After a four-month hiatus, the space odyssey that is Batman: Off-World returns for its fifth issue. Batman has taken the fight to the Blakksun Mining Company as he tries to liberate the enslaved colonies across the Slag Galaxy. To combat Batman’s advances, the Blakksun Twins have hired their stormchaser known as The Thanagarian to take him down and bring him in alive. Will the Caped Crusader be able to overcome this new adversary? Or will Iona from Tamaran have to intervene to save the Bat? Let’s find out.
The issue starts with Batman hallucinating that he’s back in Gotham, and he’s been hit by a car. But as he comes to, he realizes that he’s still in space and getting his butt kicked by the Thanagarian. The first half of the issue is them fighting, and it is extremely epic. Intercepters are flying all around them, and Batman is struggling to hang on, but his determination to save those who are oppressed by the Blakksuns is keeping him alive. Punch-Bot (now self-proclaimed War Bot) is piloting the War Storm while the fight between Batman and the Thanagarian rages on. The fight leads them to crash through the War Storm and land near the shield generators, a.k.a. the Storm Shield. Batman orders War Bot in desperation to siphon the shields into the circuits of his space suit, so he can get the upper hand on the Thanagarion. After this, Batman manages to momentarily win the fight and leaves the Thanagarian on the War Storm to fight legions of punch bots to keep him busy. Batman, War Bot, and War Wolf leave to search for the location of the Blakksun Twins.
Meanwhile, the Blakksun Twins are at a mining colony where a revolt is happening. The female twin, Wrath, has a monologue proclaiming that the twins don’t blame the rebels for revolting but put the blame on Batman for spreading “diseases” like ambition and hope to the enslaved worlds and causing them to uprise. She then gleefully challenges the rebels to “be like Batman” and attack them. Batman and his companions later arrive to the same colony after searching for leads throughout the Slag Galaxy for the twins’ whereabouts. But it’s too late though because they find everyone has been murdered and War Bot reveals that about 13 billion (yes, billion with a B) have died in the surrounding worlds. After hearing that, Batman starts doubting himself and regrets that he pursued this crusade. Ione then shows up, and something happens that I didn’t expect and the issue ends.
First of all, I wanted to indicate to the readers that I’m taking over reviewing this series so to catch up, I did read the previous four issues. And I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every issue. I have heard great things about Jason Aaron’s writing, specifically his run on Thor with Marvel. I, myself, haven’t read any of his work, but I was excited about reading Batman: Off-World due to Aaron’s accolades and acclaim. I’m also not familiar with Doug Mahnke’s artwork, so I didn’t know what to expect when it came to the visuals. And boy… I have been blown away.
The premise alone initially baffled me because it seemed more like a story suited for a Green Lantern and not Batman, but I was proven wrong. Aaron nails Batman’s famous characteristics like his determination for justice, his methodical work ethic, and his moral compass. There is surprisingly a decent amount of humor, especially with War Bot. After each issue, I couldn’t wait to read the next one, and I’m happy that I got to read the previous issues in such rapid succession. I can understand how people could have been frustrated waiting so long between issues. Mahnke’s illustrations are also breathtaking, and they reminded me of Frank Miller’s work in Ronin and a little bit of Jack Kirby. The contributions of inker Jaime Mendoza and colorist David Baron also don’t go unnoticed, and they really elevate Mahnke’s vision. The designs for the Blakksun Twins are both terrifying and beautiful. All the character designs in the series are incredible. My only gripe relates to the story, and is Batman’s reason for going into outer space. We’re now five issues in and with one more to go, we still don’t have a clear reason why he left Earth. Other than that, I have no other issues.
Recommended if…
- You want to read a story that invokes Star Wars, The Chronicles of Riddick, and Batman all mixed into one.
- You have been enjoying the series so far.
- You are a fan of sci-fi.
Overall
Batman: Off-World has been a delight and honestly one of the best Batman comics I’ve read this year. It’s so weird and honestly was skeptical heading in, but Jason Aaron and the creative team has created a world that I love journeying to. There’s only one issue left, and I can’t wait to see how it ends. I’m definitely picking up the trade when it comes out. Please do yourself a favor and read this. You will thank me.
Score: 9/10
English (US) · 