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dc comics 3-4-26 - dc ko 5
Comic Book

DC Comics 3/4/26 – DC KO 5, Batman 7

Jeffrey Lyles , , , , , , , , , , ,
Batman 7

batman 7

Matt Fraction tries his hand with more of a Hannibal Lecter style clash of Batman and The Joker with this new arc. While in Dr. Zeller’s care, The Joker — or Patient 10 — has been receiving top of the line care. Now, he’s gotten word out through a source at the clinic that he wants to speak to Batman.

Batman 7 isn’t some frantic action set piece with crazy spectacles. It’s far more psychological as Fraction writes it like a game of cat and mouse. Fraction writes it unbelievably tense with artist Jorge Jimenez in lock step with him on how to best covey this back and forth seeming battle of wills. The issue largely plays out in one room with Batman and Joker while Zeller watches from her observation post, but it’s riveting stuff.

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Tension is an easy emotion or mood to convey in a thriller or a horror movie. It’s far more challenging in a comic book, but Jimenez nails it, complete with a gatefold image that seems like an easy license to print money with iconic images of Batman and Joker’s sordid past. This is a hauntingly beautiful image that really should become one of those signature art pieces to sum up Batman and The Joker.

Colorist Tomeu Morey proves invaluable with the color choices with stark white around Batman, green water for Joker and Zeller being framed in black and grey. Clayton Cowles’ lettering is also well done especially with the text showing Joker’s thoughts.

This is how to kick off a new Batman/Joker arc without making it feel derivative of what’s come before. The Batman creative team is delivering some inspired work so far and this is clearly another high mark for them.

Rating: 10 out of 10 

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