Batman versus a werewolf is already a compelling matchup, but things get far more mystical in Batman: Full Moon. The first issue offered a dark and moody opening salvo with Batman fighting the werewolf and losing big time. Now, with the second issue out, readers will discover a compelling take on werewolf stories as Bruce deals with his lycan infection.
Batman: Full Moon #2 took me off guard as writer Rodney Barnes reveals a spiritual nature to being a werewolf. Armed with Zatanna and John Constantine, we learn werewolves aren’t just an infection but almost like a demonic possession. It’s an interesting take and one I haven’t seen done before. It’s a smart move, especially with the cast of characters Barnes is using.
The issue opens with Bruce naked in the dark. He wanders through some kind of hellscape, eventually finding himself in the skeletal jaws of something quite huge. He awakens from this dream as Constantine is quite callous about Bruce’s situation. He’s got magic users and Dr. Kirk Langstrom by his side, but Bruce has no interest in who can solve his problem first. In his own words, “Whichever cuts through the fiction the quickest.”
This leads to a supernatural battle as Zatanna tries to pluck the werewolf spirit from Bruce. This scene is quite trippy, with great art and colors by Stevan Subic. The entire issue is moody, atmospheric, and weird, and Subic’s art suits the format.
Bruce is in a nightmare.
Credit: DC Comics
One thing Subic does so well is capture an evil nature in their eyes. Another compelling aspect of this issue is cultists who help the werewolf. One of them has a beady tint to her eyes that’s unmistakably evil or at least soulless. It enhances this cultist subplot while also making it quite okay for them to get what they deserve.
All these pros, and I haven’t even gotten to the undeniable tension, as Batman knows he’ll eventually change into a werewolf. The last third of the issue builds towards this eventuality, which is enhanced by the fact that Batman never loses or has a contingency plan. This part of the issue is possibly the weakest, at least the last panel, which doesn’t quite pull off the wild moment. Batman doesn’t quite look right, and the lack of background makes the werewolves appear to be floating in space.
Another gripe I have is the somewhat redundant dialogue scenes. Between Alfred, Langstrom, and Constantine, there are scenes that aren’t that interesting or add little. That includes a somewhat forced love triangle between Bruce, Constantine, and Zatanna. Constantine comes off as try-hard, while Bruce seems foolish to give this subplot the time of day.
Batman: Full Moon #2 delivers a dark and atmospheric dive into the supernatural with a fresh take on werewolf lore and stunningly moody art by Stevan Subic. While the issue excels in its trippy visuals, intense tension, and creative world-building, it stumbles slightly with redundant dialogue and a weak final panel. Despite its minor flaws, this installment keeps readers hooked with its unique mystical twist on Batman’s battle against his own inner monster.
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