BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND, VOLUME TWO
Rucka's take on the worst disaster in Gotham City's history.

Writers: Greg Rucka, various
Artists: Frank Teran, Jason Pearson, Cam Smith, Mike Deodato, Wayne Faucher, various
Colorist: various
Letterer: various
Trade Paperback
Published by DC Comics, 2000
$12.95

Reviewed by Brian Domingos

DC's second collection of 1999's year-long Batman crossover, NO MAN'S LAND, features the work of many creators. More specifically, it shows the talents DETECTIVE COMICS' new scribe, Greg Rucka. Rucka wrote several tales in the collection.

The first was 'Mosaic,' with artist Frank Teran. The story follows Batgirl and Batman, taking on the sadistic villain, Black Mask. Batgirl's aim is to stop Black Mask's movement through Gotham's battered terrain; this is where Barbara sees the new Batgirl for the first time. And with this, Barbara's life is nearly shattered all over again. Even Batman does not approve of his new helper, but needs the assistance. It's just a little bit of tough love. Meanwhile, Comissioner Gordon and the remnants of the Gotham police force are trying to take back lost territory. It's a basic fight for survival in Gotham, months after the cataclysm that almost destroyed Batman's beloved home.

"Rucka's portrayal of Gotham after the quake is dead on."

Rucka's portrayal of Gotham after the quake is dead on. There is a sense of panic through out the story; tempers are raised and toes are stepped on. His firm grasp of characterization is also evident. Rucka writes these characters as if he's done this for years. He has Batman's holier-than-thou attitude down. He vividly shows James Gordon's veiled animosity towards Batman. He gives new life to Barbara's character and makes her pain our own.

Rucka's second story was 'Two Down,' with artists Jason Pearson and Cam Smith. It is remarkably different from 'Mosaic.' Here, we follow long-time Gotham detective Renee Montoya on a trip home after the cataclysm. Montoya stops a robbery at her local grocery store and runs into Two-Face, who seemingly works on the side of the angels. Two-Face, trapped in this section of Gotham, has been helping Montoya's brother rescue people around the neighbourhood. Two-Face depends heavily on his coin, as usual, and becomes increasingly agitated with the way chance unfolds as the story contiues.

At the end, there is an almost cliched confrontation between Batman and Two-Face. Montoya has to try and convince Batman to let Two-Face go.

It's a basic enough story, though it has a much different tone than 'Mosaic'. With 'Two Down', Rucka gives us a light story, almost filler, yet still retains the characters' dignity. He focuses on Montoya, filling in with some much-needed character development and showing a different, lighter, side of Two-Face.

Rucka switches gears again with his final contribution to NML Volume Two, 'Claim Jumping,' with art by Mike Deodato and Wayne Faucher. 'Claim Jumping' examines the animalistic nature of humans and their hunger for (and claiming of) territory. The action is turned up; everyone wants a stake in it. Two-Face and the Penguin team up against the Blue Boys (Gotham City police officers) and the appearance of Rucka's personal vigilante, the Russian secret agent called Echo. Echo makes an interesting appearance, using her empathic implants to get the better of her opponents.

Out of the three stories, 'Claim Jumping' is the most like a conventional superhero tale. It's good guys versus bad guys; it's Batman, Batgirl and the cops vs. the freaks of Gotham City.

"Solid work by some solid creators."

With regards to the art, each artist complements their story very well. Teran's gritty style worked well with 'Mosaic', adding to the dark, foreboding mood. Pearson and Smith brought their cartoony style to 'Two Down', making everything a shade lighter. Deodato and Faucher use the basics of superhero storytelling to make the men look macho and the women as sexy as possible.

That said, I suggest this collection to people who like good stories about Batman. Nothing blockbuster here, just solid work by some solid creators. 'Mosaic' remains my favorite, but there is a large selection of stories to choose from.

Recommended (with reservations: for Bat-fans and admirers of Rucka.)

Brian Domingos is a regular contributor to PopImage.

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