Batman: Arkham Knight #2 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Viktor Bogdanovic
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: February 27, 2015

Don't Change That Channel

The first issue of Arkham Knight surprised me beyond the fact that I had no idea it was coming out yet.  To me, this book shot up the Digital First ladder and immediately sat itself down next to the likes of Injustice as one of the best that DC Comics has to offer.  Peter J. Tomasi's story was a bit of catch up, a sprinkle of set up and a whole mess of awesomeness for new readers and Arkham game lovers alike.  Throw in Vikto Bogdanovic's superb art (I really mean that, check it out) and I couldn't wait for this issue to come out.  Well, maybe DC knew that and wanted to hook me up or they once again did something that made little sense, but this #2 is out days after the first.  Did it maintain the quality of the series premiere?  Let's sit down and discuss.

This issue starts with another great fight scene.  It's not the fight itself, but those involved.  Batman is kicking the crap out of Tweddle Dee and Tweedle Dum and everyone involved knows how ridiculous that is. While the fists are flying, Alfred continues complaining about Bruce's night job and he finally agrees.

The next scene takes us to Wayne Tower where Bruce is addressing the powers that be in Gotham. After the craziness of Arkham City. Bruce is taking steps to make things right.  This bit was hinted at by Alfred last issue and while I'm not sure where it's going, I always enjoy seeing the whole Bruce/Batman dynamic going on in a book.

In my review for last issue, I mentioned that bringing the Joker into the series felt forced and unnecessary.  While I'm still not a huge fan, things get crazy when the Joker broadcasts an offer to anyone listening.  One hundred million dollars to anyone who returns his body to Harley.  Pretty nice, but he had a secret message for Batman as well.  Gotham is rigged with bombs and it's up to Batman to save the day once again.  The issue ends with Batman arriving at Arkham Asylum with the Arkham Knight looking on.

This is the middle issue of the first arc so it's no surprise that we get a lot of setup here.  However, the mystery surrounding everything makes the setup both intriguing and exciting.  There are a couple of dangling threads and I want more of each one of them.

Viktor Bogdanovic continues killing it in the art department.  If I get to vote for the Rookie of the Year at this year's DC Comics Seasonal Awards Show and Interpretive Dance Recital, I'm voting Bogdanovic.  Check out either of the first two issues of this series and I know you will agree.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman: Arkham Knight continues to impress.  Peter J. Tomasi is easing readers into the story while Viktor Bogdanovic kicks ass on art.  This book just feels "big" and I can't wait to see what happens when the Arkham Knight fully gets involved.  Until then, fans of the games, Batman or just really good comics can't go wrong picking up this series.

8.8/10