Batman / Superman #4

Writer: Greg Pak Artist: Jae Lee Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: October 16, 2013 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 19 User Reviews: 11
7.9Critic Rating
8.0User Rating

Its the conclusion of the first arc in this series as one world dies and another lives! Plus: We discover why Superman and Batman have no memory of this tragic first adventure.

  • 10
    Gotham Spoilers - Gotham Spoilers Oct 16, 2013

    For all those who made things to be more complicated than they really are, rest assured, it will all make sense in the end, because hey! Mind wipe! Who didn't see that coming? But aside from putting that element of the story to rest, this issue wrapped the arc up nicely, making some interesting points, that may or may not be at least knocking on the fourth wall, commenting on The New 52 iterations of these characters. Or maybe that stuff went completely over your head, maybe it wasn't intended at all and I'm making shit up, regardless of those possibilities, this conclusion was plenty fun, and beautifully illustrated, no debating that. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Booked - Jeff Hill Oct 18, 2013

    The biggest strength of this issue is the seamless transition that kept the first issue from being a perfect 5-star comic. This time, when the art changes from Lee to Oliver, it actually makes sense and doesn't throw the reader. It's nice to see the epilogue from a different, yet equally talented artist. And it makes the ending that much more bittersweet. We know what is coming, but the heroes of both Earths have no idea. It was a perfect start to what will undoubtedly be one of the continually strong DC New 52 titles. The cover was amazing, the script was brilliant, and the artwork is incomparable. This is, by far, my pick for book of the week. It was incredible for a lifelong DC fan like myself to see such rich character development and masterful world-building. This series is starting to prove that comics really are an art form, not just a way to tell a quick soap opera with men and women in costumes. Good work, sirs. This was an excellent read. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comics: The Gathering - kanchilr1 Oct 16, 2013

    Batman Superman #4 ends an arc that is as close to perfect as comic books get. The art of Jae Lee and writing of Greg Pak, has been absolutely sublime. Fantastic character interaction such as this are why I read comic books in the first place. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Oct 16, 2013

    Greg Pak and Jae Lee have given us quite a first an arc in this series. It's been a strange adventure packed with some really cool moments. You can't help but want to see more of the Earth 2 versions that Pak has fleshed out. It'll be interesting to see what Pak has planned for Superman and Batman next. Pak shows he gets who the characters are and we're in for some great stories in the coming months. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Oct 23, 2013

    What a satisfying book and arc. This is one of those times when words and art complemented each other so well that the total of the book is more than the sum of its parts. The way the two worlds play off each other throughout the story is the electricity that gives the plot its juice. And Lee's dreamy painted style adds a lot to this 'imaginary' tale. It all works. Hopefully some of the good intentions of the Earth 2 heroes has embedded itself in these younger versions. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Multiversity Comics - Zach Wilkerson Oct 17, 2013

    While it may sound like the issue is a bit of a mess, by some bizarre synergy, it manages to become something quite beautiful. Amazingly, having never written either character before, Pak manages to perfectly capture the voice of not just two different Batmen/Supermen, but their extended cast of characters as well. Pak packs (I'm so sorry) an incredible amount of emotion into this issue, which needs to be read to be experienced. This is a love story to this family of characters, one so endearing that even the New 52 characters leave a lasting impression on the reader. I sincerely hope Pak gets a chance to follow up on these foundational plot-threads, especially in light of where these characters are in present continuity. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    We The Nerdy - Mario Miranda Oct 18, 2013

    I would highly recommend this title for any fans of either character but especially for fans of Superman that may be disappointed with the type of story and characterization we've seen thus far in the New 52 , the Earth-2 Clark, Lois, Ma and Pa Kent and Selina Kyle characters should help scratch the itch of any readers who long for the DCU pre-New52. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Hyper Geeky - ClumsyG Oct 16, 2013

    Though Pak remains as writer, the next issue may be a jarring experience for some. Pak managed to juggle four character's worth of inner monologues, and if the next issue seems a little "silent," it's because of the downscaling. With new art comes a change in perspective, and Brett Booth will be a pleasant change to some or a major shift for others. But as long as the dynamics are there, Batman and Superman will continue to be a compelling book. So far, the series has triumphed because of how well it examines the relationship between two titans. The result is a sum far greater than its parts, and readers wanting more out of their superhero books would be well served putting this on their pull list. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Unleash The Fanboy - Harrison Rawdin Oct 17, 2013

    Batman/Superman #4 is a brilliant comic that stumbles at the landing but manages to leave a lasting impression. Recommended. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Minhquan Nguyen Oct 18, 2013

    A solid finish to a solid arc. The issue makes its points clearly, though without much brilliance, and there's plenty of details to enjoy throughout. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Following The Nerd - Sarah Barclay Oct 18, 2013

    A solid story and amazing characterization, it's setting up for some great things to come. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Imagination Centre - John McCubbin Oct 19, 2013

    This was a brilliant conclusion to the series opening story, and although it wasn't quite as impactful as I hoped it would be, it was still very exciting and entertaining, with some very interesting moments. The character interaction was also yet again wonderful, and I really hope that Pak gets round to building on this story later in the series. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and the entire first story, though if you're short on cash and haven't been getting the series so far I'd recommend leaving it till next issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.3
    Geeked Out Nation - Philip Suson Oct 20, 2013

    All in all a meh ending to this story arc. Superman gets some time to shine but Batman does get left by the BMSM-4-4-930bawayside for most of the issue except for exposition that can be unneeded. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    AIPT - Russ Whiting Oct 16, 2013

    It's alright; pick it up if you've been following the first three issues and want to see the pay-off, but temper your expectations for a conclusion as satisfying as the build-up. Read Full Review

  • 6.8
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Oct 16, 2013

    This was an alright book.  That's it.  We're given the first adventure of Batman and Superman, but in the end the story does nothing.  How many times in our lives do we have to have something immediately not count because of a mind wipe?  The artwork is good, it's just not for me, everything in these first four issues seemed like something out of Tim Burton's nightmares.  I can't wait until next month when Brett Booth takes over.  But all bitching aside, like I said this is an alright book.  I love the interactions between the parallel versions of our heroes, and the fact that the villain of the story will continue in some extent.  But the first story arc was fun, so go check it out. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton Oct 17, 2013

    All in all, while "Batman/Superman" #4 is a bit of a soft landing, it's still a good enough conclusion for the first storyline. Hopefully Lee will be back for future storylines, although Brett Booth stepping up to the plate next month shows that DC isn't afraid to put some of their top-tier artists on this title. Not the most riveting of conclusions, but it's pleasant enough that it's safe to say "Batman/Superman" is a critical success. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Nerds On The Rocks - Earl Oct 16, 2013

    The first arc of Batman/Superman was fun, but kind of doomed to failure for being a prequel of sorts. While it doesn't end with a magical bullet (I still hate you Wolverine Origins), it may still leave some fans disappointed. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    Batman-News - Andrew Asberry Oct 22, 2013

    It's not bad but it felt like we were just going through the motions since everyone knew there would be a mind-wipe scenario from the get-go. Once the Earth 2 Batmen and Supermen met and had their fun character moments the story really seemed to run out of steam. Fans of Jae Lee's art will find this issue the most rewarding, but I found it to be the weakest chapter in the 4-part opener. The build-up was enjoyable, but the pay-off left me rather disappointed. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    All-Comic - Erik Gonzalez Oct 16, 2013

    The ending is well constructed and executed, but it was the weakest book in this storyline. Greg Pak's work has been strong, so I'll definitely check out what journey he has in store next. Read Full Review

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