Welcome to the review of the latest Batman issue, Batman #134 by Chip Zdarsky. Batman is one of the most iconic and beloved superheroes in the DC universe, so let’s see what this latest issue has in store for us. The way our review scale works is based on our interpretation of the story, artwork, and Cover Options of the issue. Please beware with most reviews there is the possibility of spoiler alerts, so if you don’t want anything spoiled wait until after you’ve read to check out our review!

THE BAT-MAN OF GOTHAM, PART FOUR / THE TOY BOX, PART 4 

It’s all-out war as only Batman stands between Red Mask and a Gotham City full of bodies! How much is the Dark Knight willing to sacrifice to save this city?

How Are We Feeling After This Issue?

This issue picks up in the “The Bat-Man of Gotham” arc where in the previous issues Batman has been zapped into another multiverse not his own, the kicker is there is no Bruce Wayne in this universe. As the arc builds, and Batman discovers there is no Batman in this universe he takes it upon himself to be the Bat and to bring justice to those who are being wronged by the Red Mask (the main cover spoils who this universes personality of Red Mask is). This issue is no different, we get some nice action panels with Batman fighting trying to save the city from some Crane gases that Red Mask is trying to disperse across the city.

The Bonus Story of “The Toy Box” also continues as Robin is doing his best to find his way to find Batman. The Toy Man helps the team get the multiversal portal gun going and Robin makes a detour! All in all this story is compelling and my only complaint is that it is a bit rushed, would have been cool to see this arc in the Tim Drake Series Robin, but all in all this is a solid issue and a must grab.

Cover Options

Batman #134 has a solid line of Cover options for both collectors and if you want to just read the issue. We start with the Main Cover option where Batman is being held by Red Mask and a transparent Joker watching on ominously in the background. DC has done a great job with their A Covers as of late and this is another nod to that.

We move on to the Cover B Joe Quesada Card Stock Variant Cover, this is one where we see Batman doing Batman things sitting off a ledge somewhere waiting to fight crime in the streets of Gotham, the overall art on this is solid, however I feel like this cover overall is just alright.

The Cover C Stanley Artgerm Lau Card Stock Variant is a must grab for this issue. Punchline has been on fire as a late with her Punchline: Gotham Game Series and just the character in general since she arrived on scene in the DC Universe. Artgerm’s style on these is always great with how the tones work with the background.

Last but certainly not least, let’s celebrate some April Fools with a nice homage April Fools Day Cover! Cover F Tom King April Fools Card Stock Variant does just that, for the sake of the holiday spirit, we are all about this cover at PCA. Another Solid cover choice for those looking to collect this issue.

Looking Ahead at the Next Issue

Batman #135 (LGY 900)

May 2nd, 2023
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!