Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen has Bat-mania. After teasing the reader with scenes set in Gotham in previous issues, issue #5 goes almost entirely Batman-centric, with Batman and/or Bruce Wayne taking center stage in five of the seven short vignettes that have become this series’ trademark. 

In one, Bruce Wayne goes on a date; in another, he learns a tragic secret about Alfred. Batman has a frightening encounter with Jimmy Olsen, and another with his alter-ego, Timmy Olsen. Batman and Jimmy get embroiled in a prank war. In the vignettes that are not centered on the Caped Crusader, Jimmy’s fake funeral in Metropolis sees an explosive revelation, and we learn more about the history of the Olsen/Luthor rivalry.

Writer Matt Fraction continues to bring his trademark madcap comedy to the title. His introduction of new members of the Olsen family, from Jimmy’s gothy sister Janeifer to his ancestor Jimberly, deepen the already absurd Olsen lore. His use of characters from the extended DC Universe is genius (look for a disgustingly hilarious callback to the short story from this year’s Superman: Leviathan Rising special). 

Fraction’s genius is matched, if not exceeded, by artist Steve Lieber. His facility with facial expressions, body language, and character design keeps Fraction’s madcap comedy popping. Lieber also is a master at using the layout of the comic to create perfect timing to sell a joke. Nathan Fairbairn’s colors bring Lieber’s characters and environment to life, and the lettering by Clayton Cowles makes each nuance clear.

Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen has become one of DC’s most innovative and exciting titles since its launch, and issue #5 is a highlight of the series. Fraction and Lieber’s take on the Dark Knight is idiosyncratic and irreverent. Highly recommended.

Grade: A+