This issue begins two weeks after the events of the first issue, and I really have to commend Scott Snyder for the way he manages to reveal so much information in a story while continuing to leave enough mystery to keep the reader wanting more.

The Party Animals have been ramping up their violent attacks, and Batman has ramped up his responses to them. These battles are where artist Nick Dragotta really gets to shine. This fellow is damn good. And it seems that this version of Batman may be even smarter, or at least more strategically minded, than the main version is. It’s like because he doesn’t have the massive fortune to help him accomplish his goals, he was forced to use his mind to find a way to innovate even more. Snyder shows how Bruce’s background as a civil is integral to Batman’s operations, which he uses to his full advantage when he’s in costume. Nobody gets their hand chopped off in this issue, but there are acid baths and exploding buildings, so if it’s action you want, you won’t be disappointed.

Alfred has been continuing to secretly monitor Batman while covertly helping him against the orders of his handlers. Mayor Gordon is still in the hospital, removing from his gunshot wounds. His daughter Barbara and Harvey Bullock (he has a GCPD jacket on, but it’s unclear what role he plays in the department if he’s just an officer, a detective, or perhaps he’s the commission here) are visiting him, discussing the party animals and the Batman, with Barbara supporting him while Bullock thinks he’s just as bad as the criminals. Martha Wayne visits, too, revealing that there’s a long friendship between them and that Gordon was the cop who found Bruce hiding in the zoo after Thomas Wayne was killed.

Bruce seeks out some childhood friends, more alternate versions of classic Batman villains, for help in tracking down the lead of the Party Animals. The dialog in this scene is particularly clever. This all ends with another daring cliffhanger, where Batman may need to rely on Alfred to get him out of trouble despite still not trusting him.

I just finished reading this issue twice before I started writing this review. It’s a dense read, so you need to pay attention, or you’ll miss subtle story cues and “Easter eggs.” Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta are both bringing their A games to this series, and I’m ALL IN for it.

Chacebook rating: FIVE STARS

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