Batman: Dark Patterns #5 Preview: Scarface Tower’s Deadly Secrets Unleashed

I recently got a sneak peek into the latest issue of ‘Batman: Dark Patterns #5’, and it’s packed with intense action and mystery that’ll keep us on the edge of our seats. This comic, published by DC Comics, dives deep into Gotham’s darker corners, where Batman faces a twisted new challenge.

The story takes place in Scarface Tower, a building that’s more than just a structure—it’s almost alive, with its own creepy defense system. Batman finds himself up against a mob of people wearing Scarface masks, all controlled by a mysterious voice echoing through the tower.

It’s like the voice of a god, commanding them to attack. The voice belongs to the puppet mastermind we know as Scarface, a classic Batman villain often linked to the Ventriloquist, Arnold Wesker.

For those who don’t know, Scarface is a wooden puppet with a gangster persona, usually operated by Wesker, who’s been a recurring foe in Batman’s world since his debut in ‘Detective Comics #583’ back in 1988, created by John Wagner and Alan Grant.

What makes this issue stand out is the chaos inside the tower. The Scarface mob isn’t just a random group—they’re acting as the building’s immune system, trying to take down Batman.

The tension is already high between the tower’s residents and the Gotham City Police Department, or GCPD, who are dealing with their own problems outside. Things get even more complicated when a shocking and violent event shakes up the mystery Batman is trying to solve. I won’t spoil what happens, but it’s a moment that changes everything.

We also get a glimpse of the GCPD’s struggle. Commissioner Gordon and the police deal with hostages and a powerful firearm inside the tower. One officer, named Pryce, is still trapped in the building, adding to the stakes.

The comic hints at deeper layers to the Scarface mystery, tying it back to Arnold Wesker’s past. Wesker, known for his split personality and ventriloquist skills, has a history of using Scarface to commit crimes while claiming the puppet is the real mastermind. This issue seems to explore that dynamic in a fresh, unsettling way.

The creative team behind this issue is impressive. Dan Watters wrote the story, while Hayden Sherman handled the art. Triona Farrell did the coloring, and Ariana Maher took care of the lettering. Rob Levin edited the issue, with Arianna Turturro as the group editor. There’s also a variant cover by Martin Simmonds, and the main cover is by Hayden Sherman.

This issue, titled ‘The Voice of the Tower Part 2’, builds on the eerie atmosphere of the series. The art style, with its sharp lines and moody colors, perfectly captures the tension of Gotham at night. If you’re a fan of Batman’s detective side mixed with some psychological horror, this comic is for you. I can’t wait to see how Batman unravels the mystery of Scarface Tower and what’s really behind that haunting voice.