Batman Unburied
4.2/5
Critic Rating
A serial killer known as The Harvester terrorizes Gotham City, but Batman is not coming to the rescue. In fact, Bruce Wayne has no memory of being the Caped Crusader at all. Instead, Bruce is a forensic pathologist, performing the autopsy on the latest victim when he’s attacked by the killer himself. As Bruce’s obsession with the Harvester consumes him, Dr. Thomas Wayne, head of Gotham City Hospital, orders his son to take medical leave and seek treatment from an unusual psychologist, Dr. Hunter. With Batman missing in action, Detective Barbara Gordon is left with no other choice but to seek help from Gotham’s second smartest detective: The Riddler. Batman Unburied is created by David S. Goyer and stars Winston Duke, Hasan Minhaj, and Gina Rodriguez. Batman Unburied was produced by Phantom Four & Wolf at the Door in association with Blue Ribbon Content and DC for Spotify.
Critic Reviews
Score: 5
Ka’eo “Kk" Kawa’a Jr • Comic Book Curious • May 20, 2022
"The biggest impression on me is the voice of the leading role, Bruce Wayne himself, played by Winston Duke. His take on one of my favorite characters of all time is haunting and methodical. He lends a powerful yet vulnerable voice that creates a very relatable character with obvious layers to be explored. The entire cast executes their performances masterfully and the writing is perfectly paced for what is primed to be a 10 episode thrill ride!"
Score: 5
Corbin Shanklin • The Illuminerdi • May 19, 2022
"The series stars Winston Duke as Bruce Wayne, and he has crafted a take on the iconic DC character unlike any other. And the mystery of just where Bruce is, and what reality really looks like, well that will have you on the edge of your seat episode after episode after episode. And that incredible mystery is only one side of the coin. Episode 6, “Work Clothes” starts off that portion of Batman Unburied with one of the most amazing Batman action sequences you will ever experience, and it’s all pure auditory sensation. The sound design, voice work, and worldbuilding in this new DC podcast are next-level, a notch above competitors..."
Score: 5
John Odette • Horror Geek Life • May 16, 2022
"For starters, it is absolutely incredible. It is a brand new story that amplifies the fun and mystery. The creators are breaking new ground here, giving this production its massive drawing power. The production of this audio drama is absolutely top-notch. The gritty and gnarly foley audio of windows breaking, cars crashing, and autopsies give the different settings incredible depth and scope. The cast is absolutely fantastic. Winston Duke (Black Panther) is commanding yet sympathetic as Bruce Wayne. Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) conveys true poignancy and flair as Barbara Gordon."
Score: 3.3
Jackson Luken • Batman-News.com • May 16, 2022
"The mystery and detective work are engaging to follow along with despite their familiarity. The cast is generally impressive, but Winston Duke especially sells his performance as Bruce Wayne. There’s a weariness to his voice that carries the stress and strain that Bruce is under. Batman Unburied is a show with a lot of potential and so far is willing to take its story in unexpected directions. The decision to frame the narrative as a police procedural without any superheroes is unconventional and has with it some issues, but for the most part the cast is able to pull it off."
Score: 5
Cameron Kennedy • Comic Book Resources (CBR) • May 14, 2022
"...the weekly audio drama is a gripping and dark take on the World’s Greatest Detective...we get a raw and intimate look into Bruce's mental process which reveals that his true power is his intelligence, unwavering diligence, and tireless will."
Score: 1
Jay Shifman • Jay Shifman Blog • May 12, 2022
"The cast is stellar, full of some of my favorite actors. I was particularly excited to hear what Winston Duke, best known as M’Baku in Black Panther, would do with the role. While I was happy the minute I heard his distinctive voice, the typical umpth that he brings to his roles was missing. I made it through the first episode, but I was already done."
Score: 4.4
Gavia Baker-Whitelaw • Daily Dot • May 9, 2022
"...the tone here is gritty and rather derivative—in this case, bearing a noticeable resemblance to NBC’s Hannibal. Elsewhere, Batman Unburied is stronger. Winston Duke quickly makes the role his own, playing Bruce Wayne as a gruffly amused loner, starring in a noir-tinged thriller that emphasizes Bruce’s investigative skills. While Batman Unburied makes some pleasingly unconventional choices (Batman isn’t Batman; the Wayne family are voiced by Black actors), the overall narrative is pretty conservative."
Score: 5
Kshitij Rawat • The Indian Express • May 5, 2022
"...judging purely by an hour-odd worth of audio content available right now, Batman: Unburied is a thrilling podcast that reimagines one of world’s most recognisable fictional characters in inventive ways. It is also a production of high quality, with a mesmerising sound design clearly inspired by Dirk Maggs peerless production of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman. Once you put on your headphones and close your eyes, it is easy to forget that you are not living in the world of this story, instead of, you know, just consuming it."
