Batman vs. Werewolf is already a fascinating matchup, but things get even more mysterious in Batman: Full Moon. The first issue had a dark and moody opening salvo, with Batman fighting a werewolf and losing badly. Now that issue #2 is out, readers will discover a compelling take on the werewolf story as Bruce deals with his Lycan infection.
Batman: Full Moon #2 caught me off guard as author Rodney Barnes reveals the spiritual nature of being a werewolf. Armed with Zatanna and John Constantine, we learn that werewolves aren’t just an infection, they’re almost like demonic possession. This is an interesting experiment and something I haven’t seen before. It’s a smart move, especially considering the cast of characters Burns is using.
This issue begins with Bruce naked in the dark. He wanders through some kind of hellish landscape and eventually finds himself in the skeletal jaws of something very large. He wakes up from this dream because Constantine is very callous about Bruce’s situation. Bruce has magic users and Dr. Kirk Langstrom by his side, but he’s not interested in who can solve his problem first. In his own words, it’s “the quickest way through fiction.”
This begins a supernatural battle in which Zatanna attempts to extract the werewolf’s soul from Bruce. This scene is very trippy, with great art and colors by Stevan Subic. This entire issue is moody, atmospheric, and weird, and Subic’s art lends itself well to the format.
Bruce is in a nightmare.
Credit: DC Comics
One thing that Subic does very well is capturing the evil nature in their eyes. Another fascinating aspect of this issue is the cultists who help werewolves. One of them has a beady tinge to her eyes and is definitely evil, or at least soulless. It strengthens this cultist subplot while also making it perfectly fine for them to get what’s rightfully theirs.
All these pros, and knowing that Batman turns into a werewolf in the end, I’m not even getting to the undeniable tension. The last third of the issue revolves around this contingency, which is further emphasized by the fact that Batman never loses and has a contingency plan. This part of the issue is probably the weakest, at least the final panel, which doesn’t quite capture the wild moments. Batman doesn’t look quite right and the lack of background makes the werewolf look like he’s floating in the air.
Another complaint is that the dialogue scenes are a bit redundant. There are scenes between Alfred, Langström, and Constantine that aren’t all that interesting or add little. It also includes a somewhat forced love triangle between Bruce, Constantine, and Zatanna. While Constantine seems to be a hard worker, Bruce seems foolish to give this subplot time.
Batman: Full Moon #2 offers a dark, atmospheric dive into the paranormal with a fresh take on werewolf lore and Stevan Subic’s stunningly moody art. While this issue excels in trippy visuals, intense tension, and creative world-building, it stumbles a bit with redundant dialogue and a weak final panel. Despite its minor flaws, this novel continues to captivate readers with its unique mystical take on Batman’s battle with his inner monster.
“Batman: Full Moon” #2 reveals intense paranormal phenomena regarding werewolves
Batman: Full Moon #2
Batman: Full Moon #2 offers a dark, atmospheric dive into the paranormal with a fresh take on werewolf lore and Stevan Subic’s stunningly moody art. While this issue excels in trippy visuals, intense tension, and creative world-building, it stumbles a bit with redundant dialogue and a weak final panel. Despite its minor flaws, this novel continues to captivate readers with its unique mystical take on Batman’s battle with his inner monster.
This issue offers a unique and compelling take on werewolf lore, blending supernatural elements and psychological tension.
Stevan Subic’s moody, atmospheric art perfectly complements the dark, mysterious tone of the story.
The story builds palpable tension as Batman grapples with his inevitable transformation into a werewolf.
Some dialogue scenes feel redundant and add little to the overall story, especially the forced love triangle subplot.
The final panel lacks impact due to clunky visuals and a sparse background, detracting from the climactic moment.
