Batman Eternal by Various Writers Volume #1

There is A HEFTY AMOUNT OF MULTIPLE STORYLINES for New 52's most ambitious collaborative project yet and I have spent six weeks reviewing all the thirty-two issues that were released so far and doing so was mildly panic-attack-inducing if not downright catalystic for a mental fatigue. In spite of a few of my criticisms in specific issues, I can still claim that this is one of the most exciting things I have ever read in New 52's Batman line-up. Written by a roster of talents such as Tim Seeley, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, and Scott Snyder, with a great range of the industry's most sought-after artists (Mikel Janin, Ian Bertram, Riccardo Burchielli, Guillem March, Emanuel Simeoni, Trevor McCarthy, Andy Clarke, Derek Fridolfs, Dustin Nguyen, Jason Fabok), BATMAN ETERNAL was a weekly released series that examines the Forever Evil story arc's aftermath in Gotham City. I don't think I'm overstating it when I say that everywhere you go Gotham City right now is A COLOSSAL FUCKING MESS OF EPIC PROPORTIONS. Hey, I may even be downplaying it with that insufficient description.

Comprising the first twenty issues of the series, this volume is guaranteed to be bulky in width and twice the fun for anyone who wants to re-read everything that happened in one compact collection. I'm honestly not in the mood to do that at this point because I'm still recovering from what I just witnessed in its thirty-two installments, but I think I'll be up for it some time next year, preferably after this series wraps up for good. I read somewhere that this is intended to run for fifty issues so holy fuck, we're only halfway there. As I said, this was released weekly which probably meant there are two or three new ones since I finished #32 and I don't intend to read them yet because I am frankly trying to get away from this series. That's not to say that Batman Eternal is horrible--far from it! I just can't handle multiple servings every week, most especially when there are certain issues that are inferior than others. I can't specify which ones they are in this review but I will try to discuss the PROS and the CONS of this collected volume, starting from the latter so we can get over with the unpleasantness foremost.

CONS: My number one criticism for the series has always been the fact that there is just too much material to chew and digest easily. It's only accessible if you have immersed yourself well enough in the Bat-mythos, particularly the New 52 line-up of Bat-related titles. You also have to be at least aware of how the current DCU works since its re-launch. You don't really need to read Forever Evil first to get on track for Eternal which is a good thing. Now If you have been following this series weekly then there are enough days to mull over the story in between, but if you have read it as a pile which I have (I began reading by the time there are were twenty-six issues available for consumption) then you may have found yourself getting sick of some things which is what worried me mostly about Eternal once the issues were published in a volume such as this one. The reading experience will be exhausting and slightly grating, so I advise readers who will buy this collection to take your time reading it and not try to finish everything in one sitting because you are only hurting yourself if you do that. This volume is meant to be savored so take as much several breaks as you need if you ever find yourself needing a palette cleanse. I only wished I had the same privilege but I was on a tight self-imposed schedule to post reviews so I had no choice but to binge like a Roman noble.

PROS: The good stuff truly outweigh the bad for Batman Eternal. The roster of writers and artists can always offer something fresh and exciting to the buffet even if a few of the contents from this buffet can be taken or not, depending on the  matter of personal taste and preference. With multiple storylines to follow and watch unfold, the issues can have an unevenness in their foci and scopes. Nevertheless, each new issues promises something better than the last which does tend to happen for this series. One moment I'm nerd-raging the fuck out of some narrative/plot decision, the next I'm applauding the unfortunate yet engrossing series of events that were enough to restore my faith which then helped me to jump head to the next installments. My advise in reading this series is to hold on and keep true. Batman Eternal has tons of great action, drama, character interplay, and mystery; these are fantastic and intriguing tales whose writers and artists worked tirelessly over so that they can be conveyed on the pages of each issue. The collaborative effort of these amazing people, especially the range of various narrative and art styles alone, should be enough to make you want to buy this volume and display it in your bookshelf!

Now I recognize that this is a premature review, considering the copy will only be made available two days from now (November 26) but I surely hope that my review has convinced you to check out this one, if not encourage you to spend some money on it.

