Dark Nights - Metal #2 Review

Baby Daddy

Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion and FCO Plascencia
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

After the first issue of Metal, I couldn't wait to get back to the story.  It may have been a bit confusing, but in that good kind of way, and it also tied together a bunch of stories I loved in the New 52 and before.  Yea, I still don't know what the actual continuity is these days, but that's more of a Universe wide problem than just a Metal one.  I know that around two years ago (during the DC YOU), Dan Didio announced that DC was going with a story over continuity approach, but after the first issue of Metal, I think Scott Snyder and company are going more with a fun over everything else way of storytelling and I realize that's not for everyone, but I also know that's for me.  It's a tough thing to lay on Metal, but I really need some fun right now.  Does the fun continue this issue?  Let's find out...


The issue opens with more of Carter Hall's journal and while it is important stuff, the big reveal in the opening pages is the mysterious metals forming huge Bat signals all over the world.  Superman sees them and with what happened at the end of last issue, knows that they need to find Batman NOW!  We then see it's all hands on deck throughout the world and to quote a non metal band, it's fun, fun, fun!

After a series of really cool cameos, we head off to the Amazon Rainforest and even more kick ass fun.  A trash talking Damian driving the Bat-Hog while the Bat Family runs diversion using tech that had me fondly remembering Dick Grayson disguised as Joker in the beginning of the New 52...awesome!  

After Flash, Aquaman and the rest of League strike out and Swamp Thing makes a great appearance, we get a moment with Superman and Batman that is both touching and funny, but also gives us our first big story moment.  Batman (kind of) tells us about how he has been primed for the return of Barbatos.  It's all about five metals, four of which Batman has already been exposed to.  

We then go to "Ends of the Earth" where Kendra meets with he comrades in Doom...the Immortals.  They have decided to use the "Ultimate Option" even while Batman is surely trying to fight Barbatos his own way.  Hearing that, Kendra jumps into emergency mode when she realizes that Batman has been tricked and is walking right into Barbatos' trap.

After Dream sets up a bit of foreshadowing, we find out Batman's plan when Superman and Wonder Woman show up to stop it.  It's the craziest plan, basically the ultimate do over (or never done) and while it is shocking, the way he will do it is more shocking, awesome and also cute as hell!!!  Believe me, it's the best use of heavy metal devil horns you will ever see.

Like I said earlier, it's all a trap and Batman walked right into it.  For all those that hate the all knowing, Bat God, this will surely make you smile.  In fact, it all comes tumbling down on Batman and we see that he's been played for a pretty long time.  I especially liked the mention of the importance of the Powers Collider...something I suspected when Metal was first announced.  The we get another Power's call back and the shit hits the fan!  The Doorway is open.

The issue ends with the reader getting the first look at the Dark Multiverse and it's not pretty. Superman and Woman can't do anything as Batman disappears and the Dark Batmen and much worse enter our Universe.

Scott Snyder juggles some awesome fun with some cool answers and by the end, Metal is is full swing.  This issue feels like the true beginning as Barbatos opens up the gate and while I can't wait to see what happens to Batman, I am just as interested in the Dark Multiverse Batmen...something I didn't think I'd be keen on until I saw them here.  Snyder does a great job of pushing the story forward by tying in past stories while also giving readers some awesome easter eggs to put a smile on their faces.  Great job!

Greg Capullo and the art team have kicked it into high gear as well.  Everything looks great and while I want them on the Justice League book after this, they seem to be having a great time here so I'll allow them to keep going.  I'm sure that means a lot to them!

Bits and Pieces:

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo continue Metal, but this issue feels like the real beginning.  It's obvious they are having a great time and it rubs off on the reader in a big way.  An exciting story that makes sense even when I wished it wouldn't coupled with great art and an awesome sense of humor have me pumped up for everything Metal coming our way.  If you have been waiting for the fun that was promised with Rebirth, your wait is over.  Highly Recommended.

9.3/10