Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #2 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 2, April 2023

Pairing up the Dark Knight with the hyper-active Harley Quinn, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s narrative for Issue Two of “Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three” probably pleased the vast majority of the comic’s audience. In fact, in many ways the twenty-page periodical’s plot contains the perfect mix of action, adventure and some intriguing insights into the Caped Crusader’s mysterious past when Cassie Kendall almost “changed the course of Bruce’s life when she was his high school sweetheart.”

Of course, as “Old Flames” progresses it becomes abundantly clear that the billionaire’s strong feelings for the blonde-haired socialite were badly misplaced, as the prolific partygoer seemingly had a string of other lovers during the couple’s relationship, including both Harvey Dent and Harleen Quinzel. But it isn’t until near this publication’s end that ‘the macaroni to Harley’s cheese’ is actually shown as being a cold-blooded criminal who will stop at nothing to rid herself of the restraints imposed upon her two hundred-million-dollar Trust Fund; “I hope you understand that I’m really the victim here.”

Perhaps this book’s biggest asset though lies in its numerous laugh-out-loud moments and double-takes, which should genuinely cause many a bibliophile to guffaw. Foremost of these instances is arguably Harley’s reaction to being thrown from a high-flying helicopter only to then indignantly discover her assailants have anticipated her fall into a skyrise swimming pool by dropping a hand grenade after her. This scene is extremely funny and leads into a series of humorous exchanges between the Joker’s ex-girlfriend and Batman, as the former trained psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum unknowingly keeps upsetting the cowled vigilante by telling him all about Kendall’s apparent disdain for Wayne when she ‘strung him along’ at college.

Helping to make such interactions even more amusing is Kevin Altieri, whose ability to pencil the Dark Knight’s increasing agitation and discomfort with just a narrowing eye slit or clenched fist, is breath-taking. Likewise, the American artist is able to imbue the Gotham City Siren with all the dynamic athleticism a zany gymnast should command, sensationally sketching Quinn cartwheeling, somersaulting and freewheeling from one panel to the next with great aplomb.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #2 by Kevin Altieri