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in: Dick Giordano/Executive Editor, Neal Adams/Cover Artist, Andrew Helfer/Writer,
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Changes: Batman Annual Vol 1 14

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Line 11: Line 11:
   
 
| Editor1_1 = Dennis O'Neil
  
| Editor1_1 = Dennis O'Neil
  ⚫
| Editor1_2 = Dan Raspler
 
| Writer1_1 = Andrew Helfer
  
| Writer1_1 = Andrew Helfer
 
| Penciler1_1 = Chris Sprouse
  
| Penciler1_1 = Chris Sprouse
Line 21: Line 22:
   
 
| StoryTitle1 = The Eye of the Beholder
  
| StoryTitle1 = The Eye of the Beholder
  ⚫
| Synopsis1 =
−
| Synopsis1 = After [[Batman: Year One|Batman's first year]] as a vigilante, Gotham is plagued by a serial killer who specifically targets senior citizens. The "Senior Slasher" is eventually identified as a deranged surgeon named Rudolph Klemper, but despite the best efforts of Batman, Captain James Gordon, and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Klemper is able to win a verdict of "not guilty" at his trial. The trial's outcome takes a heavy toll on Dent, especially when Klemper reveals his "secret": the murders were committed by a split personality of his named "Little Rudy", which allowed him to totally disassociate from them and maintain an air of innocence. Shortly after his acquittal, Klemper is killed by an unexplained explosion inside his own house.
 +
After [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]]'s [[Batman: Year One|first year]] as a vigilante, [[Gotham]] is plagued by a serial killer who specifically targets senior citizens. The "Senior Slasher" is eventually identified as a deranged surgeon named Rudolph Klemper, but despite the best efforts of Batman, Captain [[James Gordon (New Earth)|James Gordon]], and District Attorney [[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Harvey Dent]], Klemper is able to win a verdict of "not guilty" at his trial. The trial's outcome takes a heavy toll on Dent, especially when Klemper reveals his "secret": the murders were committed by a split personality of his named "Little Rudy", which allowed him to totally disassociate from them and maintain an air of innocence. Shortly after his acquittal, Klemper is killed by an unexplained explosion inside his own house.
   
−
Several days later, Batman, Gordon, and Dent agree to formalize their alliance and improve their information-sharing, so the justice system will actually be able to convict the criminals that Batman brings in. This alliance quickly bears fruit, even allowing the trio to arrest major mob kingpin Vincent Moroni. But despite these successes, Batman grows more and more suspicious of Dent's mental state, especially when Dent begins to seriously suggest that they plant evidence inside the homes of known criminals.
 +
Several days later, Batman, Gordon, and Dent agree to formalize their alliance and improve their information-sharing, so the justice system will actually be able to convict the criminals that Batman brings in. This alliance quickly bears fruit, even allowing the trio to arrest major mob kingpin [[Salvatore Maroni (New Earth)|Vincent Moroni]]. But despite these successes, Batman grows more and more suspicious of Dent's mental state, especially when Dent begins to seriously suggest that they plant evidence inside the homes of known criminals and even kill suspects.
   
 
Unbeknownst to Batman, Dent possesses a split personality of his own, born from the childhood abuse he'd suffered from his alcoholic father: a "game" where the elder Dent would flip a coin to decide whether he would beat young Harvey. Only recently did Dent discover that the coin was the same on both sides - a novelty "two-headed" silver dollar that would ensure the elder Dent never "lost". Due to the abuse, Dent's alternate personality was violently dismissive of all rules, believing there was no choice to any man-made system; the discovery has only fed its strength, causing Dent to be plagued by nightmares. Despite this, Dent insists on carrying the coin as a good-luck charm, believing himself strong enough to overcome his traumatic memories.
  
Unbeknownst to Batman, Dent possesses a split personality of his own, born from the childhood abuse he'd suffered from his alcoholic father: a "game" where the elder Dent would flip a coin to decide whether he would beat young Harvey. Only recently did Dent discover that the coin was the same on both sides - a novelty "two-headed" silver dollar that would ensure the elder Dent never "lost". Due to the abuse, Dent's alternate personality was violently dismissive of all rules, believing there was no choice to any man-made system; the discovery has only fed its strength, causing Dent to be plagued by nightmares. Despite this, Dent insists on carrying the coin as a good-luck charm, believing himself strong enough to overcome his traumatic memories.
   
