Batman fans have spotted a last-minute change that DC Comics made without any announcement: the brand-new villain set to debut in Batman #5 has been quietly renamed from Lady Death Man to The Ojo.

What Happened?

In early solicitations, previews, and even some cover drafts for Batman #5 (on sale January 7, 2026), the villain was referred to as Lady Death Man – a modern, gender-swapped take on the obscure 1960s Japanese manga character Lord Death Man (who later appeared in Grant Morrison’s Batman stories).

However, the final published cover and updated listings now read “The Ojo Strikes!” No “Lady Death Man” mention anywhere. DC has not issued any statement explaining the switch.

Who Is The Ojo?

Created by writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jiménez for their current acclaimed Batman run, The Ojo is a sleek, deadly assassin with a stylish, manga-inspired design. She makes her full debut in Batman #5, teaming up with the mysterious 000 Gang to interrupt Bruce Wayne’s rare date night with Dr. Annika Zeller.

The name “Ojo” (or “Ōjō” in Japanese) translates roughly to “young lady” or “miss,” giving her an elegant, almost aristocratic edge that fits Jiménez’s sharp visual style.

Why the Sudden Name Change?

While DC remains silent, fans and insiders have several theories:

• Trademark concerns: “Lady Death” is very close to the independent comic character created by Brian Pulido in the 1990s, which could have raised legal flags.
• Tone and branding: “Lady Death Man” sounded a bit campy or comical to some readers. “The Ojo” feels more mysterious and sophisticated.
• Creative decision: Fraction and Jiménez may have simply preferred the new name as the character developed.

Whatever the reason, the change happened quietly enough that many pre-order listings and early articles still reference the old name.

Fan Reactions

The switch has sparked lively debate across comic communities:

• Many love the new name: “The Ojo sounds way cooler and fits the design perfectly.”
• Others miss the original: “Lady Death Man had that perfect Silver Age absurdity – why sanitize it?”
• A few are just confused: “Wait, who are we talking about now?”

One thing everyone agrees on – Jorge Jiménez’s artwork for the character looks stunning, and her debut fight scene is already generating hype.

The Bigger Picture

This rename comes during Fraction and Jiménez’s bold, critically praised Batman run, which has introduced fresh threats like the 000 Gang while exploring Bruce Wayne’s personal life post-Zur-En-Arrh trauma.

The Ojo could become a recurring player in Gotham’s rogue gallery if her debut lands well.

Batman #5 hits shelves January 7, 2026 – don’t miss the official introduction of Gotham’s newest deadly threat.

What do you think of the name change? Prefer “Lady Death Man” or “The Ojo”? Let us know in the comments!