Is it just me or is this the weakest of the Bat-books?  The lead title should always be the best in the line, no questions. Even if the rest of the line is producing stellar work (Batgirl, Batman and Robin, Detective Comics, Streets of Gotham). I think the problem lies in the fact that the Batman book itself has not found a voice yet. Something to call it's own. Red Robin has an angry Tim, searching for the truth about Bruce and proving to himself his worth as a hero. Batman & Robin has the interplay between Damien and Dick in Morrison's styling. Streets of Gotham has a world builder/explore vibe thing going on. Batman has... ummm... uhhh... stuff. To say the least, it's not clicking on all cylinders.
The art is solid if not great but the writing is far from the level of the rest of the family. It has too much going on at once and I was way underwhelmed by the black mask story line since Daniels took over. When did the Black Mask hit his apex as a crime leader in Gotham? I read all the books and issues leading up to the new Black Mask rise to power but now he's over the hill. Did I miss something?And the reveal of the new Black Mask's identity, if that was the reveal... I'm not quite sure now. I should not be this confused about that.
The books a decent read and I'm being too harsh on it. I really shouldn't be complaining about it. I enjoy it. Some titles would kill for this level of talent on them but with the great product coming out of the other Bat-books, I have higher expectations for the title book. I like Tony Daniel's work and wish he would step back, take a breath, and focus the story a smidge. Maybe then he could find the signature voice of this story.

Elijah
aka ColdWarKid