REVIEW: Future State: Batman/Superman #2
uture State: Batman/Superman #2 continues to be my favourite entry in this extraordinary event. I for one cannot wait to see who writer Gene Luen Yang works on next.
Future State: Batman/Superman #2 is here and The Worlds Finest are back and in rough shape after falling prey to the all-new False Face Society.
The standard cover for this issue created by David Marquez and Alejandro Sanchez certainly highlights the horrific side effects of the aforementioned groups fledgling designer drug. Alejandro Sanchez’s colours really do steal the show as Gotham’s night time neon lighting instantly grabs the readers attention.
The variant cover is by Arthur Adams and provides a different take on the events of the standard cover. This piece provides a more cartoonistic approach, but I feel that just accentuates the initial visual effect that this has. That level of detail and approach combined with the incredibly vibrant colours by Sabine Rich is truly what makes this cover pop.
Future State: Batman/Superman #2 continues where the previous issue left off with Superman in the clutches of the nefarious Mr Toad. Batman is hot on the heels of his fallen partner but before he gets his hands on Mr Toad, The Dark Knight must face off against one of his henchmen first.
Even in the face of overwhelming odds, Superman doesn’t lose faith in Mr Toad and the goodness he senses within. I love how Superman sees the best in people. This is quintessential Superman and in total contrast to his partner Batman who we find at a very low ebb thanks to The Magistrate.
Batman is certainly in a mood which doesn’t bode well for his foes. Batman uses devastating precision and efficiency to take down anyone that stands in his way. The combat in this issue is really hard hitting. Batman doesn’t hold back in the slightest. Every strike, every punch is tailored to inflict maximum damage.
As the issue progresses, Batman/Superman #2 takes a horrifying turn as the full extent of The False Face Society’s machinations surface alongside the powerful entity that is funding their research. Their experimentation is absolutely horrific to say the least. We even encounter a Superman clone that would look at home in any horror franchise.
Batman’s mood certainly rubs off on Superman by the end of the issue as the gravity of the situation finally dawns on The Man of Steel. Superman is horrified by what has transpired so much so that he unleashes the full extent of his powers on those that would use him and his gifts to do harm.
My favourite part of the issue comes at the very end when Batman and Superman almost come to blows. Batman truly is at his lowest ebb, devoid of hope with trust in short supply. This allows a cynical Batman to turn on his trusted colleague with ease. After all, Superman upholds all that Gotham has lost, and writer Gene Luen Yang plays on this perfectly.
I can understand why Batman wouldn’t want to be reminded of this every time he looks at Clark. Of course Clark is gracious enough to go along with Bruce’s demands knowing that he will always be there for him no matter what, this really shows the extend of their trust and friendship.
Future State: Batman/Superman #2 is a true collaborative effort as Scott McDaniel, Ben Oliver, Stephen Segovia and Arif Prianto work in unison to create a visually stunning interior that marries up beautifully to the previous issue. Ben Oliver’s realistic style is the foundation from which Stephen Segovia can flourish. Every turn of the page exudes the biting chill of future Gotham City. The tone and colour palette used reminds me of movies such as Minority Report and Equilibrium, which matches this issue perfectly.
Writer Gene Luen Yang has created a callous Gotham City populated by some of the most notorious villains who have managed to adapt and thrive in this new era governed by The Magistrate.
Future State: Batman/Superman #2 continues to be my favourite entry in this extraordinary event. I for one cannot wait to see who writer Gene Luen Yang works on next. As for The World’s Finest, I’m excited to see what lies ahead for the pair who both have a brand new creative team waiting for them.
Haven’t picked up Future State: Batman/Superman #2 yet? You can get the standard cover by David Marquez here (UK), or here (US). Or if you prefer the variant cover by Arthur Adams, you can get that here.
**The above links are affiliates, which mean I will earn commission from any products bought via these links**
