Comic Review: "Batman #156" – A Classic Tale with a Dash of Political Thriller

 

Chip Zdarsky has been steadily building his Dark Knight saga toward an exciting climax, and Batman #156 is another strong chapter that blends everything fans love about Batman stories: a brooding atmosphere, riddles, brutal confrontations, and unexpected twists. Tony S. Daniel, a master of comic book art, once again delivers stunning visuals that perfectly complement Zdarsky’s dynamic storytelling.

"The Game We Play" – Riddler at His Best

Edward Nygma, aka the Riddler, is in his element here—relishing intellectual battles, predicting Batman’s moves, and yet still falling victim to his own arrogance. His exchanges with Batman are filled with classic riddles that not only test the hero’s mind but also pull the reader into solving puzzles alongside him. One of the issue’s highlights is the moment Batman realizes that Riddler has unwittingly aided Russian spies—Nygma, usually so self-assured, suddenly loses control of the situation.

Jim Gordon with Batman’s Utility Belt – Why It Works

One of the coolest elements of this issue is Jim Gordon, who—despite no longer being commissioner—is still ready to fight for Gotham. The scene where he uses batarangs and smoke bombs to take down Riddler is pure joy. It’s a great reminder that Gordon isn’t just "the guy on the police radio" but a hardened badass who isn’t afraid to take matters into his own hands.

The Political Thriller Aspect – Was It Necessary?

Zdarsky has experimented with political themes throughout his run, but in Batman #156, some elements feel a bit forced. Commander Star’s reveal as a Russian agent is intriguing but also a little too on-the-nose in its metaphor. Similarly, the Court of Owls being Russian spies is an interesting idea, but it could have been developed better.

That said, the final twist with KG Beast saves the day—it’s a brilliant way to tie a classic Batman villain into the current storyline. His return promises a bloody confrontation in the finale.

Pros:

+ Dynamic Action – Tony S. Daniel delivers some of the best Batman fight scenes in recent years.

+ Riddler at His Peak – Nygma as a brilliant yet arrogant foe is always a winning formula.

+ Jim Gordon as "Temporary Batman" – Scenes of him wielding the utility belt are fan service at its finest.

+ KG Beast! – His appearance is a fantastic surprise.

Cons:

- Oversimplified Political Plot – Commander Star and the Court of Owls as Russian agents is a cool concept but executed too superficially.

- Lack of Development on Bruce’s "Brother" – Despite being the penultimate issue, we still don’t know who this mystery figure is.

- Explosions & Chaos Can Be Overwhelming – At times, the action is so dense that some plot threads get lost in the shuffle.

Verdict: 8/10

Batman #156 is a strong, thrilling chapter that expertly blends classic Dark Knight storytelling with modern twists. Despite some stumbles in the political thriller elements, it’s an incredibly fun read, and the final KG Beast reveal sets up a spectacular conclusion to Zdarsky’s run. If you love Batman as "detective + action hero," this comic is for you.