Bane’s demented 4D chess game. Not a whole lot really happens and yet it was deeply compelling to see how Bane has gotten into Batman’s head. Mikel Janin’s art is damn near flawless and Jorge Fornes’ pages looked like Year One-era David Mazzucchelli – definitely no bad thing! Oh, and that cliffhanger – I wish we’d had the next part of the story instead of the extraneous stuff that followed!
King’s short story in Secret Files #1, True Strength, is just ok, and that’s unfortunately the best of the bunch. A GCPD officer convalesces after a dose of Scarecrow’s fear gas, there’s a rubbish murder mystery about a drone, Batman’s hunting in the snow for some reason, and Batman and Detective Chimp team up in a follow-up to something that happened in the Metal tie-in, The Wild Hunt – none of it is worth reading.
Tom Taylor and Otto Schmidt’s Batman Annual #3 is pretty good though. The story is no great shakes but it’s more of a character piece on Alfred and Bruce’s relationship. If you like Alfred as much as I do it’ll give you the warm and fuzzies!
The Tyrant Wing is a really fun read – any Batman fan will get something out of it. Nine books into his Batman run and thankfully there’s no sign that Tom King’s letting up on the quality – if he keeps this up he might usurp Grant Morrison as the writer with the greatest Batman run ever!
It happens with long-running titles that you occasionally get Franken-books like this: Batman, Volume 9: The Tyrant Wing collects just three issues (#58-60) of Tom King’s main story and the rest is made up of a crappy anthology issue called Batman: Secret Files #1 and Batman Annual #3. Still, The Tyrant Wing is yet another stonkingly good Batman book in Tom King’s run of the title!
I loved the main story, seeing The Penguin being dragged into Batman and Bane’s demented 4D chess game. Not a whole lot really happens and yet it was deeply compelling to see how Bane has gotten into Batman’s head. Mikel Janin’s art is damn near flawless and Jorge Fornes’ pages looked like Year One-era David Mazzucchelli – definitely no bad thing! Oh, and that cliffhanger – I wish we’d had the next part of the story instead of the extraneous stuff that followed!
King’s short story in Secret Files #1, True Strength, is just ok, and that’s unfortunately the best of the bunch. A GCPD officer convalesces after a dose of Scarecrow’s fear gas, there’s a rubbish murder mystery about a drone, Batman’s hunting in the snow for some reason, and Batman and Detective Chimp team up in a follow-up to something that happened in the Metal tie-in, The Wild Hunt – none of it is worth reading.
Tom Taylor and Otto Schmidt’s Batman Annual #3 is pretty good though. The story is no great shakes but it’s more of a character piece on Alfred and Bruce’s relationship. If you like Alfred as much as I do it’ll give you the warm and fuzzies!
The Tyrant Wing is a really fun read – any Batman fan will get something out of it. Nine books into his Batman run and thankfully there’s no sign that Tom King’s letting up on the quality – if he keeps this up he might usurp Grant Morrison as the writer with the greatest Batman run ever!
April 24, 2019
I believe in the end King's run on Batman will be my favorite of all time.
So this is a 3 issue main plot arc to continue after cold days. This is the Penguin coming out of prison and making a deal with Batman. Telling the Knight about Bane's plans to destroy him and take over Gotham. Batman is cracking, or I should say Bruce, and after almost losing his adopted son he can't contain it anymore. Going after not only bane but every single villain to try and get some goddamn answers to what Bane is planning. Sadly, things aren't going to be that easy.
The other two issues in here are secret files and annual. One written by a few writers, annual written by Tom Taylor (Another great writer!) So what works and what doesn't?
Good: Finally a story I like the Penguin. I actually felt sad for him for once. Then we have an amazing twist at the end that is going to build some great future moments. Bruce dealing with everything and breaking is interesting and for once I like Bruce. I also think the annual is touching and very well done, and gives a lot of heart to both Bruce and Alfred.
Bad: The secret files, except for King's very short one, is just okay. Nothing really worth reading.
Overall, great shit. Not as powerful or nail-biting as volume 8, but it's still damn good. Keep going King, you are killing it! 4 out of 5.
So this is a 3 issue main plot arc to continue after cold days. This is the Penguin coming out of prison and making a deal with Batman. Telling the Knight about Bane's plans to destroy him and take over Gotham. Batman is cracking, or I should say Bruce, and after almost losing his adopted son he can't contain it anymore. Going after not only bane but every single villain to try and get some goddamn answers to what Bane is planning. Sadly, things aren't going to be that easy.
The other two issues in here are secret files and annual. One written by a few writers, annual written by Tom Taylor (Another great writer!) So what works and what doesn't?
Good: Finally a story I like the Penguin. I actually felt sad for him for once. Then we have an amazing twist at the end that is going to build some great future moments. Bruce dealing with everything and breaking is interesting and for once I like Bruce. I also think the annual is touching and very well done, and gives a lot of heart to both Bruce and Alfred.
Bad: The secret files, except for King's very short one, is just okay. Nothing really worth reading.
Overall, great shit. Not as powerful or nail-biting as volume 8, but it's still damn good. Keep going King, you are killing it! 4 out of 5.
May 4, 2019
Tastes like chicken.
No, I'm kidding; chicken is ALWAYS good. This is only intermittently good.
No, I'm kidding; chicken is ALWAYS good. This is only intermittently good.
April 27, 2019
Batman: The Tyrant Wing is volume 9 in Tom King’s Batman series, two volumes after The Wedding, and Bruce is still moving in the direction of regaining his feet, it looks like. This one features a Penguin that King takes seriously, making him into a real character with complexity instead of his goofy, cartoony past renditions. And as Bat faces Bane, Penguin even becomes for a time an unlikely ally. It’s a Batman-lite volume in that it only has three King (and Mikel Janin) issues that don’t make up a complete arc.
That doesn’t make it bad, as a volume, it’s still King, and that is worth four stars for what we have, but the volume also collects Batman Annual #3 and Batman: Secret Files, all of which is pretty forgettable, nothing special.
Though, okay, I’ll admit Tommy Taylor’s Fathers Day annual is pretty good, a bit touching, not bad, and can be linked to what King does in his three issues where Bane has targeted Alfred.
That doesn’t make it bad, as a volume, it’s still King, and that is worth four stars for what we have, but the volume also collects Batman Annual #3 and Batman: Secret Files, all of which is pretty forgettable, nothing special.
Though, okay, I’ll admit Tommy Taylor’s Fathers Day annual is pretty good, a bit touching, not bad, and can be linked to what King does in his three issues where Bane has targeted Alfred.
January 24, 2019
Welp, Tom King's magnificent Batman run had to have a low point, and this is probably it. First of all, this volume is, quite literally, a mixed bag — if the latest version of its description is true, this is going to include both Batman: Secret Files and Annual #3 (which I previously wrongly assumed wasn't going to be collected in a trade), both of which aren't even written by Tom King. While the annual by Tom Tailor is really good, the Secret Files issue contains scattered and unconnected stories by mostly unknown writers, so don't expect much from them.
But even if I only look at the three main issues of Batman by Tom King here, this is a very jarring story. It continues the plot about Bane's secret rule of Arkham, this time also involving Penguin. I can't say that the story developments in this volume go against whatever King has built up before — the progression of Bruce's character feels organic and earned, but it's also not the kind of Batman I like to see and have grown to expect from King's writing. Just like this is the low point in King's Batman series, this is a low point for Batman himself as he goes on a violent spree to find out what exactly is going on in Arkham. Meanwhile King overindulges by quoting a lot of poetry, being more vague and abstract with his storytelling than usual and ending the volume on a really weird cliffhanger that is yet to be resolved in single issues. I believe in Tom King, so I'm sure this smaller arc will end up making more sense when all is said and done, and rough patches like this sometimes have to happen in order to propel the story forward. Still, to me this just wasn't as good as I am used to expect from one of my favourite writers.
Batman Volume 9: The Tyrant Wing wasn't the best example of Tom King writing Batman, but I believe it was a necessary stepping stone for better stories to come. Of course this wasn't a dealbreaker for me, and I can't wait to see how the story is going to resolve in the next, anniversary Volume 10.
But even if I only look at the three main issues of Batman by Tom King here, this is a very jarring story. It continues the plot about Bane's secret rule of Arkham, this time also involving Penguin. I can't say that the story developments in this volume go against whatever King has built up before — the progression of Bruce's character feels organic and earned, but it's also not the kind of Batman I like to see and have grown to expect from King's writing. Just like this is the low point in King's Batman series, this is a low point for Batman himself as he goes on a violent spree to find out what exactly is going on in Arkham. Meanwhile King overindulges by quoting a lot of poetry, being more vague and abstract with his storytelling than usual and ending the volume on a really weird cliffhanger that is yet to be resolved in single issues. I believe in Tom King, so I'm sure this smaller arc will end up making more sense when all is said and done, and rough patches like this sometimes have to happen in order to propel the story forward. Still, to me this just wasn't as good as I am used to expect from one of my favourite writers.
Batman Volume 9: The Tyrant Wing wasn't the best example of Tom King writing Batman, but I believe it was a necessary stepping stone for better stories to come. Of course this wasn't a dealbreaker for me, and I can't wait to see how the story is going to resolve in the next, anniversary Volume 10.
April 25, 2019
For the first time, I feel a bit let down by a Batman volume since Tom King took over the book. It's probably because this is only three issues of the regular title plus an anthology book and an annual. The three solo issues are by no means badly written. It just feels like you're only getting part of the story. I'd rather see the whole arc collected. The Secret Files anthology book was just a bunch of stand alone, unrelated stories whose only secret was that they are forgettable. The annual was by Tom Taylor and Otto Schmidt so of course, it was great. It focused on Alfred and how much he takes care of Batman without Batman even really knowing.
