Batman/The Flash: The Button (Comics) | Review

Some crossovers feel like marketing stunts designed to pump up sales numbers for a few months. The Button feels like something different– a genuine story that earns its place in continuity while delivering the emotional beats that make these characters worth caring about.

This four-part crossover between ongoing Batman series by writer Tom King (Batman: I Am Bane, Batman: I Am Gotham) and The Flash by Joshua Williamson (Predator: Fire and Stone, The Flash: Lightning Strikes Twice) manages to advance the larger Rebirth narrative without sacrificing character development or pacing.

What makes this crossover work is its restraint. Instead of throwing every possible cameo and universe-shaking revelation at readers, King and Williamson focus on the Batman-Flash relationship while peeling back layers of mystery building since DC Universe: Rebirth #1.

The compelling story picks up directly from the highly acclaimed Rebirth one-shot, focusing specifically on the mysterious Comedian's smiley-face button that unexpectedly appeared in the depths of the Batcave, triggering Batman's relentless investigation into its origins.

Batman's careful investigation takes an unexpected turn when the mysterious button interacts with Psycho-Pirate's mask, triggering a vision of his father Thomas Wayne from the Flashpoint timeline. This revelation sets up the central mystery that drives the entire crossover event.

The real brilliance here is how the writers use this simple premise to explore deeper themes about family, loss and the connections that define these characters. Batman's desperate attempt to reconnect with his father becomes the emotional core of the story, while Flash serves as both technical support and moral anchor.

The dynamic between these two heroes feels natural and well-earned throughout the story, successfully avoiding the awkward forced team-up syndrome that consistently plagues many modern crossovers and undermines their narrative credibility with readers.

Each carefully crafted issue builds methodically toward major revelations that feel significant without overwhelming the core narrative structure. The epic journey takes readers through multiple complex timelines and alternate realities but the precise storytelling focus remains tightly controlled throughout the entire arc.

We see glimpses of the Flashpoint universe, encounters with long-forgotten characters and subtle hints about the larger mysterious forces manipulating the entire DC Universe but everything carefully serves the central story about Batman confronting his traumatic past.

The crossover does excellent work connecting to both past and future storylines. It directly follows up on plot threads from DC Universe: Rebirth while setting up the upcoming Doomsday Clock series. The Watchmen connection feels organic rather than forced, using the Comedian's button as more than just a simple MacGuffin.

The object becomes a genuine catalyst for character development and plot advancement. What sets this apart from typical crossover events is how it handles the multiverse concept, using alternate realities to explore emotional truths about these characters.

The emotionally powerful Flashpoint sequences shine in this particular regard, giving Batman a rare and precious chance to interact meaningfully with the beloved father he never truly knew while effectively highlighting the profound tragedy that defines both distinct versions of the entire Wayne family legacy throughout history.

The pacing deserves special mention. This could have been rushed through in two issues or stretched unnecessarily to fill six. The four-part structure feels perfect, allowing each issue to breathe while maintaining momentum throughout the arc.

Perhaps most importantly, the crossover respects both the Batman and Flash mythologies while successfully advancing the larger Rebirth narrative. Characters consistently act in accordance with their established personalities, relationships genuine and earned and the dramatic stakes matter significantly beyond just this specific story.

The significant connection to the mysterious Doctor Manhattan and the larger, more complex Watchmen integration feels like a completely natural evolution of the storyline rather than a desperate grab for commercial relevance or nostalgic fan service.

Artists Howard Porter (The Flash: Rogue War, The Flash: The Secret of Barry Allen) and Jason Fabok (Justice League: Darkseid War, Justice League: Injustice League) expertly split art duties between Batman and Flash issues respectively, creating a visual consistency that enhances the overall crossover feel throughout the entire story arc.

Fabok's incredibly detailed, cinematic approach works perfectly for the Batman segments, especially during the emotional Flashpoint sequences. His masterful depiction of Thomas Wayne Batman feels appropriately weathered and desperate, selling the tragedy effectively.

Porter brings kinetic energy to the Flash portions, with his dynamic layouts perfectly capturing the complex Speed Force sequences. The dimensional travel scenes could have felt confusing or overwhelming but Porter's clear storytelling keeps readers grounded even during the most reality-bending moments throughout the crossover.

King's writing brings signature emotional depth to Batman's journey, particularly in quieter moments. His dialogue feels natural and specific, avoiding generic superhero speak. Williamson matches King's tone perfectly, creating seamless transitions that make this feel unified.

The Button ultimately succeeds because it remembers that truly good crossovers are about characters first, plot mechanics second. This isn't just a bridge between DC Universe: Rebirth and Doomsday Clock– it's a genuine exploration of what makes Batman and Flash compelling characters both individually and as a team.

The emotional beats land because they emerge from character-driven choices rather than plot necessities. Batman's relationship with his father, Flash's role as moral compass and questions about identity all get their due without overwhelming the mystery.

Most importantly, this crossover makes you care about what comes next in the storyline. The connections to Doomsday Clock feel earned, the character development feels significant and the larger questions about the DC Universe's missing decade become genuinely compelling. This is how you execute a crossover event successfully.

Batman/The Flash: The Button is collected in hardcover and trade paperback editions. It's also available digitally through ComiXology and DC Universe Infinite, making it easy to follow the mystery of the blood-stained smiley face pin and its ties to Watchmen across formats.