A dark day sets in Gotham City. Vandal Savage has grown his influence as Gotham Police Commissioner. Batman has been dealing with being a hero to hunted. Looming in the distance is Dr. Zeller and the work she has been doing. It is a great deal to handle for the Dark Knight.
If only that was his greatest current problem…
BATMAN #4 by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) unveils a new face of crime in Gotham.
Let’s take a closer look at what unfolds now.
BATMAN #4 by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Fraction lets a new character take the reigns for this chapter. The Minotaur makes an immediate impact on the already stacked rogues gallery. Watching him dictate the Penguin’s business is a strong message. The initial open recaps his intimidation factor. It helps offset the slower builds of Dr. Zeller’s sub-plot. The writing pays homage to a few vintage Bruce Wayne moments. Once those conclude, the chapter takes flight.
Readers see Anarchy put into an unlikely situation. The banter between him and Batman shows the Minotaur’s impact. Watching the young rogue open Bat’s eyes to the truth of the matter launches into closing. The spotlight goes back to the latest rogue in dramatic fashion. His banter with the crime families sets a high benchmark. The tone is cold and blunt. It is reflected in the final page. With the truth in the open, Batman’s world is rocked to its’ core. However does he recover?
Jiménez & Morey open with a look at a meeting gone wrong. The overtones pour with the criminal activities at hand. Panels tease the presence of the powerful figure with shadowy panels. The tone switches into a more lighter mix when Bruce Wayne confronts Dr. Zeller. Readers watch as the awkwardness shines in Zeller’s personality. The Huston/Jack Dean portion is a more grounded approach. Both move their pieces along before the larger moments take hold.
Anarchy’s escape attempt gets a solid full page image. The following face-off covers much ground. Readers watch as the pair banter back and forth before a truthful omission takes over. The Minotaur’s moves take center stage. His half-panel intro is undeniable. It conveys his strong persona. A powerful statement is made after a direct action. This leads into a full page image of Batman. With Anarchy’s words tormenting in the background, a sobering realization sinks in. There’s much to enjoy concerning the art for this book.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The latest addition into the rogues gallery hits Batman with an unforeseen attack. Fraction’s writing takes readers into the dark side of crime. Jiménez & Morey provide impressive imagery to usher in a major player onto Gotham City. The landscape of the Dark Knight shifts yet again with this run.
Let me know your thoughts on Batman #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!