September 27, 2019
This volume of Batman focuses on smaller stories rather than following the main narrative of this series. In a sense, a lot of the stories are introspective, which makes sense as Batman is still figuring himself as he deals with his emotions after his failed wedding. There is actually one really good story about Alfred that is touching and worth reading. However, this volume doesn't really move the story forward that much.
June 6, 2020
[There may be some spoilers in this review. Read no further if that's a problem.] I expected this to be a full size graphic novel giving me a story on an unlikely collaboration between Batman and the Penguin to defeat Bane. Only about one quarter of this book actually has that ---- the rest is a compilation of various unrelated Batman stories, almost seemingly thrown in at random to give this book the length of a full size graphic novel.
The main story is really a 2-star --- the other stories up it enough to a 3 --- but it's wholly deficient in relation to the build up given on the cover and description of what it's about. Penguin comes off as weak and pitiful. Batman comes off as brutish and unjust -- beating up on former bad guys released from Arkham, not even actively involved in any crimes --- in a manic effort to investigate a conspiracy theory, fed to him by Penguin, that Bane is supposedly plotting his demise. He beats on his victims long after they've acquiesced and have indicated they have no information to give Batman. So much so, that even Commissioner Gordon decides to sever his department's relations with Batman. Then the story ends abruptly --- no hint as to whether we're seeing Batman crossing the line from justice into one-man vigilantism and paranoia --- or someone who just perceives mendacity with a genius that lesser souls cannot. Very disappointing.
As I've said, some of the other stories are mediocre, but some are ok and mildly entertaining. I was pissed off in one story where Batman, in a case of mistaken identity for an intruder, kills a deer with an arrow --- but then just leaves the animal's carcass to rot. I mean --- if you're going to kill a deer --- then field dress it and take the venison --- don't just let it rot. Suffice to say, that was another one of the stories that seemed pointless --- that story also ends disappointingly.
This book is mildly entertaining --- because of the stories in it. However, if you like the Penguin -- as I do --- and was hoping for a fun story with him as an anti-hero and ally to Batman, you'll find this tale a waste of your time.
The main story is really a 2-star --- the other stories up it enough to a 3 --- but it's wholly deficient in relation to the build up given on the cover and description of what it's about. Penguin comes off as weak and pitiful. Batman comes off as brutish and unjust -- beating up on former bad guys released from Arkham, not even actively involved in any crimes --- in a manic effort to investigate a conspiracy theory, fed to him by Penguin, that Bane is supposedly plotting his demise. He beats on his victims long after they've acquiesced and have indicated they have no information to give Batman. So much so, that even Commissioner Gordon decides to sever his department's relations with Batman. Then the story ends abruptly --- no hint as to whether we're seeing Batman crossing the line from justice into one-man vigilantism and paranoia --- or someone who just perceives mendacity with a genius that lesser souls cannot. Very disappointing.
As I've said, some of the other stories are mediocre, but some are ok and mildly entertaining. I was pissed off in one story where Batman, in a case of mistaken identity for an intruder, kills a deer with an arrow --- but then just leaves the animal's carcass to rot. I mean --- if you're going to kill a deer --- then field dress it and take the venison --- don't just let it rot. Suffice to say, that was another one of the stories that seemed pointless --- that story also ends disappointingly.
This book is mildly entertaining --- because of the stories in it. However, if you like the Penguin -- as I do --- and was hoping for a fun story with him as an anti-hero and ally to Batman, you'll find this tale a waste of your time.
March 24, 2019
Batman 'teams up with' (read: beats up) the Penguin in an attempt to uncover the secrets behind both the stories in the previous volume as the mastermind behind KGBeast's attack on Nightwing and Mister Freeze's supposed killing spree is revealed. Or is he? (Yeah he is)
This volume's a bit all over the place, mostly because it's kind of padded out. The Tyrant Wing itself is another solid installment of Tom King's Batman run, with some more cerebral exploration of Batman's state of mind with a little Penguin mixed in as well, plus Mikel Janin back on art so that's a treat in itself.
Then we also get Batman: Secret Files #1 which is mostly just a load of one-off stories with little connective tissue. They're solid, but not required reading. I'm glad it's collected though, because there IS a Tom King story in it that's kind of nice to have. Then there's Batman Annual #3 by Tom Taylor and Otto Schmidt which is basically 'why everyone loves Alfred Pennyworth - the story' and that's almost worth the price of admission on its own, really.
The Tyrant Wing might feel a bit like filler, and some of it genuinely is, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable.
This volume's a bit all over the place, mostly because it's kind of padded out. The Tyrant Wing itself is another solid installment of Tom King's Batman run, with some more cerebral exploration of Batman's state of mind with a little Penguin mixed in as well, plus Mikel Janin back on art so that's a treat in itself.
