Barbara Gordon Breakout #2
Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Artist: Amancay Nahuelpan
Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters: Ariana Maher
Cover: Karl Kerschl
Day 2 begins with Barbara in the Supermax infirmary due to an unseen beating that happened off panel, between issues. She jolts awake after a nightmare where she imagines her unknown assailant is the Joker. The doctor lists her injuries, while Barbara, in narration, runs through a list of who would try to kill her, and why. The biggest clue seems to be the mechanical noises she heard just before the beat down.
We’re introduced to Sparrow, a fellow inmate assisting with Barbara’s recovery, who says she’s going to help Barbara escape. It quickly becomes apparent that Sparrow has drugged Barbara as she leads her out of the infirmary.
Cut to Jim Gordon, beat cop, walking a patrol route. He spots a perp and gives chase, but is ambushed, only to be rescued by Nightwing! Dick reassures Jim that Babs is right where she wants to be, and Jim reveals that he sent in help for his daughter.
Meanwhile, Sparrow continues to nurse Barbara back to health, but Babs is now having recurring nightmares of Joker and a Grim Reaper coming for her. Yet another inmate is killed. Barbara asks Sparrow who the other prisoners think is behind the slayings, and gets no real answers.
We end on the revelation that Sparrow is definitely not what she appears to be, and is working for, or with, Die to keep Barbara sedated and docile. But, who is she? Who is she really working for? And, where is the help Jim sent to his daughter?
Mundy: Mysteries abound in this issue, and I’m loving it! Tamaki is deftly placing layer upon layer, building tension and suspense quite quickly, all while juggling multiple plotlines and characters. The interaction between Jim Gordon and Nightwing feels correct in tone of voice for each of them. The reveal of Sparrow’s allegiance is not unexpected, but is handled in a way that teases future details.
Foggy: This issue was so drastically different than the first. In the first, Barbara is completely in charge, kicking butt and taking names. It seems as though her plan is going as planned. Issue 2 completely derails that. Barbara is incapacitated and at the mercy of another. The murders continue on around her while she can do nothing. I think we are about to see why Barbara is so special as she manages to engage in some TCB.
Mundy: My biggest problem with this issue is how easily Barbara allows herself to fall under Sparrow’s influence. It seems unlikely that an unknown could get that close to Barbara so quickly, continuously drugging her, never leaving her side, etc. While Barbara initially questions internally if she can trust Sparrow, I’m left wondering why she seems to, with no real explanation as to why she does. Not yet, at least.
Foggy: I was thinking the same thing. However, we see her take the meds in her hand twice, but we don’t see her actually taking the meds. I was expecting a shot of her hiding the meds. I am thinking that she is playing along, trying to glean info from Sparrow.
Mundy: Artist Amancay Nahuelpan deserves huge recognition for his work in this issue. His incredible details of daily life are exceptional. From Barbara’s injuries, to the depiction of her wooziness and hallucinations, to simple facial expressions, this story is expertly illustrated. The nightmare sequences are beautifully horrific!
Foggy: I was not familiar with Amancay Nahuelpan but he is now on my radar. Mundy, you are correct about his illustrations. He is truly phenomenal. And, I think, his layouts are expert. Every page is fresh with cool effects to show hallucination, there are inlays to show internal injuries, there is horizontal movement showing movement on the static page, and a few closeups to get under the skin. This comic is 100% fresh!
Mundy: 4 out of 5 Batarangs – While the art soars this issue, the very solid storytelling is slightly offset by what seems like uncharacteristic behavior by our lead, but I’m hoping that is explained at a later time. As we’ve been repeatedly told, I’m trusting the plan.
Foggy: 3.5 out of 5 Batarangs- This issue was carried by the artist. In the full context of the story, this will read much better, but it feels like the middle of the story with not a lot to grab onto. I finished reading and felt a little wanting. Yes, there are questions abound, but something felt off, maybe a little too jarring from the first issue. I wish the events of this issue were tethered to some previous events in a way that makes sense to the reader. Anyway, I’m still back for more next month.
