Two-Face/Harvey Dent Thread

[Two-Face]

EDit.

 

[Seditionary]

I still love that one, and I still have no idea where it came from or who drew it.

 

[Greg]

I still love that one, and I still have no idea where it came from or who drew it.

Heh, me neither. Great pic.

Two of my favorites are these two, which I don't know either who are the artists.

 

[ab38416]

 

[Greg]

Haha! You tell em, Harvey! t:

 

[Two-Face=Badass]

Just received A Lonely Place of Dying and it has quite a cool take on Two-Face. He's trying to set a trap to kill Batman without him knowing what's coming, so ironically he decides to give him obvious clues. He's found out that Batman is being more reckless, and thus deliberately goes flipping overboard on the 2 motif to the point of ridiculousness and contrivency so that Batman is so obsessed with figuring out the clues and trying to find a deeper meaning when really Two-Face is just blowing the building up!

It's explained quite better in the book, but I thought it was cool that Harvey used his obsession with 2 to his advantage.

 

[Greg]

Heh heh, that's pretty awesome. Is that storyline collected and/or still in print? I've yet to read that one.

 

[Mindreaper21]

He scared the ghost out of him

 

[Greg]

Lee Bermejo on Joker. Gives a bit of tibit bout our boy, Harv.

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100829-Bermejo-Joker.html

Two-Face was great fun!! Brian told me he should just be the most paranoid guy on the planet. Hell, he can't even trust himself. We played him more as a guy who kind of walks the line between being straight and crooked. The guy was a lawyer, so he knows all the ins and outs of the system and uses that to both do good and do evil. In this story, it's pretty apparent that he tries to play both sides toward the middle, and eventual even reaches out to some Bat guy at one point or another. I'm definitely the most proud of the way he was interpreted here, just because he's so completely unclear and conflicted.

 

[percoset]

I still love that one, and I still have no idea where it came from or who drew it.

Tim Sale

 

[Two-Face=Badass]

Sorry for the bump, but I never answered Greg's question:

Heh heh, that's pretty awesome. Is that storyline collected and/or still in print? I've yet to read that one.

Yes, the five issues are collected as The Lonely Place of Dying tpb. It's old, so there are some cheesy moments (namely Two-Face going flipping nuts on twos) but ultimately is a great origin of Tim Drake as Robin, with some excellent scenes with Two-Face. Unfortunately it is out of print and as such hard to find, but if you see it for a good price anywhere on the net, do not hesitate to sweep it up.

 

[Greg]

Thanks, TF=B! I really want to find that darn book!

Sometime last year a good buddy of mine asked me to write a short Harvey story. Although I want to be a comic writer, Two-Face is a character that I was really scared of writing due to fear of me messing up my favorite character. He kept on bugging me to write something until I decided to just go for it. Here it is, tell me what you think...


Here I am locked up in this abysmal place. We’re in hell. Yes, indeed we are. And we’re locked up with the very scum I hate. All thanks to you. You’re scum too. Yes, because of you. Are you happy? The real question is: are you happy? This is not about me. Yes it is. You keep denying me. I am you. You are me. We are we and we’re in this together whether you like it or not. I don’t like it. Well tough. Deal with it. You’re weak. I don’t need you. You slow me down like an anchor. Because of your weakness, this is our home. SO THIS IS MY FAULT?!?! I was fine until you came! You... you’re a disease! You fit right in with these guys. This… Joker and Zsasz… and… and… And you. That’s right… you. You think anyone else here sees the difference between you and I? We’re in this together, Dent. So do yourself a favor and grow some hair on your sack. You’re nothing without me. And I’m not anything without you. We are justice, don’t you see? Yes… yes, I do see. And we’re the truth. We’re perfection in a two-found package. We’re what they hate about themselves. Yes… yes. So… am I still that disease? No… no, you’re not the disease… we are.

 

[Greg]

IGN's Top 10 Two-Face stories.


http://comics.ign.com/articles/887/887268p1.html

Chances are if you've seen one trailer, one snippet of footage from The Dark Knight, you've heard and seen Harvey Dent say these words. One of the additions to Batman's world in Christopher Nolan's sequel, Dent is the beacon to which good - and evil - flocks. He is a source of inspiration to those who see the light at the end of the tunnel and a source of anger for those who wish the tunnel would never end.

Dent's role in Dark Knight has been kept quiet and we have no desire to break that silence. But considering the new District Attorney has been a heavy part of the promotion for the film, a counterpart to Batman and the Joker, we thought a spotlight from a comic book angle was in order.