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman Eternal by Kyle Higgins issue #32

I couldn't ask for a better way to end my Batman Eternal experience than this issue illustrated by the ever-spectacular Jason Fabok who I maintain draws the best Batman poses and design ever! If I had my way, Fabok should be illustrating everything for Eternal because his illustrations have so much life and detail to them especially whenever his visuals alone can tell a story.

 
Before we get right to it, I just want to say that this will be the last time I'm reading and posting reviews for Eternal for now. I want to wait for ten new issues before I jump back into this since I have other titles (namely The Dark Knight and Batman Incorporated) to focus on as well as two graphic novels that are on my shelf and I have to finish before December ends. Not to mention I'm still reviewing the ongoing updates for Snyder and Tomasi's titles. I don't think I can stretch myself too thin for this series alone so you gotta believe me when I say that typing this very last review for Eternal is like crossing a finish line and winning gold. Look, I enjoyed what this title had offered me in the last five weeks but it's also challenging for me to go on because of the multiple story arcs I had to keep tabs of for this series alone, and a few of them are stuff I couldn't care much about. Still, it has been a wonderful experience that is still going to wait for me next year.

Now I read somewhere that Batman Eternal is contractually going to be composed of FIFTY ISSUES though I can't be certain whether I just misread the source I got that from or if this is really true. If it is then holy fucking Loki, I need to prepare myself for that mental anguish when it comes to writing reviews. It's extra challenging because this comic book is released on a weekly basis so I would accumulate lots of it before I even start reviewing again. Let's cross that bridge next year.

This issue was written by Kyle Higgins (though Sndyer and Tynion are still credited as the constant authors for the entire series) and he massively pulled it off! The trouble with a series with so many multiple arcs is that things have the tendency to get piled up on top of each other that resolutions become impossible to achieve because of so many loose ends to wrap up together neatly. In this issue, we get the opening confrontation between Spoiler and Hush which played out realistically. Steph is not a trained fighter but she can improvise and handle herself well which thankfully lasted until Batman came along to even things out. What follows is one of most engaging fight scenes in Eternal, if not ever, considering it's Hush and Batsy finally getting it all out in the open. I don't even need a dialogue to get into this sequence because Fabok knows how to deliver some action-oriented panels that are cinematic in scope. The next scenes are a nice touch of humanity, with Batwing getting rescued and Alfred having a tearful reunion with his daughter Julia. These were resonant pay-offs for me. I'm sad that I didn't get to see what happened to Corrigan after he was separated from Batwing but I'm just happy that the later is okay after that tremendous shitty ordeal in Arkham he had to put up with for a good six issues or so. Meanwhile, Julia finally realizing that her father is one the bravest and most remarkable men in the world for being Batman's most loyal right-hand is very moving especially after all the flack she gave him back when she didn't know better. I don't mind having Julia around. It'd be nice for Alfred to have his family close by.

And then we head to a new plot threat that was properly introduced unlike a few arcs in the past Eternal issues that simply happened without any acceptable backstory whatsoever, which is what helped this issue to end on a high note. I don't want to spoil any of that here but let me just say that it makes it perfect for me to take a break from this series with this issue as my closer. It holds a lot of promise for a new chapter in Hush's evil scheme to take over Gotham and push Bruce Wayne/Batman out of the way. We get some Jason Bard scenes in here too and I have come to accept that there is always going to be a part of me that hopes he's not an absolute, horrendous villain; that he can be redeemed in the course of the next issues. So there you have it, my last Batman Eternal post for this year. I'm almost regretful that this is where I have to end my Eternal readings. ALMOST.

Next on the shelf for me to review are the revamped Batman Incorporated for New 52 and the first volume of The Dark Knight.

RECOMMENDED: 9/10

Batman Eternal by Ray Fawkes issue #31

Last issue ended in a phenomenal cliffhanger and here was where we tie up the Arkham arc (for good, I hope). Speaking of the previous issue: the minute I saw Bane pounding on that glass door across Alfred as Arkham Asylum was collapsing all around them, there was a part of me that knew he was going to be appearing again in the next issue and voila, the cover says it all! I think the most enjoyable part of this one has to be their bizarre pairing. It's really the only interesting part of the story. However, there are still other great moments in the pages. Like the confrontations between Batman and the inmates who survived the destruction. It was great because he easily disposes of them all the while talking to Julia. That was badass. Unfortunately, their conversation was about the fact that it's only now that they're discovering that Alfred was transferred to Arkham and is therefore caught under the rubble. I started feeling bad for Julia at this point.

