Review Batman #4 | by Matt Fraction & Jorge Jimenez

Im going to be blunt here… this issue didn’t do much for me.

Through four issues now, issue #2 remains the clear standout, and nothing since has come close to recapturing that momentum. Sure, the art continues to be the strongest element of this run and by a wide margin… but the story itself just isn’t giving me enough to stay locked in.

Matt Fraction is clearly building toward something, and this issue adds more pieces to the board such as another layer to the already odd Dr. Zeller subplot, an ally tied to the police/Robin situation, and the introduction of the Minotaur as a new threat.

When you sit back and think about it this should feel substantial. But, in execution, it all feels… small. Inconsequential. Like we’re spinning our wheels waiting for the real story to finally kick in.

The Zeller material remains the biggest problem. It’s not just confusing it’s just distracting.

I genuinely couldn’t tell you what her conversation with Bruce was meant to accomplish, or why I should care yet. I’m sure there’s a payoff coming, but four issues in, the patience tax is starting to wear thin.

The Minotaur, however, is the win here… I guess?

After some online mockery when the cover dropped, the full context proves those reactions wrong. The character seems to work. He’s appears threatening and immediately commands the page.

I see this as the kind of bold, slightly unhinged villain energy that reminds you why comics can still be fun.

Credit where it’s due as this wasn’t a bad introduction.

Once again, Jorge Jiménez is doing the heavy lifting. Whether it’s large scale action or quiet, character driven moments, the art never slips. At this point, that consistency is expected and truly appreciated. But it also highlights the imbalance between visuals and story. Jiménez is delivering. The narrative just isn’t matching that level yet.

Maybe that’s the real issue here. The month long gaps between releases combined with relatively thin storytelling make everything feel lesser than it probably is.

This might be a run that reads much better when you can binge six or seven issues in one sitting.

But right now? Four issues in, it’s not grabbing me. I’m still on board, still willing to see where it goes… but the excitement just isn’t there yet.

And that’s the most disappointing part.