Batman has a new villain to fight. Her name is The Ojo and she’s a badass. So far, she’s appeared in two issues of Matt Fraction’s Batman run, but she has already made a strong impression. She’s mysterious, incredibly skilled with a sword, and feared by people who rarely fear anyone. Even Damian Wayne recognizes her reputation before readers learn much about her.
The Ojo’s First Appearance
The Ojo first appeared in Batman (2025-) #5, released in January 2026. The issue was written by Matt Fraction with artwork by Jorge Jiménez.
Early promotional material introduced her as Lady Death Man before the issue was published. Somewhere between the early announcements and the comic’s release, DC officially changed her name to The Ojo. “Lady Death Man” was never her official in-story name.
Her Arrival Changes Everything
We see The Ojo for the first time while Bruce Wayne is protecting Dr. Annika Zeller, who’s been targeted by several dangerous groups. Yes, she interrupted the fight, wearing ceremonial clothing and carrying two glowing swords. Black birds surrounded her, and she moved quickly through clouds of smoke.
The Ojo attacks head-on. She cuts through armed opponents with incredible precision. Bruce spends much of the fight reacting to her attacks instead of controlling the battle. That tells you how dangerous she is.
There are two problems with this fight:
- The Ojo attempts to slice Bruce in the abdomen. He survived. She looked shocked because he should have been sliced like Mr. Blake. He survived because he was wearing a chest piece.
- During this fight, Damian assists Bruce.
Damian Wayne Already Knows Her
Damian Wayne, Batman’s son and the current Robin, identifies the mysterious assassin as The Ojo. Damian trained with the League of Assassins, one of the most feared organizations in the DC Universe. Damian recognizing her means she has a frightening reputation.
To be clear: the comic never said she was part of the League of Assassins. Damian explains that assassins know about her and take her seriously, implying she built her reputation long before readers ever met her.
Anyway, he explains this to Bruce in front of Annika. Then he calls Bruce “father”. Dressed as Robin. In front of Annika. Bruce chastises Damian about this later.
Batman #11 Reveals More
The Ojo returns in Batman (2025-) #11, and we learn more about her. She was hired by businessman Mr. Blake, a member of the mysterious Shadow Board, to kill Bruce Wayne. And… since Bruce survived, The Shadow Board is displeased because she did not complete the contract.
Because she failed, The Shadow Board opened up bids to kill Bruce Wayne globally, ending her exclusive contract.
Unfortunately for Mr. Blake, he was the one that had to tell The Ojo her contract was voided and, because she was not in a guild, there was nothing she could do about it.
Really?
Well, The Ojo makes it very clear she is a professional. She said she sees contracts through to completion. She will not be controlled or disrespected. If any of the other assassins gets in her way, she will kill them.
Then she sliced Mr. Blake in half.
She Tips Up On Batman
Later on, Batman (not Bruce) is scoping out a scene. The Ojo tips up on him, catching him off-guard. They start fighting and he says, “Annika Zeller is protected”. Confused, she responds “Who?”
WHAT?
Let’s back up a minute. Remember in #5 when BRUCE fought The Ojo while protecting Annika? Bruce thought The Ojo was after Annika but she was contracted to kill BRUCE WAYNE. Now, he mentioned Annika is “protected” while dressed as BATMAN because The Ojo wants in on the open contract for BATMAN.
Will she put it together that Bruce Wayne is Batman? Will she remember:
- Bruce should have died to her sword but he was wearing an unusually strong chest piece?
- That ROBIN came to save BRUCE WAYNE?
- The woman with Bruce was Annika?
- That Bruce and Batman fight similarly?
Will The Ojo be smarter than Annika and figure it out? Robin, the ROBIN, called Bruce father. Annika’s conclusion? It’s none of her business if Bruce wants to let his son run around like Robin.
More on this as the story unfolds.
