Batman: Dark Patterns #4 by Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman opens with a brutal death and a new investigation. A cop is trapped in a bizarre tower standoff. Batman must rescue her, but a familiar, sinister voice controls the tower’s residents. Who’s responsible? Let’s find out!
We open with a cop plummeting from Bledin Towers, a high-rise slated for demolition but fiercely defended by its residents. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Sereika identifies him as Officer Peterson, strung up like a puppet before his fatal fall. Batman and Gordon clash: Batman understands the residents’ attachment, and Gordon fumes over a murdered officer. Peterson wasn’t alone; his partner, Officer Pryce, is still trapped inside the barricaded building. Without hesitation, Batman’s grapple shot snagged a fifth-floor window, entering the building.
Inside, a stunning double-page spread by Sherman reveals Bledin Towers’ chaotic interior. Batman overhears goons plotting to “give the other pig wings.” He investigates, finding a terrified resident who explains the building’s distorted acoustics and insists they opposed the cop killing but doesn’t know Pryce’s location. Meanwhile, we meet Rickson and Michelle, the abusive couple holding Pryce captive, strung up with wires.
Enter Scarface, the ventriloquist dummy, pulling the strings. With Dr. Sereika’s guidance, Batman ascends further, only to be ambushed by Scarface. Batman disarms Scarface and his new handler, shattering the doll. But Scarface reveals his twisted plan: the entire building is his to control, and he’s ready to take down Batman!
Credits: DC Comics
Dan Watters is doing something special with Batman. He’s crafted a version that’s brilliantly sharp and resourceful yet still feels grounded. I was particularly impressed with the scene where Batman and Dr. Sereika pieced together the second cop’s location. Watching them dissect the first victim’s fall and calculate the floor and trajectory with such precision was like witnessing a masterclass in detective work, a real Sherlock Holmes moment. And let’s talk about Scarface. Watters’s playful take on his speech is hilarious. “Gatman,” “Gusiness,” “Getter” – all those “B” words twisted into something else? It’s a fantastic, character-defining touch that makes the reading experience engaging.
Hayden Sherman’s artwork in this comic is phenomenal. The way he captures Batman’s movement, especially when he grapples into the building, is just stunning. You can feel the kinetic energy in every panel. The sequences of Batman leaping from floor to floor are equally dynamic, with every grab, landing, and turn rendered with incredible clarity. And the building itself? Transforming it into Scarface is a masterstroke. The chalky mouth, the eyes, the couch-cigar – it’s the kind of wonderfully absurd visual that only comics can pull off, and Sherman executes it flawlessly. Consequently, there’s a genuinely unsettling atmosphere to Sherman’s art. Even though you know Batman’s got this, the apartment halls have a palpable sense of dread, making you think Batman might not come out of this unscathed.
Credits: DC Comics
That opening shot of the cop falling? Stunning. Tríona Farrell’s coloring is a masterclass in layering and shifting hues. The way she plays with color as he descends is just mesmerizing. Farrell nails the mood, perfectly complementing Sherman’s art. There’s this pervasive sense of muted tension, with deep shadows creeping into every panel, but it’s balanced beautifully by pops of neon green and pink, the warm yellow of hallway lights, and that striking yellow Batman symbol. The overall palette is phenomenal, with its subtle blues, greens, and purples.
And let’s talk about the details. Frank Cvetkovic’s “KRSSH” as the beer bottle hits the floor? A slight touch, but it pulls you into the scene. His lettering is clean and easy to follow, too. I loved Batman’s internal monologue, which is presented like journal entries—a neat visual touch. And Scarface’s smoky font, reflecting his constant cigar, is just brilliant. It adds so much character.
Batman: Dark Patterns #4 delivers a tense and visually striking chapter, with Batman investigating a bizarre tower controlled by a resurrected Scarface. The issue shines with its sharp detective work, inventive characterization of Scarface’s twisted speech, and dynamic, unsettling artwork that effectively captures the building’s transformation and a pervasive sense of dread.
‘Batman Dark Pattern’ #4 Review: Secrets Behind Bledin Towers
Batman: Dark Patterns #4 delivers a tense and visually striking chapter, with Batman investigating a bizarre tower controlled by a resurrected Scarface. The issue shines with its sharp detective work, inventive characterization of Scarface’s twisted speech, and dynamic, unsettling artwork that effectively captures the building’s transformation and a pervasive sense of dread.
