Review: Batman: Last Knight On Earth #2

"Last Knight On Earth" - Book 2

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion
Color Artist: FCO Plascencia
Letterer: Tom Napolitano

Review by Steve J. Ray

Batman: Last Knight On Earth #2 is bonkers. I mean this as an honest and sincere compliment. In the last issue we discovered that Bruce Wayne managed to perfect his cloning process (please see Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s “Endgame”, “Superheavy” and “Bloom” graphic novels) and, in an apocalyptic future, the Batman lives. The world is in ruins, heroes have been killed, or scattered like leaves in the wind, and the Dark Knight’s allies are few. Oh, and the Joker’s alive too… if you count existing as a decapitated head in a jar as living, that is.

This issue is chock-full of references to classic, and quirky DC titles of old. To see Unknown Soldier(s) and G.I. Combat’s Ghost Tank brought back some very fond childhood memories. I’ve always loved writers that honor the past, rather than just try to make a name for themselves by obliterating it. Scott Snyder is one of comics’ greatest ambassadors, because of the way he treats his fans on-line, the way his love for the medium shines and – of course – because he’s a damn fine storyteller.

Between this issue, the superlative Justice League Annual #1 and the amazing TV show on the DC Universe app, a certain Swamp Thing is getting a lot of exposure right now. That’s something I’ll never tire of. I loved Mr. Snyder’s take on the character, and am glad to see Swampy in this book too.

Are We There Yet?

Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion are giving us some amazing visuals in this series. The future versions of Bane, Scarecrow and Gotham City are nightmares worthy of any dark multiverse. FCO Plascencia also imbues these horrific characters and landscapes with totally non-traditional comic book colors. I’ve never found Kansas, the Fortress Of Solitude or Gotham – which has never been all that appealing anyway – less inviting.

Tom Napolitano clearly loves his work, and I can only imagine his brain bursting with ideas when receiving Scott Snyder’s scripts. Joker is hilariously insane in this story, and that owes a great deal to Mr. Napolitano’s terrific lettering. Beautiful work.

Conclusion

According to Scott Snyder the next issue will tell his final Batman story. I can think of only a handful of writers who have had as strong an impact on my all-time favorite comics character, so my feelings about reading the conclusion to this story are very mixed. Batman: Last Knight On Earth #2 took me through a gamut of emotions and I know that the finale will blow me away too… especially after that last page!

I don’t want this story to end, but can’t wait to read it anyway.

Images Courtesy Of DC Entertainment