Batman #2 Review

So, I’ve been more than a little busy as of late what with vacations and conventions and all manner of craziness, so some of the comics I planned to review sadly fell by the wayside, so for this, and my next couple of DC reviews, I’ll be jumping in on the second issue. Don’t worry though, I’ll still be doing my best to keep you guys up to speed. So, without further delay, here’s Batman.

Despite the Rebirth issue leaving a great deal to be desired, the actual first issue of Batman was much more intriguing, showing Batman possibly facing his imminent death and ending with the introduction of two new characters, Gotham and Gotham Girl, two heroes who appear to be Kryptonian who wish to help save Gotham city.

Our comic opens with an attack from Solomon Grundy that’s promptly thwarted by the combined strategy of the Gothams and Batman. Gotham knows that he’s still a bit green when it comes to the superhero game and requests that Batman show him how he can improve. Batman doesn’t answer.

Later, in the Bat-cave, Batman contemplates his own mortality and the idea of allowing the invulnerable Gotham and Gotham-Girl to become the new protectors of Gotham, as they are not encumbered by Batman’s human limitations. Alfred, being his typically sarcastic self, finds this all riveting but is compelled to remind Bruce that there is a charity gala going on upstairs and he may want to make an appearance.

Meanwhile, in Commissioner Gordon’s office, a man named Bob Castro comes in to confess that he was the one who freed Grundy. Bob isn’t a criminal per se, but he felt that he had no choice. After confessing and attempting to apologize for his actions gives his cryptic last words about how “The Monster Men are coming” before slitting his own throat.

Much later, Batman, accompanied by Gotham and Gotham Girl, meets with Jim Gordon to talk about what just happened. Batman doesn’t know anything about the Monster Men that the man spoke of but Gotham Girl points out that the individuals who caused the plane crash from the last issue committed suicide in a similar way, meaning that the two event are in all likelihood connected. The scene ends with a humorous moment of Batman disappearing while Gordon isn’t looking and Gotham and Gotham Girl stupefied by it.

And so our comic ends with the reveal of who may be behind all this, Hugo Strange and Amanda Waller.

What Works: There’s some solid action and some interesting character moments in this book so far. I particularly like Batman’s struggle to reconcile with his own mortality. Also, the bit with Jim Gordon made me smile.

What Doesn’t: As much as I like Gotham and Gotham Girl as a concept, their presence doesn’t have the magnitude it rightly should. I mean, Superman and Supergirl notwithstanding, Kryptonians are supposed to be all but extinct, and yet no one questions where these two come from, Bruce never calls Clark to tell him he’s found more of his people, Batman doesn’t even check to see if they’re real Kryptonians or not.

Overall: 4/5 A fun read with some cool set ups. It’s not perfect just yet, but it’s getting there.