Batman: Arkham Knight #5 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Viktor Bogdanovic
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: March 20, 2015

I've Gotta Bad Case...

If you've read my other reviews for Arkham Knight, you will know that I've been impressed with the series.  The story and art are top notch and already have me salivating for the game to come out.  I really want to know everything about this Arkham Knight and see how Batman reacts to what appears to be a "killer" rival in his City.  That's why last week's issue was a bit of a disappointment.  Sure, I always enjoy a good Joker tale, but I'm growing weary of these so-called origin stories that keep you guessing about what is real and what is not.  It did end on a cool cliffhanger that had me excited about this week's issue.  We may not get any new Arkham Knight developments, but we get one of my favorite characters...Harley Quinn.  Does she make this issue worth reading?  Let's find out...



This issue picks up right after last week's awesome cliffhanger.  Jim Gordon has been infected with Joker Toxin and shit is getting real.  I'm talking putting a gun in your mouth real.  Luckily, Lt. Cash is on the scene to stop the madness for a bit as Batman enters the scene.  I have to say, Batman either loves to be overly dramatic or just hates doors as he comes crashing through a window, scoops up Gordon and heads off to Blackgate Prison.

Everyone familiar with the games this is based on or the other comic tie-in will know who Batman is going to see.  In fact, if you just glanced at the covers of this issue or the last, you can guess it's Harley Quinn.  I don't care if it's not a big surprise, I was still giddy to see her.  I also laughed at how she's been spending her time in Blackgate.

While I am not fully sold on Tomasi's dialogue for her just yet, I do like the situation he's put her in. She is trying to rehabilitate herself and to that end, kind of helps Batman out. He takes her to Joker's Funland (which made me smile again) and she points the way to the antidote to save Gordon. Remember, I said "kind of helps"?  Well, wait until you see what I mean.  It's another great cliffhanger that has me pumped for next issue.

Well, we get no Arkham Knight whatsoever, but after this issue, I don't care.  I am loving that Harley is involved and the cliffhanger promises another great guest star.  I guess I was expecting a straight up story, but after these last two issues, I'm now fully along for the ride no matter where it takes me.

Victor Bogdanovic's art is kick ass once again.  I know that some have unjustly accused him of being a Greg Capullo wannabe, but after this issue I hope they all shut their mouths.  As more characters enter the book, he is showing just what he can do and what he can do is draw the hell out of this book.  His Harley is one of the best I've seen in a while and it's sans makeup and costume and just pure awesomeness.

Bits and Pieces:

After last week's issue , I wanted less Joker and more Arkham Knight.  After this issue I want more Harley Quinn and whatever else Peter J. Tomasi throws my way.  The story and art in this issue are top notch and I can't wait to see what happens next week.  This is really a great book that is well worth the price of admission.

9.0/10