“The Deadly Divorce”
Writer: Christian Ward
Artists: Fabio Veras
Color Artist: Ivan Plascencia
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Review by Kendra Smart
Two-Face #2 is upon us and the wait for the next installment was 100 percent worth the patience. In Two-Face #1 We were introduced to the majesty and justice of The White Church, an installation that has brought, at least in part, pace and drive to Harvey Dent as he is struggling to piece himself and his purpose back together. But Harvey is the apex of the definition of being of two minds, and the other part of him struggle against the binds of the mind prison, just waiting for his chance at control.
The cover we get for Two-Face #2 is done by Baldemar Rivas, and features Two-Face doing target practice on some pretty significant cards. The two of hearts and the King of spades. A man divided and with the knowledge of the split. It is a very well done visual and a great way to set the tone for the story to come. Striking art and details that will certainly put you in the mood for court. So let’s join now that court is back in session.
I Go Where I Please.
Court is back in session as Two-Face #2 opens. The White Church may have had to shift locales but the Justice stays the goal regardless. Harvey finds himself with a nasty addendum to a divorce as the current King and Queen of hearts, Rex and Regina Quintain, deal with potential infidelity. A clause in their marriage that comes with the most finite of consequences, Death. A quandary of the heart indeed as photos are reviewed as evidence and more players start to make themselves known.
Along with the current, and quite final, questions posed before him, Harvey is also dealing with the struggle of maintaining a mind prison. Harvey has made progress in reclaiming what he feels Maroni stole from him so long ago in that courtroom. The White Church has given him that structure and power he missed from being an attorney. But Harvey’s other half is not resigned to watch life from inside a cell, the television screen is fuzzy and he wants more, specifically action. Harvey may feel like he has a firm grip on life…but internal and external forces are working against him. And both want blood.
Kentucky Fried Southern Drawl
Motives and forward momentum are very apparent in Two-Face #2. Christian Ward does an incredible job of building on different levels and at different rates without it feeling overwhelming or confusing. Fabio Veras, Ivan Plascencia, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou give us the same level of dedication from the visual parts of storytelling. One of my favorite moments was an unexpected moment of hilarity. Everything is coming to a head as to whether the King of Hearts really stepped out with The White Rabbit. The White Church, which is supposed to be this super secret place that has the ability to just pop up wherever. But, in BURSTS Ace, ready to stop the deadly fight between his parents.
For such a serious and dark themed story, this moment is nice in the break up of tenseness. It is wholly on par with a Gotham night too. You almost just imagine Ace’s journey to the Church because of the word on the street rags and gossip trains. His triumphant arrival to “stop” his parents from killing each other is just a fine moment to enjoy. There are so many great details and this one just touched a different note of greatness, it adds charm and levity among the tense moments.
Conclusion
Harvey is steadfast and laser focused as he tries to regain the composure and feelings of duty that once drove his purpose. But a new being was born that day in court, the one that Harvey laments. That being wants a chance at driving, at really living. Harvey is facing a lot and as Two-Face #2 shows us, there are many players moving on this chess board. I can’t wait to watch the game unfold with you, readers. See you next time, friends.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.
