Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez look to continue the positive momentum for their creative run with Batman #4. They’ve done a lot to continue to progress the world around Batman forward. While things are certainly moving forward that does not mean things are better for Batman or others in Gotham City. As we have seen already, Commissioner Vandal Savage has made his authority in Gotham City clear. That has created a lot of tension in the city the Dark Knight protects. How will things go next? Let’s find out with Batman #4.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Jorge Jimenez
Inker: Tomeu Morey
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Letterers: Clayton Cowles and Jorge Jimenez
BATMAN #4 SOLICITATION
“ORGANIZED CRIME IN GOTHAM CITY HAS BECOME REALLY, REALLY ORGANIZED! 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!” – DC Comics
HIGHLIGHTS FROM BATMAN #4
Setting Up the Puzzle Pieces
Batman #4 is very much a set-up issue but that is not a bad thing at all. As Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez are setting up their voice for how they plan to move the series forward this was needed. They are showing how they have a long-term plan for this creative run. There is no need to rush things along. Instead the world is being naturally moved to its next phase as Gotham City is seeing a lot of change. That change brings a lot of unknowns if Bruce Wayne can deal with in and outside the cape and cowl. That’s exactly the spot a reader should be left on.
Bruce Wayne & Dr. Annika Zeller Chemistry
Fraction does a very good job at establishing the chemistry that Bruce Wayne and Dr. Annika Zeller have with one another. There is certainly an undeniable attraction established. But this isn’t just done to give Bruce a new love interest. Fraction makes sure to pay attention to developing Dr. Annika Zeller as a character first. We see that with how she initially interacts with Bruce in this issue. We get a good grasp of her personality and what she brings to the table. That makes the moment when we do see a spark between them to be part of the natural pacing of the story.
Slow Build of Huston Gray
Another character Fraction is doing a good job at building up is Huston Gray. Unlike other young characters we’ve seen introduced in a Batman series Huston does not appear to be set-up as the next big sidekick. Instead the way Fraction is approaching his character, he is looking to make Huston a supporting cast member. Specifically, Huston may be filling a big gap in the franchise as being a voice on the media side of Gotham City. It is a voice he has yet to develop being that he is so young but the seeds are planted to be able to grow. If that is the case it would certainly be a welcome change of pace and help Huston stand out from other young characters introduced in the past.
Anarky Right Villain for Quick Night Out
Some may hope for more from the character but Anarky filled exactly the role he need to fill in Batman #4. He fits a villain that while out on patrol that Batman would be able to quickly defeat when he finds him. It works to show that Batman isn’t just focused on the main villain of the story. There are other threats to deal with while also figuring out what the main story villain is doing. It shows how effective Batman is as Gotham City’s protector while building out the greater story arc narrative.
Minotaur Building New Crime System
Fraction and Jimenez did an effective job at building up Minotaur as an intimidating force. They do it not in trying to simply make Minotaur a physical equal to Batman. Instead, the focus is putting him over as this incredible mastermind. Doing so by tapping into the crime families of Gotham City is effectively done, at least on the Minotaur side of things. Having Penguin gives the vibe that Minotaur is willing to go after the big dogs. That is all you need to do to establish how his reign as a Kingpin-like figure is going to go.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN BATMAN #4
Being Careful with Huston Gray
As much as I like how Fraction is building up Huston Gray’s initial presentation there is still the concern of going the Robin/sidekick route. We’ve seen what’s gone on with so many new young characters introduced into the Batman franchise that don’t get long term attention. The best thing for Huston would be to continue to develop him as a character that lives outside the Batman bubble. He can be the voice of Gotham City for that next generation. Fraction should drive that home to help make Huston not just fall down the way other now forgotten characters, on a creative level, have been.
Crime Families & Gangs Lack Punch for Strong Hook
For as well done the ending was done to get over Minotaur as a big time threat it wasn’t the home run intended. A lot of that falls on the fact outside of Penguin all the other crime bosses and their families come across as faceless characters. Fraction’s dialogue even tries to do the heavy lifting to get you care but you end up not because it was trying to hard. Maybe if he would’ve mixed in another member of the Gates of Gotham families it would’ve been a home run. Instead, it was more of a triple.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Batman #4 does an effective job being a great set-up issue. Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez are making sure to dedicate time to adding solid building blocks on the foundation that is Gotham City. There is a feeling that things are moving forward in Gotham City. What that means for how Bruce Wayne’s Batman approach creates an investment in seeing where things will go next.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
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