By Kevin Smith (Writer), Walter Flanagan (Pencils), Sandra Hope (Inks), and Guy Major (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I am definitely what you would call a Kevin Smith fan. In fact, just last night I spent a healthy chunk of the evening re-watching the hilarious Evening with Kevin Smith DVD (if you haven’t seen it, you must). I’m fully aware of how entertaining the man can be. That said, the first chapter of his Batman story left me a bit disappointed. It was entertaining enough and Onomatopoeia’s appearance was downright awesome, but for whatever reason, I expected something more… satisfying, I guess. Maybe things will pick up in the second chapter.

The Story: The war between Joker and Maxie Zeus heats up (literally) when Joker sets Zeus’ club ablaze in retaliation for the manufacturing and distribution of the drug known as “chuckles.” Batman shows up among all the chaos to rescue whoever he can and bring down the Joker, but an appearance by Onomatopoeia throws a wrench into the hero’s plans. The aftermath of all the action leaves Batman contemplating the connection between Joker and the mysterious Onomatopoeia, as well as how he can deal with the delusional Maxie Zeus and his popular drug.

What’s Good: While some of the problems I had with the first issue remain, the second chapter of Cacophony is a definite improvement. Most importantly, the story develops at a much more solid pace. And while it isn’t the deepest tale ever told, it scores points for successfully toeing the line between aspects that are dark and weighty and those that are more lighthearted and fun. Also, there is more Onomatopoeia, which is always a good thing.

As for the art, I have to mention how Walter Flanagan and his team put together a few  impressive looking scenes. In particular, there is one shot of Onomatopoeia that I consider to be poster worthy. It’s that cool looking.

What’s Not So Good: Like I said, some of the problems I had with the first issue remain in Cacophony #2. While Joker is a bit more enjoyable this time around, there are still aspects of his portrayal that don’t quite sit right with me. Sometimes it’s the visual style and sometimes it’s the dialogue, though oddly enough, rarely both at once.

Conclusion: While it has a few kinks, Batman: Cacophony is definitely proving to be a fun series to follow, especially for a casual fan like me.  If the final issue shows as much improvement as the second one did, Cacophony might even wind up being somewhat memorable.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Page 10

Location: Morning in the Arkham Asylum Cafeteria

Scene: The Joker and Batzarro are in line getting food  put in their trays. Crazy Quilt is in the line with them, as is Two-Face, Maxie Zeus, The Mad Hatter, and Mr. Zsasz.

New Panel

Scene: Batzarro and Joker are sitting down to eat.

Joker: You know, I used to eat like this all the time, all the time. Everyone would come. Everyone who was anyone. No one turned down my invitations.

Location: Joker’s Warehouse

Scene: The Joker, (as Jack Napier) has set up a banquet table. On it is a large covered platter, candelabras, drinks, and place settings. Sitting at the table is a woman who looks like a non-costumed Harley Quinn (it isn’t Harley Quinn, I just thought that it would be good to have a lookalike for her here, it kind of sets the stage for Harley in the future), Luigi Maroni, Professor Hugo Strange, Police Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb, Tony Zucco, Vincent Falcone, Penguin, and Doctor Karl Hellfern (Batman’s first supervillain). The lady who looks like Harley Quinn is sitting at one end of the table, the Joker (as Jack Napier) is standing with his chair behind him at the other end.

To help distinguish this Jack Napier from the later Joker, for this section I will refer to him as Jack Napier.

Peter Grogan (annoyed): What’s the meaning of this, Jack?

Professor Hugo Strange: Yes, some of us have business to attend to.

Jack Napier: Gentlemen, please, surely we have time to be civil. I promise I didn’t ask all of you to be here for idle chat.

Luigi Maroni: Then why are we here?