Review: DC
Rebirth: All Star Batman #2 “My Own Worst Enemy Part Two”
Submitted: Ken
Trickey, Comic News Writer
14 September 16
Writer: Scott Snyder
Penciler: John Romita
Jr.
Batman continues his caped-crusade to rid his former best
friend, Harvey Dent, of his insidious alter ego, Two-Face. In retaliation,
Two-Face has threatened to expose the dirt on every citizen of the infamously
corrupt city of Gotham. What ensues is a trek across hundreds of miles of open
country in which Batman must drag his captive while fending off not only the
incredible rogue’s gallery of the Batman universe, but normal everyday
citizens, and even those closest to him. There is no one to trust. No one to
turn to. Bruce Wayne stands as the lone voice of justice in an increasingly dark
noir that is as enticing as it is unsettling. After consuming nearly everything
Batman for two decades, I did not expect to read a new Batman story that would
shock or thrill me as much as Scott Snyder’s All Star Batman.
Often the most successful character reimaginings appear
obvious in hindsight. Perhaps it is simplicity that is the mark of genius. Snyder’s
Two-Face is less of a reimagining of the character than a realization of that
character’s potential. Instead of robbing banks and becoming a dime-a-dozen
mobster, this former district attorney lashes out in the most efficacious way
he can. He knows your secrets, he has done favors for you, and if his wishes
aren't fulfilled, the salacious details of your exploits will be spilled into
the public domain. In an era of NSA spying and Wikileaks, I think Snyder has
his finger firmly on the pulse of our time.
This is Batman at his best—as a butt-kicking Sherlock Holmes,
equipped with new gadgets and an iron will. However, Batman is taken out of his
comfort zone and thrust into unfamiliar surroundings. He's not in Gotham, and
as the issue takes place in broad daylight, the Dark Knight doesn't even have his
hallowed shadows for protection. This allows for the rare instance of genuine
growth of a character over 75 years in the making. If by some odd chance you
aren't familiar with Batman and his extensive history, don't be discouraged
from picking this issue up. Characters are often named as they appear by a
short, punchy, dossier in an aside panel.
Although the noir genre is rarely associated with daylight,
the pastoral style of John Romita Jr.’s
artwork is perfectly suited to illustrate
Batman’s world through the glossy camera obscura of distinctive smoke and
shadows. The best panels for my money are the two-shots of Detective Harvey and
Commissioner Gordon smoking cigarettes in a police cruiser. The flashing red
and blue lights overhead gently bouncing off of their faces as they consider the
ramifications of their next move.
The Verdict: Snyder’s
All Star Batman is incredible. As if
everything previously discussed wasn't enough to satiate any Batfan, Part Two
of The Cursed Wheel is appended onto this
issue as well. Two great issues for the price of one. Don't let this one pass
you by!
No comments:
Post a Comment