REVIEW: ‘Batman’ Issue 5

Batman Issue 5 is published by DC Comics and written by Matt Fraction, with art by Jorge Jiménez, colors by Tomeu Morey, and letters by Clayton Cowles and Jiménez.

A date night with Bruce Wayne and Doctor Zeller quickly becomes a fight for survival.

This issue maintains a steady forward momentum, as a casual drive quickly turns into a chase. The pace is instantly infectious and engaging, as the car serves and speeds away from an onslaught of attackers. It’s frantic and ferocious with a new group that is dangerous and fierce. There’s also terrific depth within the storytelling, with multiple parties after Bruce’s date.

Even when the car crashes and the two stay moving on foot, the adrenaline is still very high. It’s a breathtaking spectacle filled with surprises. Tension builds between Bruce and his date, in many ways, creating a static of electricity humming through the second half of Batman Issue 5. The final moment ends with a hysterical, unexpected delivery.

Fraction writes fantastic dialogue in Batman Issue 5. Throughout the comic, there’s terrific chemistry between Bruce and Doctor Zeller. It’s grouchy and complaining instead of flirting, but that’s more powerful and endearing. Zeller isn’t looking for a date and is unimpressed by Bruce’s showboating. That’s the other part of this issue that makes it stand out: Bruce has to fight the bad guys and keep Zeller alive without the Batsuit.

This means Wayne has to be understated and careful. He had to fight without making it clear just how well he can fight. He has to be a charmer whilst trying to keep his new friend calm. When he gets a moment away from Zeller, the facade fades, and the real Bruce Wayne emerges. The villain is an intriguing new figure, one with mysterious powers and an enigmatic attitude.

The art is sensational. Jiménez crafts a remarkable car chase, beautifully implementing the movement. The sound, crashes, and swerves create an energetic set piece, with a focus on little details as well. There’s emphasis on hands and feet, stamping on pedals, changing gears, and other actions. There’s so much happening around the car, too, with katana-wielding motorcyclists mobbing the vehicle as it zooms up the highway. Each impact and movement leads to a consequence, a fantastic example of cause and effect.

The other villain is a woman with a stunning take on a medieval costume. The hat and detailing on her outfit are staggering, as are the markings on her face. There are elements in her design that seem inspired by manga. Her battle with Bruce is fast and expertly choreographed, showing that he really has to move to avoid her vicious strikes.

Both Bruce and Zeller look amazing, too. Bruce is suave and handsome, with Dr Zeller matching his smart attire. Bruce’s body language shifts dramatically, from a cocky playboy to a serious martial artist in just a single panel.

The colors are extraordinary. Bruce’s car is a distinct shade of blue and is often the only object on the page that is that color. That makes it easy to spot at a glance at all times. The motorcycle gang rides in wearing striking white suits with red helmets, but is often shown in red to better contrast with the car’s blue. Once the car chase finishes, there’s a selection of times used that frequently changes. Morey strays away from trying to be naturalistic, which makes the issue much more extravagant and exciting.

The lettering is mesmerizing, especially the SFX. It is stitched into the pages, helping convey the intensity of the action. There are moments where they define tiny movements, but have a huge impact on the wider story. The main antagonist is accompanied by a “Hyuuu” sound effect. It signals her movement and impending arrival before she has even appeared.

Batman Issue 5 leaves you gasping for air. It’s a relentless chase, never stopping for long, as a sprawling chase ensues across Gotham City. Car chases are rare in comics, but Fraction has proven his love for them. Once in his critically acclaimed Hawkeye series with David Aja, and now in Batman. Jiménez defines another impeccable example of how to make the concept work in this format. The sound effects, frenetic movement, and panel layouts create an unforgettable sequence.

Batman Issue 5 is available where comics are sold.