Batman has probably the most well-known rogue's gallery (that's a comic term for list of villains) than any other comic book hero; probably bigger than anyone else's too. He actually has a lot of villains I like over some of the more super-powered ones out there. Bane. Scarecrow. Can't forget about the Joker either. Though these characters are well-known, I've come to respect one of the more intriguing characters that though well-known doesn't seem to be as popular. I'm talking about former attorney Harvey Dent, who after getting acid thrown in his face, turns into the criminal we know as Two-Face.
Probably the one thing that stands out to me is that Two-Face has an interesting modus operandi. Although most villains commit crimes to take over the city, or become filthy rich, or in the case of The Joker just because he can do it, Two-Face wants something else: justice. Now granted he has no problem committing crimes that would be against that, but in the end because he was once an attorney, and wants to see the right thing done. That's part of the split personality disorder he has: one side wants to do good, and the other wants to do bad. But rather than suffer with his two sides arguing against one another, he's found a way to settle it that I think is very creative: a coin toss. With a double-headed coin that he had one side scratched, every decision that involves right or wrong he flips it. Of course, the scarred side means that he'll probably do the wrong thing.
Part of what helps my fancy with this character is that he's a part of my favorite story in the Batman universe: The Long Halloween. The origin of Two-Face is told in this story about a mob family being murdered one by one on holidays on the calendar. The mystery gets deeper, and manages to involve most every major villain that's been a threat to Batman. As for the role of Two-Face, not only do you know where he comes from, but how he operates. And it makes for a great story. In the end, you see both sides of Two-Face in full force.
As for the movies, Two-Face has been portrayed in two of them. In "Batman Forever," he's portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones. Though more of your typical criminal than how he's portrayed in the comics, Jones puts on a great performance in his little speeches about justice, and uses his coin in most every moment there is. A more realistic approach his taken to the version played by Aaron Eckhart in "The Dark Knight." He's given a full origin in the movie (although different from the comics of course), and although his moments as Two-Face aren't as abundant, you get a real feel for why he is who he is. And he still uses the coin.
Harvey Dent/Two-Face is indeed my favorite Batman villain. I hope to read more stories involving just his character, as he seems to have gone from villain to vigilante to hero.......circling between all of these makes his character all the more interesting. I also look to further appreciate this character as I feel he's been well-thought out, even with a simple start in comic books so long ago.
What shall I talk about tomorrow if I get on here? Maybe I'll talk about the television shows I'm looking forward to after the New Year. A lot of my top favorite shows will be starting their newest season, while some will be returning from their break or hiatus from the holidays. Otherwise, Thursday you'll definitely be hearing about the UFC Fight for the Troops event that's on tomorrow night at 9pm on Spike TV. Though featuring some known fighters, nothing high-profile is happening; still, it's MMA, and it's free on TV, and it's an event especially for our troops overseas. It'll be something to watch, no matter how you look at it. Until all this though, you'll have to find your own entertainment while I do the same.......luckily I'm easily entertained.
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