As much as the Alfred-Bane team-up was tons of fun, the trouble about this issue was the fact that every situation faced by the characters (especially Batman) seem to be resolved by a matter of convenience or coincidence. Trust me, it's quite grating if you read this issue again for the second time (which I tend to do with Eternal before I compose a review, just to make sure I don't miss out or misinterpret anything). It's okay if we have one or two of these conveniences but this issue has a lot of it that it's impossible to ignore when you do read it the second time. I don't want to detail every one of them but I would cite Batman's set here because they are the ones that really annoyed me. First, while he was fighting the inmates, he just randomly thought, "Oh, I wonder how Alfred is doing.." which was just swell because it enabled him and Julia to check the hospital and see for themselves that he had been abducted. Still, this was something I can overlook.

And then we get this fucking satellite gadget that can scan the entire city and find people for Batman. I have never read about this before and now it's just there, ready to be utilized. Now they're going to use it to locate Hush. Again, maybe I can forgive this timely coincidence. I really don't like that Batman's body of detective work is being ignored for this issue. It's like he can solve everything with muscle and the necessary machine/gadget. I don't like it because it dilutes his skills on deductive reasoning and investigative work. But then again you might not notice or care because it moves the plot along. If that's the case then whatever, let's get to the good parts of the issue then. That's mainly Alfred and Bane working together to get out underground which was pleasantly brisk with a great twist at the end. Julia is also becoming a better, more sympathetic character. She's competent enough to handle all the grunt work for Batman even if she was under a lot of emotional pressure after finding out that what happened to her dad. I like her now which is surprising to me when I look back at how much I loathed her in the earlier issues.

The Spoiler-Hush scene at the end was expected though the journey leading to that destination is questionable at best, seeing as it's yet another matter of convenience. But since I read the next issue right after this one, I was happy to see that it was handled well enough so I'm in a pretty good mood as I'm writing this which is probably why I'm rating this more generously than I would have if its follow-up was shitty. I only have one issue to review for Batman Eternal and I think I'll stop reviewing this series for now, and just wait for another five to ten new ones next month before I jump back to it.

RECOMMENDED: 7/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #30

Now this is weird. As soon as finished reading the previous issue which made feel like I was dead inside (only a few books could ever accomplish that so issue #29 is an achievement on its own in that regard), I actually began to wish that Arkham Asylum will collapse on itself (they bombed Penguin's casino back in the earlier Eternal issues so why not?). I briefly wanted a complete wipe-out for this very fine constitution so that I may never have to read anything about this particular story arc ever again. I wasn't even serious, of course, considering Alfred is trapped inside, held against his will while hallucinating terribly. So when the issue ends with the destruction of Arkham (the whole place literally sank to the ground and created a giant hole in its stead), I slightly panicked. See where dangerous wishful thinking got you, Eka? I wanted Blackfyre and the Joker's Daughter to get obliterated so badly that I forgot to think about possible collateral damage. Alfred is not collateral damage at that!

My favorite thing about this issue had to be the appearance of the Spectre which really surprised me but thrilled me no less. Sure, it's good old-fashioned Deus ex Machina but it was believable enough to work. Besides, it's the goddamn Spectre, fools! I haven't seen the guy in a long time (which mostly has more to do with the fact that I haven't read other comic books besides Batman and Hellblazer this year). So he takes care of Blackfyre, disposes him in the most shameful way possible (again, awesome stuff). Corrigan is finally awake and he and Batwing escape together, hopefully to have a few banters in between which is the only thing delightful about the Arkham arc in the first place. But then a domino effect took place where Blackfyre's death actually causes the entire place to collapse since his powers apparently are keeping it together. So huge rocks fell upon Corrigan while Batwings gets stuck in a tight space, and his suit is running out of energy. Is Corrigan dead? I want to believe he survived that (and he probably had; doesn't he have a spin-off based on this story arc? I can't remember for sure but he better damn live!) I need him and Batwing to be bros. I need that fucking banter to happen again!

