Tightly written and beautifully rendered, Earth 2 Annual #2 pays off in a huge way on every expectation leading up to its release. Even the leak of Thomas Waynes identity could not have ruined what ended up a much more complicated story that resonates in a way we havent seen Batmans story told, and yet it manages to carry just as much weight nonetheless. Old school Justice Society fans may come away irked by one aspect of the story, but for what it brings to the table, I think it provides a plentitude of story possibility down the road. Thank goodness the next issue arrives in a week. I doubt I could contain myself otherwise. Read Full Review

*Note: Strangely, the digital version has a character named Francesco Francavilla while the printed version calls him Frankie Falcone. Read Full Review

Tom Taylor, who also writes Earth 2 on a monthly basis now and video game tie-in Injustice: Gods Among Us, seemingly has a Midas Touch when it comes to writing superhero stories in alternate universes. Robson Rocha's artwork is also very delightful. Believe me when I say that this issue is a must own and an instant Bat classic. Read Full Review

Overall, Earth 2 Annual #2 not only gives you the identity of the new Batman, but also makes you understand his choice. Tom Taylor's writing hits a high note with this issue, which is not surprising given his work with Earth 2 and the Injustice: Gods Among Us series. The art of Robson Rocha and Scott Hanna lends itself beautifully to this tragic tale and their use of colors makes the mood feel even darker at times. Stay Tuned to We The Nerdy for more Earth 2 and everything DC. Read Full Review

The Earth 2 Annual was a very good issue. It gave a wonderful origin story that will no doubt effect where this series goes from now on. Despite the actual reveal being a bit predictable, the way the story was told was brilliant and is what really matters. The art wasn't half bad either. Lucky for the Earth 2 loyalists we won't have to wait long for another issue as the next chapter of Earth 2 hits next week. Read Full Review

Strong artwork and a cathartic story make this one of the more powerful origin stories that I've read in a long time. An unexpected result, along with genuine heartache and sympathy, put this in one of my more favorite Batman origin stories of all time. I strongly recommended you read this even if you're not reading Earth 2. Read Full Review

The long wait is over, and we're given the secrets of the new Batman of Earth 2, and it was satisfying.  In this issue we are given a in depth look at the man behind the cowl, and the darkness, and regret that fuels this Dark Knight.  One thing I wish we could of had though is the stunning artwork of Nicola Scott, but Robson Rocha does a fine job filling in.  So Taylor does it again, and we're one step closer to understanding the world of Earth 2.  Go get your issue, and enjoy this fantastic series. Read Full Review

All in all, Earth-2 Annual is a good ride from start to finish. You might be disappointed by the reveal, but the story is a piece of gem that everyone should praise about. Surely, the battle for Earth-2"s salvation is just beginning. Read Full Review

All creators involved demonstrate a level of quality and attention to detail that is often glossed over in origin stories like these. Comic fans have seen plenty of versions of Batman's origin, but Taylor makes sure that this story is plenty different, and plenty clever. "Earth 2 Annual" #2 establishes Batman's character and place in this world, enabling his main storyline to move ahead. Even those not following the series will find a great example of comic storytelling using an almost-familiar character. Read Full Review

I'm not a connoisseur of Rocha's work; he's never overly impressed me or caused a groan. But here, he manages to do some really expressive work that recalls the 1970s setting without feeling like a cliche " sure, he puts almost everyone in sideburns, but there are worse things than that. Read Full Review

At long last, readers finally have answers to all their questions about the new Batman of Earth-2. This issue hit a few snags along the way and falls a bit short of Taylor's work on the main series. Even so, it sets the stage for some solid drama as Batman's role within the series continues to evolve in 2014. Read Full Review

Solid in conception, but a bit lacking in execution, particularly with the art. At least Taylor succeeds in selling you on the new Batman-2. Read Full Review

Still, it was a paint-by-numbers story. Everything fit into place at the end. No big surprises. No shocks. No shock and awe and nothing really out of the ordinary. The story itself did the job it meant to do, telling a different kind of Batman's different kind of origin. And the artwork by Robson Rocha (possibly the best name in comics this side of Francesco Francavilla) gets the job done too. At time it flourishes and other times it just tells a clean story. Read Full Review

Robinson Rocha handles art duties, and while he’s a competent artist, he’s not Nicola Scott. Her work is singularly unique, and a defining part of Earth 2. Rocha’s style is well suited for comics, but nothing spectacular. The line work is thin, and the faces tend to run together. I did enjoy some of his panel placements, and a few perspectives he took the visuals from, but overall I couldn’t help missing Nicola Scott. The colors from Scott Hanna are okay during the darker aspects of the story, but anything in the daylight comes across blown out. Read Full Review

Tom Taylor writes a story that would fit better on the Crime Syndicate's Earth, trying hard to shock readers by changing the entire nature of Batman's family history. Unfortunately, instead of being gripping, it reads like something Mad Magazine might conjure up if they wanted to mix Batman with Boogie Nights. Read Full Review