In issue 5 of Batman Killing Time, we are definitely splitting the second; moment by moment, something is unfolding. Like time itself, folding in upon itself, the issue moves forward, elliptically, enigmatically driving the narrative.
The Batman, Riddler, Catwoman, Penguin, with Bruce Wayne, connected to it all. A bloody gang war, a ‘come together’ reunion being planned for a park, at night, keeping everyone’s questions in the dark, away from all the hubbub. Bring your own weapons!
Tom King writes circles around the wagon, dragging us along by our backsides into the makings of mayhem. It ain’t for the non-brave or the non-bold, nor the non-blonde. Okay, it’s magic, entrancing, and engaging. Don’t look away from the compelling drawings of David Marquez, who puts the figures where they boldly should go before realizing they are in danger. The intensity, the poses, and the compositions yank us into the fire, and colourist Alejandro Sanchez keeps it bathed in sodium vapour and flames. Amazing effects lettering by Clayton Cowles, with all the blamming and slamming echoing brightly into the breeze.
Hot summer fun.
DC Comics, Batman Killing Time #5, $4.99 for 29 pages of content
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