It’s chaos in Scarface Tower! Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman pit residents against Batman in Batman: Dark Patterns #5. Can Batman escape the strings of Scarface’s deadly puppet show? Let’s find out!
This issue opens guns blazing as Scarface erupts onto the page. Colorist Triona Farrell bathes the chaos in neon pink, giving everything a slick, poppy, almost surreal vibe. Batman swats down this Scarface threat like it’s nothing, only to find he’s facing an entire apartment building full of Scarface-masked goons spraying bullets and calling him “Gatman” (seriously, it’s funny). Watters instantly throws Batman into the deep end: he’s skilled, yes, but massively outnumbered, and death is a single misstep away.
Taking cover in an apartment, Batman discovers Scarface’s terrifying plan – potentially using vocal hypnosis to turn ordinary residents into a puppet army. Watters even weaves in Wizard of Oz and Greek mythology references, showcasing the smart writing this series boasts. Batman, ever the detective, figures the ‘brain’ must be at the top and drops a line so cold it’s both scary and utterly ridiculous.
Sherman’s art drives the ensuing action hard, leading to a top-floor confrontation. We meet someone we expect, but the twist flips the script entirely. Who’s the real puppet master of Scarface Towers? Forget easy answers – time’s up, as the hostage situation gets critical!
Credits: DC Comics
Batman: Dark Patterns continues to be one of the best comics on the shelves right now. It expertly balances seriousness, silliness, and cool factor into a great Batman story. The concept of Scarface as an entire building, with Batman navigating through it like it’s a body, is ingenious. It reminds me of Capone “Gang” Bege from One Piece; who’s also a gangster! It makes you wonder if writer Dan Watters is also a One Piece fan?
Hayden Sherman’s art continues to shine here, especially the layouts. There’s a fantastic sequence where the page is sliced into fourths, showing Batman moving between corridors while his shadow looms like a bat-demon; subtle but incredibly effective. He also uses triangles and squares, dividing panels in unique ways that offer fresh perspectives while remaining easy to follow. There’s a clever “pattern” to his approach (pun intended!).
The attention to detail in this comic is impressive. For example, after Batman takes down two goons carrying a gun and a bat, respectively, you see him use those exact weapons against other enemies on the following pages. It’s a small touch, but it enhances the storytelling, immerses you in the action, and rewards you for paying attention. On the sillier side, I love Sherman’s “thinking Batman” pose; it has an almost unintentional Adam West-esque sassiness.
Credits: DC Comics
Frank Cvetkovic’s lettering adds great energy, with impactful “POW” and “BAM” effects landing even when Batman’s fight is hidden in smoke. It’s a fantastic example of showing more with less. His creative placement of the fire alarm’s persistent “BEEP” along the panel sides keeps the page clean while adding tension. Meanwhile, Tríona Farrell’s colors continue to wow; striking purples define Scareface and his crew, contrasted by vivid reds and greens in the apartment environment that bring the panels to life.
Batman: Dark Patterns #5 throws the Dark Knight right into the chaos of Scarface Tower, facing off against a building packed with goons in Scarface masks. Dan Watters’s clever writing and Hayden Sherman’s dynamic, inventive art strike a great balance between serious moments and humor. It’s easily one of the best comics you can pick up right now. Seriously, if you’re not reading this, you’re missing out.
Scarface Tower Takedown: ‘Batman Dark Patterns’ #5 Review
Batman: Dark Patterns #5 throws the Dark Knight right into the chaos of Scarface Tower, facing off against a building packed with goons in Scarface masks. Dan Watters’s clever writing and Hayden Sherman’s dynamic, inventive art strike a great balance between serious moments and humor. It’s easily one of the best comics you can pick up right now. Seriously, if you’re not reading this, you’re missing out!
