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Batman '89 #5
- Writer:
- Sam Hamm
- Artist:
- Joe Quinones
- Letterer:
- Clayton Cowles
- Publisher:
- DC Comics
- Price:
- 3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-04-12
- Colorist:
- Leonardo Ito
It has been well over thirty years since the release of the hit 1989 classic Batman and its subsequent sequel, Batman Returns. Tim Burton's vision of a dark, gothic Gotham with elements of camp blended into the aesthetics has endured in the imagination of the fanbase. When Sam Hamm, the original writer of the movies, returned to DC Comics for a revival of the beloved series, he brought new prospects for storytelling with him. Batman '89 expands the boundaries of the Burtonverse Batman films, exploring a realm of possibilities that could have graced the silver screen at that time. Written by Sam Hamm with artwork from Joe Quinones and Leonardo Ito and letters by Clayton Cowles, Batman '89 #5 takes Billy Dee Williams' villainous Two-Face on the warpath against Michael Keaton's Caped Crusader.
Batman '89 #5 becomes Two Face's playground as mayhem and chaos grip the city of Gotham. District Attorney Harvey Dent has completely embraced his darker side, concocting a daring plan to storm the GCPD headquarters for the millions of dollars locked up in evidence. For this, he needs folks with expertise and a special interest in wreaking havoc and destruction. Meanwhile, Barbara and her father have their own differences to settle. The story cuts away to Batman and his new crime-fighting partner Winston Drake as they ride through the city streets in the famous Batmobile. Their joyride comes to an abrupt halt when news of the siege reaches them, prompting the Dynamic Duo to jump into action.
After a somewhat sluggish start to the series, the story has finally picked up its pace in the penultimate issue. Batman '89 #5 has all the ingredients required to make a great superhero tale. From personal drama and daring crime to shocking betrayals and superfluous action, Sam Hamm has utilized all the traditional tools at a writer's disposal to pack the book to the brim. However, the crammed plot coupled with the high-octane pace creates a rushed feeling that requires the full of attention of the reader until the last page. The numerous narratives run in parallel, each depicting the impact of the characters' choices on themselves and their relationships, which finally come together for a spectacular climax. Batman takes a step back in this issue to let his supporting cast shine, especially the Two-Face scenes that exude style and panache.
Artist Joe Quinones works tirelessly to bring depth to the world of Batman '89, placing small details and intricately laid out panels on display. He uses clean contour lines to capture the likenesses of the actors who once gave life to these characters. The illustrations from Quinones have been one of the most consistent aspects of the series, with the rich settings, pensive moments, and spectacular action giving the artwork a cinematic feel. Colorist Leonardo Ito plays a role in creating a somber ambiance akin to the original movies of Tim Burton. From drab, muted backgrounds to colorfully clothed characters in the foreground, the colors evoke an emotional response in the reader and turn the clock back to a more fashionable decade.
A non-stop action spectacle from start to finish, Batman '89 #5 embraces the violent side of Gotham City much like the disgraced District Attorney Harvey Dent, who has now surrendered his future to a coin's probability. As the story progresses towards a violent confrontation between the friends-turned-enemies, it does well to give both newly introduced characters and old ones, like Commissioner Gordon, a chance to bask in the limelight. Catwoman, who features on the cover page of the issue, plays a meager role throughout the whole ordeal, leaving readers wanting for more. While Batman '89 #5 rolls towards a thrilling conclusion, it forgoes the campiness that makes the movies so endearing, replacing it with drama and suspense.