Batman and Two-Face #26 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 18, 2013

The Ties that Bind

Batman and Two-Face has been a decent, if not underwhelming arc so far.  The revamp of Harvey Dent's origin felt unnecessary, but the main culprit is new villain,  Erin McKillen.  Besides the hints at a past with Bruce Wayne, there has been nothing that dangerous or even interesting about her. Batman and Two Face #26 begins to rectify that a bit with some good character moments, but is it too little too late?

Awesome Cover

Peter J. Tomasi uses this issue to fully flesh out the background and motivations of Erin McKillen.  We find out more of her past with Bruce and more importantly, her reasons to hate Harvey Dent.  The interaction between her and Bruce is good and Alfred's obvious contempt is pretty funny.  Bruce and Erin have a common bond that keeps them close even after Erin has become a horrible criminal.

Tomasi also shows us the link between Erin and Harvey.  They have both made each other what they are today and want nothing more then to see the other dead.  Of course, Batman is there to make sure neither gets their wish, but not before a twist back stab that does prove blood is not thicker than water..

The art of Patrick Gleason is hit and miss.  I have been a fan of his since the series started, but I haven't been a huge fan of his work on this arc.  Characters seem to look different throughout the book and some of the action is hard to follow.  It's not horrible, just not up to Gleason's standards.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman and Two-Face #26 is a good issue.  Peter J. Tomasi gives the reader some much needed background on Erin McKillen that makes her a better character, if not a great villain.  The artwork by Patrick Gleason is inconsistent and not up to the series' standards, but it is not a deal breaker.  Overall, I am still a fan of the arc, but I'm still waiting to be blown away.  Maybe next issue.

7.5/10