Comic Review: BATMAN #4
By the issues end we come to realize how much Bruce and we as a reader underestimated The Court of Owl’s reach in Gotham.
Im going to end up sounding like a broken record soon with all the compliments I give this book.
Ive gone on record over the past few months by saying that Batman may be my favorite book from the New 52 and I stand by that statement. Over this current arc, writer Scott Snyder has found the perfect way to introduce a new villain to the Batman lore and have them connected them to the original origins of Bruce and in-fact the entire Wayne family without the connection feeling shoehorned in.
This issue thankfully takes a step back from the action of previous issues as Bruce regroups in the Batcave while receiving some rather unwanted advice from Dick Grayson about his current enemy The Court of Owls. The discussion between Dick & Bruce is a subtle lead into the issues main event: A flashback that follows Bruces childhood investigation of The Court of Owls weeks after Thomas & Martha Wayne were killed. It pushes many buttons in just over five pages of story, it effectively sets up that The Court of Owls had their gaze squarely on the Wayne family around the time of their death, Bruces first case as a Detective and what happens when Bruce become too involved with a case. Its a great segment and a welcome change from what Ive come to expect from this book.
It is a very bold move to connect any higher power to the murder of Thomas & Martha Wayne (need I remind people of The Joker in Batman (1989) and Sandman in Spider-Man 3 (2007)) however Im surprised at how much this gelled with the already established lore. Of course at this point it is not confirmed The Court were responsible for their deaths but it is heavily implied and you know what? I cant wait to find out the truth behind their murder (much like how we recently discovered the way in which Bruces Great, Great Grandfather Alan Wayne met his maker), as I know that without a doubt Snyder will deliver.
There is also a clear shift in art direction throughout this flashback from artist Greg Capullo, the feel of the world changes into one resembling that of an old photo album lost years ago, colours by FCO Plascencia are muted with no more than four or five used at one time and inks by JonathanGlapion feel deeper and more present panel to panel. This new world sucks you in and makes every revelation hit you twice as hard.
By the issues end we come to realize how much Bruce and we as a reader underestimated The Court of Owls reach in Gotham. The Court & their assassin The Talon are beginning to spread their wings and show their true power, this is a fight I cant wait to see in the coming months.
rating: 5