Then we also get Batman: Secret Files #1 which is mostly just a load of one-off stories with little connective tissue. They're solid, but not required reading. I'm glad it's collected though, because there IS a Tom King story in it that's kind of nice to have. Then there's Batman Annual #3 by Tom Taylor and Otto Schmidt which is basically 'why everyone loves Alfred Pennyworth - the story' and that's almost worth the price of admission on its own, really.
The Tyrant Wing might feel a bit like filler, and some of it genuinely is, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable.
April 15, 2022
For the most part, it's the continuation of the Bane storyline. It offers some good ideas with a far from perfect execution. The Penguin, especially, feels underutilised despite his presence throughout, and the ending cliffhanger is highly underwhelming. Many of the shorts that make up the latter half feel even more jumbled than the main narrative, with the added disappointment of unappealing art. However, a huge shout out to 'Father's Day' which stands as the best experience of the whole book. Left wishing for more, it's an overall unsatisfactory volume.
March 1, 2019
This is the lull when a sense of safety is established and I like that.
World: The art is solid, the King issues are still the best but the annual and the secret files issues are solid with different artists for the multiple stories in the secret files issue. I really liked the world building here too, there is some familiar pieces that are used here and King is slowly giving us little bits and pieces of the world that build to a cohesive whole. This time we get the Penguin and I like what he's done.
Story: Secret files and the annual first. Secret files was aight there were some nice little moments there, some I didn't really like (the snow one comes to mind) but overall it covers familiar territory and emotional beats. The Annual also covers familiar themes and emotions but it's done well and the art is solid which is nice to have. The rest of the issues, what can I say, it's great. After the high that was Bat/Cat and the rage that was Bat/Freeze, King gets back into building the 100 issue narrative that he is doing and with slow and misleading story is perfect for that. We see Batman going a bit nuts with the Arkham inmates and we see the building of the 'I am' story that has been going on since issue one of his run. This is a slow arc but it serves such a wonderful character purpose that readers may be lulled into a sense of 'nothing much happens' well they are wrong. The Penguin was used superbly, not depowered but well done and just as scary. We see the slow fracture of Batman and Gordon here and it's warranted and earned and feels logical and that is just good writing and good planning.
Characters: Bruce is interesting in this arc, we have the rage that was the last arc and now we have the calm and the fear and paranoia coming in which is great. I love what King is doing with Batman, he first humanizes him with Catwoman and having Batman feel things again and now we are slowly going to see him go through the emotional wringer, it's gonna be so good. Penguin is used wonderfully here, we don't get a stupid mob boss that is powerless but rather a very powerful boss that has someone else that bigger fucking with him and that's a wonder balancing act that King has done. He does not need to depower Cobblepot to show readers that there are bigger fish.
I like this arc, the Secret Files and Annual were only okay but the main series continues it's methodical pacing and leading towards something huge and when we see his run as a whole so far, it's pretty amazing and I can't wait to see how this ends.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
World: The art is solid, the King issues are still the best but the annual and the secret files issues are solid with different artists for the multiple stories in the secret files issue. I really liked the world building here too, there is some familiar pieces that are used here and King is slowly giving us little bits and pieces of the world that build to a cohesive whole. This time we get the Penguin and I like what he's done.
Story: Secret files and the annual first. Secret files was aight there were some nice little moments there, some I didn't really like (the snow one comes to mind) but overall it covers familiar territory and emotional beats. The Annual also covers familiar themes and emotions but it's done well and the art is solid which is nice to have. The rest of the issues, what can I say, it's great. After the high that was Bat/Cat and the rage that was Bat/Freeze, King gets back into building the 100 issue narrative that he is doing and with slow and misleading story is perfect for that. We see Batman going a bit nuts with the Arkham inmates and we see the building of the 'I am' story that has been going on since issue one of his run. This is a slow arc but it serves such a wonderful character purpose that readers may be lulled into a sense of 'nothing much happens' well they are wrong. The Penguin was used superbly, not depowered but well done and just as scary. We see the slow fracture of Batman and Gordon here and it's warranted and earned and feels logical and that is just good writing and good planning.
Characters: Bruce is interesting in this arc, we have the rage that was the last arc and now we have the calm and the fear and paranoia coming in which is great. I love what King is doing with Batman, he first humanizes him with Catwoman and having Batman feel things again and now we are slowly going to see him go through the emotional wringer, it's gonna be so good. Penguin is used wonderfully here, we don't get a stupid mob boss that is powerless but rather a very powerful boss that has someone else that bigger fucking with him and that's a wonder balancing act that King has done. He does not need to depower Cobblepot to show readers that there are bigger fish.
I like this arc, the Secret Files and Annual were only okay but the main series continues it's methodical pacing and leading towards something huge and when we see his run as a whole so far, it's pretty amazing and I can't wait to see how this ends.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
April 19, 2019
Nooooo! A placeholder volume!
