Absolute Batman Reinvents Two-Face in a Brilliant Way

The latest issue of Absolute Batman reveals an amazing new take on Two-Face. This is in keeping with the core idea of the Absolute Universe setting, where classic DC characters are twisted in different ways. However, in the case of this version of Harvey Dent, what stays the same is just as important as what changes.

Absolute Batman opened by establishing one major change at the start. The Absolute Universe version of Bruce Wayne was raised by a single mother. He also grew up with a number of friends well-known to comic readers as some of Batman‘s greatest villains. This included a young Harvey Dent.

The twist, however, is these friends helped Bruce in his activities as Batman as adults. At least, until this world’s version of Bane sought to break the Bat by breaking his allies. This resulted in Harvey Dent acquiring the scars and disassociated identity of Two-Face.

Absolute Batman #21 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta catches up with Harvey Dent, as he attends the funeral of former mayor James Gordon with his friends. While all Bruce Wayne’s childhood friends had been warped by Bane, Dent’s association with Batman also brought about professional consequences.

When word got out that Gotham City’s vigilante had gotten information from Dent, every case he ever tried was dismissed. The end result is more criminals on the streets, even as the city spends millions trying to bring down Batman. While Harvey is now of two minds about everything, both halves of him agree that they must see justice done. One way or another. This, coupled with a brief fantasy sequence, suggests that Two-Face will become a vigilante.

Why Absolute Batman’s version of Two-Face works so well

While Absolute Batman #21 doesn’t show Two-Face taking on a more heroic role, it’s an idea that makes a wicked sense. In the classic DC Universe, Two-Face is an occasional ally to Batman, even as Dent wages war with himself. While the degree to which Dent controls his alter ego or depends on luck has varied over the years, that conflict has remained constant. However, there is no clear way to make that exact conflict work within the context of the Absolute Universe without being repetitive.

This makes what Scott Snyder does with Two-Face in Absolute Batman #21 so brilliant. He is not a good man restraining his dark impulses. He is an indecisive man being pushed towards action.

That action may be good or bad, depending on your point of view regarding criminals released because of legal technicalities. Regardless, the idea of a proactive Two-Face attempting to be a hero in his own misguided way is interesting. At the very least, it is a change from the classic crime boss flipping a coin to decide if he will do evil.

Absolute Batman #21 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

Originally written by Matt Morrison at SuperHeroHype

Source: Comingsoon.net