Writer: Tom Taylor
Art: Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope, Brad Anderson, Clem Robins, and Andy Kubert
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 21, 2021
BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE #5 finally reveals the secret of who Equilibrium is. However, what will BATMAN do as he ultimately finds out that his longtime friend has had this knowledge the entire time? Let’s dive into BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE #5 by Tom Taylor to finally discover the true identity of Equilibrium as well as why she’s killing those saved by the BATMAN.
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THE DISPATCH
Why is it that Tom Taylor, as opposed to so many other writers right now, manages to always find a way to bring his stories to a conclusion? He always finds the perfect way to end his story beats properly, answers most of the dangling questions, but also finds just enough wiggle room to leave the door cracked open for more just in case. Many writers build, and build, and continue to build until halfway through the final issue only to rapidly conclude with the hero triumphant, yet magically triumphant at that. Yet, not Taylor.
Sure, the hero always struggles but naturally and logically finds a way to win. Readers, it’s called good storytelling. And BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE is just that: good storytelling. Readers will see throughout this issue firsthand how fantastic a writer Taylor is by the sheer inception of Equilibrium as it’s finally uncovered. Furthermore, there is an “idea” introduced by Taylor throughout this issue of BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE that truthfully seems plausible that surprisingly hasn’t been inspected by many other writers to this point. Readers should take a look and let me know what they think!
However, from my perspective, who I wanted the villain to be was most certainly not the case. Plus, if the individual who I anticipated Equilibrium being was Alfred’s daughter (who I speculated it would be), her motives wouldn’t make much sense unless Taylor wrote them into the narrative. Nevertheless, my biggest letdown of this installment of BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE was simply that the person behind the curtain was an unknown. Yet, Taylor still lands the punch well even with the big reveal ultimately being a foreign entity. Sure, some may argue that Equilibrium’s motives were a bit problematic and confusing, however, they made sense to this reviewer and jived well with the direction of the series. I could feel the emotion along with the tone well which helped this issue of BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE hit its mark perfectly.
ART
Andy Kubert’s art continues with its rugged, almost gritty feel that’s so incredibly powerful and at times just brilliant. Kubert continues to demonstrate his ability at formulating layouts and page spreads in such a way that creates a purely vivid action display in which propels the reader into the heart of the narrative. Plus, the facial expressions of the characters involved provide this sense of natural integrity that makes each scene appear intense and realistic fitting masterfully with the story beats at large.
FINAL THOUGHT
BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE #5 pushes this series to its limits preparing for it to burst at the seams throughout its concluding installment. The rationale and motivation behind the revealed villain ultimately makes sense and emotionally fit the narrative well. However, one could argue it was a bit of a stretch. That said, Taylor wraps up loose ends and lays the story on the reader’s lap, plain as day, ready for its concluding chapter without too many dangling questions. If you’ve been digging BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE to this point, you’ll want to continue the expedition. However, the reveal and motivation aren’t enough to draw brand new readers into the series to pick up back issues to follow along. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!