Review: DC
Universe Rebirth: Batman #4, I Am Gotham Part Four
Submitted by: Joshua Williams, Comic News Editor
5 August 16
Submitted by: Joshua Williams, Comic News Editor
5 August 16
The new heroes of Gotham City (Gotham and Gotham Girl)
have had their minds completely corrupted by Hugo Strange and Psycho Pirate. As Batman tracks the superhero Gotham, wading
through destruction in the process, Alfred and Duke look after Gotham Girl, as
she struggles with her mind being altered.
Within the first few pages, you have to wonder, what other carnage can
Strange cause? What does the government
have to do with all of this?
The issue, entitled “I am Gotham Part Four,” written
by Tom King and penciled by David Finch, begins with severe bloodshed: the
death of 27 soldiers. King delivers
several groundbreaking moments and moves the reader from blockbuster to
blockbuster moment throughout the issue.
As Alfred and Duke gather information and transfer it to the Bat
computer (while offering aid to Gotham Girl) Batman briefly confronts
Gotham. Let’s just say the conversation
does not go well, as Gotham smashes the Batmobile. With the information received, Batman is able
to track the secret location of government agent Amanda Wallers. Here, we discover Gotham (the superhero) is out of the control of the government as the Suicide Squad
will be called into action out of desperation.
The issue ends with Batman confronting Gotham again just before Gotham
breaks the neck of another soldier.
King does a wonderful job creating another terrific
Batman story-arc with “I Am Gotham.” He
begins this issue with a bloodbath, which instantly captures the reader’s
attention. Not too much happens in this
issue, but King is successfully able to move the reader along, and left me
feeling fulfilled. Protecting the city
of Gotham seems to be a consistent theme in the DC Universe Rebirth. How long will it take for a new hero to fall
or to have their minds enslaved? Not
very long, as this story-arc proves. In addition, King seems to be involving
some form of governmental control. For
this particular issue, the involvement of the Suicide Squad seems a bit
confusing especially considering how easily Batman is able to decipher their
involvement.
Tom King and David Finch do a seemingly effortless job
of bringing the reader into the emotions of the characters in this issue; you
really endure their internal conflicts.
I had to read the entire story-arc to fully understand the depth of this
issue.
THE
VERDICT: I 100% recommend this issue and this
entire story-arc. It offers compelling
artwork that allows readers to become part of Batman’s epic journey. It is really thoughtful in how King
blindsides his readers with surprises and twists. Can’t wait for the action to continue in
issue #5!
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