I like the build-up leading to the destruction because there are three people I care about who are about to get seriously fucked and it made me feel bad that I wished for something so horrible to happen in the first place because I was such a selfish brat. I was literally making noises (mostly composed of "no, no, no, Alfred...wait, is that Bane? Not Bane, dear god!"

Visually, there is this one-page illustration of debris and piles of rocks which was impressively done by artist Fernando Pasarin. Those three panels look very realistic depictions of what a colossal pile of junk and broken things would look like, and I enjoyed staring at them, trying to figure out what objects I was seeing. I also enjoyed that part with Batwing who started praying the Lord's Prayer which only shows that he has nothing else to turn to now but faith. I had a very strict and formal Catholic upbringing myself and I know the comfort that such prayers can give you especially when they stop being just words you utter and start to serve as a haven you can clung onto as you hope for rescue which was exactly what Batwing is doing now. That was very moving to read.

Overall, this was a better issue (far more superior in every conceivable way) than its predecessor. The pacing and the visuals gave me a heightened sense of urgency. I'm beginning to enjoy this arc now and I probably would continue to do so as long as the Joker's Daughter dies in a gruesome death somewhere along the way. Or at least just stop getting in the way of the story.

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #29

I want to care enough about Batman Eternal's Arkham story arc that I'd still be capable of becoming disappointed by it. The relief comes from the fact that I simply DON'T which then allowed me to read this issue and just chuckle at the silliness of the entire thing as oppose to nerdraging pathetically over things that are beyond my control, let alone comprehension. I can't even fake investment or excitement on this one even though I really like Batwing, though I honestly much prefer him bantering with Corrigan who is currently unconscious here, by the way. I think the reason why the Arkham arc is bugging me is because Blackfyre was not at all a compelling villain and his plans are nonsensical to the point where I think I've forgotten about them at this point. Also, the Joker's Daughter is a toxic pollution that has no credible usefulness to serve in ANYTHING about comic books in general, so I don't understand why I still have to read about her.

This issue featured some action sequences that were gorgeously crafted enough by artist Simon Coleby which could make up for the fact that the substance is strongly lacking and I still don't care because I can't even get through this review without taking a break for five minutes as soon as I go to another sentence. All I know is that I want Batwing to survive this, for Corrigan to wake up, and for the Joker's Daughter to die. Also, there's this weird moment with Batman where he 'deduced' (and I used the term very loosely) that everything that's been going on in Gotham (including the nano-bots which I think nobody would even remember until a character would randomly mention them, and Arkham) is somehow connected with Hush. What the fuck are you smoking, Batsy, and please stop. Even Julia was quick to point out that it was a weird-ass leap. For the world's greatest detective, Batsy sure is making Sherlock Holmes laugh derisively with that unsupported inference of his.

Anyway, there's also this subplot about the Riddler's coded message. Still not enough to make me care. And then the issue just abruptly ends and Julia goes "What is happening?" which sums up my own reaction even before the issue closes. I just wasted fifteen minutes of my life reading this, and all the confusion and of cohesive storytelling felt like I read it even longer than I'm supposed to. But there's a silver lining! The next issue, which is the continuation, was actually an excellent follow-up (with a few meager flaws). Let's get to that. I have nothing more to say about this one anyway.

SORT OF RECOMMENDED: 5/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #28

This issue was illustrated by a female artist named Meghan Hetrick. I don't know her body of work but her contribution for this story was pretty impressive, especially the detail she puts in a character's facial expressions, particularly that of Catwoman. Entitled Letting Go, there is a lot of meat to this issue readers will enjoy feasting on. We have plenty of action where bad people shoot at stuff and Batsy beats up said people (normal superhero fodder), some heartfelt drama (and subtle romance) among characters, an intriguing line said by a supposed chief villain, and a resonant pay-off for a particular character by the end of the pages.

