Batman: Damned #2

SO many questions arise from Book Two of this bimonthly series. But the biggest one is whether or not Batman will make it out alive himself and if he does, what would that cost him: His mind, his body or worse, his soul? I still say that Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo are a dream team when it comes to depicting the dark and twisted world that truly is Batmans existence and with part two, they did not disappoint to bring on the crazy and tragic. See you in 2019, boys! Read Full Review

I am in love with Batman Damned thus far, any complaints about it would be specifically a contrivance for the sake of not my actual opinion. It's not for the faint of heart but I recommend this to anyone who likes some grimdark in their stories. Read Full Review

Brian Azzarello's second chapter in this first Black Label series provides ample opportunity for Lee Bermejo's glorious artwork to shine. While the story continues to be well-mired in the mystical, fresh glimpses into Bruce Wayne's past highlight this carnival of madness, along with more cameos from the dark underworld in freshly actualized forms. This book is being issued on a quarterly schedule, but at more than double the pages of a regular comic so far it's been well worth the wait. Read Full Review

I understand that Black Label books are going to aim at being more mature. Yet for some, this means nudity and swearing. Given the trouble a naked man caused last issue, I am not sure how I feel about the last few panels and the implied seduction of the not so innocent. With this label, DC have an opportunity to challenge the reader with ideas and images that may seem distasteful or disturbing. With that in mind, this book continues with its strong substance that actually meets its excellent style. Read Full Review

The issue leaves the mysterious happenings in Gotham all the stronger. We get unexplained apparitions and the prophetic ravings of a mad man. The mystery is as open now as it was on page one of issue one. It'll be a true event to see how it all ends in the final issue. Read Full Review

Ultimately I think we were given another amazing and gorgeous chapter of what I feel is the best looking series of 2018. The narrative style of John Constantine is by far one of my favorite parts of this series. I just love the way John speaks. He has a way of getting my mind deeper into the story, connecting me more with what's going on in the pages. From Ertigan's lethal rhymes as rapper J Blood, to Batman's adult encounter with Harley Quinn, it's hard to pinpoint what my favorite part of this issue was as there's many standout moments, but I guess I'd have to say the the overall mystery and occult conspiracy that has surrounded Bruce's life since he was a boy is what intrigues me most here, and it's why I recommend this series as a must read of 2018. Read Full Review

With one more issue planned for Batman: Damned, its hard to predict where this book will go next. The cliffhanger at the end of this book, controversial as it is, also questions if Batmans sanity is slipping away. Unfortunately, well have to wait until sometime in 2019 to find out the answer. At this rate, though, the finale just may be one worth waiting for. Read Full Review

Batman Damned #2 didn't have that anxious and flexible shape like the previous issue. Rather it presented layers of memories and gave room to unpack them throughout the panels. It still stands on its own, and I hope to see a merger of both the thrill of the darkness and the rage of painful memories. Read Full Review

The art by Lee Bermejo is absolutely stunning. It sets the mood for this dark and mature tale and does not hold back. Every single panel in this book is something to behold. Read Full Review

BATMAN: DAMNED #2 is good overall. I do have issues, and worry that style might be taking precedent over substance by going over-the-top with the grim, edgy storytelling. However, the striking artwork alone would be strong enough to sell it. Read Full Review

It was a better outing, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Read Full Review

It's been a long time since a title has garnered so much public attention from both comic fans and the public. A quick search of Batman: Damned #1 will have the book on auction sites as high as $300-$400, making it one of the most expensive modern books in history. While no one will be paying that much for #2, it surely holds its own as a strong sequel to the massively popular first half and has the reader excited for so much more to come! Read Full Review

While I dont think that this issue was nearly as strong and the first issue of this story, Im still very much engaged in the mystery of this story and Im look forward to seeing how this all plays out in the final issue. Read Full Review

Issue one was so good but this" this goes off the deep end for me. I love some of this book, mostly Constantine and Lee Bermejo's art, but the rest of it makes me uncomfortable recommending this. Read Full Review

The biggest failure of Book 2 is the chaotic method of storytelling. Azzarello has attempted to do too much at once without advancing the plot. Read Full Review

Brian Azzarello's writing gets dark and uncomfortable just for the sake of it, but Lee Bermejo's incredible art continues to stun and carry this collaboration. Read Full Review

I am still all in for the series.  While I still enjoyed this issue overall, I will need it to begin to pick up the pace.  I also need more content in this title that warrants the "Black Label" title outside of the occasional F-Bomb. With that being, said it needs to make sense for the story and not just be randomly placed there for the sake of it.  Speaking of story, I am very interested to know more about Bruce's backstory. What is his secret? Where is the Joker?  Who is paying to listen to Jason Blood? The art continues to impress consistently. I look forward to seeing more of it.   I really want the next issue to blow my mind and I hope it will. Read Full Review

