Reviewer: Mathan “Minidisc” Erhardt
Story Title: Human Nature: Book Two
Written by: A.J. Lieberman
Penciled by: Al Barrionuo
Inked by: Bit
Lettered by: Phil Balsman
Colored by: Brad Anderson
Cover: Cliff Chiang
Editor: Matt Idelson
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue opens with Batman discovering the dumping of a body, right in the middle of a high society gathering. Batman and Poison Ivy discuss the details of case at hand, and they’re oblivious to the comments by the partygoers.
We then find another of Ivy’s former associates, Jenna, getting high on a rooftop. She’s chased and captured by a man who offers her the chance to “return to the facility.” Then it’s off to the Batcave where Batman makes a startling discovery by analyzing the blood work of the dumped corpse. He then goes off to tell Poison Ivy of the results. He warns her that he suspects her involvement behind the scenes.
Later we get a glimpse of the training facility and see Jenna threaten her captor with death. Then we witness Ivy reflecting on her promise to the orphans, and how she still feels responsible for their well-being. Back at the facility Jenna is injected with a solution, and shrieks in agony.
Finally Hush makes an appearance in the issue. He and Prometheus discuss the plan, and how Hush plans on winning Ivy’s confidence. We find Jenna in an elevator with a gentleman. As the leaves the elevator we find the man is dead, petrified.
Ivy then begins to her attempt to cure herself. She returns to Fluorotech in search of Jason Woodrue. Unfortunately he’s “dead.” But his assistant offers her a clue at where to find Woodrue’s notes and thoughts on a cure, unfortunately they’re locked in a vault in the lab, where she proceeds to break into.
Lierbeman has been writing a very compelling story. It’s nice to see that he’s been given reign to tell his story, the way he sees fit. Last issue focused on Hush, and this issue has plenty of Ivy. Batman is barely a supporting character in his own book. I’m curious why the orphans are being used as killers. And I’ll stay until I find out.
Barrionuevo and Bit make the book look great. Their style is expressive and detailed. Ivy looks alluring and Hush looks threatening. And Bruce Wayne has never looked more tense. That guy needs a massage. Bit and Barrionuevo’s style is very fluid and give the illusion of motion. It’s a great looking book on the inside, and Chiang’s cover is quite the shocking image.
