Immortal Legend: Batman # 5 2025 BN

Immortal Legend: Batman #5, released on December 24, 2025, the "Immortal Legend" Batman returns to a futuristic, planetwide Gotham City only to find that his civilian identity has been hijacked. This issue is the penultimate chapter of the six-part Elseworlds miniseries that reimagines the Batman mythos through a tokusatsu (Japanese live-action special effects) and sci-fi lens. 

Story Arc: "The Last Laugh" 

• The Identity Crisis: Upon returning to Gotham, Batman is shocked to find that Bruce Wayne appears never to have left. He enlists the help of this world's Barbara Gordon—whose father has been abducted by the imposter Bruce—to uncover if this is a "Shadow" monster's work or a cruel trick.
• The Villain Reveal: The issue introduces this universe's version of the Joker, referred to as the Man Who Laughs. Unlike traditional versions, this Joker is strategic and supernatural, partnered with Thomas Elliot (Hush) to dismantle Bruce Wayne's legacy.
• Climax and Cliffhanger: Batman engages in an epic mech-suit battle against the Joker. The battle ends in a major twist: the Joker steals Bruce's power belt, successfully transforming himself into the new Immortal Legend Batman. 

Creative Team and Style 

• Writers: Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom.
• Artists: Erica D'Urso (main story) and Dan Mora, who illustrates a significant back half of the book featuring Nightwing and Robin.
• Visual Elements: Reviewers from AIPT and GeekDad praise the issue for its "signature Mora flare" and its blend of technology and magic, specifically noting the "henshenite" energy used for transformations. 

Issue Specifics 

• Format: 32–40 pages, rated Teen+.
• Significance: This issue sets the stage for the series finale, Immortal Legend: Batman #6, by leaving the protagonist wounded and powerless while his greatest enemy claims his mantle.