Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape!
 

Are you a fan of Gotham’s favorite lawyer-turned-criminal Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face? Maybe you’re simply interested in learning more about one of the most iconic members of Batman’s rogues gallery. Well, good news, the trade paperback for Two-Face’s first ever solo series, Two-Face: Trial Separation, is now available. Expect to dive deep into Harvey’s psyche as he fights for control of his body with “Bad-Harvey,” goes back to the courtroom and unpacks some childhood trauma.

This graphic novel collects all six issues of the limited series and it might not be what you’re expecting from a Two-Face comic, but I promise you, it’s well worth a look. Imagine the courtroom series Perry Mason, but set within Gotham’s criminal underbelly as Two-Face embraces his skill as an attorney while attempting to regain control of the city and himself. Writer Christian Ward created one of my favorite versions of Two-Face in his earlier comic Batman: City of Madness and says he fell in love with the beautiful and complicated character of Harvey Dent while working on that title. On top of that, artist Fábio Veras and colorist Ivan Plascencia have perfectly brought Two-Face and Gotham to life in a visually striking way—just wait until you see how stunning the interior art is in Two-Face: Trial Separation.
 

The Premise:

Harvey Dent, a once prominent District Attorney in Gotham City, lost everything when a brutal attack burned half his face and body and fractured his psyche. Harvey is now forced to share his mind and body with a bad-tempered and violent version of himself he refers to as “Bad-Harvey.” In a desperate attempt to get his life back on track and gain some sort of control, he returns to the courtroom to do what he does best—this time for Gotham’s criminal underworld as a defense attorney. Known as the White Church, this secretive courtroom holds trials resolving criminal vs. criminal conflict—and being found guilty could mean death. But everything changes when Two-Face is forced to go to trial against himself. You’ve never seen a courtroom drama quite like this before!
 

Let’s Talk Talent:

As mentioned above, Christian Ward, coming from Batman: City of Madness and Spectregraph,  delivers a series that focuses on the humanity of Harvey Dent—which includes both the good and the bad. Havey’s story is tragic. He is at the mercy of his unstable mental health and is driven to do bad things that go against everything he once fought for. The series explores the question “how can a man be half good and half bad if all he does is bad?” You’re going to get to know both sides of Harvey Dent in Trial Separation.

Artist Fábio Veras, having worked on comics like Harley Quinn and Nightwing, beautifully draws us into the deepest depths of Harvey Dent’s mind. The visual metaphors and brilliant spreads perfectly capture the journey that Harvey is going on—from a literal mind prison to the psychological torture of not having complete control of yourself. Many of the themes of this book, especially regarding mental health, are conveyed through Veras’s incredible artwork and Ivan Plascencia's stunning colors. Known for titles such as The Flash and Martian Manhunter, Plascencia’s work on Two-Face Trial Separation is a stunning example of how important colors are to telling a story.
 

A Few Reasons to Read:

• This is Two-Face’s first solo series and a great deep-dive into the character. While Trial Separation does touch on Harvey’s backstory and how he became the villain known as Two-Face, it doesn’t spend too much time on his well-known origin story. Rather, it balances Harvey's current journey while integrating flashback scenes that explore his tragic childhood and how it impacts who he is and his decisions. Harvey isn’t a black and white character and Two-Face: Trial Separation does an incredible job of humanizing this morally complicated character while still holding him accountable for his actions.
   
• It’s set in a thrilling crime setting with a unique premise. This series lets us explore Gotham’s illegal underworld through a villainous courtroom where some of the city’s most brutal criminals are going on trial against each other. Harvey will have to investigate clues and find evidence to defend his clients, while trying to figure out who is attempting to disrupt the delicate balance of the criminal landscape in Gotham. The crime and mystery element of this series makes it perfect for fans of HBO’s Penguin.

• “Good-Harvey” vs. “Bad-Harvey” is a war, and both have an army of fascinating characters. Expect to see some familiar faces like Victor Zsasz, Reaper, Killer Croc and, of course, Batman. You’ll also meet some new characters, including Die, who uses dice in a similar way to how Harvey uses his coin, and Lake Cantell, who brings so much heart to the story. Many of these characters have interpersonal relationships with Harvey that really add a lot of context and depth to his character—including some paternal relationships that help drive his story.
   
• Could this be Harvey’s redemption arc? While struggling to seize control from his shadow, “Good-Harvey” is coming to terms with the bad that he has allowed. This series explores Harvey trying to be better and undo what “Bad-Harvey” has done. He’s trying to find some semblance of his old life and the justice he once aimed to do through the legal system in Gotham. Whether or not this is a redemption arc, and whether or not Harvey succeeds in his attempt, is for you to discover and decide!
   

Why It’s Worth Your Time:

This six-issue Two-Face miniseries sends modern-day Harvey’s story in some interesting directions while exploring his past and origin. Expect a couple of twists and turns as you learn more about each side of Two-Face’s persona. The artwork here is absolutely stunning and the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat, delivering plenty of action. Two-Face has long deserved his own spotlight and Two-Face: Trial Separation is an excellent, easily absorbed crime and courtroom tale that shows the potential of the highly conflicted character. It’s a must read for fans of Batman, crime and legal dramas and anyone who appreciates a good rogue.
 

Two-Face: Trial Separation by Christian Ward, Fábio Veras and Ivan Plascencia is available in bookstores, comic shops, libraries and digital retailers as a softcover graphic novel. It can also be read in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.

Sami DeMonster writes about superheroes, horror and sci-fi for DC.com and reviews comics every week on social media. Follow her at @samidemonster on Instagram and Substack.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Sami DeMonster and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.