Immortal Legend Batman was a genuine surprise: not only did it create an Elseworlds that felt truly unique, but it also managed to put a great sci-fi/tokusatsu spin on Batman’s world. I’m proud to report that Immortal Legend Batman #2 continues the forward momentum, especially as it introduces its own version of Bane onto the scene.
Bane has always been one of my favorite Batman foes, mainly due to the fact that he pushed Bruce Wayne to his physical and mental limits in a way very few villains do. This version of Bane is still obsessed with “breaking” people, but rather than snapping spines, he’s an intergalactic pirate who breaks spirits by taking them to a mysterious shipyard and forcing them to fight him. Naturally, Batman ends up in this pit and has to fight for his life.
If the first issue gave Batman fans a brief taste of what Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom plan to do with this new Elseworlds, Immortal Legend Batman #2 is a full course meal. Not only does it introduce a new version of Bane, but it also puts a sci-fi spin on Batman’s trusty butler Alfred Pennyworth by making him a robot. There’s even a reference to the “Keystone Lanes”, which homages Wally West’s hometown. Higgins and Groom are careful to spread out these references, hinting at a larger world that they could come back to explore if they wish.
I also love that Higgins and Groom understand what drives Batman to do battle against the Shadows. The very essence of Batman is that despite being just a man, he strives to do his very best to protect others so they won’t have to suffer like he suffers. That extends to the world of Immortal Legend Batman; in a conversation with Alfred, Bruce says that he wants to prove he’s strong enough to carry the mantle of Batman – and by issue’s end, he’s definitely shown why he carries said mantle.
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With a new issue of Immortal Legend Batman comes another chance for Erica D’Urso to reinterpret the world of Batman through a sci-fi lens. Bane is the standout, as she transforms him into a hulking monstrosity, with Igor Monti spreading acid-green veins throughout his body and a demonic visage that resembles his classic luchador mask. To put it simply, this is a Bane that can give Absolute Batman‘s Bane a run for his money in the body horror department.
D’Urso also gets to draw more of the Immortal Legend Batman in action, including a new toku-based attack that comes complete with Becca Carey’s iconic lettering. It’s only matched by a backup story illustrated by Dan Mora, featuring Robin and Nightwing holding their own battle against the Shadows. Not only do we get to see the two in action, but it also raises a mystery: what caused them to separate from Batman, and what’s going to happen when they reunite with him?
Immortal Legend Batman #2 continues to flesh out this bold new Elseworlds, while also showcasing that some things about Batman won’t change, no matter what reality he’s in. I don’t know what’s next, but hopefully we get to see more Bat foes, or even other DC Icons, get the Immortal Legend treatment.
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