Batman Vol. 5: Rules of Engagement (Rebirth) (Batman: Dc Universe Rebirth, 5)

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.

Batman's on again off again romance with Catwoman has culminated with their engagement and the idea that Bats is trying to finally be happy. To start, however, the pair have jetted off to the desert to a forbidden city ruled by Talia al Ghul. At first, the opening arc seems a bit strange but the payoff is solid: Holly, Catwoman's lifetime friend who murdered two hundred men, has been in hiding with Talia's people since she disappeared back in Volume Two. For Catwoman and Batman to actually tie the knot, Holly has to come out of hiding and take the punishment that is coming to her (recall that in King's series, Cat took the fall to protect Holly and became an extremely wanted woman). After the pair confront Talia ("the ex") they have a double date with Superman and Lois Lane. Finally, the series jumps from the past to the start of Catwoman and Batman's relationship in the New 52 timeline to a possible future in which the two live a happy and long life together before Batman's passing. King's scripting remains an absolute triumph and his exploration not only of Batman and Catwoman's relationship, but also of Bat's friendship with Supes, Cat's new friendship with Lois, and the dynamic duo of Nightwing and Damien remains staggeringly good. The double date is an instant classic story arc and seeing the on going debate over whether or not Batman could hit a pitch thrown by Superman play out is hysterical. The art is also fantastic thanks to a bevy of guest artists including the fantastic Joelle Jones who was recently tapped to helm the new Catwoman solo series.

I’m a big fan of the rebirth books by Tom King, and what eventually led to the BATMAN/CATWOMAN comic run. He does a great job writing the relationship between the two, and in my mind is the definitive catwoman.This book has a decent story about the two traveling to another continent to find someone prior to their wedding. The story is decent and the art is good. It’s not my favorite art (I prefer the Michel Janin or Clay Mann style a lot more) but is in no way bad. I’d say it’s slightly more cartoony here. Tom King is almost the comic book Tarantino: because this book is driven by its dialogue and characters. It’s got some action but not a ton.What makes this more than worth the buy, or at least the read, is the secondary shorter story. It shows a romantic and playful game of cat and mouse (Selena the cat and Bruce the mouse) before they got together, and then how strong their bond is as Bruce nears the end of his life. If you enjoy the Batman and Catwoman love story, it’s actually really moving. I can only hope this story played a part in informing the roles in the (at this time upcoming) THE BATMAN movie.

This is one of the best graphic novels I have read. This is why I enjoy DC's books so much. Tom King has written a great series of stories that everyone can enjoy. This was a story about people who happen to be heroes. I loved Bruce, Selena, Clark, and Lois at the fair.

What a GREAT graphic novel. Phenomenal stories. Maybe the best look at the man behind the mask and persona. Tom King is THE best Batman author ever in my opinion. He even made this old, longtime Bat- Fan shed a tear. What wonderful writing!

Batman has finally made up his mind to marry Catwoman, but what do his ex-wife, young son Damian and Superman, the people closes to him think? This episode also includes the two "good friends"'s inner thoughts about each other and a date where they swap roles.

Loved this one. Loved the progression in the last story, love the whole thing with batman and catwoman at the carnival with superman and Louis lane, just the whole volume the way it weaved a little of their whole relationship together I thought was great and throughly enjoyed it