Here is our review!

Im not sure this kind of Batman story is for me.

It really comes down to whether you liked the tone of Geoff Johns and Gary FranksBatman: Earth OneVol.

If you enjoyed the grim tone of Vol.

2, which continues the story of a very serious vigilante.

I dont think Bruce smiles once in the entire book, and you know Alfred didnt.

Not even throwing a love interest at Bruce (which usually works, right?)

softens up the mans face, which seems to be frozen in a scowl.

Everything, in a world where Bats is always one step ahead, still manages to be unexpected.

But Geoff Johns writing in this book is not that.

Its too controlled, lacking of energy, and not allowed too many interesting moments.

Like his plot is being gripped at the neck by a leash.

2 doesnt hold to that, serving more as a crime drama thats already been done before.

The price of war is a big one.

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The villain doesnt help, either.

And Earth Ones Riddler might be even worse for that connection.

There isonemoment I wont spoil with the Riddler that really sends some exclamation points tumbling down the page.

The artist continues to take these well-known characters and twist them just enough to make them interesting.

The militaristic Alfred remains my favorite, followed by the slim celebrity of Harvey Bullock.

What a job Frank does to make the detective handsome.

Harvey Dent looks like a beefy jock, a bully.

But missing from this volume are the hulking villains that Franks pencils afforded us in the first book.

They made the very muted color, thick browns, and oppressive shadows of Vol.

1 so much more interesting.

(Dare I say bearable?)

Frank, this explosive and talented artist, isnt allowed that here.

Instead, he is stifled by the darkness ofEarth One.

I dont much enjoy the realism of these Batman stories, never teetering away from the serious.

Instead, this story embraces what makes Batman so sad and angry.

And thats all well and fine.

Hes a tortured badass.

But at least have some fun with it while youre at it.

Rating:

2.5 out of 5