These scenes were held together by Hetrick's animated visuals especially the more dramatic scenes which I believe she was able to capture the intensity and poignancy of. The cover for this issue is Batgirl but she carries only third of the issue's arc. On her side of the story, we finally get the conclusion of her confrontation with Jason Bard in this one, which played out terrifically especially when she realized she couldn't go through executing him after all, thanks to Red Hood and his perfect timing. In my previous reviews, I claimed that I've been shipping BeeGee and Jason Todd but this issue sadly closes whatever remote possibility could occur between them which I'm sure other readers are fine with. I specifically enjoyed Jason Todd in here in  way I haven't before and I think it's because he blatantly stated that he will never be Dick Grayson which I actually find myself applauding him for because he acknowledged it at least and I don't think he meant it to be bitter.

There is a hole that Dick's absence left behind, and Jason isn't likely to fill that nor does he have to. He won't be chummy with Tim on the side; he won't romantically pursue Barbara. That's all Dick, and he's Jason fucking Todd a.k.a Red Hood and he's going somewhere people (Roy and Starfire) actually wanted him as who he is, and not as a version in someone's head he has to live up to. So good for you, Jason. I'm just pouting because my BeeGee-Jason ship crashed before it even sailed. But that's okay. Work and self-respect should always come first for my kickass heroes!

Killer Croc once again smashes his way into the story to save Jade McKillen, but first he has to clean up the scum who abducted her, including the kid's sleazy and opportunistic uncle. He also luckily interrupts Catwoman's public torture and execution and shit gets real fast as gangsters try to kill Croc and fight Catwoman at the same time. It's hard to be the average thug in Gotham these days and Batman's appearance on the scene only escalated the already complicated situation. To make matters worse, Jade get caught up in all of this and she tries her best to free Catwoman from her cuffs, only to be shot at by her uncle from a far. Nobody likes it when children die in a real-life shoot-out, even in a fictional scenario, so this was a pretty moving scene for me, most especially with Killer Croc holding her in his arms like that. This very humane characterization of a supposed sewer monster often gets to me, you know. I think Jade's death was significant not because she was a crucial character, but it's really more of what her death has signified not just to Croc but also to Catwoman. Immediately after that, Selina visits her father, former mob boss Rex Calabrese, and finally decides to accept the mantle of becoming the queen of the underworld. Catwoman is not fucking around anymore. She's not running away this time. Alone but dignified, she's ready to take the reigns and put a stop to any more senseless bloodshed on the streets. I'm very, very eager to see that happen next!

To end this review, I would like to talk about Jason Bard. I have strong feelings towards this character from the start, one that is of fondness and hope--and then he crushed it by revealing himself as an accomplice to Hush's diabolical schemes. And yet I didn't want him to die. I'm glad Babs didn't allow it. However, it's notable that as he was about to fall for his death, his last words were "I'm sorry, Gotham" which leads me to believe that there might be something more to his motivation; that perhaps he isn't just there to be greedy and exploitative for the sake of it--he might have real personal reasons, and perhaps he even cared about Gotham and its people. This really pains me. I just want to completely denounced Jason Bard at this point and yet the writers still give me hope that maybe along the way he can be...redeemed. FUCK THIS! Please don't toy with me!

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #27

This was one hell of an issue! SO MANY THINGS ARE HAPPENING ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER but it was exciting all throughout and, for Batman Eternal, that is indeed new! I usually complain about the way the multiple storylines for this series are often smacked together in a single issue and how this practice can frequently affect the quality of the narrative and pacing itself. There were a few gems along the way that were able to pull it off and that's usually when three story arcs are harmoniously arranged together in an issue to make a compelling singular piece filled with action, suspense and character drama. Appropriately entitled Divided, this issue combines six story arcs. SIX!

The writers made each event relevant and meaningful if not correlated with each other. We have an ensemble cast here of major players and extras and, like a well-oiled production, everyone has a role to play and each contribution was not wasted. Artist Javier Garron has a very peculiar cartoon-y style but his characters' facial expressions and body movements are so diverse and expressive that it served to perfectly complement the tonality of the stories, giving the overall visual look a sense of urgency and risk which also enhanced my investment on everything that was going on. He also provided some interesting panel layout choices and they occupied the pages quite wonderfully. They always look richly detailed and pulpy! Each illustration looked hefty but well-balanced in the smallest of details, particularly with the fight sequences. The transition of scenes did not feel abrupt at all. I understood everything and everything was definitely engrossing! I wouldn't mind him becoming a permanent part of the roster for Eternal.

