As we saw last issue, the behind the scenes machinations of the False Face Society have landed Bruce Wayne in prison for his 18th birthday. But Bruce isn’t in the clink for long before he’s shipped off for a tour of duty in Vietnam in exchange for a commuted sentence. Will years of guerrilla warfare training under Sergeant Ra’s al Ghul transform the apathetic delinquent into the one man crime fighting army he is destined to become?
Thwarting murder attempts any way he can.
Credit: DC Comics
The Story
Having Bruce undergo the majority of his training in such a practical setting offers a clever twist on Batman’s origin story. Unlike the conventional narrative where he traverses the globe in search of various masters in different combat disciplines, here Bruce learns the fundamental lessons necessary for his crusade against crime from a single mentor in a singular setting. What I found most compelling about this deviation from the norm is that Bruce doesn’t embark on his training with any explicit intention of becoming Batman. Instead, his journey is marked by a sense of aimlessness and uncertainty, a departure from the typical driven determination associated with Batman.
While previous iterations have seen Bruce receiving training from Ra’s al Ghul and his League of Shadows, this reinterpretation injects a refreshing dose of realism into the narrative. Bruce acquires invaluable skills such as stealth tactics, strategic planning, and adaptability, all underpinned by the crucial lesson of relying on a trusted partner. His training and experiences gradually mold him into Batman without him even realizing it. The tumult of war and his encounters with Ra’s al Ghul serving as pivotal catalysts, especially al Ghul’s final test for Bruce.
This issue also features fun cameos from characters outside the traditional Batman roster, hinting at a broader universe. It introduces references to a mysterious figure known as Superman, expanding the narrative in exciting, possibly new directions.
The final act of the issue sees Bruce return to Gotham. It’s 1968 and lots has changed in the two years Bruce has been gone. One thing that hasn’t changed is people want him dead. With the help of new allies and his new training, Bruce transforms from the protected to the protector and finally goes on the offensive, signaling that he will no longer be a sitting duck waiting for an inevitable murder, but rather something for his enemies to fear.
Variant cover by Steve Pugh
Credit: DC Comics
The Art
The concrete jungle of Gotham City in issue one is replaced by the actual jungles of Vietnam in issue #2. Allred’s art is just as beautiful in either setting. Much of the issue takes place at night, and Allred fills panels with starry skies that create the perfect backdrop for the covert missions of the commandos. Tree roots and trunks are all rendered beautifully with rich details, even wooden structures pop off the page with embellished wood grains. There’s a few great explosions that are a nice contrast to the muted backgrounds that dominate the issue. The design of the prototype Batsuit is also very well done. It looks like a believable first iteration of the more streamlined version we see in issue #1. The fight scenes are well choreographed and place the characters in uncommon circumstances like fighting underwater or a booby-trapped Wayne Manor.
Final Thoughts
Batman: Dark Age #2 propels Bruce Wayne into uncharted territory, both geographically and emotionally. As he navigates the jungles of Vietnam under the tutelage of Sergeant Ra’s al Ghul, we witness a transformative journey unfold, devoid of the traditional motives driving the birth of Batman. This refreshing take on the iconic origin story injects realism into the narrative, showcasing Bruce’s evolution into the Dark Knight without his conscious realization. The issue not only introduces fun cameos and tantalizing references, but also boasts stunning artwork by Allred, perfectly capturing the tension and dynamism of the evolving narrative. As Bruce returns to Gotham, armed with newfound allies and skills, readers are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his journey from apathetic teenager to the feared vigilante Gotham needs.
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