Review: Earth 2 Annual 2
~~~SPOILER WARNING~~~
"Everything I've dedicated my life to is a lie."
-Bruce Wayne in Earth 2 Annual #2
Intro
My comic book reading is often two fold; first, a read through focused on the narrative and dialogue. The second time through I'm more focused on the artwork and layouts. With Earth 2 Annual #2 I had a difficult time with the second read through, and it had nothing to do with the artwork. The difficulty came from being able to focus after having read such a strange and perplexing twist to the Batman mythos. This story uses the well known and beloved Batman origin, but it also redefines it in a unique and somewhat shocking way.
Background
I know this is Earth 2, what should I have expected. From the outset of the Earth 2 series, I found the title interesting, fun, and at times a little clunky, at least dialogue wise. The universe began with the main trinity (Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman) of DC being killed in an attack by Darkseid. With the "big three" gone, it set the stage for a world in need of heroes. A majority of these heroes would come from refreshing and provocative reinterpretations of DC's Golden Age superheroes. Those from the the original Justice Society of America received a contemporary characterization makeover. Although the "big three" died in the initial story arc, they have returned in the current story line (albeit in rather unoriginal fashion, with exception to the new Batman of course). As the current story arc continues, the heroes are up against an unprecedented threat, and Batman has returned in their hour of need. Cloaked in mystery, his identity a secret with very few clues to his actual identity. The few clues to interpret: this Batman had knowledge and intel similar to Bruce, he also survives a gun shot to his forehead. The guessing game came to a crashing end with Earth 2 Annual #2, as the cover text reads, "The Shocking Origin Of Batman Revealed!"
The Story
The issue begins with a recap of Bruce Wayne's Batman Origin. Dark alley, robbery at gunpoint, emotionally stunned young Bruce, dead parents, pearls, and Joe Chill. Fast forward from that to Batman now investigating the murder of Joe Chill and two other mafioso figures. Their deaths are connected by manner, each seems to have been killed by an individual with super strength. Batman believing there is a deeper connection to the individuals, his detective work brings him to another mafioso in Frankie Falcone. Through questioning, Falcone reveals that connection the victims, Joe Chill, and even Falcone himself all have. Thomas Wayne. As a young doctor, Thomas helped save Falcone's life after he is shot on a sidewalk. Falcone invites Thomas to a party, a party in Wayne's honor, but still a mob party. At this party Thomas is even introduced to Martha (in a comical touch she notes the "antiquity" of her name). From there, he enters into a relationship with Martha, and the two enter a friendship with Falcone. The three converged over their desire of drugs, with Thomas even supplying the group with drugs he would steal from the hospital. With the birth of Bruce, Thomas wanted an end to the relationship, even threatening to expose Falcone's criminal activity. Needing to teach Thomas a lesson, Falcone hired a few thugs to "rough" him up, eventually leading to the hire of Joe Chill to finish the job. Eventually we learn that the killer is Thomas Wayne, who faked his death and was now exacting revenge. His drug addiction now progressed to the super power inducing Miraclo drug. When Bruce learns of this he realizes his life has been inspired by falsehoods. Crushed under the emotional weight of this revelation Bruce forsakes his father, he labels Thomas as nothing more than a junkie and coward. Thomas attempts to clean up and reconcile, but Bruce dies in the Darkseid attack, never forgiving his father. It is then Thomas takes up Bruce's mantle as a way to atone for his sins. All this is told to the team he is currently assembling to battle that unprecedented threat. He further reveals he is still addicted to Miraclo, needing it to be Batman at his advanced age and declares the drug use inconsequential as he has "no one left to disappoint."
Critique
Since Tom Taylor inherited Earth 2's writing duties he has maintained a number of "shock" moments. I believe this tale is the most shocking of his shocks(?) thus far. I believe the decision to have Thomas Wayne become this Batman, was influenced by the popularity of Thomas' turn as Batman in the Flashpoint series. Their costumes share some design elements and they're both Thomas Wayne, but any other similarities end right there. This Thomas is very much a damaged and much different take on the character then one might've supposed. The character is reprehensible with a drug addiction, not exactly words used to describe Batman. This Batman is also established as someone with nothing more to live for, making him a prime candidate for sacrifice. Taylor has made Earth 2 much more streamlined and focused on plot, whereas it once diverged and was too dialogue heavy. This issue continues entirely in that same aspect, though longer than the average series' issues. The art of Robson Rocha is adequate enough for the story told, nothing really stands out. Despite how one feels about this Batman, it certainly cannot be decried as unoriginal. The issue is intriguing and does a good job at building an unflattering back story for Earth 2's newest Batman.
***
(3 out of 4)