Review: Absolute Batman #5 – “The Zoo: Part Five”
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Colorist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Reviewed by: Steven Brown
Summary
Absolute Batman #5 – The supposed deal between Batman and Black Mask falls apart, turning Gotham into a warzone. Meanwhile, Jim Gordon needs guidance.
Positives
Racing through the streets of Gotham, Batman is on his way to meet with Black Mask. A deal was supposedly made between the two men, with Batman getting a large sum of money in return for staying out of Black Mask’s affairs.
I was pretty excited for the meet between these two, as it’s been building up for the past few issues. Meeting on the rooftops of the city, the double cross was pretty obvious, and it seems that both men were prepared. Batman takes down waves of Black Mask’s thugs before Black Mask makes his move and springs a trap on Batman.
Negatives
I really hate how Gordon and Batman haven’t really started working together at all yet. It’s clear in this issue that the pair need each other. Gordon is still running for mayor against the corrupt Hamilton Hill, and now Harvey Bullock, a decorated cop of the Gotham City Police Department is now endorsing him. Jim feels lost and betrayed by this. However, he’s soon reminded of his commitment to make Gotham a better place.
Alfred makes an appearance in this issue, though I must admit that I hated how things ended between him and Bruce. Bruce has a lot of growing to do and Alfred reminds him of that. Broken and bloodied, Bruce yells at Alfred to immediately stitch him up. Alfred leaves — and Bruce is all alone.
Verdict
Absolute Batman #5 is a good read, but I’m really waiting for the partnership between Gordon and Batman. With that being said, I’d like to remind you that Bruce’s relationship with Alfred isn’t all that great either, so I don’t have much hope for a successful partnership between Batman and Gordon, but maybe Snyder will prove me wrong.
Score: 4/5
