Tags
Alvaro Martinez, Batman, Batman #105, Batman #105 review, Batmobile, Bruce Wayne, Carlo Pagulayan, Christian Duce, Clownhunter, Danny Miki, DC Comics, Ghost-Maker, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker War, NCBD
Batman #105
Review by Paul Bowler
The Dark Knight and Ghost-Maker face-off in a no-hold’s barred showdown in Batman #105, with the fate of Clownhunter, Gotham and Batman’s austerity driven war on crime all resting on the outcome!
Batman #105 by writer James Tynion IV, artists Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce and colorist David Barron, is the final chapter in Ghost-Maker’s introductory story – Ghost Stories – before the regular Batman title takes a short two-month hiatus to make way for the Next Batman as part of DC Comics next big line wide comic book event – Future State.

I’ve really enjoyed how Tynion has explored Bruce’s complex relationship with this childhood rival from his past, and how the new anti-hero Ghost-Maker has returned to wreak havoc on Gotham in the aftermath of Joker War. In this issue of Batman we finally learn the reason their friendship fractured so badly and how it impacted on their quests to become crime-fighters. The opening flashback in Argentina is beautifully written by Tynion, and its fascinating to see what caused Bruce and Ghost-Hunter to take such different paths. The rest of the issue also showcases Tynion’s character-driven writing style, there’s an emotional reckoning between Harley Quinn and Clownhunter, and a thrilling edge-of-your seat battle between Batman and Ghost-Hunter that unexpectedly brings their story full circle.
My only really complaint in this issue is with the art by Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce and stylish use of color by David Barron, which is all adequate enough, but the differing styles do feel a tad disjoined and unsatisfying. Since Joker War the art team on Batman hasn’t been all that consistent, sadly Ghost Stories Part 4 does suffer as a result, and it tarnishes what has otherwise been a really good storyline. Batman is a flagship title after all, so come on DC Comics, get your act together and sort out a regular art team for Tynion’s run whydontya?
James Tynion has really begun to make his mark on this series and I look forward to seeing where thing’s go from here The conclusion of this epic tale involving Batman and Ghost-Hunter in Batman #105, does however, reach an intriguing conclusion that’s far beyond anything that could’ve been expected. With the tantalising prospect of a new Batmobile just around the corner Batman certainly seems to be keeping his friends close these days, and his enemies even closer…
Publisher DC Comics
Writer James Tynion IV
Artists Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce
Colorist David Barron / Letterer Clayton Cowles
Cover Jorge Jimenez & Tomeu Morey
About The Author
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook