Batman #5 (2026) Thoughts - Date Night Gone Wrong
I loved this issue so much, and it's not because it's a Batman story, in fact, Batman doesn't make an appearance in this issue. We get a full issue focused on Bruce Wayne tackling on a date, or better yet, attempting to tackle on a date with Dr. Annika Zeller.
This issue takes a very fun and lighthearted approach to a Batman story. The quippy, fun dialogue between the two kept me engaged. Watching Bruce struggling to maintain his Playboy personality while surviving the attacks was really great to see.
It didn't take long for their date to get interrupted, and I'm quite intrigued with this new assassin - Ōjō! We don't really get much info besides that she looks badass, and then Damien has been tracking her. As I was looking more into this issue, it wasn't until very recently that Ōjō was originally named "Lady Death Man". DC hasn't made any statements on this, but you can see that the covers originally were solicited with "Lady Death Man".
BleepingComputer - DC Changes Name Of New Batman #5 Villain, Lady Death Man To 'The Ojo'
Speaking of Damien, while having Ninja's and Ōjō trying to kill Dr. Zeller, it's in fact, Damien Wayne, who truly ruins the night for Bruce by revealing that Bruce is his father after stopping Ōjō. It was brilliant comic relief, and while it was stressful for Bruce, I loved it, and I'm very curious to see what happens in future issues.
Jiménez, per usual, delivers fantastic artwork with colors by Tomeu Morey that bring together a beautiful Gotham that is vibrant and alive.
Verdict
Fraction again delivers a fantastic Batman issue, and probably my favorite of the entire run so far, with a standalone Batman issue. With issue #6 dropping next month, which will complete the first volume for Batman, I'm excited to see the future for this Batman.
Covers for Batman #5: Top Left - Jim Lee Top Right - Julian Totino Tedesco Bottom Left - Lesley 'Leirix' Li Bottom Right - Jorge Jiménez
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