A mean-spirited, unrelentingly dark book, loving crafted to show us the worst of humanity. Not my speed at all, but it's beautifully painted. Read Full Review

Damned wants you to think it's important. Meaningful. It isn't. It's little more than edgy shock value with heinously conceived jabs at meaning. At its worst, this issue is so embarrassing it'd work as a comedy. Read Full Review

This is one of the more stunning books in DC's library, but while it starts out strong and ends in an" interesting place we'll call it, the middle feels a bit aimless. Read Full Review

Mature Readers lines can go two ways, and right now this first Black Label book, unfortunately, seems to be going in the worst way possible " a dark-and-edgy cartoon of a story with little point but to be as shocking as possible. Far from this brilliant creative team's best work. Read Full Review

I Review Comics

Dec 12, 2018

My biggest problem with the first issue was that aside from the controversial "Dick Pic" the comic was pretty tame and didn't justify the Adult label. It could have been other vertigo book and felt right at home.  This is more like it.  This issue is intense and has the look and feel of an R Rated Batman experience. The art is simply stunning. There aren't too many artists in the same league as Lee Bermejo and this issue is a perfect representation of what he is capable of.  The stories focus has also been tightened since the last issue. Batman doesn't believe that Joker truly is dead an continues his investigation. He is joined by John Constantine. Etrigan the Demon, Enchantress, and Deadman are also along for the ride.  There is a running subplot relating to the troubles within Bruce's parent's marriage that add character to Bruce and why he handles situations in the manner that he does.  All of these tidbits combined with the cinematic quality of the artistry make this issue the perfect representation of what this line can be.  The ending encounter is just as shocking as the nude panel from the last issue but in this instance, it feels integral to the plot as opposed to a throwaway moment that never felt justified.  Batman Damned exceeds all expectations and I can't wait to see how this story concludes. It makes a strong case for single issue of 2018.  For more reviews, Subscribe: https://www.gtmediareviews.com/ more

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln

Dec 14, 2018

Some of the writing was questionable, but can't say I didn't come out loving this and how far it goes.

Darkseid24

Dec 12, 2018

The art of this comic is pretty amazing, so it's worth getting it for the art alone, However I am still angry about DC censoring the first issue of Batman Damned making it impossible to get a physical copy for a prize, that isn't ridiculously high. There is no point in Black Label, if you are going to censor it after 1 issue just because some infantile people can't deal with seeing a penis. As for this story Batman is still trying to find out, who killed Joker. Constantine is trying to help him, but his one liners aren't really helpful. What makes this story interesting is the dark take on the characters. We are getting an alternative origin story for Bruce Wayne, where his father seems to have left the family& a demon ( probably Enchantr ess) is watching him. I also thought it's interesting to see a more aggressive young Bruce Wayne. This comic reminds me a lot of The Joker by Azarello, because DC characters are getting a more realistic interpretation like Etrigan being a rapper. It's also the first time in years, that we get a real good interpretation of Harley Quinn. She acts more as herself in this comic than in any other comic, which is currently released. Since there is only one issue left& the plot hasn't really started yet, I don't know, if Azarello can give us a story, that feels complete. With Bruce's darker past I am curious to read more of it. I like Elseworld stories& this seems to be one of the good ones so far. For every Elseworld you need to be open for different character takes though. If you are a fan of The Joker you should check it out. more

+ Like • Comments (7)

• Likes (5)

• ohhaimark
• JordanT4021
• TheImageIsStrong
• Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln
• myconius

Show all comments

JordanT4021 - Dec 12, 2018

Agree with the unnecessary censoring of issue #1. The idea of a darker series of comics really interests me, but if they're going to backtrack or erase a comic after slight criticism from people who haven't grasped the mature aspect, then they may as well release these as regular elseworld comics on the standard label.

Darkseid24 - Dec 12, 2018

True& I don't get why people's reviews upset. Dr. Manhattan is also naked& nobody has a problem with it. It's really ridiculous.

Nihilist - Dec 12, 2018

Honestly, I don't care about the censorship thing, it felt like a publicity stunt to generate some buzz around the series. Obviously unintentional, but I don't think Damned has anything else to make people talk about it. As for Etrigan and Harley - these were two instant red lights to me, and felt like two slaps in the face. A rapper and an attempted rapist? Nope, no thank you. They act like anything but themselves.