Tom King only writes the first half, slowly letting everyone -- including Batman -- continue to question Batman's actions and sanity. And then we have a very unwelcome reference to Flashpoint, a story which I never really liked and really, really wish would stop getting callbacks.
Then the second half of the book consists of a bunch of fill-in stories that prove King is the only decent Batman writer right now. But this volume marks the first true clunker in his run.
Tom King only writes the first half, slowly letting everyone -- including Batman -- continue to question Batman's actions and sanity. And then we have a very unwelcome reference to Flashpoint, a story which I never really liked and really, really wish would stop getting callbacks.
Then the second half of the book consists of a bunch of fill-in stories that prove King is the only decent Batman writer right now. But this volume marks the first true clunker in his run.
October 17, 2025
Welp, I’m gonna set this one down. It had a good run — hit some highs and some mids — but this volume started to feel like work to get through. My mind kept wandering, and I found myself wanting to pick up Daredevil by Zdarsky instead… so I’m not gonna fight it.
The tone shifted from the grounded, emotional storytelling I liked in The Wedding and Cold Days (still wish we’d gotten an actual wedding!) to something more abstract and repetitive. Glad I read it overall — I’d call the run a solid 3.5 stars — but it never reached the highs that Taylor’s Nightwing did for me.
The tone shifted from the grounded, emotional storytelling I liked in The Wedding and Cold Days (still wish we’d gotten an actual wedding!) to something more abstract and repetitive. Glad I read it overall — I’d call the run a solid 3.5 stars — but it never reached the highs that Taylor’s Nightwing did for me.
January 5, 2022
Its a pretty okayish volume and its basically Penguin losing his lady love and going crazy on that count and like how it informs his character and under stress by Bane he fights Batman but plans to double cross Bane also and then we see Bruce beating Bane and other villains thinking he has taken control of Arkham and what not and the end result with Gordon was interesting and changes their relationship forever. Knightfall - Bane breaks the bat physically and here he does it mentally and its awesome and the return of a big character!
Plus some short stories which were mostly trash but the one by Tom taylor was so good as it focuses on Alfred and a day in his life and fathers day too and just makes you love the character and shows his importance and also the art by Otto is so good and makes it a pleasant read throughout so yeah these two stories make it a good read overall but compared to other volumes its not that strong.
Plus some short stories which were mostly trash but the one by Tom taylor was so good as it focuses on Alfred and a day in his life and fathers day too and just makes you love the character and shows his importance and also the art by Otto is so good and makes it a pleasant read throughout so yeah these two stories make it a good read overall but compared to other volumes its not that strong.
May 16, 2020
With only 3 issues of the main story collected here, this volume isn't super plot oriented. But it is still incredibly decent. The short stories from Secret Files are all good, and the Father's Day story is very funny (because of Alfred's eternal sass) and heartfelt (because of Alfred's eternal loyalty).
As to the main story line, this version of Bane is the only one I have ever taken as a serious threat (other than maybe when he first appeared in Knightfall). Most writers write Bane as either A) a 'roided out luchador or... nope, that's pretty much it. Just the Hulk with a mask.
But what King has made of Bane is utterly frightening and complex. A Bane not reliant on venom; a strategic genius playing the long game and breaking Batman in more ways than the physical. I am completely intrigued by the story being crafted here, and can't wait to see where else it goes.
As to the main story line, this version of Bane is the only one I have ever taken as a serious threat (other than maybe when he first appeared in Knightfall). Most writers write Bane as either A) a 'roided out luchador or... nope, that's pretty much it. Just the Hulk with a mask.
But what King has made of Bane is utterly frightening and complex. A Bane not reliant on venom; a strategic genius playing the long game and breaking Batman in more ways than the physical. I am completely intrigued by the story being crafted here, and can't wait to see where else it goes.
March 27, 2019
Another mixed bag. A brutal Batman is punching his way toward the truth and losing his mind in the process, putting strain on his relationships and generally falling apart at the seams. There are some twists and turns that are interesting enough to keep me going.
The highlight of this volume is the stellar Annual issue from Tom Taylor focusing on the special bond between Alfred and Bruce. Overall, I liked this. 3.5/5
The highlight of this volume is the stellar Annual issue from Tom Taylor focusing on the special bond between Alfred and Bruce. Overall, I liked this. 3.5/5
December 21, 2024
After a few great volumes, you had to get a bad/average one sooner or later. And only 3 issues of this are part of Kings overall run anyway. Wasn't big on the secret files stuff. The annual was pretty good though.
October 25, 2019
Half storyline, half one-shots, entirely forgettable to the point that two days later I had to consult my receipts to see what I had, since I knew I read something but it made so little impression I couldn't remember what.
April 11, 2019
Its weird my favourite parts of this novel were the non King parts. Loving it still but I'm finding King sometimes doesnt have the strongest of plots.
