About_Faces!

Okay, who was the big fucking geek who was writing for Days of Our Lives in 2000?

“Just like old times... the ambitious young police captain and the crusading district attorney... we don’t remember the armed guard routine, though.”

“Double Jeopardy,” from The Batman Chronicles #8 (1997). Written by Sholly Fisch, art by Douglas Wheatley and Wade Von Grawbadger, colors by Gloria Vasquez.

“’Who are you?’ That’s the question everyone in Gotham has to ask at this delicate point in time!”

The introduction of Batman: Earth One’s Harvey Dent and Sal Maroni. Written by Geoff Johns, art by Gary Frank and Jonathan Sibal.

The origin of the second Two-Face from Batman #68 (1951) and the revised version from Batman Annual #3 (1962), which changed the cause of his scarring from a malicious act to a random accident. Which do you think makes for a better origin for Two-Face II? Judge for yourself when I post the full 1962 version later today!

As for why they changed the origin eleven years later, the prevailing theory is that the Comics Code--which had come into effect by the Silver Age--wouldn't have allowed acid scarring, but apparently getting your face blown up was A-OK. I also strongly suspect that the sex angle didn't help, what with the implication that Joe's girlfriend may have been having an affair with Sloane.

The first half of "The Return of Two-Face!" from Batman #50 (1948). The internet seems to be uncertain as to the creative team, who may or may not be Bill Finger (likely) and Bob Kane (not bloody likely).

This story is notable for three reasons, the first being that this is technically the first appearance of Harvey Dent, at least in name, presumably because DC wanted to avoid any connection between Harvey Kent and Clark Kent (I don't know if this is true).

As for the other two reasons why this story it notable... well, I'll save those for the second half!

Covers for the original Two-Face saga, the Harvey Kent trilogy, the entirety of which can be read at the link!

In addition to being a rare, complete, multi-part storyline for the Golden Age, it also features the first appearances of Gilda and Boss Moroni (aka Sal Maroni). On top of all that, it's a pretty damn good story on its own merits, and certainly one of the best Two-Face comics ever made, packed with many great moments and ideas which modern writers tend to neglect about the poor guy.

Cover art ostensibly by Bob Kane but more likely really by Jerry Robinson and/or George Roussos. All stories written by Bill Finger.

The debut of Two-Face (whose name was originally Harvey Kent), as well as the first appearances of Gilda Gold and Boss Maroni, originally spelled "Moroni." Also, note the odd coincidence of Harvey's ill-fated plastic surgeon as being one "Dr. Ekhart."

From Detective Comics #66 (1942), written by Bob Kane, art by Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson. 

(Story continued here and here)

--Len Wein and Jim Aparo.

The fateful moment.

Note: inspired by Lego_Joker.

Daydreamin' on the job.

Doomed mob boss Vincent Maroni and Adrian Fields--assistant to the D.A.--discuss what's to be done about the Harvey Dent problem.

--Len Wein & Jim Aparo

In 1977, Two-Face was given an updated origin that brought back "Boss" Maroni/Moroni and introduced a whole new character--Detective Dave "Pretty Boy" Davis--whose presence majorly changed the circumstances surrounding Harvey's origins. Needless to say, the Davis addition was never referenced again, and aside from one 1980 story involving Maroni, this all-new origin has been completely ignored and forgotten.

Incidentally, this was written by DC editor Jack C. Harris, one of the earliest known Two-Face cosplayers. Once again, I am reminded that the only thing that separates role-playing fic-writing fandom and professional comics creators is a paycheck.

--Darwyn Cooke

JIM GORDON and HARVEY DENT in "Double Jeopardy"

An ex-con has vanished after killing a witness to his trial, and Commissioner Gordon needs the help of an old friend to track down the killer. Problem is, the killer is "Boss" Moroni, and the old friend is Harvey Dent.

By Sholly Fisch, Douglas Wheatley, and Wade Von Grawbadger, from Batman Chronicles #8 (1997)

Jim Aparo draws Two-Face's origin from The Untold Legend of The Batman #2, written by Len Wein. What I would give to own this original artwork!