Review: Batman/Superman #4 
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: David Marquez
Letters: John J. Hill
Colors: Alejandro Sanchez
Reviewed by: Carl Bryan
Summary
Batman/Superman #4: Even from prison, the Batman Who Laughs is staying two steps ahead of the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel. His plan to infect heroes and turn them into the Dark Multiverse versions of themselves is starting to build steam, with Shazam and others already succumbing to his evil toxin. Batman and Superman are racing the clock to prevent the other three members of the Secret Six from being poisoned, but they realize they are too late when those three come looking for them instead-one of whom is a lot closer to Superman than expected and itching for a fight!
Positives
I don’t think I have ever seen such desperation in Superman and Batman as in these issues and the current Justice League storyline as well. Batman has to be falling apart at the cracks if you also go down the route of “City of Bane.” Additionally, look at Luthor and all his JLA shenanigans and hereThe Batman Who Laughs has assembled the Secret Six! I love that this story line is permeating into various issues with Batman/Superman being the home base to refer back to.
Last month was King Shazam and now this month we have a side diversion of Supergirl #36 and Scarab #1 to provide some back story to this main story line. So kudos to DC for letting this Dark Metal “melt’ across many issues!
The Dark Metal Exclusive Batarangs…get ’em while they are hot (or at least infected).
The Batman Who Laughs (TBWL) really has his hit list accomplished in this issue as he brings all six together. And huge compliments for this eclectic group. Donna Troy (who can really defeat an Amazon?), Hawkman, Blue Beetle/Scarab (a minor player who is about to break through as a major one), Shazam (What more can be said?), Supergirl (Aw no! Not a Kryptonian) and Commissioner Gordon (see Negative section of review).
Four of these six, arguably are not going to be defeated, and will subsequently be paired with TBWL, I don’t see how this Secret Six (Not a secret anymore) can even be touched by Bruce and Clark! If you like battles and an emotional transformation scene for Supergirl, grab this issue and Supergirl #36.
Positives 2.0
Williamson’s writing is strong. But, David Marquez and Alejandro Sanchez are serving up some wonderful art! What pencils and coloring! I cannot get over Shazam. He is something to behold in this new form with his hood! Love those TBWL grins!
Hawkman and Donna Troy banter back and forth. The egos between these two Dark Metal versions is one to behold and it is enough to put them out for the count if they are not careful. I think this is foreshadowing!
Negatives
Commissioner Gordon…what gives? In the company of the other Secret Six, what is he meant to accomplish? He is certainly not the pain that is needed to be inflicted upon Bruce. And his contribution to this team, other than bad banter is what? I don’t get his role. But perhaps, I am not supposed to as he may be the wild card in all of this.
Blue Beetle/Scarab…perhaps, bringing in a minor character into a major story arc will yield fantastic results. We will have wait and see what happens. But, what if Brainiac was infected with the Dark Metal. I’m sure he’d be a formidable challenge for any her any hero.
Verdict
Batman/Superman #4 – TBWL’s infection is about to take off. He’s opened a portal to the Dark Multiverse. What will be left to consume after this happens? Scott Snyder let all of this out of his sandbox and Joshua Williamson keeps making an even bigger, prettier, “evilier” mess!
