Batman and Two-Face #27 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 23, 2014

Flip the Coin

I have not been too kind on Batman and Two-Face.  Most complaints I've seen center on the new Two-Face origin as the major bone of contention, but that's not my issue at all.  In fact, I actually have enjoyed it as it has progressed. No, my issue is with Erin McKillen.  I find her annoying as a character and forgettable as a villain.  Batman and Two-Face #27 doesn't remedy this much, but despite that is still a pretty good issue.

On the surface, Peter J. Tomasi has used Batman and Two-Face to give the New 52 a Harvey Dent origin story.  However, as it has gone on, we are getting a bit more.  Tomasi is showing how Bruce Wayne and Batman have altered Gotham in a way that is not always been for the better.  I know the idea that Batman makes his own villains is old (and true), but this is different.  Harvey Dent has Bruce Wayne to thank for his downfall.  In Batman Two-Face #27 we see that greed may have been the reason.

I like the interaction between Dent and Batman.  They are forced into an uneasy alliance, but as the book ends, luck is not on Harvey's side.  It will be up to Batman to save the life of one of Gotham's most violent criminals and I am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

What I'm not looking forward to is more Erin McKillen.  I really don't like her.  The reveal earlier that she has ties to Bruce Wayne was interesting, but now she just seems to be a device to further the plot.  She does carry the story along, but would it have been so hard to make her interesting, if not slightly likable?  If Batman punched her in the face I wouldn't be appalled, I would applaud.

I have always liked Patrick Gleason's art, but not so much here.  His angular, static style is great for characters, but the action in this issue falls flat because of it.  Also of note, there is a full-page spread in the book that shows Batman's pain and regret throughout this series.  It is really good, but at the same time, doesn't really fit.  I'm not even sure why it was included.  It looked nice, but was a strange inclusion.

On a personal note, can we please get this book back to being Batman and Robin.  I know to do that, DC would have to announce a new Robin (obviously) and they don't want to do that just yet, but don't wait too long.  I loved Damian, but I also love the dynamic of Batman and Robin in general.  With Batman teaming up with Wonder Woman (?) and Aquaman (???) in the near future, I guess I'll just have to wait.  Maybe Harper Row can join as an Oracle/Robin hybrid with her brother and her living at the mansion?  Hello? Are you there, DC?

Bits and Pieces:

Batman and Two-Face #27 is a decent issue that gives some more details on Two-Face's origin.  Unfortunately, Erin McKillen is not an interesting character and we get alot of her here.  The story is slowly getting better and I am looking forward to next issue to see if the trend continues.

7.6/10