Writers: Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Art: Max Dunbar and Sebastian Cheng (colorist)
Publisher: DC comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 28th, 2023
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THE DISPATCH
Picking up where we left off last time, Terry and Kyle discover the plant creatures at the center of Gotham, who are also those responsible for kidnapping the children. We soon discover that they are supposed to be Poison Ivy and Black Orchid, with a third character who might be Swamp Thing but it isn’t confirmed. The most surprising thing in Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic #5 is the person we find out is controlling everything. This issue doesn’t make too much sense and is somewhat hard to follow in terms of plot.
Poison Ivy suddenly returns and we’re just supposed to go with it, without any real explanation as to how she got to where she is now. It’s not even confirmed whether it’s really her, or some sort of magical illusion, since this villain has created several before. At least with Killer Croc a few issues ago, they gave a little bit of an explanation as to what had happened to him. The reveal of the apparent mastermind makes even less sense, especially since it is a character that is not usually considered to be evil. The part with Beam and Lumos seems very disconnected from the rest of the story, even though they appeared in previous issues. The Court of Owls plot point completely disappearing just adds to the inconsistency.
ART
The art in Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic #5 continues to remain consistent with the style throughout the book. There are various creatures who are mutated versions of popular DC characters. Kyle the Catboi using magic against Poison Ivy and Black Orchid in one panel is cool, seeing that fight scene, as well Terry flying in the batsuit, the skyline of Neo-Gotham and Neo-Gotham exploding. The reveal of the mastermind is fittingly creepy from an artistic perspective, it is disappointing to fans of the character, especially since the artists still allow him to be somewhat recognizable as to which popular DC character he is. He is presented in a very out-of-character way for no conceivable reason. The final page in this issue shows vestiges of old Gotham breaking into Neo-Gotham and unleashing old enemies upon the city.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic #5 wasn’t as captivating as other issues in this series and the plot is becoming difficult to follow. Characters seem to be coming out of nowhere with no real explanation for their return. The previous issues had a little bit more of a backstory. It’s possible that more will be revealed in the final issue.