June 5, 2020
This next volume of Batman starts with a 3-issue arc pushing the main story forward, where we find Batman, after a tip from the Penguin, "investigating" the rumor that Bane is controlling Arkham Asylum and Gotham from his Arkham cell. I put investigating in quotes because this is a Bruce that's been emotionally damaged from his recent exploits and has gotten more and more violent and unhinged (as we have already seen from his brutal beating of Mister Freeze in the last volume). The arc is pretty good, showcasing attentive characterization for Penguin, taking a look at how damn cunning Bane can actually be, and the further fraying of the relationship between Batman and Jim Gordon. The rest of the volume is a bunch of one-shots of varying quality, with the best being the annual issue focusing on vigilante life seen through Alfred's eyes. It's a great story but the unevenness of the volume weakens it a bit.
July 31, 2019
Tom King is writing one of the greatest Batman comic runs of all time. This volume has an incredible three issues, exploring the intentions of Penguin and Bane, who are both more terrifying than ever. I love the way the Batman and Gordon relationship fractures here, really exploring some of the inherit problems of their unique power dynamic. I love it so much.
The back half made me mad at first, when I realized we just weren't going to continue on with that story, but you know what, those little tales in the back half were all very good. The Alfred focused story in particular had me rocked.
Anyway, I could read King's Batman all day.
The back half made me mad at first, when I realized we just weren't going to continue on with that story, but you know what, those little tales in the back half were all very good. The Alfred focused story in particular had me rocked.
Anyway, I could read King's Batman all day.
August 20, 2020
It wasn't Penguin-y enough for me, though I'm definitely interested in seeing where all this business with Bane is going.
Public Service Announcement in Lieu of an Image Here: Don't ever Google “Batman+Bane+Nude+Arkham" under any circumstances unless you want to see some fan art of the sweatiest, most vein-popping nature that you will never be able to unsee.
The Father's Day issue was nice, I guess. Even if Bruce's idea of a generous gift is to let the poor guy take a nap for the first time in decades.
Public Service Announcement in Lieu of an Image Here: Don't ever Google “Batman+Bane+Nude+Arkham" under any circumstances unless you want to see some fan art of the sweatiest, most vein-popping nature that you will never be able to unsee.
The Father's Day issue was nice, I guess. Even if Bruce's idea of a generous gift is to let the poor guy take a nap for the first time in decades.
February 2, 2019
The first half of this arc, easily four stars. But the last half knocked a full star off. Great cliff hanger at the end of the third issue but spending the next three in a series of dreams was too much. I trust King to pull this up but it feels like an unneeded extension just to get another trade out of the title.
June 22, 2025
A jarring volume that stands as King's worst storytelling since the first volume with #2-6, in my opinion. The Penguin story is drab with the same tricks King has used throughout his run, feeling exceptionally stale this time around. Even the art by Janin feels less inspired, but still showcases his understanding of space and the universe Batman inhabits. The prelude to the Knightmare arc in #61 is pretentious and didn't really strike me as an intriguing start to a new arc. However, the highlight to this volume is the exceptional Annual #3 written by Tom Taylor with art by Otto Schmidt , which is a vital change of pace after the last several issues. An inclusion of stories from the Secret Files #1 is a nice touch, but doesn't lend much to improving the overall quality of this volume.
July 7, 2019
This volume gives a peak inside Tom King's version of the Penguin. It also centralizes the plot for the reader, presenting a better idea of just what is going on. Knowing now that the end of King's run is near, I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out and hopefully it will be much more linear than other parts of his run. There are times it seemed the plot just wandered around and there wasn't much continuity to it.
Also included is the Batman Secret Files which was really just these short stories about Batman. Most were average.
My favorite issue included was actually Batman Annual #3 which gave more perspective from Alfred's point of view, for at least some of it. While otherwise straightforward, it reads as a tribute to Batman's number one ally.
Also included is the Batman Secret Files which was really just these short stories about Batman. Most were average.
My favorite issue included was actually Batman Annual #3 which gave more perspective from Alfred's point of view, for at least some of it. While otherwise straightforward, it reads as a tribute to Batman's number one ally.
December 6, 2019
Wow, Penguin had a wife?! Bane is attacking Batman from Arkham?! An appearance from Detective Chimp?! This Tom King run is just simply amazing. Also, the Batman Annual #3 in this volume is so sweet and was a beautiful ending to this volume.
May 5, 2020
Ready for another adventure with Batman? This title collects Batman comic issue 58 through 60 and also Batman Annual 3 and Batman Secret files 1. While the cover says this is written by Tom King in actually he was the writer for issues 58 to 60 and the rest was written by various other writers.
The main story in this issue was the story titled “The Tyrant Wing.” The illustrations and storytelling did a good job building suspense as the Penguin tells Batman information about a possible plot by Bane, the villain who is famous for breaking Batman’s back at one time. Even though Bane is in Arkhum’s Asylum according to the Penguin it is actually Bane who is running the show both inside Arkhum and outside the Asylum. There’s a question of why would Batman believe Penguin and the story reveals there might be a possibly good reason to believe the Penguin which I don’t want to give away. It seems Batman is taking the information from Penguin as credible given his series of actions afterwards and also because Penguin is putting much of his own life in danger and on the line with the information he revealed.