There are four things that stood out for me the most out of the six. First is, of course, is the overdue confrontation between Batgirl and Jason Bard. Finally, Babs is about to unload all that wrath to a person who is definitely responsible for the clusterfuck her dad got into, and one who should definitely take a beating for it. However, they only had two scenes in the entire issue, further increasing my dread and anticipation for how it will end because...honestly, though Bard smashed my heart with a hammer as mighty as Thor's when he was finally revealed to be a backstabbing whore (agent of Hush), I still like him; or at least the noble, promising young cop he was pretending to be. I want him punished and no better person is qualified and has the right to do it than Barbara Gordon. AND YET I fear for Bard's life still. Anyway, this arc is a cliffhanger and one I most look forward to for the next issue.

The second one that I liked a lot are the Killer Croc scenes. Croc's humane portrayal has earned many sympathy points from me lately especially here where he is looking for the little girl Jade McKillen (WHO IS A RELATIVE OF ERIN'S FROM TOMASI'S B&R STORIES, RIGHT?) whom he considers as one of his people and therefore he will never give up on. He investigates possible leads in the best way he could: by smashing his way through several places, succinctly beating up and asking anyone where Jade was, and heading closer to the location scene after scene. That sounds pretty brutal and tacky but Croc makes it so damn amusing and thrilling to watch unfold. I could feel that he is truly earnest in his quest and that he cares for Jade because he feels that it is his obligation to ensure her safety especially given the widening scope of violence and murder in Gotham.

And then we have Batman and Catwoman apprehending several thugs through synchronizd fight scenes, and then having an honest conversation about family and the state of the city. I'm finally happy with how they're writing Catwoman into the stories for Eternal now. She's still coming to terms about what she has to do to possibly bring order to the city, as requested by her recently revealed biological father from issue #23 (former mob boss royalty Rex Calabrese). I think Batman struck a nerve during that conversation. Of course she feels alone with no one to depend on. That's her deal, but I think this is the first time that it's starting to bother and even scare her. Batsy, you're gonna have to do better if you want to make her feel that she can count on you!

Probably the most comical scene of the issue, the last scene sequence with Batman in his mobile while speaking to and Julia Pennyworth about some pertinent information, and the appearance of Eduardo Flamingo...to kill Stephanie Brown since she has a bounty in her head now and he's there to collect...if not also eat her face because he totes loves doing that messed-up shit! This villain, of course, was introduced in Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin run in the old continuity (which I fortunately read last month before I got started with Eternal). It was said that Flamingo was just an ordinary man whose brain was surgically operated on so he'll be biologically incapable of feeling things which is what makes him such an efficient hired killer to begin with. Personally, I buy that he's been lobotomized beyond repair because only such an inhumane operation would justify how he was able to parade around IN GODDAMN PINK, unabashed and without a single care. This was a comedic scene, make no mistake, especially with how Batsy took care of him. Stephanie was also able to leave him a note which specified an information that could be useful for Batman (Steph revealed that a hashtag called #battracker is in place online which allows people to archive his appearances and random sightings in Gotham and may even predict where he goes next). I can't wait for Batsy and Steph to meet in person soon enough. In the meantime she's still on the run, and Batman has other pressing concerns to get back to.

Overall, a badass issue! Not a dull moment in between!

RECOMMENDED: 9/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #26

This was a polarizing issue for me. On one hand I enjoyed the small moments of interactions among the Bat-family and even with Julia who is becoming a rather likable supporting character at this point. On the other, the re-imagining of Tommy Elliot/Hush's origin alienated me even more from the character. I honestly preferred his old origin because it was still horrific and yet convincingly rendered than this new one. I thought his old origin captured that he's a monster not because he's as crazy as the Joker but mostly because he's a heartless opportunist who cared for no one and only wanted to satiate his greed for power and money. Here he is actually a cuckoo and his obsession with Bruce is like a second-rated version of the Joker's. It's unsettling and not even in the remotely interesting sort of way.