Just as we did with the Joker, here are the top 10 stories featuring Harvey Dent and/or the man he is to become: Two-Face. These are in no particular order, but all are considered critical reading for Batman fans.

(SPOILER WARNING: We do dive into some details about each series or arc. If you're wanting to just see what books to pick, just check out our list without reading the text. Our justifications required analyzing the entire plot in some cases.)



The Long Halloween
Written by Jeph Loeb | Art by Tim Sale
Originally Published in 1996-1997
Batman: The Long Halloween #1-13

Frank Miller's Batman: Year One might have been the first modern classic to take a serious look at Harvey Dent's role as District Attorney, but it's Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's The Long Halloween that stands as the definitive take on Harvey's tragic fall from ace D.A to disfigured maniac.

Nearly ten years after Miller's landmark classic, writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale continued the timeline of Batman: Year One and returned to Gordon, Batman and Dent's war to clean up Gotham once and for all. Set against the backdrop of a series of calendar-inspired murders committed by the mysterious Holiday, this saga sees Gotham's three champions of justice struggle to put the last nail in the coffin of the city's mob while more and more costumed lunatics like the Joker, the Riddler and Poison Ivy begin to make their presence felt.

It's an engrossing mystery yarn from start to finish, one which ends with the tragic fall of Harvey Dent and his rebirth as the villainous Two-Face. Although there were plenty of classic Two-Face tales before The Long Halloween came along, it's here that Harvey Dent truly took his place as Batman's most tragic foe.

Dark Victory
Written by Jeph Loeb | Art by Tim Sale
Originally Published in 1999-2000
Batman: Dark Victory #0-13

Picking up shortly after Harvey Dent's transformation into the villainous Two-Face, Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's 1999 follow-up to The Long Halloween depicts the rogue's quest for revenge against Gotham's mafioso and his rise to power as one of the city's deadliest criminals. Harvey's struggle with the last remnants of Gotham's mafia results in the tragic death of Dick Grayson's parents, facilitating the young circus performer's rise as Batman's trusted sidekick.

The fact that Loeb and Sale both succeed in involving the Robin character so seamlessly into the increasingly dark, somewhat reality-based Batman mythos that Frank Miller first modernized stands as perhaps the most impressive achievement of this classic saga. Still, at its heart, Dark Victory is a powerful depiction of Batman's first, full-blown run-in with his former alley-turned-adversary, and the story always takes time to remind us of The Dark Knight's greatest defeat – his failure to save Harvey Dent from himself.


Eye of the Beholder
Written by Andrew Helfer | Art by Chris Sprouse
Originally Published in 1990
Batman Annual #14

Back in 1990, writer Andrew Helfer and Chris Sprouse's Batman Annual #14 detailed much of the same story material that Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale would go on to tackle seven years later, and while their effort mostly pales in comparison to The Long Halloween, it's notable for one unique accomplishment: it introduced a compelling reason for Harvey Dent's fractured personality. Their story, "The Eye of The Beholder," proposed that Harvey was well on his way to a full-fledged breakdown before Sal Maroni ever threw acid in his face, having suffered deep psychological trauma at the hands of his abusive father.

This landmark one-shot did wonders for making Two-Face Batman's most sympathetic and tragic rogue, and it's also the clearest predecessor to the masterful version of Harvey seen in Batman: The Animated Series. It might be hard to rack down, but it's a must have for any fan of the character.

No Man's Land
Written by Various | Art by Various
Originally Published in 1999
Ever 1999 Bat-title

As far as over-drawn, convoluted and gimmicky crossovers go, Batman: No Man's Land stands right atop the list next to some of comics' worst. Thankfully, this yearlong maxi-series also happens to include some fantastic developments in Harvey Dent's story, which is why it remains a necessary read to this day.

Following the fallout of a catastrophic earthquake that devastated Gotham City and forced the United States Government to classify the city a quarantined "No Man's Land," this saga sees Two Face carve out a sizable portion of the city in a costly and horrific turf war with Batman, The GCPD and a variety of other villains. Slowly but surely, Two-Face sets about bringing order (albeit his twisted sense of order) to the anarchy-plagued Gotham City, yet his more nefarious plans are interrupted by his sudden romantic feelings for Detective Renee Montoya.

