BARBARA GORDON: BREAKOUT #5 (DC COMICS)
Hope is dying a slow death in Supermax.
Barbara Gordon embarked on a dangerous undercover mission. Trying to solve a rising body count of Commissioner Vandal Savage enemies prompted action. Gordon has gone inside the prison walls to discover the truth. What she has discovered is worse than originally thought.
BARBARA GORDON: BREAKOUT #5 by Mariko Tamaki, Amancay Nahuelpan, Tamra Bonvillain & Ariana Maher (DC COMICS) continues Gordon’s fight inside enemy territory.
Let’s take a closer look at the latest.
BARBARA GORDON: BREAKOUT #5 by Mariko Tamaki, Amancay Nahuelpan, Tamra Bonvillain & Ariana Maher (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Tamaki plays to the strengths of her main character via the writing. The opening sequence teases a larger mystery looming. Sparrow’s attack shakes up her plans greatly. Readers watch as the dialogue shows a peek into Gotham’s corruption. It leads Myrna a chance to try getting some information. Her “talk” with Sparrow teases more as it is painfully brief. This provides a solid transition point into Gordon’s time searching.
Her conversation with Vanessa Woods teeters on the worry of what’s happened and possible hope. The dialogue is frank as more trouble comes into view. Even as best laid plans are, nothing prepares Gordon for what transpires here. The mood changes with one swift action. Immediately, the tempo slows down to no speed. Maher’s lettering conveys the inner monologue with a fearful tone behind it. This ushers events to a more evil close. Savage’s growing rage finally starts letting out. It pushes the spotlight on Gordon as another mystery begins its’ trek. Brace for the last page as something new has entered into view.
read last issue’s review!
Nahuelpan & Bonvillain begin with a simple note passing sequence. The long panels lead right into a striking half panel. Sparrow’s current dilemma leads into a series of full page imagery. All tease a larger scheme in the weed growing. Myrna’s conformation with Sparrow is frank but direct to the point. Her expressions never leave a serious tone. It provides key moments before giving Gordon time to prep.
Die’s involvement interrupts a steady build for Woods and Gordon. The full page fight starts veering off the rails. Maher’s lettering behind Die squaring up makes a loud statement. It leads into more action as the fighting resumes behind bars. Nothing is fair or nice in this duel. It leads into a shocking act which the art team gives a full page result for. This becomes a lead domino to fall and spark the closing pages. Savage’s growing frustration leads into dangerous areas. This breaks up the prison drama to complete it on a solid note. The pages craft a haunting full page look before walking off with a chilling final statement. No one ever said this mission would be easy.
FINAL GRADE: 8
Gordon’s best laid attempts to help costs more than she can cover in this latest installment. Tamaki weaves in some solid twists with Maher providing a huge assist. Nahuelpan & Bonvillain’s art add more weight to the pressure crushing Gordon. Just when she thinks she know the rules, Barbara Gordon’s latest case proves to be more than she can handle.
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