FROM DC COMICS: "Part 4 of the 6-part "Rules of Engagement." Lex Luthor has supplied his prototype G.I. Robot to the military — and only Batman knows there's a viper in the Pentagon's nest. But Lex Luthor knows as well, and attacks Batman in the Batcave to prevent being exposed!"

The inaugural storyline of BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL -- “Rules of Engagement” -- continues in Part 4 of the newest Bat-comic from DC Comics. For those unaware, this tale depicts the first meeting between Bruce Wayne/Batman and Lex Luthor.

The latest issue begins with Luthor delivering his Robot GI’s as Luthorcorp won the contract over Waynetech to supply such devices to the government. Unbeknownst to the Pentagon, Luthor has something else in mind other than handing over his robots as promised -- like taking over the government.

In the meantime, Luthor has also infiltrated The Batcave via some sort of robot bat (Yes, I’m serious) that has compromised The Batplane as well as other Bat-toys. Consequently, all hell breaks loose in the Cave as The Batplane begins shooting at both The Batman and Alfred. The Dark Knight is able to avoid a missile strike, but falls into the lower reaches of his lair -- sure death it would seem.

But no! This book gives us stories from the early years of The Batman’s career, so there is no way he’s going to get whacked. So what saves him from meeting his maker? Bat-crap. (Yes, I’m serious).

I have high hopes for this title -- mostly because I really dig the stories about the beginning of The Bat. Unfortunately, “Rules of Engagement” ain’t no YEAR ONE, THE LONG HALLOWEEN, or BATMAN AND THE MAD MONK.

Again, the storyline is simply “OK” and nothing more. Basically all we get out of issue #4 is that Luthor is a power-hungry A-Hole. Like we didn’t already know that, right? In addition to the lackluster plot, the artwork still leaves A LOT to be desired. Take this issue for instance, Luthor’s look changes from panel to panel -- the only indicator that it’s Luthor is the fact that dude’s bald! And I’m sorry, Batman’s cowl looks, well, awful. And don’t get me started on Alfred -- who looks like he’s sporting a toupee!

Honestly, the story isn’t all that bad. It simply seems to be moving awfully slow and lacks the “Wow!” factor, if you will. It also has a bit of a "been there, done that" feel to it as it is revealed that Luthor has it in for costumed superheroes.

Still, I’m not ready to give up on this title due to one lackluster storyline. Hopefully, future issues will give us something more interesting; such as: The Batman’s first encounters with various members of his rogues gallery, more about the early years of Batman and Gordon’s partnership, etc.

But you know, this “Rules of Engagement” still has two parts left to go, and maybe it’ll end on a strong note. Here’s hoping so.