Mark Waid introduced readers to the Devil Nezha for the first time in his recent Batman/Superman: World’s Finest run, when Batman outwitted the monster and imprisoned him for good, or so he thought. Now Nezha has returned to make the Caped Crusader’s life a living hell, using Damian Wayne as his conduit for chaos. Bruce, thin on allies and resources, musters up all his courage and confidence for a head-on battle, which he is utterly unprepared for. Written by Mark Waid with artwork from Mahmud Asrar and Scott Godlewski, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters from Steve Wands, Batman vs. Robin #4 is a heated and diabolical affair.
For thousands of years, the Demon Nezha has bathed in an elixir that has contributed to his immortality, which later turns out to be the Lazarus resin, a sought-after artifact from ancient al Ghul history. As Nezha charges himself with the archaic magic in the pits, Batman stealthily makes his way into the caves of Lazarus Island. With one glance at the pile of sorcerers nearby and a crying Black Alice near the Helmet of Fate, he begins to unravel the mystery. Just then, Damian attacks his father, and Nezha makes his move for the helmet.
Waid gives fans a sense of the Dark Knight’s vulnerability and determination to make his narration a surprisingly empathetic voice of reason in this action-packed issue. Batman vs. Robin #4 moves at unrelenting speed, releasing all the momentum the series has been building to propel the plot toward an eruptive finale. Fights break out all around, and Waid puts Damian and Bruce’s relationship under the microscope as the moment of reconciliation hangs near, with the right balance of emotional content and intrigue. But the multiple deus ex machina and rushed ending leave much to be desired.
Artists Mahmud Asrar and Scott Godlewski create an electrifying atmosphere worthy of the heart-pounding script. Godlewski’s artwork is highly stylized, adding lucidity to the martial arts moves on display, and Asrar’s linework adds a hefty weight to every step that Batman takes as he inches closer to certain doom. His choreography is especially great. There is a cinematic approach to his panel work which makes for some unforgettable moments. But with all the talk of magic swirling around, it comes down to the wizardry of colorist Jordie Bellaire, who gives the issue its frenzied, exciting look. Between the green glow of the Lazarus pits lighting up the caves and the psychedelic dimension of sorcery, Bellaire’s colors help blend two different art styles and set the tone.
Batman vs. Robin #4 is, at its heart, a story about fathers and sons and their failure to reach out to each other in meaningful ways, giving rise to resentment and regrets that external forces prey upon. The father-son duo of Bruce and Damian finally know what they have to do, but the tale ends abruptly with tragic consequences before they have a chance to make peace. With more suspense coming the reader’s way, Mark Waid knows how to play the correct tunes. Yet the one-note focus and clichéd progression take points away from all the character development.
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