Two-Face's affection for Renee leads to his saner side manifesting itself more and more, and it's here that the story takes a tragic and fascinating turn. The manifestation of Harvey's more humane side leads to his tentative truce with the GCPD, and as expected, the alliance ends horribly for all involved, particularly Commissioner Gordon. (Don't bother trying to collect the whole crossover – the five volumes of trades cover all the essential story beats.)


Half A Life
Written Greg Rucka | Art by Michael Lark
Originally Published in 2003
Gotham Central #6-10

During his time as co-writer of the Eisner Award-Winning series Gotham Central, Greg Rucka returned to the Harvey/Renee Montoya romance he first explored back in No Man's Land. The result was perhaps the single greatest story arc of the brilliant forty-issue series, one that masterfully depicts the ongoing internal struggle between Harvey Dent's two conflicting personas.

In an effort to once and for all win the love of Montoya, Two-Face first outs her as a lesbian to her GCPD colleagues and then frames her for murder. His rationale – that if he took everything away from Renee, she'd have no choice but to love him – reveals the inner workings of his twisted mind, and it's impossible not to feel sympathy for the tragic villain. Most notable is Rucka's handling of Montoya, who evolves into one of the most fully realized and complex characters in the entire Batman mythos. Just witness how even she is capable of feeling sorry for Harvey, even after all he did to her. This is a definite must for any Two-Face collection.


Robin: Year One
Written by Chuck Dixon & Scott Beatty | Art by Javiar Pulido & Marcos Martin
Originally Published in 2001
Robin: Year One #1-4

Having risen to criminal fame at the same time Dick Grayson was cutting his teeth as Batman's sidekick, Two Face has always had an indelible tie to Robin (who he often humorously refers to as Batman's "Boy Hostage"). Though that connection had been explored many times throughout the years, it wasn't until 2001's Robin: Year One that their tragic relationship was stamped into modern continuity.

Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty craft a gripping account of how a rookie Dick Grayson's outlook on crime-fighting was forever changed by his first run-in with Two-face, one that saw the young Robin's naivety cause the death of an innocent judge. Having been beaten to near-death by Two-Face following his failure to save the judge, Dick is forced to reevaluate his approach to the role of Robin and convince Batman that he's indeed a worthy sidekick. It's a seminal moment in Dick's career, and just further reminder that Two-face is one of Batman's deadliest foes.

A Lonely Place of Dying
Written by Marv Wolfman | Art by Jim Aparo & George Perez
Originally Published in 1989
Batman #440-442, New Teen Titans #60-61

As mentioned before, the Robin character has always been tragically linked to Two-Face. Keeping with this trend, writer Marv Wolfman employed Harvey as the main villain of the tale that first introduced the world to the third Robin, Tim Drake.

The story sees Batman in his most emotionally fragile state following the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin, a guilt-ridden mindset that is only furthered by the appearance of his former friend Dent. It's a powerfully emotional story that perfectly captures Harvey's scarred psyche, the Dark Knight's detective prowess, and Batman's dire need of a sidekick to serve as an emotional anchor. There's also a truly surprising last-page twist that reveals who has been pulling Harvey's strings all along, adding a jarring exclamation point to this already brilliant tale.


Prodigal
Written by Various | Art by Various
Originally Published in 1994-1995
Batman #512-514, Shadow of the Bat #32-34, Detective Comics #679-681, Robin #11-13

Even in the midst of a gimmick-driven crossover, writers still seem to pull the most out of the Two-Face character. This was definitely the case with Prodigal, the follow-up to the years-long Knightfall saga that saw Bruce Wayne crippled at the hands of Bane. After Bruce's choice to hand the mantle of the Bat over to the unproven Jean Paul Valley had disastrous consequences, Dick Grayson is forced to finally follow in his mentor's footsteps and temporarily become Batman. Dick runs up against mostly low-level villains at first, until Harvey Dent is sprung from prison by a clerical error.

Once again, the paths of Two-Face and the former Robin are tragically woven together, and the ensuing conflict is worthy of their long, fascinating history. The overall crossover definitely consists of some shaky moments, but the Harvey Dent material makes it well worth a place on any fan's bookshelf.

Face the Face
Written by James Robinson | Art by Various
Originally published in 2006
Batman #651-654, Detective Comics #817-820

Before embarking on a year-long path of self-discovering following the events of Infinite Crisis, Batman leaves Gotham City in the hands of his old friend Harvey, who recently had his scarred visage (and seemingly his scarred mind with it) surgically fixed in the pages of Hush. When Batman returns to his stomping grounds, Harvey's dwindling sense of self worth slowly begins to unravel once again, a second downward spiral that coincides with a string of murders involving D-list Batman villains.

