Batman 5 Review- Mysterious New Villain
It’s now tomorrow at 7:00. At least, it was supposed to be. Dr. Zeller is late for a very important…date? Is it? Is it not? No one can seem to agree. Find out what it’s all about in Batman issue #5. Minor Spoilers Ahead
Keeping track of villains to this point- Batman has dealt with Killer Croc, Commissioner Vandal Savage, The Riddler. Anarky, Minotaur and now……. The Ōjō.
Recap: The action starts on page 1. As soon as our couple is in the car, Bruce notices a tail. Quick, punchy dialogue adds a sense of whimsy to what turns into a harrowing altercation with a sword wielding motorcycle gang, apparently out to eliminate the good doctor. Along the way, Bruce is thwarting the would-be assassins with his driving skills. They eventually reach Little Tokyo and crash in an alley. Still running for their lives, they encounter…The Ōjō! Bruce throws Annika into a dumpster so he can fight, but is fairly evenly matched. The return of the bikers spooks The Ōjō, who turns into a flock of birds to escape, but doubles back to take out the bikers as our endangered couple flees. They climb to the top of a building for…reasons? But The Ōjō is there! Bruce is about to throw down with her, but Damian intervenes. The issue concludes on a fantastic reveal.
Jeremy: This entire issue is just flat-out fun! The dialogue between Bruce and Annika is continuously light, even when they’re in danger. The back and forth of “Is this a date?” is cute. The pacing and action are quick. I love how Bruce seems overly competent without giving away his identity. The introduction of The Ōjō is cool and mysterious. We get a few interesting new gadgets. Damian’s reveal of his knowledge of their opponent is unexpected, but logical. Solid storytelling.
Steve: Mundy, I couldn’t agree more- this book is a blast. Fraction usually has some bonkers ideas, but they don’t always land. This nuttiness is perfection! Mundy is correct about the interactions with Bruce and Annika- wonderfully written with humor. The showdown with our new villain was done well, showing her prowess and other-worldly ability. But, for me, the highlight of the book was the entrance of Damian- it was brilliant. I know many readers, especially older ones, do not like Damian. I, however, am on team Damian. He has really grown on me though the years. Can’t wait to find out how he knows this mysterious new villain and how Bruce will wiggle his way out of the predicament Damian put him in.
Jeremy: Jorge Jiménez can draw a muscle car. Damn! Who knew we needed a sunset car chase? The sense of direction and movement in Jorge’s art is impeccable. From the vehicles and bodies clashing, to Bruce and Annika running through the streets of Little Tokyo, to the birds swooshing around, I never felt lost or confused about what I was looking at. My favorite moment is when Bruce catches a freshly shorn lock of Annika’s hair midair. So cool!
Steve: As good as Fraction is here, it wouldn’t work nearly as well without Jimenez. So much of this book is a car chase scene….and I hate car chase scenes. I will actively avoid movies if they have car chase scenes. No, I have never seen one Fast and the Furious movie. But here, it is so engaging. It’s kinetic and stylized in a way that captivates the reader. This book reads smoothly, pulling us along with clever dialog and casual flirting…..or manipulation? Hard to know at this point, but I’m along for the ride. Pun intended.
Jeremy: The design of The Ōjō’s costume is stunning. So much detail in the clothing. The glowing swords are pretty AND very dangerous. The bird element is interesting. I can’t wait to learn what Damian knows about her. There was, however, a last minute name change. She was first billed as “Lady Death Man,” apparently tied to an established character. DC gave no reason for the change. From what I could find, her new name, “The Ōjō,” may be a bastardized version of “ojou,” which means young lady.
Steve: Correct! Jimenez design is sweet! And the best part, her ability to turn into a flock of birds and reconstitute as a dangerous swordswoman. Clever effect and looks great on the page. I am in favor of the name change- seems more ominous and will lend itself to a new, different backstory tied to Damian’s time with Talia.
Jeremy: 4.25/5
Overall, this issue is everything you could possibly want in a single issue of Batman. I love that Fraction, in Batman, and Tom Taylor, in Detective, are really going for it with the new villains.
Steve: 4.75/5
Honestly, this is pretty much a perfect comic. I left a little wiggle room for a 5 just in case. Fraction and Jimenez are cooking up a tasty stew here. Fraction is deftly handling a lot of villains in a very short space. It doesn’t feel crammed, but all part of a larger story. This is going to go down as a very special run. ( I am not looking forward to the first fill in artist. )
