Batman and Robin #4 review

Final month we left Robin within the grip of Man-Bat, who’s revealed to be Shush’s boss and the “large dangerous” of this arc, if not the complete run. I additionally ended off my final evaluate saying I hoped issues would flip round for this guide. It simply isn’t pretty much as good accurately. Sadly, this problem isn’t altering my thoughts. Let’s get into it.

We open as soon as once more on a flashback to Damian’s previous that (initially) feels pointless. He fights some ninja and solutions some take a look at questions his teacher asks. Then the teacher belittles him and hits him earlier than Talia steps in and removes her. By the tip of the difficulty (spoiler alert) plainly this teacher is Damian’s Principal at college now and presumably additionally Shush. So, the flashback serves a goal however I’m nonetheless not into it. It at all times appears low-cost to me to introduce somebody to a personality’s previous in the identical story that introduces them within the current. Comics do it on a regular basis however I don’t assume that makes it okay. You may’t inform me this character is tremendous necessary to Damian simply since you confirmed me a flashback or two to introduce her. Equally, placing her in Damian’s faculty is a nasty thought. It now ensures that any pages dedicated to that facet of his life are nonetheless revolving round his superhero life. We received’t be getting something like a non-public life for Damian any time quickly. Talking of college, this problem spends a complete of three in entrance of the college. We’re 4 points in. When are we going to spend some actual time there?

So far as the super-heroics go I’m much more involved. Man-Bat is so out of character it’s ridiculous. Since when has he been a felony mastermind and since when can he discuss in bat type? (They do point out his obvious dying, possibly all that is associated to that Man-Bat collection from a number of years in the past that I didn’t learn… or I simply forgot what he’s been as much as not too long ago.) Man-Bat is certainly one of my least favourite Batman villains anyway (sorry, Man-Bat followers) however this makes him a lot extra dislikable. Now he’s simply smug plotting villain #956. 

This problem additionally feels bizarre as a result of it looks like the tip of an arc however nothing is wrapped up. All of the hallmarks of a closing problem are right here. The characters break up to go alternative ways, the villain goes into hiding, new plot factors for the following arc are unearthed, and Damian’s “I don’t need to go to highschool” plot involves an in depth. Regardless of that, it seems like nothing has occurred for the reason that guide began. Each plot level is left dangling as properly so the difficulty simply feels sloppy. This entire title feels sloppy, truthfully.

There’s some information on the artwork entrance this month. Di Meo attracts lower than half this of problem and doesn’t draw any of the following two. I don’t know if he’s off the guide or simply taking a break however Nikola Čižmešija might be a welcome change going ahead if that’s the case. On this problem, nonetheless, Mikel Janín is doing the fill-in pages. Personally, I’m not a fan of Janín’s work. It’s typically type of soulless and flat-looking. Surprisingly, his work right here does have extra character to it. I discover sure traits within the figures are exaggerated and there’s a a lot better use of shadow than I’m used to in his work.

Granted I’m additionally simply joyful to be seeing artwork with good sequential move and readability on this title however there are some legitimately cool pages from Janín right here. 

Beneficial if…

You’ve been ready for an artwork change on this title
Damian’s impending return to highschool has you excited
You at all times thought Man-Bat ought to discuss extra

Total

This was a weak problem similar to the final one however there may be not less than some hope once more that issues will get higher. Hopefully, with a special artist, subsequent problem will mark a change in path for this collection.

Rating: 4/10

DISCLAIMER: DC Comics supplied Batman Information with a replica of this comedian for the needs of this evaluate

COMMENTS