Mark Russell and Michael Allred’s Batman: Dark Age #4 takes us deeper into an alternate 1970s Gotham. We begin right where we left off in issue #3, Bruce Wayne and Alfred are caring for an injured Dick Grayson, fresh off his first run-in with Batman as a member of the False Face Society. Will Bruce and Alfred be able to convince this troubled youth to join their crusade against crime, or do things play out differently in this alternate universe?
Dick is able to maneuver his way out of the manor.
Credit: DC Comics
The Story
If you’ve seen the cover to issue #5, then it’s pretty clear that Bruce is able to convince Dick to join him as his first Robin. Dick being a troubled youth, similar to Jason Todd’s origin story in the main DC universe is an interesting change that adds emotional depth to the story. It more closely mirrors Bruce’s own origin in this universe as a bored, troubled teen that lacks direction and purpose. Falcone murdering Dick’s parents as a response to a perceived betrayal makes Dick partially responsible for their deaths, a different take than the classic origin of a sabotaged trapeze act. Similarly to Bruce Wayne in this version, Dick was not there to actually witness the death of his parents, distancing him from the events.
Gotham in the 1970s is a city teetering on the edge, with masked criminals like Riddler, Penguin, and a counter-culture-inspired Mad Hatter proliferating. The Mad Hatter stands out as a symbol of youthful rebellion, drawing in characters like Barbara Gordon and challenging the status quo and questioning authority à la Timothy Leary.
Alfred convinces Bruce to start seeing Dr. Chase Meridian professionally, but it soon turns into a romantic relationship. The work that Chase does at Arkham Asylum inspires Bruce and he even donates money to the facility. This connection with Chase humanizes Bruce, showing his vulnerability and need for connection. Their efforts to destigmatize mental health through philanthropy and Chase’s work at Arkham gives a sense of hope and progress amidst the chaos.
The final pages of the story setup the last two issues of the series for a larger conflict that is sure to push Batman to his limits.
Chris Samnee variant cover.
Courtesy: DC Comics
The Art
Allred’s art complements Russell’s script beautifully. The 1970s aesthetic is vividly brought to life through bold lines and vibrant colors, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in a specific time and place. From Bruce’s mutton chops to the bell-bottom jeans and platform shoes, Allred makes the story feel like it’s taking place in a different decade. The action sequences are dynamic, especially the intense confrontation with Falcone and the False Face Society, where Batman and Robin find themselves outnumbered and outgunned. The new costume designs for the likes of Riddler and Penguin are very campy and reminded me of the type of silly costumes you’d see in Silver Age comics. The Penguin sports a penguin beak top hat and the Riddler has a giant question mark on his bare chest. Allred stuck with more classic designs for Catwoman and Joker, which I think works well for those characters. You can’t really have a cat burglar running around in a flashy costume, can you? The Robin costume was also well designed, adding feathered features to the cape and helmet, making Dick look more like a bird than some previous incarnations of the costume. Lauren Allred’s colors are spectacular throughout, I found Bruce’s purple knockout gas especially interesting when he uses it to get out of multiple altercations. The bright, pop-art Warhol inspired colors really make certain pages standout especially when compared to some of the more drab warehouses and rooftops.
Final Thoughts
Batman: Dark Age #4 is a masterful blend of character development, action, and socio-political commentary. Russell and Allred have crafted a story that respects the legacy of Batman while exploring new and intriguing directions. As Gotham teeters on the brink of chaos, with new masked criminals emerging and old enemies resurfacing, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion.
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