Batman #3 left off with us discovering the risk involved with Doctor Annika Zeller brainwashing criminals to test her eugenics adjacent experiments. While her intention is to “help” those who have experienced trauma by “calming” the part of their brain that has been affected, there’s been a lot of talk in-universe about how dangerous this could be. It’s no surprise that someone like Bruce Wayne is intrigued at the prospect of healing unresolved trauma, but things that seem too good to be true often are. After all, when The Riddler is on his knees begging Batman for help, it should tell you that things aren’t right. So, with Batman #4 having Batman further investigate things, as well as being introduced to a new villain named Minotaur, it sounds like there’s a long road ahead for Batman before he gets to a resolution. Given the episodic nature of the run, this begs the question as to whether this issue is able to deliver on such a high volume of hurdles for Batman to overcome without feeling too chaotic. So, without further ado, I’m going to break things down for you.
DC
The issue reiterates the feeling that something isn’t right in Gotham. While Dr. Zeller’s experimental cure is starting to gain traction for “helping” some of Gotham’s most troubled, there’s also a new head honcho for the organized crime operations in Gotham. The Minotaur is an unknown new player in Gotham, but writer Matt Fraction introduces him with an aura of confidence and finesse that assures readers he isn’t to be taken lightly. In his first issue, he appears as cold as Reverse Flash and as calculating as Lex Luthor. While the man behind the mask remains unknown, it’s not like it matters much. Within the final pages of this issue, it becomes apparent that the Minotaur is not to be taken lightly, as he reinforces his new iron fist over the criminal underworld while striking fear into them.
While there’s a lot going on in this issue, Fraction does a good job building up the tension in this issue, as it’s clear that the almost chaotic shifting in points of view in this issue is intended to reflect how fast events are unfolding in Gotham. If we feel like it’s hard to keep up, so does Bruce. As a result, the story feels a bit rushed but inevitably sticks the landing in being an intriguing chapter that pushes things closer towards the next shock that’s sure to hit Gotham.
DC
Artist Jorge Jiménez and colorist Tomeu Morey are just dynamite together. Jiménez’s fluid line work helps bring the story to life by turning the story into an expressive comic full of animated movement and expressions. A great moment that displays this is through the interaction with Bruce and Dr. Zeller, which feels like it was ripped out of an episode of Batman: The Animated Series. Jiménez does a great job differentiating the way Bruce interacts with people as Batman versus Bruce Wayne, and his attempt to get close to Dr. Zeller is a perfect example of that. Bruce is a bit stiff and awkward, but still sure of himself. He moves with purpose, but masks it with his flirtatious attitude, whereas Dr. Zeller appears intelligent while still having a bit of a socially awkward personality.
Their interaction isn’t much for action or mystery, but it feels important. These two characters are meant to cross paths, but whether it’s to become friends or foes is yet to be seen. And the weight of this scene is elevated through Morey’s vibrant and sharp colors. Jiménez and Morey do a spectacular job turning an issue that focuses more on plot development and world building into one that feels just as engaging as the prior issues.
Batman #4 may not be an issue full of Batman, but it’s an important one. While we already know quite a bit of what to expect from the title’s main characters, depth added to side characters in a Batman book is all but a non-negotiable to help them appear meaningful. By taking the time to add detail to the greater Gotham community aside from Batman, Robin, or Vandal Savage, the story feels livelier and more impactful. Altogether, Batman #4 does a lot of heavy lifting to turn this first arc from Fraction and Jiménez into something more special than a run-of-the-mill Batman story by elevating the importance of the series’ newer characters, including a new mysterious villain set to take control over Gotham.
You must be logged in to post a comment.