BATMAN: ONE BAD DAY – TWO-FACE #1 Review

Batman One Bad Day: Two-Face #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Javier Fernandez.

Issue #1 is available 21st September 2022 either directly from DC Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.

Synopsis

Two-Face has always been viewed as Batman’s most tragic villain. If only Harvey Dent hadn’t been scarred by acid, he could have continued his good work as D.A. in Gotham City and been Batman’s greatest ally and friend… right? Or has Batman extended Harvey Dent too much grace in his multiple attempts at reform?

He’ll question himself as Harvey Dent is free once more, scarred but seemingly free of Two-Face’s influence. But… when it’s revealed Harvey Dent’s father has been threatened to be murdered on his 88th birthday, will Two-Face be able to resist joining the party?

Review

In this special one shot issue from the One Bad Day series we get to see a bit more of the story behind Two-Face and the two distinct sides of Harvey Dent. Showing signs of the once respectable D.A Harvey Dent shows suspicion that something is afoot with the upcoming celebrations for his father, with worrying doubt in his mind that his father is in danger Harvey reaches out to an old friend to help save him, a person that can still see the “Harvey Dent” inside the Two-Face persona and that person is none other than the Dark Knight himself. Batman once saw Harvey Dent as a valued ally within the darkness of Gotham and deep inside Batman can still see the good inside, it’s this reason alone that spurs Batman on to take the case and discover the plot behind the party. Although Batman still has that element of trust with Two-Face as you read on through the book you get this unnerving feeling that something isn’t quite right, who or what exactly is Harvey trying to protect his father from?

The book itself starts off a little bit of a slow burner as it bares down the foundations for the rest of the story to come and although it seems a little like a slow start this is integral to the story as a whole and helps it all make sense. Mariko Tamaki writes an intricate weave of words that keeps the reader guess who or what comes next. The book comes into it’s own in the later stages as the story flourishes in its finale giving an altogether enjoyable reading experience.

The artwork from Javier Fernandes is wonderfully dark as you would expect from a DC book, but this feels like it has more depth to it, each panel highlights the pain and anguish that Harvey is going through and gives more power to the written words in the book.

Verdict

A tense, slow-building story which isn’t afraid to pick up the pace when needed. I can’t wait for more from the One Bad Day series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