Back when I started writing for the site, I had the pleasure of reviewing Dan Jurgens and Mike Perkins The Bat-Man: First Knight. I seem to recall that at the end of that series, someone commented that, because it was called First Knight, it would probably have a follow-up. I remember thinking to myself, “You know, I think it’s just called that in reference to his first outing in 1939.”. Well, a year and a half later, here I come to admit: you were absolutely right! There is a follow-up! So, let’s dive back into Jurgens and Perkins’ atmospheric Gotham City of 1940.
Smoke and… more smoke
Oh man. I think we’re in for a treat.
In this week’s Upcoming Comics, Jackson mentioned that it seems like the first thing they do after giving an Elseworlds story a sequel is to try and introduce the rest of the DC universe. Having reviewed The Kryptonian Age, which certainly does do that and not very subtly, I was a little worried that the grimy, greasy, atmospheric world of Second Knight would be quickly inundated with all but the kitchen sink. I’m happy to report that that is not the case, and while it’s clear that we will probably be seeing some familiar faces soon, it’ll probably be drip-fed to us over the course of the series.
Speaking of the series, it seems that this time around, we’re due for 6 issues instead of 3. Double the time clearly means double the trouble because right off the bat, we’re introduced to two villains. The Hangman (not the Sofia Falcone one. At least, I don’t think it is.) and The Scarecrow. The pick of villains does what the last one did and affirms somewhat fantastical things happening in a “realistic” world. Mike Perkins does an excellent job of making both, especially Scarecrow, look very creepy.
Heavy Handed Hitters
Perkins’ talent doesn’t just stop with the villains. The ambience he created in First Knight is on full display yet again. The best elements of his art can be seen all together when the Hangman first meets Scarecrow. The shadows covering the one villain, keeping him sealed in the darkness, and the light green tones on the page foreshadowing his appearance in the next one? Superb. Not to mention you get plenty of smoke. Proportions from certain angles can sometimes look a little odd, but personally, I think it fits in with the unsettling air in the rest of the book.
Unfortunately, there are a few flat notes in this symphony for me. Most of, if not all, take the form of dialogue choices. Now, I quite like Dan Jurgens. His 2007 Booster Gold run is a particular favourite of mine. I have no problem with his skills in plotting out a story, especially not this one. This just makes the lacklustre dialogue even more of a let-down. Most of it comes in the form of a reminder that, by the way, this story is set in 1940. World War 2 is introduced like some kind of post-credits villain. “Freeze-you-in-place-while-you-shit-your-pants-fear” is said by the Scarecrow. Ités not all the time, but when the dialogue isn’t there, it really isn’t there.
Recommended If
- The all-star team of Mike Spicer and Mike Perkins on visuals sounds appealing
- You’ve been eagerly awaiting this sequel
- Seeing the return of the purple gloves fills you with happiness. If you know, you know.
Overall
Listen. I may have my gripes with the dialogue. Other than those few lines, though? I really loved this. The art is phenomenal, and I’m very intrigued to see where the introductions of Lois Lane and the Scarecrow go. There are also a few hints towards a certain acrobatic family, which perhaps will lead to something. At the end of the day, I’m excited for the rest of the series and hope it can keep a consistent level of quality.
Score: 8.5/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.
English (US) · 