Batman #68 - Second Opinion

“The Spectacular Sequel to Super Friends”

Writer: Tom King
Artist: Amanda Conner
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: April 10, 2019
Cover Price: $3.99
Review by: Jay M.

We’ve reached the penultimate issue of the Knightmares arc, and King is ready to deliver what the fans want: a pseudo-sequel to the Super Friends arc. That’s right, we get another double date – except this time it’s a bachelor and bachelorette bonanza. Can this sequel live up to the highs of its predecessor? The bat engine is revved and ready for some analysis!


King does an excellent job of, once again, demonstrating what it means to be Bruce Wayne and what it means to be Clark Kent. He just grasps these characters so effortlessly – Bruce is so lost without the persona of Batman. You could argue that he wouldn’t be this socially awkward, but I’d counter with the fact that Batman has always been somewhat insecure about the fact that he’s a mortal among Gods…And when there isn’t a monster looming overhead or a city to save, he’s a little lost.

To parallel this, we get Lois and Selina having a ball in the Fortress of Solitude – drinking exotic wines and enjoying a drunken striptease. Watching their exploits was so much fun to read, and it was only complimented by Conner’s lively visuals.

Now, I could go into how this visage is psychological torture for Batman. I could say that this perfectly encapsulates his love for Selina, and how crushing Bane’s plan is. This is all true, but it will not be the focus of this review. I’d like to focus on what one of my colleagues has stated – that Tom King is all about “moments”. While I don’t completely agree with that sentiment, let me describe this ‘moment’ for you, and what it means to me.

I read Batman #68 in an airport in Miami. It had been two days of terror, using multiple phones to try and connect to multiple airlines after all my flights had been canceled. I was miserable. I was stressed. I was all alone in a foreign country. 

And then I read Batman #68. Within the span of about ten minutes, my entire demeanor shifted. I was laughing out loud. I was deep in thought. I was even misty eyed near the end (that galaxy line was perfect!) This is when King is at his best – appealing to our emotions in a way only he can. And, for that, I am very thankful for Batman #68.

Knightmares may have overstayed it’s welcome at this point, but Batman #68 certainly doesn’t. Delivering an upbeat tale that you can’t help but enjoy, King has another winner on his hands. Highly recommended if you just want to have fun and smile.

9/10