Darkseid24 - Dec 13, 2018

I do, because I think it's just stupid to make such a big deal out of a body part, that half of world population has. The oversexualization of some female characters also don't contribute anything to the story, but if it's male genitals it suddenly matters? Double standard. As for the story I like it,like Bruce's darker past& Harley finally acted like Harley again. If Joker is dead, I can totally see her react like that. Well she always was a psycho, don't think there is a limit to her like rape

Darkseid24 - Dec 13, 2018

As for Etrigan it's an Elseworld. It looks a lot like The Joker.

Nihilist - Dec 13, 2018

Yeah, I agree with the buzz regarding male genitalia. It also proves my initial point, I guess, that Damned would have nothing to generate any buzz if it wasn't for Batman's penis scandal. As for Harley, she hardly was a full blown psycho under Dini, though. Patrick turned her into a Deadpool wannabe, and Palmiotti and Conner followed that. Originally she felt like a victim of Joker's manipulation, abuse, who commits crimes to please and impress him. And Etrigan, it's still a blasphemy to me.

Darkseid24 - Dec 14, 2018

That's because she first appeared in a show for children, but as soon as she was introduced into canon comics she definitely was a psycho. Remember when she helped Joker in NML to kidnap infants just so Joker could kill them. Its her own responsibility not Jokers, even Pre52. I can deal with Etrigan, since it's an Elseworld.

Ryan

Dec 31, 2019

I want to like this more, I really do, especially considering its written and drawn by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo. I love the horror and supernatural elements but I can't help but feel that Batman: Damned 2 would be so much better without the heavy narration.

rayonymous

Aug 29, 2019

Seriously, I would give 100/10 for the art it is that beautiful with all the attention to detail. Bermejo has put his best in the illustration. Sometimes the writing and the narration seem to complicate things, 'MAD?! SAD?! BAD little boy?!' it doesn't make it easier. I didn't like how Batman can be out of control and desperate in this one, it's because of the childhood trauma? I don't mean the death of his parents, it only comes later on. I didn't like Jason Blood/Etrigan and The Spectre design here at all, Deadman on the other hand is poorly utilised. By the way, what was that Harley Quinn were gonna do to Batman at the end?

mynameisraj

Dec 12, 2018

I like the uneasy feeling I had when I was reading this and Lee Bermejo's art compliment's Azzarello's art really well but I felt REALLY uncomfortable at a certain part. One issue left and I'm left wondering how this team will stick the landing.

REYNARD

Dec 12, 2018

Damn.

Spacey Medicine

Jun 03, 2019

Look I'm not a proud woman, I didn't love everything about this but Azzarello writing Constantine!

JordanT4021

Dec 12, 2018

First things first, the art is magnificent. And essential to the storytelling. It brings a sense of realism while also offering something mystical and enchanting. Its an undeniable strength to the series. But after an intriguing and captivating first issue, you can't help but feel the ball was dropped with issue #2. The story seems to have fallen off the radar in this issue. The arc of this 3 part long series is a murder mystery surrounding the death of the Joker, however a slow second chapter offers no real progress to the story, even with roughly 50 pages. It makes you wonder how an effective conclusion could be met when so many things are yet to fall into place. John Constantine's involvement serves as a fun buffer to some of the m ore disturbing imagery, but you have to wonder what his role actually is. He refuses to be of any assistance when asked and his constant psychoanalysis of Batman doesn't seem to have any impact on Bruce, which appears to be the intention. The changed origin of Batman is another element that sticks out for the wrong reason. If Bruce's childhood is so different and his parents didn't have a happy marriage, then why is this version of Batman fundamentally the same and indistinguishable from current canon? The central plot is still interesting but there are some... 'creative' choices. Personally I don't think they paid off either. An underground rapper version of Etrigan seems out of place in a gritty, supernatural horror story. And Harley's attempted rape of Batman is a line that shouldn't be crossed no matter what label this series is released under. The Enchantress seems to be one of the few standout characters who's involvement is a welcome addition. more

Bigbooty

Dec 19, 2018

So Constantine and saying "fuck" more than once constitutes an adult, dark, story. An adult, dark story would have been better. Hoping it might still happen.

