Batman #4 is written by Matt Fraction and published by DC. Artwork is by Jorge Jiménez, colours by Tomeu Morey and letters by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is also by Jiménez.
Batman #4 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
As Bruce Wayne investigates the Crown of Storms, Batman pursues Anarky and discovers a criminal conspiracy hiding in plain sight that will change the game for crime and criminals in Gotham City…and the world!
Review
Matt Fraction’s bold new vision for Batman returns today to introduce a brand new villain. The Minotaur. Finally the sense of unease in Gotham begins to reveal its origins. With the groundwork laid, can the Fraction and Jiménez-led series show us what an episodic Batman story is capable of?
This is a series which is well and truly running on full steam now. After a couple of issues of setup, laying the groundwork for how Fraction wanted to approach the character, we’re seeing plot elements begin to coalesce. That means there’s plenty for both Bruce Wayne and Batman to do in Batman #4 with two strings of investigation well underway. But whilst overarching narratives are beginning to take shape, Fraction is continuing to construct each episode as a well defined chapter. The series is beginning to feel quite nostalgic in its approach to storytelling which is a win in my book.
Fraction wastes no time in introducing The Minotaur character. He’s there right from the outset in this issue and his actions are also made perfectly clear. Points to Fraction for setting this guy up so quickly rather than giving him mysterious motives. There’s still plenty to learn, particularly who might be behind Jiménez‘s brilliantly designed mask. But before we’ve even glimpsed Bruce in Batman #4 we’re already understanding that Minotaur is controlling all the mob money in Gotham. Squeezing all the crooks for every penny to manipulate events across the city.
During the day Bruce is extremely interested in what Dr. Zeller is up to with Gotham’s most-wanted. The series has already hinted that her methods aimed as “curing” trauma are a little extreme. But again there’s something a little classic – or nostalgic – about Bruce choosing to investigate this one under the guise of checking in after recent events. There’s something a little classic Hollywood about his approach and digs in to how Fraction is approaching Bruce’s public persona. There’s something very BTAS about Fraction’s approach and that’s high praise indeed.
Meanwhile Batman is on the trail of Anarky in a fun subplot which helps clue Batman in on Minotaur. Fraction isn’t hanging around in putting Batman on the new villain’s scent which is exciting. Batman’s interactions which Anarky showcase the more fun side of the character, sticking close to that BTAS-esque vibe whilst still showing his investigative instincts at work. These scenes play neatly into Jiménez‘s strength for rendering action sequences. It’s dynamic, fast moving and looks great on the page.
Fraction maintains one eye on the rest of the city as well. We briefly take a trip to Paper Row, glimpsing Gotham’s concerns of an impending chemical attack. We also catch up with Commissioner Savage at Old Wayne Manor where Minotaur also seems to have plans for some of the city’s shadier characters. Seeing Fraction embrace the population of Gotham, giving them a voice, really ramps up the stakes for the book. It’s really meaningful plot development as well as opposed to simple exposition or piecemeal character-building.
This is for sure a busy book. But between Fraction’s sinuous approach to storytelling and Jiménez being the literal best in the business it’s all kept on track perfectly. Under the watchful eye of these two Batman has easily returned to being the ultimate page-turner.
Verdict
This is Batman storytelling at its most confident. Firing on all cylinders, Batman #4 sees Fraction’s episodic vision fully take shape as The Minotaur makes a striking debut. Meanwhile Jiménez continues to deliver career-best artwork that elevates every scene.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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