Ben 10 #5 (Dynamite Comics, 9/2/26): Writer Steven T. Seagle and Artist Robert Carey send Ben and Gwen on a mission to rescue Grandpa Max from the evil mind control of Zombozo. Technically, this issue gets the job done, but be prepared for a LOT of shortcuts. Verdict: Clunky but complete
Credits:
- Writer: Steven T. Seagle
- Artist: Robert Carey
- Colorist: Ren Spiller
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Robert Carey (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: September 2, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 22
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Ben 10 #5:
First Impressions:
The first issue of this Zombozo two-parter was lopsided, but at least the series brought in one of the familiar Ben 10 villains. This second half of the adventure is even more lopsided, so I’m kind of wishing they had reserved Zombozo for later.
Recap:
In Ben 10 #4, The issue began with a family attending a circus, where the disturbing clown Zombozo lured them into his freak show before ambushing them, while Ben awoke from a nightmare of being torn apart by a tentacled monstrosity. Later, Ben repeatedly transformed into different forms during fights, arguments, and a carnival game before following a promotional flyer to Zombozo’s carnival. The issue ended with Ben transforming into a giant Mantis to save Max, who had been mesmerized by Zombozo and led toward a cliff.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
In Ben 10 #5, Ben and Gwen race to save Grandpa Max, who walked off a cliff. Ben hits his watch and turns into a small alien with a brain for a head. It could be Grey Matter, but the design is significantly different. The alien leaps down with a rope, expertly calculating the right distance, speed, and force to use, and catches Grandpa Ben before he falls to his death. The alien tries to convince Max to snap out of it, but he refuses and walks off with the brainwashed patrons.
Later, Ben and Gwen bicker over how to save Grandpa Max. Ben wants to transform into an alien with strength and power to attack the clowns immediately; Gwen wants to come up with a plan. Ultimately, Ben storms off and turns into Heatblast. He attacks the clowns, but he’s eventually overpowered and captured. Zombozo tries to force Ben to join his circus if he wants to see Max again.
Suddenly, Gwen zooms into the big tent on a clown car and rescues Ben. They quickly devise a plan by splitting up. Ben transforms into Grey Matter and (somehow?) gets Max to snap out of his daze, while Gwen rams the mind control device with the clown car to break the spell. The issue ends with Ben and Gwen sharing ghost stories.
How is the story in Ben 10 #5?
“Wait a minute,” you might say to yourself. “How did Ben defeat the clowns? How did Gwen know about the mind control device? How did Grey Matter snap Max out of his haze?” These are all good questions. Unfortunately, the end of the two-parter doesn’t answer them. Steven T. Seagle’s script falls into one of the worst examples of “and then and then and then” mixed with a healthy dose of “somehow something happened.” The story team didn’t have enough space to tell a complete story, and it shows.
How is the art in Ben 10 #5?
Robert Carey’s artwork is fine but not great. Carey’s panel composition, creepy clown designs, and settings are on point. Where Carey struggles is with the faces of Ben and Gwen. Sometimes Gwen’s forehead is humongous while the distance between nose tip and chin is compressed. Sometimes Ben’s eyes are huge, and other times, they’re as small as pennies. You get the impression something is out of whack with the art because the inconsistency between great-looking pencils/inks and the rough spots is massive.
Characters
One of the criticisms of this series is just how off-putting Ben’s personality is represented. Yes, he’s just a kid, so yes, he should react to stressful situations with a certain level of immaturity. But here, Ben is foolish, reckless, and contrarian, especially toward Gwen. In this issue, the level of brattiness gets so high, you’d almost expect to see Ben throw himself on the ground in a full-blown tantrum.
Originality & Concept Execution
I’d like to say this was an original story idea, but there are two obstacles to rendering that verdict. First, Zombozo and mind control go hand in hand, so the idea isn’t new if you’re familiar with Ben 10. Second, the resolution is rushed and incomplete, presumably because there wasn’t enough page space to tell the intended story, so you can’t tell if Ben and Gwen had a novel, clever way to defeat Zombozo because you never see it happen.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 1/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 2/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2
Final Thoughts:
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Ben 10 #5 brings the Zombozo two-parter to a close with bickering and battles galore. Sadly, Steven T. Seagles’s script runs out of space to tell a complete story, and Robert Carey’s artwork looks great in some places but not so much in others. Get it for the covers, but don’t expect much value on the pages.
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