I wasn’t too impressed with the previous issue, but Batman and Robin #4 kicks things into high gear once again, thankfully. Pyg is out and down for the count for now, and Grant Morrison introduces a new villainous team that could tear Gotham to pieces. So will we witness some serious contenders, or will the red-fisted duo see the insides of cells at Arkham Asylum before the year is over?

Batman and Robin #4Last time a new Red Hood recruited the only defective patient of Professor Pyg—one whose mask didn’t send her over the cockoo’s nest just quite, or at least not in the way that was planned. Now Red Hood and Scarlet are causing mayhem left and right, and they make their first mark of the series with Lightning Bug. Philip Tan, taking over for Frank Quitely, draws a mean pair of criminals, that’s for sure—and some of the panels are simply amazing.

Scarlet’s humor falls in line with things Damian would say (“It’s called ‘dying’”), but the Red Hood has an air about him that’s almost cheap. In between deciding over which tagline is more bad-ass for his cause (“Let the punishment fit the crime”), putting on an explosive show, and considering their work more presentation than actual true viciousness (“It’s cool, scary, modern, edgy, whatever …”), it’s hard to think he’ll put up much of a fight. Regardless, he seems rather competent, and the already growing dynamic between he and Scarlet helps cement the issue’s worth. Not to mention I love the obvious parallel between Red Hood and Scarlet and Batman and Robin. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good parallel.

Similarly, the partnership between Dick and Damian once again intrigues, particularly in the scene on the rooftops. Plus, when Dick meets a new player in town, Oberon Sexton (aka Gravedigger), the eerie tension is enough to give you chills. A meeting of criminals—perhaps too Black Glove for my taste, knowing how that turned out in the end—foreshadows more danger and continues Morrison’s turn towards widespread viral destruction of Gotham rather than just bullets and costumed terror. A strange idea, but one that could work well with the so-called new age of Batman comics.

Batman and Robin #4 packs in a good issue while setting up a lot more; if you’re not on board yet, you should be. I’m just glad my worries over B&R #3 eased with the beginning of “Revenge of the Red Hood.”

4/5 Bat-Bombs!

Recommendation: Next issue: The solution to the riddle of the corn dollie. We’ll wait. We can totally wait.

Curious how the Bat-books stack up here on the blog? Look here.