Ricky Church reviews All-Star Batman #5…
“MY OWN WORST ENEMY” conclusion! Batman, Duke and Two-Face square off in a fight for Harvey Dent’s soul. With assassins flooding in from across the countryside, Batman learns that even his most trusted allies might choose evil over good.
The first arc of Scott Snyder’s All-Star Batman concludes in a way that can only be described as spectacular and emotional. Snyder hits all the right notes as Batman and Two-Face finally complete their long journey with some excellent art by John Romita Jr., who takes his swan song with All-Star Batman #5.
‘My Own Worst Enemy’ has really delivered one of the best examinations of Two-Face we’ve received in a long while, putting Two-Face’s twisted philosophy on display through his attempts to convince Batman that deep down, people are devoid of hope. The exclamation point of this theme comes with Snyder’s look at the lingering bit of Harvey Dent that still exists. Snyder’s last minute reveal adds a new layer of tragedy to the Harvey/Two-Face dynamic and what it means to Batman.
Batman’s also got some great moments in this issue. Snyder once again shows the various ways Batman improvises his plans and how he prepares his moves against his enemies. There is one hilarious moment towards the end that shows just how far Batman is willing to go to protect his secret identity from others. This is further punctuated by Gordon’s presence, who again lets on a little more than he lets people think he knows as the police prepare to raid Wayne Manor.
The story also delves into how much Batman himself relies on the ideal of hope and the ability for people to change. His own hope gives him a lot of resiliency, something Snyder has always excelled at displaying and the final moments of All-Star Batman #5 really shows that.
One of the biggest aspects of this issue, however, is the art. John Romita Jr.’s art is outstanding, from his close-up of Two-Face to Batman’s daring escape to KGBeast’s menacing appearance. JRJR really did some of his best work yet on this title and it will be sad to see him go, but hopefully he can come back on All-Stat Batman again or work with Snyder on another series in the future. Dean White’s colours really compliment JRJR’s artwork, using a mix of dark and light palettes throughout. As for the inks, you’d that than an issue with four different inkers might be a bit messy, but Danny Miki, Tom Palmer, Sandra Hope and Richard Friend make it work and seemingly consistent.
All-Star Batman #5 concludes a great story by placing Batman out of his comfort zone and examining the philosophy of one of his most known enemies. Snyder’s handle on the characters is one of the biggest selling points of this series and JRJR’s art is great to look at it. If you’re a Batman fan, All-Star Batman is a title you have to read.
Rating: 10/10
Ricky Church
Originally published December 30, 2016. Updated April 16, 2018.