Has Harvey once again given in to his demons and his twisted sense of justice? That question is central to writer James Robinson's mystery, and it masterfully puts the spotlight on Harvey Dent's perpetually torn mind. The answer isn't one you'd expect, but the result is: Harvey willingly recreates the acid accident that first scarred him and returns as the villainous Two-Face.

The Dark Knight Returns
Written by Frank Miller | Art by Frank Miller
Originally Published in 1986
Dark Knight Returns #1-4

Two-Face is undoubtedly one of Batman's greatest foes, so it shouldn't be at all surprising to learn he plays a pivotal role in arguably the greatest Batman story ever written, Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns. This dark and harrowing post-apocalyptic tale kicks off with a fifty-something, alcoholic Bruce Wayne struggling to cope with retirement and the knowledge that his city has been overcome by evil in his absence.

Meanwhile, Harvey Dent has been released from Arkham following plastic surgery (that Bruce paid for) and extensive psychological treatment. After Harvey returns to his old, criminal ways, Bruce can't take it anymore, and finally makes his triumphant return as Gotham's protector. The fact that it's Harvey that spurs on Batman's return makes this landmark story even more emotionally powerful.

 

[Greg]

Bits from Crime and Punishment

 

[Greg]

________________

 

[Two-Face=Badass]

Thanks, TF=B! I really want to find that darn book!

Sometime last year a good buddy of mine asked me to write a short Harvey story. Although I want to be a comic writer, Two-Face is a character that I was really scared of writing due to fear of me messing up my favorite character. He kept on bugging me to write something until I decided to just go for it. Here it is, tell me what you think...


Here I am locked up in this abysmal place. We’re in hell. Yes, indeed we are. And we’re locked up with the very scum I hate. All thanks to you. You’re scum too. Yes, because of you. Are you happy? The real question is: are you happy? This is not about me. Yes it is. You keep denying me. I am you. You are me. We are we and we’re in this together whether you like it or not. I don’t like it. Well tough. Deal with it. You’re weak. I don’t need you. You slow me down like an anchor. Because of your weakness, this is our home. SO THIS IS MY FAULT?!?! I was fine until you came! You... you’re a disease! You fit right in with these guys. This… Joker and Zsasz… and… and… And you. That’s right… you. You think anyone else here sees the difference between you and I? We’re in this together, Dent. So do yourself a favor and grow some hair on your sack. You’re nothing without me. And I’m not anything without you. We are justice, don’t you see? Yes… yes, I do see. And we’re the truth. We’re perfection in a two-found package. We’re what they hate about themselves. Yes… yes. So… am I still that disease? No… no, you’re not the disease… we are.

Yeah, I really want to be a comic writer too, but don't want to screw up my favorite character. But seriously man that was brilliant, a perfection depiction in my book. I love how the paragraph blurs who's who in some bits, but in others its clear which one is Harvey and which one is Two-Face. Great job.

As for the Crime and Punishment you posted, I love that story to bits and plan to order it some day. It's still easy to get right? The only things I dislike about it is Two-Face killing 200 people, I tend to ignore that as ,excuse the pun, its overkill for a tragic villain. The other thing is Batman disguised as his father, I felt it would've been better if it really was his dad, would've heightened the mood. Apart from that is is a brilliant story though. What do you think?

 

[Greg]

Yeah, I really want to be a comic writer too, but don't want to screw up my favorite character. But seriously man that was brilliant, a perfection depiction in my book. I love how the paragraph blurs who's who in some bits, but in others its clear which one is Harvey and which one is Two-Face. Great job.

As for the Crime and Punishment you posted, I love that story to bits and plan to order it some day. It's still easy to get right? The only things I dislike about it is Two-Face killing 200 people, I tend to ignore that as ,excuse the pun, its overkill for a tragic villain. The other thing is Batman disguised as his father, I felt it would've been better if it really was his dad, would've heightened the mood. Apart from that is is a brilliant story though. What do you think?

Why thank you! It feels good hearing a Two-Face fan tell me they liked that.

As for Crime and Punishment, I freakin' loved nearly every page of it. It is really hard to find but I think they're selling some on Amazon, I may try to get one very soon. I find it sad that it's not reprinted in a collection because not much people know about it. I love the scene with him and the little boy and I was so darn scared when he was ready to kill the boy. Yeesh, Harvey.

