Under orders from the maleficent entity known as Scarface, the residents of Bledin Towers have taken a cop hostage and are on the hunt for Batman. Scarface has claimed Bledin Towers as his new body—but if that’s the case, then where’s the brain? Before he can think about saving the hostage, Batman must find out what’s really behind this madness and put a stop to it before the hostage is killed.
Batman: Dark Patterns #5 continues the story arc that began in Batman: Dark Patterns #4—a neat, self-contained mystery set in Batman’s early days. The previous issue looked decadent and was a fun tease for what was to come, but it was a little light on plot progression. Thankfully, issue #5 makes good on issue #4’s promises and delivers a satisfying installment that only improves on what came before.
Like previous issues, here you’ll find some of the most creative Batman artwork seen in comics. Tríona Farrell’s colors are once again going above and beyond in what might expected from a relatively small-scale story like this. Menacing purples give way to more comforting greens, but the book never loses its shadowy atmosphere.
DC
Of course, there’s also artist Hayden Sherman’s incredible work with the panels in this story. I’m not sure that Sherman could draw a conventional page of sequential comic book art to save their life, and I mean that as nothing but a compliment. They’re constantly finding unique angles to portray action or underscore the tone of the story with their panelling.
And that’s not even mentioning the glorious artwork. There isn’t an inch of art lacking in substance or detail in this entire book. Backgrounds are vibrant and rich in personality; faces are expressive; and Batman is portrayed as both a looming threat in fight scenes and reassuringly human in an oddly wholesome interaction with some of Bledin Towers’ less murderous residents. If nothing else, this book is worth owning for the artwork alone.
Thankfully, Batman: Dark Patterns #5 also delivers on the story and writing fronts. The issue presents some strong plot progression and even some fun twists. It’s comparatively heavier on dialogue than the previous issue, which slows the pace nicely and makes for a more substantial reading experience.
Batman theorizes out loud as to what might be responsible for the cult-like grip that Scarface has over many of the building’s residents, but writer Dan Watters also takes this opportunity to introduce some new mysteries of a supernatural persuasion to Bledin Towers. With only one issue left in this mini-arc, it’ll be interesting to see how Watters resolves all of this.
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The issue mainly focuses on Batman scaling the floor of the new Scarface Towers, fighting his minions as he climbs, which is supremely satisfying. It’s fun, beautifully rendered Batman action. Smoke pellets, Batarangs, ropes, and fisticuffs—it’s simple yet effective. The narrative also diverges to include the perspective of the criminal element inside the tower.
There’re some fun developments with the criminals, but I’m hoping that the subsequent issue will give us some more context for them. Out-of-the-blue surprises like the ones in this issue are fun in the moment, but they’ll need to be backed up with substance later if they’re to really mean anything.
Some fans might also be a little disappointed by the lack of Bruce Wayne, so to speak. It certainly doesn’t detract much from the overall experience because there’s so much fun in simply watching Batman be Batman, but fans searching for a deeper look at what Bruce’s psyche looks like at this early stage of his career might be a little disappointed.
Overall, there’s no mistaking the mastery behind Batman: Dark Patterns #5. From the fun premise satisfyingly explored, to the panels, artwork, and colors, this is simply an outstanding issue to behold. It might not quite be for everyone, and the story raises some questions that need to be properly addressed in the next issue in order to feel impactful, but there’s enough action, mystery, and tension to be had here to make for an outstandingly entertaining book.
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