Here I must add a word of criticism. For a book which is titled “The Tyrant Wing” it suddenly about half through the book and we are told “To be continued.” This really through me off as the story was just beginning and I felt since the book is titled “The Tyrant King” it certainly should have has more pages for the story instead of then having the last half of the book be a collection of short stories. I did feel cheated concerning how short the “Tyrant Wing” story arc was in this volume given the title of the work.
With that being said I enjoy “The Tyrant Wing” story thus far. I also enjoyed the second half of the short stories and would have enjoyed them more if I wasn’t so thrown off. Batman Annual 3 in this volume is actually a collection of four short stories, the first titled “The Nature of Fear” that tells us of an officer who have been affected by Scarecrow’s gas that produces fear and psychological effect of imaging one’s worst nightmare come to life. He was rescued by Batman by the post-trauma angle is interesting. It definitely touched on the nature of fear and facing fear with Batman and the officer being foils of each other. The second story is that of a drone that has been stolen from Wayne Corporation to commit crimes and Bruce’s decision to shut it down so it don’t fall in the wrong hand and save the life of a witness who stumbled upon the drone committing a crime. Third story is about Batman on the hunt of an alleged Bat monster sighting in a rural mountain area and the fourth story is about an interesting gorilla character that enlist the help of Batman to rescue the son of someone who once saved Bobo’s life. I like the angle of compassion and rescue in this fourth short story. However my favorite of the short stories in the second half of the book is the last one titled “Father’s Day” which explore the relationship of Bruce Wayne and Alfred from the angle of what motivates Alfred to care for Batman. You also see how hard it is on Alfred to care for Batman through all the hurt and injuries Batman has to face. I thought it was a wonderful story and also of Bruce Wayne realizing how hard it is for Alfred to do what he do. The story telling is so rich and I think it is one of those moments in Batman and DC Comic book history that will have other works and analysis go back to for its richness of showing how Alfred is in a way a father figure for Batman. I love the human dimension and relationship angle in this story.
The main story in this issue was the story titled “The Tyrant Wing.” The illustrations and storytelling did a good job building suspense as the Penguin tells Batman information about a possible plot by Bane, the villain who is famous for breaking Batman’s back at one time. Even though Bane is in Arkhum’s Asylum according to the Penguin it is actually Bane who is running the show both inside Arkhum and outside the Asylum. There’s a question of why would Batman believe Penguin and the story reveals there might be a possibly good reason to believe the Penguin which I don’t want to give away. It seems Batman is taking the information from Penguin as credible given his series of actions afterwards and also because Penguin is putting much of his own life in danger and on the line with the information he revealed.
Here I must add a word of criticism. For a book which is titled “The Tyrant Wing” it suddenly about half through the book and we are told “To be continued.” This really through me off as the story was just beginning and I felt since the book is titled “The Tyrant King” it certainly should have has more pages for the story instead of then having the last half of the book be a collection of short stories. I did feel cheated concerning how short the “Tyrant Wing” story arc was in this volume given the title of the work.
With that being said I enjoy “The Tyrant Wing” story thus far. I also enjoyed the second half of the short stories and would have enjoyed them more if I wasn’t so thrown off. Batman Annual 3 in this volume is actually a collection of four short stories, the first titled “The Nature of Fear” that tells us of an officer who have been affected by Scarecrow’s gas that produces fear and psychological effect of imaging one’s worst nightmare come to life. He was rescued by Batman by the post-trauma angle is interesting. It definitely touched on the nature of fear and facing fear with Batman and the officer being foils of each other. The second story is that of a drone that has been stolen from Wayne Corporation to commit crimes and Bruce’s decision to shut it down so it don’t fall in the wrong hand and save the life of a witness who stumbled upon the drone committing a crime. Third story is about Batman on the hunt of an alleged Bat monster sighting in a rural mountain area and the fourth story is about an interesting gorilla character that enlist the help of Batman to rescue the son of someone who once saved Bobo’s life. I like the angle of compassion and rescue in this fourth short story. However my favorite of the short stories in the second half of the book is the last one titled “Father’s Day” which explore the relationship of Bruce Wayne and Alfred from the angle of what motivates Alfred to care for Batman. You also see how hard it is on Alfred to care for Batman through all the hurt and injuries Batman has to face. I thought it was a wonderful story and also of Bruce Wayne realizing how hard it is for Alfred to do what he do. The story telling is so rich and I think it is one of those moments in Batman and DC Comic book history that will have other works and analysis go back to for its richness of showing how Alfred is in a way a father figure for Batman. I love the human dimension and relationship angle in this story.
