Written by Steve Niles
Art by Kelley Jones; Michelle Madsen; & Pat Brosseau
Cover Art by Kelley Jones
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for November 2008, this untitled fifth issue (thought the cover calls it “Predatory Party Crashers”) continues Batman’s twelve-issue quest to unmask the macabre serial killer known as ‘Midnight.’ Shortly before Halloween, a Wayne Foundation gala is crashed by both Midnight and Man-Bat attacking each other. A tuxedo-clad Bruce Wayne, seemingly cowering behind Gotham police detective April Clarkson, covertly defuses the crisis. Alfred questions Bruce’s inexplicable efforts to impress Clarkson.
Getting a tip from Kirk Langstrom (after Batman helps revert him back to his human form), the Dark Knight has a rooftop showdown with Midnight. Startled by Midnight’s latest homicidal atrocity, Batman is left fuming that his adversary has escaped once more. Meanwhile, an unsuspecting real estate agent suffers a grisly fate after he sets up the Joker with a condemned fixer-upper. It’s revealed that the Joker will be hosting a Halloween haunted house bash this year.
REVIEW:
This ghoulish storyline is equaled by deliberately grotesque artwork, which makes this read something of an acquired taste. However, this issue definitely merits a parental advisory label, as its content is meant for Batman fans who prefer nightmarish R-rated horror. Provided one can stomach it, Batman: Gotham After Midnight # 5 makes for an intriguing single read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page DC Nation column by Editor Mike Carlin hypes the ongoing Trinity # 17. Other cover images included are: Ambush Bug: Year None # 3; Teen Titans # 63; and Reign in Hell # 3. The next issue’s cover is revealed, as Midnight is the invited guest to Joker’s Halloween funhouse.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
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