−
Meanwhile, Moroni and treacherous Assistant D.A. Adrian Fields attempt to delay Moroni's upcoming trial, but to no avail; even a hitman sent after Dent is beaten senseless by Dent's alternate personality. Resigned to the trial and probable conviction, Moroni asks one last favor of Fields: that some weapon be smuggled into the courtroom so Moroni can take personal revenge. On the day of the trial, Fields smuggles a bottle of acid to Moroni, who uses it to horrifically scar Dent during cross-examination; immediately after, Moroni is shot and killed by the bailiffs.
 +
Meanwhile, Moroni and treacherous Assistant D.A. [[Vernon Wells (New Earth)|Adrian Fields]] attempt to delay Moroni's upcoming trial, but to no avail; even a hitman sent after Dent is beaten senseless by Dent's alternate personality. Resigned to the trial and probable conviction, Moroni asks one last favor of Fields: that some weapon be smuggled into the courtroom so Moroni can take personal revenge. On the day of the trial, Fields smuggles a bottle of acid to Moroni, who uses it to horrifically scar Dent during cross-examination; immediately after, Moroni is shot and killed by the bailiffs.
   
−
While Dent recovers from his injuries in the hospital, his wife Gilda brings him the silver dollar as a sign of comfort and luck. Unfortunately, the coin only inspires Dent to finally give free rein to his lawless, no-choice personality - but only at the "right time": when the coin's marred face (produced by Moroni's acid) comes up during a flip. After a secret visit from Batman that confirms Fields had given the acid to Moroni, Dent escapes from the hospital and assaults Fields in his own home. Despite intervention from Batman and offers of information on Gotham's criminals (enough to "control half the underworld") from Fields, Dent kills Fields and flees, leaving Batman badly injured.
 +
While Dent recovers from his injuries in the hospital, his wife [[Gilda Gold (New Earth)|Gilda]] brings him the [[Two-Face's Coin|silver dollar]] as a sign of comfort and luck. Unfortunately, the coin only inspires Dent to finally give free rein to his lawless, no-choice personality - but only at the "right time": when the coin's marred face (produced by Moroni's acid) comes up during a flip. After a secret visit from Batman that confirms Fields had given the acid to Moroni, Dent escapes from the hospital and assaults Fields in his own home. Despite intervention from Batman and offers of information on Gotham's criminals (enough to "control half the underworld") from Fields, Dent kills Fields and flees, leaving Batman badly injured.
   
−
After recovering and learning of Dent's past from Gordon and Gilda, Batman tracks Dent to the welfare motel where the elder Dent currently lives. There, Dent - now calling himself "Two-Face" - has resurrected their old game: if the coin comes clean-side up, his father lives; if it comes scarred-side up, he dies. When the coin comes clean-side up, Dent peacefully surrenders to Batman, and is taken to Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane.
 +
After recovering and learning of Dent's past from Gordon and Gilda, Batman tracks Dent to the welfare motel where the elder Dent currently lives. There, Dent - now calling himself "Two-Face" - has resurrected their old game: if the coin comes clean-side up, his father lives; if it comes scarred-side up, he dies. When the coin comes clean-side up, Dent peacefully surrenders to Batman, and is taken to [[Arkham Asylum]] for the Criminally Insane.
   
 
Several months later, Arkham's doctors use plastic surgery to repair Dent's scars as part of Dent's therapy. The process initially appears to be a success, and Dent himself begins to hope for a normal life again. Without warning, however, Dent's alternate personality resurfaces and forces him to re-open the scars, reminding him that they have "no choice. No choice at all."
  
Several months later, Arkham's doctors use plastic surgery to repair Dent's scars as part of Dent's therapy. The process initially appears to be a success, and Dent himself begins to hope for a normal life again. Without warning, however, Dent's alternate personality resurfaces and forces him to re-open the scars, reminding him that they have "no choice. No choice at all."
Line 37: Line 39:
 
| Appearing1 =
 
| Appearing1 =
 
'''Featured Characters:'''
  
'''Featured Characters:'''
−
* {{a|[[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Harvey Dent]]}}
 +
* {{a|[[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Harvey Dent]]}} {{Origin|Two-Face}}
 
'''Supporting Characters:'''
  
'''Supporting Characters:'''
 
* {{a|[[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]]}}
  
* {{a|[[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]]}}
 
* {{a|[[James Gordon (New Earth)|James Gordon]]}}
  
* {{a|[[James Gordon (New Earth)|James Gordon]]}}
−
* {{a|[[Gilda Gold (New Earth)|Gilda Dent]]}}
 +
* {{a|[[Gilda Gold (New Earth)|Gilda Grace Dent]]}}
 
'''Villains:'''
  
'''Villains:'''
 
* Doctor Rudolph Klemper {{Only Dies}}
  
* Doctor Rudolph Klemper {{Only Dies}}
 
* {{a|[[Vernon Wells (New Earth)|Adrian Fields]]}} {{Dies}}
  
* {{a|[[Vernon Wells (New Earth)|Adrian Fields]]}} {{Dies}}
 
* {{a|[[Salvatore Maroni (New Earth)|Vincent Moroni]]}} {{Dies}}
  
* {{a|[[Salvatore Maroni (New Earth)|Vincent Moroni]]}} {{Dies}}
  +
* Mad Dog Pike {{Only}}
 
