Booster and Harley investigate in their own ways what might have happened in Sanctuary. And Booster and Blue Beetle eat pizza!

We’re at the half way point with one pretty big reveal to tease us more about what might have happened that resulted in the numerous deaths at Sanctuary.

Heroes in Crisis #5 is an interesting issue broken into three storylines. First, there’s the dealing with the leak that Sanctuary exists. Superman and Wonder Woman confront and acknowledge that in the public with a statement that threads throughout the issue. Then, there’s the investigation by Harley and Batgirl. And third there’s the investigation by Booster Gold.

Writer Tom King delivers an interesting issue that feels like the strongest of the series so far as it really lays out the need for mental health care and that there’s nothing to be ashamed about when it comes to it. Superman lays it out, the point of Sanctuary and people seeking care is a good thing. King feels like he’s making a statement to the reader more than anything and sadly it’s something that does need to be said.

King uses more confessionals to explore the various issues the heroes face and it’s everything from multiple deaths to addiction to abuse. All of it is tragic in its own way and it’s hard not to feel some empathy concerning what’s presented.

Then there’s the dual investigations. Both are interesting and it’s Booster’s that has a reveal that’s beyond intriguing. What I thought was going on might not be the case and now where I was once convinced as to who murdered the heroes, now, I’m not so sure.

What’s interesting about the two investigations is that they’re both being done by a duo. There’s Batgirl and Harley and Booster and Blue Beetle and the two pairings are very different in their approach and attitude. It’s an interesting comparison and the approach feels right for some reason.

What really stands out is the art by Clay Mann and Tomeu Morey which is truly breathtaking at times. There’s a level of detail that’s unreal with spreads that are absolutely amazing. Beetle and Booster on a couch, the folds of Harley’s outfit, the small things make the issue stand out in some of the best art I’ve seen in a long time. This is a comic where you’ll linger on the pages looking at what’s included.

This is an issue that feels like things are coming more into focus and the actual detective work begins. We’ve gotten what feels like false starts to the series in some ways but this issue really moves the story forward and gives us our real first clue as to what happened. This is a perfect middle point that has me excited to see where the rest of the series goes and it reminds us what the series is about, the trauma people experience and that it’s ok to seek help.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann and Tomeu Morey
Story: 8.75 Art: 10 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review