The first issue of the latest Batman series was, to put it plainly, bonkers. Essentially Batman’s Kobayashi Maru, the issue was an incredible no-win action sequence that played out over 20 pages. It had drama, humor, huge stakes, and it provided a powerful mission statement for Tom King and David Finch’s run on the Dark Knight’s solo title. Above all, it left the reader desperate to know what would happen next. Thankfully, Batman #2 doesn’t disappoint.
After the adrenaline rush of the first issue, King and co. use the second to wisely slow the pace a bit to allow the characters to breathe. The hallmark of any Batman comic has to be the interaction between Bruce and Alfred, and the tone of their relationship under King’s keyboard is extremely enjoyable. The book’s two newest characters, Gotham and Gotham Girl, also get considerable screentime in this issue, and while readers still know relatively little about them, it’s great to have a mystery to figure out along with Batman. Their interactions also provide a tie-in somewhat to the character dynamics in Detective Comics. Gotham and GG want to learn, and are looking to Batman to act as a mentor. It’d be great to see these two characters appear in the other Bat-title, assuming they’re still around once this initial arc of Batman is over.
On the art side, the team on this book is doing great work. In the past I’ve found some of David Finch’s pencils to be kind of muddy and hard to follow. Between the last issue and this one, though, I’m beginning to change my tune. It could be that he’s changed as an penciller, or it could be thanks for solid inks from Matt Banning and Danny Miki and the always able colors of Jordie Bellaire. Whatever it is, the overall result has got me enjoying David Finch’s pencils for the first time in a long time. Bellaire in particular shines in this issue; with at least half of the issue taking place at dusk, the oranges and reds of the skies make everything else seem to glow and pop just a little more. It’s beautiful to look at, and it glues together disparate scenes in a way that’s unnoticable at first glance. Really great stuff from a fantastic colorist.
Batman #2 is a strong second issue that advances the story of last issue and introduces some new threats, including a last page reveal that has implications for characters in this book across the DCU. Between this series and the Bat-family adventures of Detective Comics, it’s really a great time to be reading Batman comics.