'''Other Characters:'''
  
'''Other Characters:'''
 
* {{a|[[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]]}}
  
* {{a|[[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]]}}
 
* {{a|[[Christopher Dent (New Earth)|Christopher Dent]]}}
  
* {{a|[[Christopher Dent (New Earth)|Christopher Dent]]}}
  +
* {{a|[[Barbara Eileen Gordon (New Earth)|Barbara Gordon]]}}
  +
* {{a|[[James Gordon, Jr. (New Earth)|James Gordon, Jr.]]}}
  +
* {{a|[[Gotham City Police Department]]}}
  +
:* Officer Smith {{Only}}
  +
:* Officer Roger {{Only}}
  +
:* Officer Marshall {{Only}}
  +
* MacMillian {{Only}}
  +
* Christopher {{Only}}
 
'''Locations:'''
  
'''Locations:'''
 
* {{a|[[Gotham City]]}}
  
* {{a|[[Gotham City]]}}
 
** {{a|[[Batcave]]}}
  
** {{a|[[Batcave]]}}
  +
** {{a|[[GCPD Headquarters]]}}
 
** {{a|[[Arkham Asylum]]}}
  
** {{a|[[Arkham Asylum]]}}
  +
** Gotham Municipal Courthouse
  +
** The Piedmont
 
'''Items:'''
  
'''Items:'''
  +
* {{a|[[Batsuit]]}}
 
* {{a|[[Two-Face's Coin]]}}
  
* {{a|[[Two-Face's Coin]]}}
−
'''Vehicles:'''
  
−
* <br/>
  
   
  +
| Notes =
−
| Notes = Parts of this story were incorporated into, and other parts overwritten by, the limited series ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]''. Most notably, both Adrian Fields and Vincent Moroni were given new names and slightly different fates by the latter story.
  
  +
* This story served as the first retelling of Two-Face's origin in the [[Post-Crisis]] continuity. However, most of these events have been overwritten by the limited series ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'', which was loosely based on this story. Among the most notable differences in the stories are:
⚫
| Trivia = * Writer Andrew Helfer originally scripted an entire scene giving an in-depth description of how Harvey Dent rigged Dr. Klemper's house to explode. This scene was cut from the final version of the story, as the editor feared that readers would use the scene for instructions on creating homemade explosives.
  
  +
:* Adrian Fields and Vincent Moroni were given new names and slightly different fates in the new story.
⚫
| Recommended =
 
  +
:* Harvey Dent's traumatic childhood was not used again and therefore, it's unclear if it remains canon.
−
{{Two-Face RR}}
  
  +
* This story also refers to Harvey Dent's wife as Gilda Dent and Grace Dent, simultaneously. The name Gilda is the same name given to the character since the very first appearance in the {{c|Detective Comics #66}}. Grace is the name given to the character in the "Who's Who" entries of {{c|Detective Comics Annual #2}}.
⚫
| Links =
 
  +
−
* [[Wikipedia:Two-Face|Two-Face at Wikipedia.org]]
  
  +
| Trivia =
  ⚫
* Writer Andrew Helfer originally scripted an entire scene giving an in-depth description of how Harvey Dent rigged Dr. Klemper's house to explode. This scene was cut from the final version of the story, as the editor feared that readers would use the scene for instructions on creating homemade explosives.
  +
* The names of Police Officers Rogers and Marshall are most likely a homage to [[Bronze Age]] Batman artist [[Marshall Rogers]].
  +
  +
| Recommended = {{Two-Face RR}}
  +
| Links = {{WP2|Two-Face}}
 
}}
  
}}
 
[[Category:Annuals]]
  
[[Category:Annuals]]
−
[[Category:Wikify]]
  

Revision as of 17:30, 17 July 2017

"The Eye of the Beholder": After Batman's first year as a vigilante, Gotham is plagued by a serial killer who specifically targets senior citizens. The "Senior Slasher" is eventually identified as a deranged surgeon named Rudolph Klemper, but

Quote1 "Why are we doing this? Because we are now two faces. One good, the other bad. Half-and-half. Fifty fifty. Opposite and equal. And we're deadlocked. When that happens... we let the coin decide." Quote2
— Two-Face

Batman Annual #14 is an issue of the series Batman Annual (Volume 1) with a cover date of March, 1990.

