“We are the Wounded” Part 2 begins today with a new maxi-series of Batman: Dark Patterns that is sure to grab your attention. Created by Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman, Batman faces a new type of enemy known as the Wounded Man. This villain can endure intense pain as nails, screws, and rebar run through his body, targeting prominent victims. Issue #2 uncovers more mysteries through some great detective work and exploration of areas outside of Gotham City.
Batman: Dark Pattern #2 begins with James Gordon and Batman appearing on the roof of the GCPD, the bat symbol glowing brightly. Fairly early on, we are reminded that this is high risk for Batman, who is intent on letting the targets on his list go free so he can capture the wounded. Gordon does not agree with the method, but Batman ignores him. It’s clear that in Batman’s early days, his working relationship with Gordon wasn’t as close.
Much of this develops as Batman pinpoints where the wounded will attack and the aftermath from there. This allows Watters to further investigate Dr. Sereika, a strange, formaldehyde-loving coroner who definitely doesn’t pass the “normality” test. He was one of the strangest additions in the first issue, so it’s nice to see this character get more page time.
Sherman’s art is very impressive.
Credit: DC Comics
Watters and Sherman also introduce the character of a journalist who unravels the story of Gotham’s corruption. In the past, and in the case that Batman is currently sniffing out, it is clear that powerful corporations have the ability to sniff out crimes before the public knows about them. This scene and cliffhanger make it more clear that Batman is facing a threat that is not directly tied to a single supervillain, but an evil corporate entity that is more easily empathetic.
In terms of worldbuilding, Sherman showcases the suburban areas outside of Gotham. It’s always refreshing to see places like this, and Watters supports the fact that Batman could have patrolled them, but chooses not to. Watters continues to bring up the fact that Gotham is incredibly dangerous, detailing atrocities throughout the city with well-placed captions. Batman is surprised when the hospital goes up in flames, showing just how chaotic this time in Gotham is.
Sherman continues to make the disfigured man terrifying, with details on the ends of the screws near his eyes and his entire body appearing to be encrusted with jewels. Of course, that is never the case, since each point is something that enters his body. Sherman continues to use shadows to emphasize Batman’s silhouette and the bright yellow bat symbol on his chest. It makes the look iconic and represents a different era of the character.
My only complaint is the lack of stakes. Feels moderate at best. That’s partly because of where the injured man ends up, but also because the corporate enemy doesn’t seem all that dangerous to Batman or the people of Gotham. I’m intrigued by the mystery, but I also look forward to more complexities and dangers regarding the major threats.
Batman: Dark Patterns #2 builds on the first issue’s promising foundation with rich character moments, unsettling imagery, and a fascinating new villain. But the central threat lacks the high-stakes tension so common in the Dark Knight’s most memorable stories. Despite this, the series remains a fascinating entry in the Batman mythology, with plenty of room to grow into something truly special.
Batman: Dark Pattern #2 is based on the first issue
Batman: Dark Pattern #2
Batman: Dark Patterns #2 builds on the first issue’s promising foundation with rich character moments, unsettling imagery, and a fascinating new villain. But the central threat lacks the high-stakes tension so common in the Dark Knight’s most memorable stories. Despite this, the series remains a fascinating entry in the Batman mythology, with plenty of room to grow into something truly special.
Strong worldbuilding, including a creepy suburban setting on the outskirts of Gotham.
There are also some fascinating supporting characters, such as Dr. Sereika and a journalist who uncovers corporate corruption.
The stakes feel low-key, as the corporate corruption angle still doesn’t match up with Gotham’s usual threats.
The Wounded Man’s influence is undermined by the fact that he poses no direct danger to the citizens of Gotham beyond the mystery he presents.
