A new arc begins as Frank Quitely leaves to be replaced by Phillip Tan. With this new change in artistic directions comes a new story arc that takes a different approach than the first. Batman and Robin #4 is a change in the status quo
This issue is all over the place. It jumps from Batman and Robin to a new dynamic duo the Red Hood and Scarlet to a party to a meeting of villains. Batman continues to train the new Robin, while the Red Hood trains his new sidekick. New players are introduced and other are hinted at ominously. Overall things are heating up for the new Batman and Robin and the ride is just beginning with this issue.
The writer of this issue is Grant Morrison continuing his run on the series. By now Morrison has established his new dynamic duo and now begins the process again with a new dynamic duo. That is the Red Hood and Scarlet. Morrison handles both in an interesting way as Scarlet is still traumatized about her transformation. Morrison writes her in a way that makes it believable that she would join the Red Hood on his quest. The reader begins to identify with her and feel her confusion. The Red Hood seeing her confusion uses it against her and Morrison manages to turn her to the Red Hood's side with an elegant dialogue that brings Scarlet to his side as well as the reader. Morrison keeps the action hot and heavy going from fight scenes to party to meetings. Each scene has its own significance and the reader is given some foreshadowing on events to come. The Red Hood's identity is kept a secret though some enticing hints are given to the reader. This issue much like the issue number one is a set up issue that lays the ground work for some big developments. Overall Morrison crafts and intriguing story with excellent dialogue and set up of events to come.
The art in this issue is done by Philip Tan and his style contrasts greatly with Frank Quitely's cleaner style. I personally am not to be a fan of Philip Tan's art in this issue. I feel like the panels are to cluttered and the characters do not have well defined lines and blend into the environment. His use of lighting is distracting to me. He brightens certain areas of the panel to give more prominence, but the backgrounds suffers. Only the art in the foreground is really detailed and full of life, but even this is detracted from by a weird glow that certain objects or backgrounds seem to have. This glow is really distracting to me and by the end of the issue was tired of it. Overall the art isn't bad I just feel that it is to flashy for the story that Morrison is creating.
Besides my complaints about the art this issue was still an enjoyable read and I would recommend it very highly to fans of Batman and Robin or those looking to get into Batman. I am looking forward to the next issue and will definitely be picking it up. |
