In my review of last month's issue, I expressed confusion about why The Joker's actions and appearance didn't seem consistent with the Crown Prince of Crime's seeming ascension to King of the Wicker People (or whatever he was supposed to be) in
BATMAN R.I.P., particularly because writer Paul Dini is always such a master of characterization.
Issue #5 proves I should have never doubted Dini, who was in fact taking a big, brave gamble in the way he wrote Mr. J. That gamble pays off as this month's story unfolds; we find out why The Joker's acting the way he is, and the results are creepy and cool.
I've basically lost all patience with (and interest in) “BATMAN REBORN,” but good books are good books, and GOTHAM CITY SIRENS continues to be a spectacularly fun read. Guillem March's art is as sexy and as energetic as always, but he really cranks up the macabre during a big reveal that brings Dini's wicked cliffhanger home with energy and excitement. I don't know if the timing of its release so close to Halloween was intentional, but this issue really is one hell of a satisfying little creep show. Literally. And that's all I'll say about it.
Hot babes, hot art, and character-accurate writing that elevates this book far beyond the silly cheesecake it could be in a lesser writer's hands. Five issues in, and I still can't get enough. - John Bierly
