Batman’s Two-Face Was Created By [SPOILER] All Along?

According to DC Comics’ June solicitations, the Batman villain Two-Face was created by the Joker all along. Batman’s rogues’ gallery is second to none, and Two-Face is one of the most fascinating villains of them. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane back in 1942, he was inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde.

The difference, of course, is that Two-Face is permanently scarred. He’s a permanent representation of chaos and order, law and injustice, hope and rage. Harvey Dent was the youngest DA in Gotham’s history, a man with so golden a reputation Commissioner Gordon wondered if he might be Batman. Tragically, the criminal Sal Maroni threw sulfuric acid over his face during a trial, leaving him scarred. Dent’s mind was broken by the experience, a previously concealed bipolar condition turning into full-blown insanity. He’s well known for his habit of tossing a coin to decide whether to do good or evil.

The solicitation for DC’s Detective Comics #1024 suggests there’s more to the story of Two-Face than had previously been revealed. Batman is about to go head-to-head with the Joker in what’s been described as the greatest battle in history, and as part of that Joker will reveal his secret part in creating Two-Face. Here’s the full solicit:

“DETECTIVE COMICS #1024 written by PETER J. TOMASI art and cover by BRAD WALKER and ANDREW HENNESSY card stock variant cover by LEE BERMEJO Wonder Woman 1984 variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU The story of Two-Face reaches its end, and Harvey Dent will at last find peace after decades of schism. But will that peace be in death, or in the chance at a new life? All along, The Joker has been the puppet master behind the torment of Two-Face, and he knows how to make an entrance! Don’t miss the final battle between Batman, Two-Face, and Lincoln March, with a shocking conclusion that will split you right in two! ON SALE 06.24.20”

The solicit describes Joker as “the puppet master behind the torment of Two-Face,” which seems to suggest he’s been manipulating Two-Face’s life for years. If that’s the case, it’s possible he was involved in smuggling the sulfuric acid into the courtroom all those years ago, creating Two-Face. Of course, the interesting question is how he’s since been using Two-Face as a tool; in theory, the villain’s tendency to toss a coin should make him utterly unpredictable. But leave it to the Clown Prince of Crime, a dark and twisted genius in his own right, to find a way to accomplish the seemingly impossible.

One thing’s for sure; this issue will drastically rewrite Two-Face’s story. The villain is one of writer Peter J. Tomasi’s favorite villains, and his return to Gotham has been pitched as his final adventure. The Dark Knight is working with Two-Face to restore him, eager to heal his own friend’s broken mind once and for all. But the Joker is sure to complicate matters in the most horrific and unpredictable way – not least because he knows Batman’s secret identity.

About The Author

Thomas Bacon
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Tom Bacon is one of Screen Rant’s staff writers, as well as a Peer Mentor for new writers and a member of the Care Team, offering support and a listening ear to members of the Comics group. A lifelong fan of major franchises including Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Marvel, Tom is delighted his childhood is back – and this time it’s cool. You can find him on Twitter @TomABacon.

A graduate of Edge Hill University, Tom remains strongly connected with his alma mater as a volunteer chaplain. He’s heavily involved with his local church, and anyone who checks him out on Twitter will swiftly learn he’s into British politics too.

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