Retro Re-Read for June 3rd 2025

Foolkiller #5 Vol. 1

Writer-Steve Gerber

Artist-J.J. Birch

Inker-Tony DeZuniga

Colorist-Gregory Wright

Letterer-Phil Felix

We have officially hit the half way point of the Foolkiller series. While last issue was the point of no return, this issue is the culmination of Kurt’s “hard work”. Even with his goofy BDSM suit he still finds a way to instill fear in the hearts of fools across the city.

We start the issue with Kurt, as Foolkiller, stalking a local gang of teenagers. We learn that these kids are petty criminals with a regular routine but they also like to assault people in the park. This is enough to deems them fools in Kurt’s eyes. He takes them out one by one, following some of them back to their parents apartments. In the apartment building one mother stands up for her child, and Kurt learns that she is in favor of their foolish(like what I did there?) behavior. So he takes her out as well.

After this event we see the media and civilian response to the Foolkiller’s actions. As you could imagine it ranges from terror in the city, to people being thankful someone is doing something, to certain political figures claiming his actions are racist. But Kurt feels his actions are justified.

The next day Kurt goes out to find a new job, and renew his life. He ends up getting a job at a big firm, as an entry level employee. While out celebrating with friends he over hears a conversation with the gangster from past issues. This man wants one of his guys to take something to another associate of theirs and collect payment. Kurt gets into his Foolkiller costume and follows the man as he makes the exchange. Kurt doesn’t kill the man but does take the money from the exchange and sends him off with a warning for his boss. Kurt then takes the money and leaves it for a local orphanage.

While heading home Kurt witnesses a man throw a small dog out of his car and race off. He picks up the dog and memorizes the license plate. We then see Kurt, as the Foolkiller, outside that mans house in New Jersey with the dog. After confronting the man about the dog, sees that he also beats his wife and child. Kurt quickly kills the man and our issue ends.

In this issue we really get to see the dichotomy of Kurt’s actions as the Foolkiller. Yes his actions are not morally justified in that he is killing people by being judge, jury, and executioner but is also trying to help the downtrodden of his community. His body count in this issue gets bigger, and his public profile does as well. We’ll have to see how this effects his actions in the issues to come.

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