May 24, 2023
Batman Vol. 9: The Tyrant Wing is a good book. Batman is pushed to the edge of his limits here. This is not just because he's working with the Penguin (though the way the Penguin persuaded Batman wasn't entirely convincing to me) but also because he's deep into desperation in trying to figure out Bane's plan. Yet, as he does so, his brutality increases, thereby resulting in much conflict and tension with Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD. The conflict is written well as is Batman's struggles. It culminates in a great twist.
This was followed up with some short stories (Batman Secret Files #1). They talked about the effects that the Scarecrow gas had on one officer, drones being used for criminal activity, Batman teaming up with Detective Chimp (Bobo), Batman dealing with physical and emotional pain, and Batman hunting for Man-Bat while in the snow. There were some good emotional moments in them. I especially liked "True Strength" as it showed the vulnerability of Batman and "One" as it showed the consequences of the weaponry developed by Wayne Enterprises (especially when it falls into the wrong hands). Nonetheless, the stories didn't have the same impact as the main story ("Tyrant Wing") did and some were better than others. Still, they're enjoyable.
Batman Annual #3, the final story in this book, was solid. The main antagonist, "The Drone", was a three dimensional character who posed quite a challenge for Batman. He wasn't what made the story great though. The best part of it was Alfred. Tom Taylor, the author of this short story, beautifully illustrated how devoted Alfred is to Bruce as well as how selfless he is. It's a moving story and the ending was superb.
Overall, "Batman Vol. 9: The Tyrant Wing" is a solid book. The short stories were a mixed bag, but they ended well and the main plot was good. The characterization was great throughout also. I like the art too. Thus, it is a good read.
This was followed up with some short stories (Batman Secret Files #1). They talked about the effects that the Scarecrow gas had on one officer, drones being used for criminal activity, Batman teaming up with Detective Chimp (Bobo), Batman dealing with physical and emotional pain, and Batman hunting for Man-Bat while in the snow. There were some good emotional moments in them. I especially liked "True Strength" as it showed the vulnerability of Batman and "One" as it showed the consequences of the weaponry developed by Wayne Enterprises (especially when it falls into the wrong hands). Nonetheless, the stories didn't have the same impact as the main story ("Tyrant Wing") did and some were better than others. Still, they're enjoyable.
Batman Annual #3, the final story in this book, was solid. The main antagonist, "The Drone", was a three dimensional character who posed quite a challenge for Batman. He wasn't what made the story great though. The best part of it was Alfred. Tom Taylor, the author of this short story, beautifully illustrated how devoted Alfred is to Bruce as well as how selfless he is. It's a moving story and the ending was superb.
Overall, "Batman Vol. 9: The Tyrant Wing" is a solid book. The short stories were a mixed bag, but they ended well and the main plot was good. The characterization was great throughout also. I like the art too. Thus, it is a good read.
January 22, 2020
The primary arc, Batman issues #58-60, are fine. Okay, they’re better than fine because Tom King’s tun on this series is quite remarkable. It’s just that this is a mini-arc designed to set up two more acts of the latter saga.
Usually I take the inclusion of standalone issues as a bad sign that the publisher’s looking to fill pages in a collected trade. This is one of the few times I can recall that the single issue stories towered over the trade’s primary arc.
Props to Cheryl Lynn Eaton and Elena Casagrande for heading the team that delivered the story “One”, found in Batman Secret Files #1. Batman is typically written as the terrestrial, grittier, more realistic pillar of the DC Universe and whenever a team gets to dive further into that realistic side, I find a lot to enjoy and unpack. I always think that Batman writers can do more to catch up to artists in terms of telling realistic Batman stories by addressing poverty, inequality, and corporate and political power. Eaton covers some of those topics and writes dialogue that is both enjoyable and worth taking a second to let rattle around in your head.
Tom Taylor, whose work I clearly don’t read enough of, writes Batman Annual #3 and goddammit is it terrific. The focus, save for annuals, is rarely on stellar single-issue storytelling. I don’t want to even discuss this issue because it’s so perfect and begs to be read by anyone and everyone.
Usually I take the inclusion of standalone issues as a bad sign that the publisher’s looking to fill pages in a collected trade. This is one of the few times I can recall that the single issue stories towered over the trade’s primary arc.
Props to Cheryl Lynn Eaton and Elena Casagrande for heading the team that delivered the story “One”, found in Batman Secret Files #1. Batman is typically written as the terrestrial, grittier, more realistic pillar of the DC Universe and whenever a team gets to dive further into that realistic side, I find a lot to enjoy and unpack. I always think that Batman writers can do more to catch up to artists in terms of telling realistic Batman stories by addressing poverty, inequality, and corporate and political power. Eaton covers some of those topics and writes dialogue that is both enjoyable and worth taking a second to let rattle around in your head.
Tom Taylor, whose work I clearly don’t read enough of, writes Batman Annual #3 and goddammit is it terrific. The focus, save for annuals, is rarely on stellar single-issue storytelling. I don’t want to even discuss this issue because it’s so perfect and begs to be read by anyone and everyone.
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