Batman Vol. 5: Rules of Engagement (Rebirth)

Tom King’s run on the Rebirth Batman series has been phenomenal so far, and Volume 5 maintains the high bar that has already been set. With a Bat-Cat wedding on the cards, Bruce and Selena head off on a trek across the desert to square off against an old face from Batman’s past. Things change gears a little toward the end, when we get an insightful and ultimately moving “what if” look into the Batman/Catwoman relationship. If this is the way things are going to continue with this title, I can hardly wait for Volume 6.

Now that Batman and Catwoman have decided to take their relationship to the next level, this volume and the next two are a tour of familiar friends and enemies before the Wedding, showing how the decision affects Batman's world, as well as deepening the Bat/Cat relationship. Normally, I'm not a fan of TPBs that are just a loose collection of stories, but this volume is worth it for the Superman/Lois and Bruce/Selina double date alone. It really is a wonderful, self-contained look at Superman and Batman's friendship that explores how much the two respect and admire one another. It's funny, heartwarming, and a great look at both characters. There is a story about Batman visiting his ex, Talia, in an attempt to clear Catwoman's name for crimes she did not commit, and this is fine, but probably one of the weaker stories in the volume. And finally, there are a couple of issues that further explore Batman and Catwoman's long history with one another, as well as an ambiguous tale about their future (maybe an elseworlds-type tale or an actual glimpse into the future, it's not yet clear). All in all, it's a fantastic volume, with some stories that are better than others, but the Superman double date is clearly the highlight of the whole thing.

One of the best graphic novels I've read in a long time.
The art was extraordinary, consistently beautiful as Catwoman.
The story line was fantastic, saying all those things to Batman we've always wanted to say.
It was cool, bad-ass, very funny, but also very sweet and human in unexpected ways.
It gives Batman the happiness he always deserved.

I really enjoyed the art and I loved the dialogue, but I am just having trouble buying some of the character's actions.

King's version of Batman seems so rash and thoughtless sometimes. I really do love Batman and Catwoman together, but I just have trouble believing Batman would take such risk and jeopardize his family and other loved one's this much. Also, he just seems to be going into a lot of things these days with not much of a plan and seems to be acting a bit more selfish and irrational these days. Oh well, I guess this is how a Bat becomes domesticated, and this is the direction DC wants to go, and I am so torn between wanting to see Batman happy but also missing the old detective style Batman comics.

On a side note *Spoiler ahead*, how on earth does Catwoman a person who has picked up a sword according to herself "twice" go toe to toe and actually beat Talia? I am all for the good guys winning, but can we keep it in reason? Do I like Selina more than Talia, hell yes, but I still would like to think that the current head of the League can put up a better fight (no offense Selina) and I think King has overpowered Selina a lot these days. I mean she has got the skills but she is a cat burglar, not a trained assassin...

I did enjoy the second story (since apparently I just need to embrace the idea that Batman is now apparently more focused on domestic stories than detective ones). The interaction between Superman and Batman, and Lois and Selina were well written. I really can believe this is the kind of interaction these characters would have, also I love Clayman to the art was an extra special treat!

Batman/Bruce Wayne proposed to Catwoman/Selina Kyle. She accepted. Now the two are on a desert trip to prove her innocence so she can marry in public. The look on the faces of all the Robins when Alfred broke the news was priceless! And so was their reaction. That storyline was followed by a Superman/Lois Lane outing with Batman/Catwoman at the Smallville fair. Fun times ensue along with good cheer and friendly rivalry. The third storyline traces the relationship of Bruce and Selina from early encounters up to old age. In all, a very nice combination of stories that were not all doom and gloom as so many Batman tales tend to be.

Batman, Vol 5: Rules of Engagement by Tom King (illustrated by Joëlle Jones) continues the Batman Rebirth story-line. This graphic novel collects Batman #33-37 as well as Batman Annual #2.

When Selina Kyle (Catwoman) acceted the marriage proposal from Bruce Wayne’ (Batman) she realized she would have to deal with his ex – Talia al Ghul in order to be happy. The second story, a whimsical tale of Selina and Bruce going on a double date with Lois and Clark.

Batman, Vol 5: Rules of Engagement by Tom King (illustrated by Joëlle Jones) is another solid entry in the Rebirth series. I must admit that this run is absolutely incredible, all five issues so far hit it out of the park.

In this volume Mr. King continues to explore Batman and Catwoman’s complex relationship through words and deeds (read: action). This is a very humane book, even though the hero and sometimes heroine spend a fair amount of time beating on the baddies.

I loved the spin this volume put on the banal things one has to do when remarrying (meet the ex, talk to the kids, tell friends, etc.), only that Bruce Wayne doesn’t do anything “simple” and Selina Kyle is anything but “banal”. These tasks take on a new meaning in this book, brilliantly told while exploring the relationships of the characters involved.

This volume is all about characters, the story is there but the volume mainly explores how the stoic Batman deals with a real romance taking place with a worthy partner.

I can’t stop saying enough good things about the whole series, which in my opinion will become a classic. I’m sure fans might nitpick this series, but I enjoyed it tremendously

I only bought this because I bought the last 4. And I hated the idea of Batman getting married. But, this is my favorite of them all and one of the best Batman books I've ever read...and I've read a lot of them.

This action-light story collects Issues 33-37 of Batman and Batman Annual #2.

The first story, the three issue Rules of Engagement finds Batman and Catwoman trying to enter the forbidden kingdom of Khadym for some business with Talia Al Ghul, Damian Wayne's mother. This leads to the most action in the entire book, a prolonged sword fight between Talia and Catwoman. While not strictly necessary, Damian and Dick Grayson make a good double act as they learn of Bruce's marriage and process his meaning and what he's doing.

Next up is the two issue story, "Super Friends" which involves Bruce and Selina and Clark and Lois talking about discussing Bruce's engagement. It turns into a really fun and thoughtful examination of the relationship between Batman and Superman. Some of these panels where they share their thoughts on each other are beautiful. This story is an instant classic.

Finally, the Annual "Some of these Days" explores the Batman-Catwoman relationship from the beginning of their merry chase. It has some fun moments as well as some introspective moments. The ending raises a question whether this story is really about "our" Batman but it's nonetheless a heck of a story.

Overall, this is surprisingly superb book. Tom King's writing on Batman keeps getting better and better.

although I already read this on my phone, it is nice to have this physical copy to add to my collection

The storyline I've waited my whole life for, brilliantly written and beautifully drawn.