Guerra's art style is beginning to look better than the last issue.  It's still going to take me a while to grow fond of it, though...though I hope I'm getting there. His characters' facial work is more nuanced and expressive and I liked the looming shadings for his depiction of the conversation in the bat-cave with Bruce and his kids. A different artist (Juan Ferreyra) worked for the flashback sequence for the Hush's origin story and it resembled Guerra's own style so the transition between the scenes flowed smoothly enough. The content, as I've stated above, did not please me though. I cannot stress enough how much I disliked this change in Hush's motivation for wanting Bruce/Batman dead. Good thing there were very strong character interactions that did appeal to me and so consequently allowed me to rate this issue with a solid six.

Tim opening yet another discussion concerning the Joker almost destroying their family the last time, and that they shouldn't let it get in the way of working together and helping each other again, was a balm on Bruce's open wounds. Jason and Barbara agrees and concedes readily enough so the three of them can start assisting Bruce in putting a stop on Hush's plans. Oh, how fast and brave the children have grown up to be. Julia has made a point to remark that Bruce has a wonderful family and it was a sincere compliment from a stranger who has no idea how much fire and brimstone it took for all of them to get to the same place of cooperation and respect again.

I've expressed before that I was irritated with Julia Pennyworth because of the way she belittled her father just because he chose a life of servitude by becoming Bruce Wayne's butler. I found her generally cross, conceited and ungrateful. However, since issue #21 where her father was attacked and she subsequently found out about he bat-cave and what Alfred and Bruce are doing, she has changed her perspective at last and I was slowly softening up to her as well. This issue provided me some great moments between Batman and Julia as they stood together inside Alfred's room at the hospital. Batman opened up to her by telling her the story of his childhood friend-turned-sworn-enemy Thomas Elliot, otherwise known as Hush. Julia also allowed herself to step into her father's shoes readily not just in handling the technical commands for the bat-cave but also by saying comforting words to Batman so he could go on and do the right thing. I very much went "awwww" during that scene. It was refreshing because I really loathed Julia easily when she first appeared in the previous issues but now I'm convinced she will make a great temporary replacement for Alfred while he's recuperating. Speaking of Alfred....WHY? Why put him through more hell, writers? WHY?!

The ending cliffhanger made me want to puke on someone's face and then punch it. Said face belongs to the Joker's Daughter who is still the most criminally loathsome character in New 52 right now. Can we please, please kill her once the series is over? Does she even have a fanbase? Should we even bother incorporating her in the stories? The answer is a RESOUNDING NO.

RECOMMENDED: 6/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder & Tynion issue #25

I love character-driven stories in comics. I'm still a girl after all, and prone to crying over my favorite characters when they get hurt, die or angst away in the pages; while also having my ovaries melted every now and then when there are shippy interactions. James Tynion IV provided me with the latter and this was an issue that's mostly character-driven with great dialogue in between. While reading, I was engrossed about everything but upon further reflection as soon I finished, I realized that this wasn't a strong story, plot-wise.

Let me just say once and for all that I am totally on board with Barbara Gordon/Jason Todd because I'm a girl that way, and I can appreciate a romantic subplot in my comics as long as it's not done cheaply and can even increase the dramatic tension in the plot. Bee Gee and Jason had the most adorable moments before when they partnered up to gather evidence to free Jimmy Gordon from imprisonment.

This issue picks up from their surprising bonding moment in those previous issues where Barbara is obviously avoiding Jason, most probably because she was starting to feel that their dynamics have slightly changed ever since their Brazil trip. There's also a Tim/Harper emerging which is something I don't really care much for. At first I thought they had enough spark for some enjoyable interactions but there have been minimal moments to indulge on that so their appearance for this issue was jarring. Sure, they have physical tension but I don't see Harper fawning over a boy even if he is a costumed hero. So any expectation for a 'romance' to bud between them would be uncomfortable for me. It's different with Babs and Jason, though. There's heat and affection between them the last time and I can't pretend and deny that I don't want to see where else that could go.

There is a fan service scene too between Jason and Tim where they were all chummy and teasing each other about girls--it was just weird. Jason was never friends with any of the Robins let alone Tim. Moments like this only work when Dick is a part of it because he's usually the big brother who can diffuse the tension among his surrogate sibs with his usual charm and warmth. On that note: God, I miss Dick. I keep thinking about how he would have helped the situation with Batsy and Barbara if only he was around.