RaisingBlack

Dec 17, 2018

I don't know what so many see in this book. Sure it is "Darker" but that is supposed to allow for chances to be taken and to drive home a strong narrative but so far these books seem to only be about the high-quality art and the feel they want to create. The art masks the fact that the story is extremely weak. This series is not a Batman story in a darker universe but rather a darker universe that wants to through in some faces from the DC universe. It doesn't use who these people are but rather just asks them to look scary and do nothing with it. The greatest thing to happen to this book is that the first issue was a controversy and because the book will never be rereleased it has rocketed up in value. If you are looking for a story as goo d as White Knight this is just not it. Black label is off to a really rocky start and so far the problems others had with it are proving true. The books are not coming out on time. The lack of a strong editor means concerns about the overall storytelling. My concern was on Azzarello and the fact that he has far more misses then hits and one of those main misses happens on Batman and his fundamental lack of understanding for the character. This team made a great book in Joker back in 2008 and it would have made more sense for them to write book on Harley Quinn, a Joker sequel, Scarecrow, or any other villain they can deconstruct and run wild with. I am dropping Batman Damned. more

KFuqua

Dec 19, 2018

I'm done after two issues. Nice art, but the story just isn't much to keep me interested. It's definitely not worth the price.

Psycamorean

Dec 14, 2018

Well, so much for this series. I really did my best trying to like this. I love Azzarello's Hellblazer run and I was hoping we'd be getting something more like that. But Constantine isn't actually integral at all. He guides Batman, sure, but beyond that what help is he? There's just some frankly stupid writing choices made in this issue. Underground Rapper Etrigan is easily the cringiest thing I've read in a while. What even is that? Did Azzarello finally see 8 Mile, because that's straight out of the early 2000s? That's like something that'd be in an early Ultimate Marvel comic that is swiftly forgotten once the times thankfully changed and modern didn't mean trash anymore. Deadman getting off on the pain of burning alive is so edgy it's r idiculous. And finally, Harley trying to rape Batman is just gross. And it isn't like I don't think there should be rape in comics. I think there should be whatever the story warrants. It's just, in this specific case, I don't think it's warranted. I think it's edgy and dark for the sake of edgy and dark, and that's incredibly eye-rolling. This grimdark comic is kind of a joke. The only thing worth your time is the art. The art is fantastic. I don't why it got soooo fucking stupid so quickly? I'm truly disappointed. more

Nihilist

Dec 12, 2018

Ever played a first person shooter game? You know, the one that looks so beautiful with top notch graphics, the most realistic shaders and highest res textures? One designed to trick you into thinking after the first glance it's an overall good product, but in reality being shallow as a pond? Offering no actual engaging story, set in closed, linear and repetitive levels, with no side activities and secrets to discover. Pretending to feature any "intelligent" commentary and shock value that's not just empty shock value for the sake of shock value? These are the worst games out there - Bioshock serving as the prime example, except being even worse, since it contradicts itself every 5 minutes and it's so nonsensical, it makes X-Men movies look logical and consistent. That's exactly what Batman: Damned reminds me of. It's beautiful, and there's no denying Lee Bermejo put a lot of work, time and heart into making this comic. Too bad his art was wasted by terrible story and even worse characterization. Let me put it this way - if Etrigan being a bloody rapper and Harley Quinn having an autopsy chest incision scar are not instant red lights to you, I don't know what would be. It's just insultingly bad, the more, the more you realize how important this entire short series was meant to be. It's literally one step from featuring Batman being raped in prison, which would not only fulfill Zack Snyder's infamous vision from few years ago, but also declass him, and Tom King, as DC's leading deconstructionist pseudointelligent edgelords. It's bad. Really bad. What a caravan of garbage, and DC should be ashamed of it. Black Label supposed to be "the best of" reprints for DC, featuring all time classics like Watchmen, as well as modern classics like Batman White Knight. Azzarello getting a free pass proven you can't craft a masterpiece just because you have a guaranteed place next to other masters and their masterpieces. It's like taking an average driver from the streets and telling him to race with the best formula 1 or group B drivers out there, and giving him keys to a 1000HP Audi Quattro. Well good riddance. The comic is terrible, and outstanding art doesn't save it. It really is a comic equivalent of an pseudointellectual garbage FPS game. I'd call it Bioshock of comics, if only it was equally nonsensical and self contradictory. As I said - it's not. Yet. But it's terrible nonetheless. more

+ Like • Comments (2)

• Likes (6)

• sebastianorellana95
• Com' Cool N' Collected
• HistoryJosh
• TheImageIsStrong
• packtsardines
• myconius

packtsardines - Feb 20, 2020

just reading this for the first time and wow, it's really bad

Nihilist - Feb 21, 2020

Yeah, it's capital BAD. Unlucky for me now, I actually have forgotten about its existence, and up until now I lived in a blessed state of oblivion.

packtsardines

Feb 20, 2020

"May I remind you...up in the sky? It's a bird...it's a pain." THE CRINGE OH MY GOD

WhistleBlower

Dec 12, 2018

Low effort "edge" and shock value. A lot of excess and pretentiousness with nothing to show for it. In a year with no shortage of shitty Scott Lobdell and James Robinson comics, this might actually be the stupidest thing DC has published.