Synopsis for "The Eye of the Beholder"

After Batman's first year as a vigilante, Gotham is plagued by a serial killer who specifically targets senior citizens. The "Senior Slasher" is eventually identified as a deranged surgeon named Rudolph Klemper, but despite the best efforts of Batman, Captain James Gordon, and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Klemper is able to win a verdict of "not guilty" at his trial. The trial's outcome takes a heavy toll on Dent, especially when Klemper reveals his "secret": the murders were committed by a split personality of his named "Little Rudy", which allowed him to totally disassociate from them and maintain an air of innocence. Shortly after his acquittal, Klemper is killed by an unexplained explosion inside his own house.

Several days later, Batman, Gordon, and Dent agree to formalize their alliance and improve their information-sharing, so the justice system will actually be able to convict the criminals that Batman brings in. This alliance quickly bears fruit, even allowing the trio to arrest major mob kingpin Vincent Moroni. But despite these successes, Batman grows more and more suspicious of Dent's mental state, especially when Dent begins to seriously suggest that they plant evidence inside the homes of known criminals and even kill suspects.

Unbeknownst to Batman, Dent possesses a split personality of his own, born from the childhood abuse he'd suffered from his alcoholic father: a "game" where the elder Dent would flip a coin to decide whether he would beat young Harvey. Only recently did Dent discover that the coin was the same on both sides - a novelty "two-headed" silver dollar that would ensure the elder Dent never "lost". Due to the abuse, Dent's alternate personality was violently dismissive of all rules, believing there was no choice to any man-made system; the discovery has only fed its strength, causing Dent to be plagued by nightmares. Despite this, Dent insists on carrying the coin as a good-luck charm, believing himself strong enough to overcome his traumatic memories.

Meanwhile, Moroni and treacherous Assistant D.A. Adrian Fields attempt to delay Moroni's upcoming trial, but to no avail; even a hitman sent after Dent is beaten senseless by Dent's alternate personality. Resigned to the trial and probable conviction, Moroni asks one last favor of Fields: that some weapon be smuggled into the courtroom so Moroni can take personal revenge. On the day of the trial, Fields smuggles a bottle of acid to Moroni, who uses it to horrifically scar Dent during cross-examination; immediately after, Moroni is shot and killed by the bailiffs.

While Dent recovers from his injuries in the hospital, his wife Gilda brings him the silver dollar as a sign of comfort and luck. Unfortunately, the coin only inspires Dent to finally give free rein to his lawless, no-choice personality - but only at the "right time": when the coin's marred face (produced by Moroni's acid) comes up during a flip. After a secret visit from Batman that confirms Fields had given the acid to Moroni, Dent escapes from the hospital and assaults Fields in his own home. Despite intervention from Batman and offers of information on Gotham's criminals (enough to "control half the underworld") from Fields, Dent kills Fields and flees, leaving Batman badly injured.

After recovering and learning of Dent's past from Gordon and Gilda, Batman tracks Dent to the welfare motel where the elder Dent currently lives. There, Dent - now calling himself "Two-Face" - has resurrected their old game: if the coin comes clean-side up, his father lives; if it comes scarred-side up, he dies. When the coin comes clean-side up, Dent peacefully surrenders to Batman, and is taken to Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane.

Several months later, Arkham's doctors use plastic surgery to repair Dent's scars as part of Dent's therapy. The process initially appears to be a success, and Dent himself begins to hope for a normal life again. Without warning, however, Dent's alternate personality resurfaces and forces him to re-open the scars, reminding him that they have "no choice. No choice at all."

Appearing in "The Eye of the Beholder"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Villains:

Other Characters:

  • Officer Smith (Single appearance)
  • Officer Roger (Single appearance)
  • Officer Marshall (Single appearance)
  • MacMillian (Single appearance)
  • Christopher (Single appearance)

Locations:

Items:

Notes

  • This story served as the first retelling of Two-Face's origin in the Post-Crisis continuity. However, most of these events have been overwritten by the limited series Batman: The Long Halloween, which was loosely based on this story. Among the most notable differences in the stories are:
  • Adrian Fields and Vincent Moroni were given new names and slightly different fates in the new story.
  • Harvey Dent's traumatic childhood was not used again and therefore, it's unclear if it remains canon.
  • This story also refers to Harvey Dent's wife as Gilda Dent and Grace Dent, simultaneously. The name Gilda is the same name given to the character since the very first appearance in the Detective Comics #66. Grace is the name given to the character in the "Who's Who" entries of Detective Comics Annual #2.

Trivia

  • Writer Andrew Helfer originally scripted an entire scene giving an in-depth description of how Harvey Dent rigged Dr. Klemper's house to explode. This scene was cut from the final version of the story, as the editor feared that readers would use the scene for instructions on creating homemade explosives.
  • The names of Police Officers Rogers and Marshall are most likely a homage to Bronze Age Batman artist Marshall Rogers.


See Also

Recommended Reading

Links and References

Two-Face at Wikipedia.org

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