Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Batman #20, Joker, Bane, I Am, Star Trek, David Finch, Tom King, Penguin, Two-Face,
    Featured

    Batman #20 Review

    Wayne HallBy Wayne HallApril 8, 2017Updated:April 8, 20174 Mins Read

    After decades and decades of stories about Batman, we still don’t know him. Not very well, at least. The current run of Batman has been exploring just who the Dark Knight is, hence the titles of each story arch starting with, “I Am!” This latest story, that concluded in Batman #20, looks at the similarities and differences between the Dark Knight and Bane. As Spock might say, “Fascinating.”

    Batman #20BATMAN #20

    Writer: Tom King
    Art: David Finch
    Publisher: DC Comics

    Cover Price: $2.99

    Solicitation: “I Am Bane” finale! In this epic climax, there is no going back. No more tricks, no more allies. Just Batman. And Bane. When the final blood spills … nothing will ever be the same for the Dark Knight.

    FACE TO FACE

    Bane has always been one of those B-Listers to me. He’s not on the level of, say, the Joker or the Penguin or even Two-Face. He’s been a physical powerhouse and has done serious damage to the Dark Knight in the past, to be sure, but as far as really challenging Batman? In my opinion, not so much.

    I have to give Mr. King credit. He’s really brought out how similar these two are, and that truly surprised me. Batman’s response to threats or dangers is often a physical one, and that’s how Bane looks at things as well. They both also see things mostly in black and white, and they are clearly underestimated by those who take them on. And that’s just scratching the surface.

    We see things from Batman’s perspective, including the nightly ritual of someone telling him he’s dead, he’s finished, anything along those lines. We also learn that Batman is a pretty good actor, and when you think he’s down for the count, that’s when he’s the most dangerous.

    King also refers back to the first storyline he wrote in this comic, which introduced Gotham and Gotham Girl. I still don’t buy the notion of Batman not being able to resolve a situation – any situation – because we know he plans ahead. Even a plane crashing to the ground, yeah, I think he’s got a plan for that. I know it’s a big deal to put Batman into a situation he supposedly can’t get out of, but this one just doesn’t work for me.

    The pacing’s good in Batman #20 but, at times, things slow down to let Mr. Finch capture the spotlight. I mean, I get that. Finch is a superstar artist, and you want to let him strut his stuff as much as you can. I just thought a smidgeon more plot or story would have put some more meat on those artistic bones.

    THE FINCH MAKES THAT ART

    Speaking of which, I always enjoy Finch’s Batman. Strong, determined, grim – it’s a Dark Knight I buy into. He makes great use of the Capullo costume redesign, and it’s stunning visually.

    Bane’s physical presence is formidable. I like that he’s clearly bigger than Batman, and that indicates a challenge for him. Unless it’s Killer Croc, it’s rare that any of his rogue’s gallery can match or best the Dark Knight in physical combat. Bane, on the other hand, no problem. Even the cover shows Bane looking down on Batman, menacing and scary at the same time.

    I particularly liked the splash page that resolves the battle. After setting things up to look as if Batman’s done for, we see the Dark Knight can still take down a stronger foe through cunning. That could be a poster on my wall!

    BOTTOM LINE: ‘I Am’ a Fan of This Creative Team

    The current semi-monthly schedule means we see a rotating list of artists who come in to illustrate a five-issue story arch, but I think this title is best when King and Finch are on the field, to use a sports term. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy the other creators who bring King’s scripts to life. But I have to say that Mr. Finch just makes this book sparkle!

    The fact that there are a lot of “I Am” arcs happening shows that King is finding quite a bit of depth to Batman. I’m not sure he’ll ever run out of ideas as he takes us on a journey “where no Batman has gone before,” if I can use a Star Trek reference.

    [taq_review]

    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

     

    Bane Batman david finch I Am Joker penguin Star Trek Tom King two-face
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous Article[Movies] Paper Moon Locations 2017
    Next Article [Solicitations] Amigo Comics for June 2017
    Wayne Hall
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Wayne Hall creates the Wayne's Comics Podcast. He’s interviewed Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, John Layman, Kyle Higgins, Phil Hester, Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, David Petersen, Christos Gage, Mike Grell, and Matt Kindt. On this site each week, he writes his "Comics Portal" column (general comics comments and previews) and reviews comics.

    Related Posts

    Critical Hit #789: Monster Wrangler – Session Zero (MWS01-E00)

    Read More

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    Read More

    Top Five Snacks (2025 Edition)

    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    9.0
    June 13, 2025

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    6.3
    June 10, 2025

    X-Men #17 Review

    6.0
    June 9, 2025

    Power Rangers Prime #7 Review

    6.0
    June 8, 2025

    Retro Review: Detective Comics #20 (October 1938)

    8.0
    June 7, 2025

    Absolute Green Lantern #3 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: I Want More than Good Memories!
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT