Ricky Church reviews Batman #2…
“I AM GOTHAM” Chapter Two: In issue #2, after a brush with disaster, Batman struggles to reconcile the fate he could be leaving behind for his city, and reaches out to the idealistic new hero, Gotham. But an evil is building that may overcome both Batman and his new ally.
SEE ALSO: Check out a preview of Batman #2 here
With Batman #2 Tom King continues to show he’s more than qualified to play in Batman’s world. His characterization of Batman and his supporting characters is one of the best aspects of the issue and should continue to be during his run. The previous issue had Batman making a huge life or death decision and Batman #2 wastes no time in bringing this up, showing Batman’s newfound grasp on his mortality has affected him greatly.
King also displays a good understanding of the supporting characters, with Alfred’s wit stealing the scene in his brief pages. Gordon is likewise well written and has a very humourous moment at the expense of Gotham’s two new heroes towards the end of the story. Gotham and Gotham Girl are actually the only area King slightly falters in as he doesn’t expand more on their characters or motivations. Gotham Girl is barely even in the book too. Hopefully they’ll each get some more characterization in the next couple issues, but right now they’re more facsimiles of Superman and Supergirl than actual characters.
David Finch’s again does a good job on art duties, particularly during the opening sequence. The panels of Batman rising out of the smoke to take down Solomon Grundy were the best looking in the book, showing Batman’s skill against a much more powerful enemy. Matt Banning and Danny Miki share inking duties and, though they do a good job, it’s a little jarring as some of the inks are different in the book. In the first half they’re a bit rougher while in the second they’re much more smooth. It’s a subtle difference that changes the look of the issue and it would have been better if it stayed consistent. Jordan Bellaire’s gives the issue a vibrant look, mostly during the opening pages as it takes place during the day.
While the art what somewhat inconsistent and the newest characters didn’t get much development in this issue, King still displayed a competency writing Batman and his famous supporting characters. His reintroduction of one of Batman’s oldest and infamous rogues is also an intriguing development for where he plans to take this story. With such a strong focus on Batman’s personality and world, fans shouldn’t have to worry too much about this run living up to Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo.
Rating: 8/10
Ricky Church
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Originally published July 8, 2016. Updated November 14, 2019.
