Two-Face #1 Review: Gotham’s New Face of Justice

Two-Face #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Christian Ward

Artist: Fabio Veras

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: December 4, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Two-Face #1 offers an intriguing new take on the classic Batman villain, diving deep into the duality of Harvey Dent as he navigates Gotham's criminal underworld. With stylish art and a compelling premise, this series shows promise for exploring a different side of Two-Face.

Two-Face #1

Review

Writer: Christian Ward

Artist: Fabio Veras

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: December 4, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Two-Face #1 offers an intriguing new take on the classic Batman villain, diving deep into the duality of Harvey Dent as he navigates Gotham's criminal underworld. With stylish art and a compelling premise, this series shows promise for exploring a different side of Two-Face.

Rating

9

Good

DC Comics continues its hot streak of new releases with a surprising twist on an iconic Batman character. Created by Christian Ward and Fabio Veras, Two-Face delves deep into the psyche of Gotham's duality-obsessed villain, presenting a Harvey Dent who seems determined to walk a new path. It's a bold reimagining that offers a fresh perspective on the fan-favorite character. In a world filled with so many Batman-centric titles, it’s high time we start seeing more comics about the other colorful characters that lurk within Gotham City. But does this new series live up to DC's recent successes? Let’s dive in and find out.

Overview

Two-Face returns to his roots as an attorney to resolve cases deep within Gotham's criminal underbelly. Following the strict rules of The White Church, Two-Face must prove the innocence of the notorious Victor Zsasz. But it's never a clean or easy job when it comes to dealing with the violent criminals in Gotham City. With a renewed sense of identity, Two-Face sets out to make a new for himself by dishing out his distinct brand of justice. 

Image: DC Comics

Review

Two-Face #1 immediately immerses readers in the gritty, shadowy depths of Gotham’s criminal ecosystem. The story introduces a fascinating dynamic where even the city’s criminals adhere to their twisted form of justice. The setup makes for an ideal playground for Harvey Dent, who seeks redemption through his unique legal services while struggling to keep his darker half in check. But while this comic shows how Harvey is now the one more in control between the two personalities, the duality of Two-Face remains at the heart of this compelling story. The comic sets a gripping tone by presenting a more introspective Two-Face, one striving for control and actively working against the chaos that once defined him.

Victor Zsasz proves to be an excellent first client for this courtroom-style drama. Known for his chilling method of self-marking his victims, Zsasz is an unnerving presence that keeps the tension alive without overwhelming the grounded tone of the story. Alongside him, the comic introduces Lake Cantell,  a character primed to be Two-Face’s eyes and ears on Gotham’s street. With this comic being set up like a game of chess, this first issue does a great job of setting up all the pieces on the board, teasing new dynamics to explore.

Image: DC Comics

Fabio Veras’s artwork is a great fit for the crime drama tone of the story. His expressive linework captures both the humanity and the terror of Gotham’s criminal underbelly, while Ivan Piacencia’s diverse color palette heightens the sense of dread. One particularly memorable page has Two-Face recollecting his clashes with Batman shown on a page bursting with action and color. Even though Christian Ward is not the artist in this book, the splashes of vivid colors remind me of what I typically see in his comics, creating a dynamic visual rhythm that draws the reader deeper into the narrative

Speaking of Christian Ward, he does a great job of fleshing out this new version of Two-Face. The script balances Harvey’s strong and dominating character while slipping teases of Two-Face’s more deranged side as well. You get a great sense of Harvey’s control and expertise in Gotham’s criminal underworld, as he balances both sides of his character to get the results that he wants from the case. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering also deserves praise for his use of distinct fonts for Harvey and his scarred alter ego, which adds subtle depth to the comic’s visuals and Harvey’s characterization.

The issue concludes with a compelling twist that threatens to unravel Harvey’s delicate balance. Without revealing too much, the development effectively sets the stage for the series that could redefine Harvey’s journey and Gotham’s underworld.

Image: DC Comics

Final Thoughts

Two-Face #1 is a bold and refreshing take on one of Gotham’s most iconic villains. Christian Ward and Fabio Veras deliver a thoughtful narrative that reimagines Harvey Dent with psychological depth and moral complexity while staying true to his roots. The combination of legal drama, crime noir, and introspective character work makes this comic a standout entry in DC’s current lineup.

With its sharp writing, stunning visuals, and a compelling twist, Two-Face sets the stage for what could be a defining chapter in Harvey Dent’s legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the character or a newcomer to his story, this series promises a gripping and thought-provoking experience.

Why You Should Read Two-Face

• It offers a fresh take on Harvey Dent’s iconic duality.
• Chilling villains like Victor Zsasz add tension to a more grounded, street-level story.
• Stunning artwork by Fabio Veras, complemented by Ivan Piacencia’s atmospheric colors.