Batman Vol. 4 #4 Review: The Minotaur Audit (Major First Appearance Alert)

Batman Vol. 4 #4 review, and this is the one the speculators have been whispering about. Seems like I couldn’t stop when I started with Batman Vol. 4 #3. A new resolution, maybe, to actually stay current? But of course, we need to juggle these things; logistics never sleeps, unfortunately.

Whenever a new major villain is introduced in a flagship Batman title, you have to put on your auditor’s hat. Is this character actually a threat, or just another cool design that will be forgotten in six months? (Remember the Designer? Exactly.)

This issue features the first full appearance of The Minotaur and his organization, The Torus. So, let’s skip the usual plot summary and do a proper audit. Is this book worth the shelf space?

The Villain Profile: Corporate Brute

First impressions matter. And I have to say, Jiménez makes this guy look expensive.

The Minotaur isn’t just a brute in a mask; he feels like a corporate monster. The design, the golden bull mask, the suit, it screams old money mixed with new violence. He’s not robbing banks; he’s freezing accounts.

In this issue, we see him hold a meeting at the renovated Old Wayne Manor (a nice touch of disrespect to Bruce) with his new conglomerate, The Torus. And this isn’t just a gang; it’s a merger of seven organizations. You’ve got the new players like The Capitolinas (Vice) and Clanuri Interlope (Transport), but the real flex? He’s got The Penguin sitting at the table, representing ‘The Thieves Guild’ like a mid-level manager. That’s power.

His move to ensure loyalty? He executes the family members of the board. It’s effective. It’s brutal. It’s a classic Gotham mob tactic turned up to eleven.

As someone who works in supply chain, I appreciate the logistics here. The Minotaur isn’t trying to out-punch Batman; he’s trying to choke the resource lines of the city’s crime. He’s organizing the chaos. That makes him dangerous in a way that Killer Croc or Clayface usually aren’t.

Batman’s Side Quest: Chasing Symptoms

While the Minotaur is restructuring the underworld, Batman is… busy.

He spends most of the issue chasing Anarky and dealing with Dr. Zeller. It’s good detective work, don’t get me wrong, but there’s a sense of irony here. Bruce is fighting the symptoms (Anarky in the streets) while the infection (Minotaur in the boardroom) is spreading completely unchecked.

They don’t meet face-to-face in this issue. And honestly? That’s smart writing. It builds the tension. Anarky is terrified of the new boss, and using an established villain to hype up the new guy is an old wrestling trick, but it works.

Key Issue Investment Data: The Minotaur Audit

Okay, let’s talk numbers. This is a First Full Appearance of The Minotaur, so collectors are naturally looking at it.

But is it a buy?

I checked the markets this morning. A Batman Vol. 4 #4 CGC 9.8 of the Jim Lee Variant is listed for around $60 USD [eBay]. And another Felipe Massafera Variant Cover at $70 USD.

Let’s do the math on that:

• Sale Price: $60
• Grading Cost: ~$30 (fees + shipping)
• Book Cost: ~$6–$15
• Profit: Maybe $15?

Verdict: The market is cautious. A 9.8 slab selling for $60 is soft. It means people are buying the artist (Jim Lee), not the villain. If the Minotaur was the next Bane, that book would be pushing $100+.

My Advice:
Grab a Cover A of Batman Vol. 4 #4 for your personal collection because the art is fantastic. But don’t go maxing out your credit card speculating on this one just yet. The market isn’t sold on the Minotaur’s staying power, and frankly, neither am I, not until I see him actually trade blows with the Bat.

Final Verdict of Batman Vol. 4 #4

#4 is a solid setup issue. The Minotaur works on paper; he’s ruthless, organized, and well-designed. But for a key issue, it feels more like a boardroom meeting than a blockbuster.

It’s a safe buy for the run, but maybe keep the expectations in check.

Score: 8/10

Next: Batman Vol. 4 #5 Review: The Logistics of a Gotham Date Night

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