Faces is a three-part Batman tale featuring Two-Face. The story was originally published in 1992 by DC Comics, appearing in issues #28 to #30 of Legends of the Dark Knight.
Written and illustrated by Matt Wagner, the story sees Harvey Dent attempt to establish a new society made up of misfits. But in order for Dent’s plan come to fruition, he kidnaps, murders, blackmails and coerces those around him.
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What happens in Batman: Faces?
Part One
Harvey ‘Two-Face’ Dent escapes from Arkham Asylum. For two years he disappears without a trace, then a murder occurs and Two-Face resurfaces.
While Batman investigates, Bruce Wayne concerns himself with a land deal. He wants to buy an island, but a mysterious third party is trying to disrupt the deal – and that third party is Harvey Dent.
Part Two
Two-Face has collected together a group of people all with unique differences and/or physical deformities. He has also blocked Bruce Wayne’s attempts to buy the island.
Harvey’s plan is to set up a new home for what he believes are the outcasts of society, and no one will stand in his way – not even Batman.
Part Three
Not everyone is on board with Harvey’s idea of creating a new society. Many of the people he has drafted to the cause have been threatened to go along with his scheme.
When the group begins to turn on Two-Face, Batman manages to disrupt his plan, forcing the villain to go on the run. This leads to a showdown which exposes Two-Face’s own prejudices and self-loathing.
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Is Batman: Faces a good read?
Faces is beautiful to look at. The artwork feels so immersive and intoxicating that it draws you in from the first page, then takes you along for the ride with some truly wonderful imagery.
Based solely on the artwork, this is a Batman tale worth reading. Wagner has a unique style which works so well for the Caped Crusader; effortlessly moving from action to macabre, and back again covering all facets of the character.
But outside of the art, the story is also very strong. This is very much a detective tale, with a mystery that builds across all three parts.
Two-Face is at the centre of the mystery, but his appearance is peppered throughout the tale, so not to reveal everything too quickly. This helps to build up the intrigue.
Ultimately, this is a story about physical differences, and what makes someone a monster. It may be a well-worn trope, but it still feels fresh here, ensuring this story never runs out of steam.
For me, Faces is a superb story that I love to revisit every once in a while. I adore the artwork, with its noir aesthetic, but it is the simplicity of the story that really works and makes for a compelling read.
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Has Batman: Faces been adapted for film?
Faces has not been adapted for film, and in my opinion it is unlikely to be the basis of a movie – unless it provides partial inspiration for a story. The tale lend itself more to a television adaptation, where a shorter story can thrive. But for my money Faces is best left as a comic, as this is where it excels.
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I hope this information on Batman: Faces has proved useful. Should you want to read more posts about Batman, please take a look through I’ll Get Drive-Thru, or alternatively check out one of the recommended reads below.
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