Batman ’89 Echoes #2 is written by Sam Hamm and published by DC. Artwork and main cover art (left) are by Joe Quinones, colours by Leonardo Ito and letters by Carlos M. Mangual.
Batman ’89 Echoes #2 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
With Batman missing, Alfred turns to Drake Winston and Barbara Gordon in hopes of finding him. Meanwhile, something is brewing in Arkham Asylum with Dr. Jonathan Crane and Dr. Harleen Quinzel duking it out over the new celebrity patient who was just admitted!
Review
After a fourth month break, Batman ’89 Echoes is finally back with its second issue. Bruce Wayne and Batman are still MIA from the streets of Gotham and Alfred is beginning to worry for his safety. Meanwhile the Sam Hamm-penned series is still warming by Batman ’89 fan heart with its devotion to furthering the gothic aesthetic of the classic film.
After his visit from Barbara Gordon last issue, Alfred is beginning to worry that something is very wrong with Bruce. Through a network of Bat-spies he makes his way to visit the returning Drake Winston who is running the garage with a very specific R logo. It turns out that Winston is still heavily involved with Bat-duties and is helping the undercover Bruce to complete his mission. Further complicating matters is Captain Gordon wasn’t happy following her chat with Alfred and now has two cops on his tail.
In Arkham, where it was revealed at the end of issue #1 that Bruce is undercover, things are getting complicated. Hamm continues, rightly, to hold on to his cards and isn’t revealing too much too early. Batman ’89 Echoes may “only” clock in at six issues but that doesn’t mean satisfying pacing should be rejected for an all out assault on the senses. Think back to the Batman ’89 film – also written by Hamm – and there was no immediacy. Instead there was real character development and a well plotted story, just as there is here.
Speaking of character development, the lions share once again goes to Harleen Quinzel this month. The draw of the big lights of Hollywood are once again calling Dr. Quinzel and she’s struggling to resist doing whatever it takes to get her moment in the spotlight. I particularly like how Hamm is approaching Harley with a little more compassion than other writers have in the past. Classically we would see Harley being corrupted by Joker, playing on her romantic feelings to exploit her for his own uses. Instead, Hamm’s version of the character is more simply attracted by what producer Chuck and his offer of a weeknight prime time show. I’m sure I said this last month but the characterisation feels perfectly in-keeping with Hamm’s overall aesthetic for the Tim Burton-directed film.
In its third act Batman ’89 Echoes #2 significantly develops the story of its villains. Both Dr. Quinzel and Dr. Crane as positioned to perhaps dominate the story next month. It does feel like Harley, should she take on that name, will be more of an anarchic presence than perhaps a true, outright villain. Whilst the prospect of Scarecrow is certainly something which is cause for concern as Bruce surveils from inside the asylum.
The biggest drawback at this stage is the lack of Batman. Whilst it’s interesting to see Bruce in this undercover situation and how he has people assisting from outside. The book is lacking a little vigilante justice.
Verdict
A welcome return for Batman ’89 Echoes after a prolonged gap between the first two issues. Taking significant steps with both Dr. Crane and Harlan Quinzel it’s fascinating to see these two legendary villains given the Sam Hamm treatment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
