Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Art: Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: January 2nd, 2024
Zur-En-Arrh has done the unthinkable. And now, cut off from everything and everyone, Batman has to face off against his most devastating enemy in a brutal fight for the future as the specter of The Joker hangs over everything. The stunning conclusion to “Mindbomb” is here as Batman #141 by Chip Zdarsky explodes!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Batman #141 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Zdarsky can see the big picture. He meticulously plans; organizes, and even orchestrates his stories well. The initial idea of Failsafe came out of left field. Follow that idea up with a multiversal romp and we finally see all the pieces come together masterfully. For those jumping in now, DON’T! Batman #141 is an awful issue to dive into and figure out. You need to go the entire way back to Batman #125. And when you do, you’ll realize that Zdarsky has been on point for 16 issues now. Each issue gradually reveals pertinent information while also sprinkling in some well-deserved action. And if we want to get even more technical, Zdarsky has even been planning this current run since Batman: The Knight, which I also highly recommend checking out.
Nevertheless, readers discovered last issue that the end game of Zur was to put his consciousness into Failsafe all along. This would make Batman become almost Eternal… not Batman Eternal… don’t get scared. But, the plan and premise are genius. How the plan was slowly developed was impressive even down to the incorporation of the Joker. And speaking of the Joker, that’s the only carrot dangling out there for the reader. However, Zdarsky won’t leave fans hanging because it looks like we will be getting our answers as to how the Joker is involved and how he knows that Bruce is Batman beginning with the next issue.
Moreover, even if we exclude the plot and perfect setup from Batman #141, we still get some pretty outstanding action. Batman holds his own well against Failsafe using this Rambo wilderness training mixed with a side of high-tech Justice. The fight is clever, well articulated with the monologue, and chalked full of abrasive action. Yet, it’s the fact that Batman #141’s action is coupled with a fantastically crafted narrative that just makes this issue, as well as the entire arc, so exciting and powerful.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Batman #141 is outstanding. It’s action-packed and ultimately brings this entire Zdarsky run together (minus a few key components that should get ironed out next issue). This story has it all and delivers a creative punch at the end to keep fans wanting more. However, it’s Batman #141 and how it pulls everything together so well that fans and other creators should take notice too. Zdarsky had this idea planned out step by step. It’s obvious as you read Batman #141 and see the entire puzzle come together that Zdarsky strategically planned each issue carefully and with ingenious thought and design. Readers, this is how all stories need to be planned. This is by far, the best Batman run we’ve had since Scott Snyder started his run. There is more than enough evidence at our disposal now to make that claim honest and truthful. Fans that are incredibly late to the party, need to pick up the trades as a late holiday gift, then add this series to your pull list, and get caught up fast. You’ll love every issue without a doubt. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!
My problem with Zdarsky is that his stories go on way too long. This could have been a six issue story not nearly twenty.