Batman: Gotham By Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2: A Review
The second issue of Batman: Gotham By Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age picks up where the first left off, with Batman battling Talia al Ghul on a train. However, this time around, the story expands significantly, introducing two additional sub-plots that add to the already complex narrative. The issue dives into Dr. Adam Strange’s arctic escapade and the mysterious appearance of John Constantine, the spiritual advisor to Queen Victoria.
While the initial excitement of expanding the story is undeniable, the sheer volume of plot threads threatens to overwhelm the reader. The pacing feels rushed, and the individual stories struggle to gain traction due to the limited time dedicated to each. The main story arc involving Batman and the League of Assassins benefits from the established context, but the newly introduced threads involving Strange and Constantine suffer from a lack of development. Despite the diverse elements, the issue feels overstuffed, leaving the readers longing for more depth and engagement.
The introduction of Dr. Adam Strange, a renowned explorer and scientist, adds a layer of intrigue to the story. His journey to the “edge of the world,” where his compass and star navigation cease to function, piques the reader’s curiosity. The discovery of ruins from the Kryptonian Age, reminiscent of legendary lost cities like El Dorado, further fuels the desire for exploration and understanding. However, the brief glimpse into this mysterious civilization leaves the reader wanting more. The tantalizing hints of the Kryptonian Age, without sufficient exploration, create a sense of frustration.
Meanwhile, the scene between Batman and Talia al Ghul, the daughter of Ra’s al Ghul, unfolds with a more heavy-handed approach compared to the previous issue. While the dialogue attempts to capture the tone of the Victorian era, it feels awkward and unnatural, particularly in Bruce Wayne’s portrayal. The exposition, particularly the line “Why does the League of Shadows hunt these ancient relics — and murder those who possess them?” feels unnecessary, as the reader is already familiar with the League’s motivations. This approach undermines the narrative flow and creates a sense of redundancy.
However, the fight sequence between Batman and Talia showcases the creative team’s talent in visual storytelling. The use of gadgets, particularly the acid-filled batarangs and the modified shotgun-based grappling hook, feels grounded in the Victorian setting. These practical and inventive tools provide a stronger sense of period authenticity than the dialogue.
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A Multifaceted Tale: Exploring Different Threads
The introduction of John Constantine, the enigmatic master of the occult, adds a layer of supernatural intrigue to the story. His unexpected appearance in Queen Victoria’s bedroom, his connection to the Kryptonian artifacts, and his cunning escape from imprisonment inject a dose of suspense and mystery into the narrative. The revelation of his secret mission to serve the British Empire despite his past adds depth to his character and raises questions about the motives behind his actions.
The issue seamlessly shifts between these three primary storylines, providing glimpses into Bruce Wayne’s dealings with the Amazonians and further hinting at the complex web of events unfolding in Gotham. The abundance of plot threads, while intriguing in concept, creates a sense of fragmentation and disjointedness. The rapid-fire pace leaves the reader struggling to fully invest in any single story, creating a sense of superficiality.
The Art of Storytelling: A Visual Masterpiece
Despite the narrative shortcomings, the art in this issue shines brightly. The creative team, led by artist Fernandez, delivers breathtaking visuals that elevate the story and captivate the reader’s attention. The train fight scene, in particular, stands out as a testament to Fernandez’s skill in capturing the intensity and brutality of hand-to-hand combat.
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The image of Batman, slashed, blood-stained, and teeth bared, illuminated by the glow of the street below, is a testament to the artist’s ability to create powerful and evocative imagery. The vibrant color palette, particularly the use of blood, adds a visceral element to the fight sequence and enhances the overall visual impact. The artistic synergy between Fernandez and colorist Stewart is evident in the seamless integration of color and character designs, creating a visually cohesive and immersive experience.
The character designs are particularly noteworthy, with Fernandez successfully capturing the essence of Mignola’s gaslit Gotham. The costumes, from Batman’s iconic suit to the Assassin’s distinctive attire, feel appropriately grounded in the Victorian era, offering a refreshing take on familiar characters. Even the design for John Constantine, with his wispy hair, effectively captures his unconventional nature, while still maintaining a sense of period authenticity.
Overall: A Promising Start With Room for Improvement
Batman: Gotham By Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2 presents a mixed bag of storytelling. While the concept of multiple plot threads holds promise, the rushed pacing and lack of depth in individual stories hinder the overall impact. The art, however, stands out as a major highlight, delivering stunning visuals that captivate the reader’s imagination. The creative team demonstrates a strong understanding of the source material, successfully capturing the essence of Mignola’s iconic art style and the gritty atmosphere of Gotham By Gaslight.
Despite the narrative shortcomings, the issue leaves the reader intrigued by the mysteries unfolding in Gotham. The tantalizing hints of the Kryptonian Age, the enigmatic nature of John Constantine, and the ongoing conflict between Batman and the League of Assassins create a sense of anticipation for future installments. The next issue holds the potential to refine the story’s pacing, expand upon the individual plot threads, and deliver a more satisfying reading experience.
Recommendation:
This issue is recommended for readers who enjoy visually stunning comics, those fascinated by the mystery of the Kryptonian Age, and those looking for a glimpse into the world of John Constantine. However, readers who prefer a more focused and in-depth narrative might find the rapid-fire pacing and lack of depth frustrating.
Ultimately, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2 offers a promising start to a potentially compelling story. The creative team has laid a solid foundation, showcasing their artistic talents and their understanding of the source material. With a little more focus and development, the series has the potential to deliver an engaging and memorable reading experience.
Score: 6.5/10
What can readers expect from Batman: Gotham By Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2?
Readers can expect the second issue to pick up where the first left off, with Batman battling Talia al Ghul on a train, and introducing two additional sub-plots that expand the narrative.
How does the introduction of Dr. Adam Strange impact the story?
The introduction of Dr. Adam Strange adds intrigue to the story as he embarks on an arctic escapade and discovers ruins from the Kryptonian Age, sparking curiosity and a desire for exploration.
What are some criticisms of Batman: Gotham By Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2?
Some criticisms include the pacing feeling rushed, the individual stories struggling to gain traction due to limited time, and the issue feeling overstuffed with plot threads, leaving readers longing for more depth and engagement.
How is the dialogue and portrayal of characters in Batman: Gotham By Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2 perceived?
The dialogue, particularly in the scene between Batman and Talia al Ghul, is criticized for feeling awkward and unnatural, with some exposition being deemed unnecessary and creating a sense of redundancy. However, the fight sequence between Batman and Talia showcases the creative team’s talent in visual storytelling.
