Writer: Dan Watters
Art: Hayden Sherman, Tirona Farrell, Frank Cvetkovic
Publisher: DC Comics
Price:$4.99
Reviewed by: Anonymous
Release Date: January 8th, 2025
Case 01: We Are Wounded – Part II As the mysterious Wound Man’s body count rises higher and higher, the Dark Knight Detective must descend into the festering depths of Gotham’s past to uncover the secret truth at the heart of Wound Man’s crimes.
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THE DISPATCH
Batman: Dark Patterns #2, by Dan Watters, continues the unsettling investigation into the Wound Man murders, pulling Batman deeper into Gotham’s grimy underbelly and its equally disturbing history. This issue focuses on the detective work, weaving a compelling mystery with a strong undercurrent of body horror.
Watters excels at creating a truly unsettling atmosphere. The descriptions of the Wound Man’s victims are visceral and disturbing, creating a sense of dread that permeates the entire issue. The exploration of Gotham’s past, hinted at in the synopsis, adds a layer of historical context to the present-day horrors, suggesting a cyclical nature to the city’s corruption.
The focus on Batman’s detective skills is a welcome change of pace from more action-heavy Batman stories. We see him meticulously piecing together clues, interviewing witnesses, and delving into historical records. This showcases his intellect and determination, highlighting what makes him the world’s greatest detective.
The artwork effectively complements the dark and gritty tone of the story. The visuals are detailed and expressive, capturing the horror of the Wound Man’s crimes and the bleakness of Gotham City. The design of the Wound Man himself is particularly chilling, a truly memorable and terrifying villain.
While the issue is strong on atmosphere and mystery, it does lack significant action. This is a deliberate choice, focusing on the investigation rather than physical confrontations. However, readers expecting a more action-packed Batman story might find the pacing slow.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Batman: Dark Patterns #2 is a well-crafted mystery that delves into the darkest corners of Gotham City. While the lack of action might not appeal to everyone, the compelling mystery and unsettling atmosphere make it a worthwhile read for fans of detective stories and horror comics.