 

[Two-Face=Badass]

Why thank you! It feels good hearing a Two-Face fan tell me they liked that.

As for Crime and Punishment, I freakin' loved nearly every page of it. It is really hard to find but I think they're selling some on Amazon, I may try to get one very soon. I find it sad that it's not reprinted in a collection because not much people know about it. I love the scene with him and the little boy and I was so darn scared when he was ready to kill the boy. Yeesh, Harvey.

Hehe, I like to think of myselfas an authority on some DC character, Mad Hatter, Ra's and Two-Face among them
No seriously though, that was very good. Be happy.

So Greg, what do you think of the animted portrayal of Two-Face?

 

[Greg]

So Greg, what do you think of the animted portrayal of Two-Face?

I freakin' loved it. It was that show that even began my love for the character. The way he was written at first as Bruce's best friend and just how powerful his episode with his transformation. Just wow. I still get chills and glee from certain moments for example when the lightning strikes on Harvey's face, and Two-Face's face flashes for a quick second or when Two-Face first loses his coin and starts going crazy, shouting and pleading to find it. Even as a little kid, I was so fascinated by that.

And I love Richard Moll doing his voice. One of my favorite all time moments in the animated series was when Thorn was trying to blackmail Harvey. Harvey's face is getting all pissed and then all of a sudden, he calms down and walks over to him...

Harvey: Only one problem...
(voices changes, deepening)
Two-Face: You're talking to the wrong Harvey.

t:

 

[Two-Face=Badass]

I freakin' loved it. It was that show that even began my love for the character. The way he was written at first as Bruce's best friend and just how powerful his episode with his transformation. Just wow. I still get chills and glee from certain moments for example when the lightning strikes on Harvey's face, and Two-Face's face flashes for a quick second or when Two-Face first loses his coin and starts going crazy, shouting and pleading to find it. Even as a little kid, I was so fascinated by that.

And I love Richard Moll doing his voice. One of my favorite all time moments in the animated series was when Thorn was trying to blackmail Harvey. Harvey's face is getting all pissed and then all of a sudden, he calms down and walks over to him...

Harvey: Only one problem...
(voices changes, deepening)
Two-Face: You're talking to the wrong Harvey.

t:

Animated fan as well then?
Yeah, I loved Richard Moll as Two-Face too, loved the distinctly different voices for Harv and Two-Face. Loved that he had psychological problems before his accident but at the same time it was still a powerful mob boss that sent him over the edge. I really liked his design too. The Black/White suit is just awesome, and I'm one of those guys who doesn't care if he has blue or green scarring on his face, or hair on his burnt, just as long as it looks good. I think too many fans restrict Two-Face's look a lot. Subsequent eps really made him my favourite character as well (along with Ra's), especially Second Chance. I love how Two-Face kidnaps Harvey here.

His musical theme was my favourite too. I loved how it used both high and low notes, and shifted between this sort of innocent nursery rhyme feel to this black atmosphere.

I'll see if I can find a scan of A Lonely Place of Dying for you too.

 

[Greg]

I didn't mind the blue scarred face and hair either. For what it was it worked well. I would have loved to see how they would have done him in The Batman, though. They gave a few nods when it came to Clayface, but that was about it.

Speaking of, in the animated series Harvey Dent was Bruce Wayne's best friend. In the comics, they never really had much of a relationship except being partners and friends when Bruce was Batman. In the recent Two-Face: Year One, it was established that Bruce and Harvey were in fact best friends. What do you think of all that? Do you like the two being best buds?

 

[Dark Victory]

I freakin' loved it. It was that show that even began my love for the character. The way he was written at first as Bruce's best friend and just how powerful his episode with his transformation. Just wow. I still get chills and glee from certain moments for example when the lightning strikes on Harvey's face, and Two-Face's face flashes for a quick second or when Two-Face first loses his coin and starts going crazy, shouting and pleading to find it. Even as a little kid, I was so fascinated by that.

And I love Richard Moll doing his voice. One of my favorite all time moments in the animated series was when Thorn was trying to blackmail Harvey. Harvey's face is getting all pissed and then all of a sudden, he calms down and walks over to him...

Harvey: Only one problem...
(voices changes, deepening)
Two-Face: You're talking to the wrong Harvey.

t:

Such a badass moment.

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[Greg]

Such a badass moment.

Chills, I tell you. Chills.

 

[Greg]

 

[Greg]

New Nightwing issue tomorrow! Two-Face continues his guest appearance as the big bad. Bound to be awesome with Tomasi writing!