‘Batman & Robin’ #23.1 Two-Face

‘Batman & Robin’ #23.1 Two-Face

• Cover by Chris Burnham
• Written by Peter Tomasi
• Art by Guillem March

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BEWARE OF SPOILERS

‘Batman & Robin’ takes a break from it’s stages of grief arc to take a look at the actions of Two-Face. Once normal service returns the ‘Batman & _______’ banner will become ‘Batman & Two-Face’ presumably based on the position that Two-Face will find himself in after the ‘Forever Evil’ event draws to a close.

Unlike the Poison Ivy issue which I reviewed earlier this story takes place much more in the present day although it does include a small number of scenes which take place before Harvey’s face became scarred. Also this story is very much based in the ‘Forever Evil’ world.

The Secret Society who are the force behind the ‘Forever Evil’ event have been inviting members via a coin featuring the latin phrase ‘let them hate as long as they fear’ and of course we all know that Two-Face bases his every decision on his coin. The second coin proves to be a foil for Two-Face but also for the Society who want a modicum of control over their members.

The story is again made possible by the disappearance of Batman and the other Justice League members. Much like how Poison Ivy is running rampant throughout the city Two-Face is rounding up those working in the justice system and using his coin to decide their fate eventually rallying against the society to take Gotham for his own.

The story itself is another interesting look in to the psychology of one of Batman’s most high profile villains. There’s a huge amount of focus on the coin aspect of Two-Face’s personality and how he’s driven by it.

The artwork is at times reminiscent of Greg Capullo’s work on the ‘Batman’ title. Colours in the present day are bleached out over some of the past scenes which is the only way to discern between the two unlike the highly stylised scenes in ‘The Green Kingdom’ but overall the artwork is effective and consistent throughout.

There’s a clear mission statement here to show that Gotham is falling in to ruins without Batman and that when he returns Two-Face is going to be ready and waiting for him. It’s a much better build-up to the returning story arc of the title that the story of Jackanape in ‘Batman’ #23.1.

7/10