Speaking of Barbara: why is she acting like she was the one who is mainly suffering from all the bad stuff happening to her father? Can't she just pull it the fuck together and talk to him like a caring daughter as oppose to berate him with her own bitter feelings about his imprisonment? It's like she's the one who was accused of the train massacre and is behind bars, caught up in a turf war between Penguin and Falcone loyalists. I am still disliking the New 52 Batgirl especially here in Eternal because a lot of her rage is misplaced. She acts like she's entitled to her anger which meant she's also completing ignoring the fact that it's her father who needs the consolation and listen to her bullshit drama. Srsly, Bee Gee, what Jim needs right now is you and not Batgirl.

We get a Batman/Hush confrontation later on at the last pages which was okay enough. I never really liked Hush because I simply didn't think he was that interesting so I couldn't pay him that much attention to. I would even admit that it's a tad disappointing that he was the one in the shadows pulling all the major strings. I just think his character is overhyped. Now I think it's about time I discuss the revelation in issue #21 that made me stop reading this series for five weeks. After all, Batman now knows about it so there's no point in playing coy and not discussing it here in this review and my next ones. Anyway, Bard, the young hotshot commissioner who was definitely like a young James Gordon and who helped Batsy in a lot of ways by containing the Penguin-Falcone mob war--is a TURNCOAT who works for Hush all this time. It broke my heart because I was beginning to fall for him. I could feel that Batman felt very betrayed indeed upon discovering this.

R.M Guerra illustrates this issue and the next one and I don't really like his art style, if I'm to be honest. It was too much of a rough sketch and not enough detail. It looks awkward in many places too, particularly the way he draws character bodies and variations. Visually, it just didn't appeal to me but the choice of colors helped though.

RECOMMENDED: 6/10

Batman Eternal by Ray Fawkes issue #24

Stephanie Brown's character arc for this series was largely happening in the background. Since there are multiple subplots happening across Gotham (and sometimes occurring even out of the US), the issues for Eternal often become haphazard every time the writers would try to squeeze two or three arcs in one issue for the sake of dropping 'updates' as oppose to simply allowing each arc to  flourish by dedicating an acceptable amount of page time so the readers can really get into the story and understand the role it plays in the grander scheme of things.

This issue The Spoiler has fortunately learned from that mistake and with a refreshingly well-paced Ray Fawkes script illustrated by Andy Clarke's energetic and dynamic style, this was certainly one of the most fun installments for the later part of the series.

I wasn't a Stephanie Brown fan before but I don't have any cause to dislike her either. I also thought she had been enjoyable in her appearances for this series no matter how minimal they have been. Of all the subplots in Eternal hers is the one I actually look forward to because of how fucked up her situation is. See, basically, Stephanie was just your average girl who was coming home one night to her father's place because she forgot some stuff, only to stumble upon said parent in a supervillain costume and who vainly calls himself the Cluemaster. Since then she had to run away for her life because her father's associates most definitely want her dead and her dad did not oppose it--he wants to kill her too. There was no love lost between these family members at all and it such a sad thing and of course traumatic to find out that your own parent approves your murder.

 Understandably fearful of getting slain but still a clever girl, Stephanie decided to live inside the her school's library and busied herself researching about her father's secret life and exposing his deeds on online message boards.

Finally, Stephanie found the strength and common sense to refuse to be hunted down so she put on a kick-ass costume and started calling herself the Spoiler (genius!) and then proceeded stalking her own prey which is no other than daddy dearest. She feels responsible to take down this monster after all. The issue opens with a conversation between the Cluemaster and Hush while Stephanie lurks above, recording the entire thing in her phone. We also get updates on the work his other villain associates have done so far, showing readers that Hush had been plotting for an excruciating amount of time and using capable manpower and resources to turn Gotham City upside down before he even stepped inside it.

Afterwards we were treated to a flashback sequence that showed that even as a child Stephanie has a natural acrobatic talent (and an asshole father who focused on scolding her, calling her an idiot, when she landed badly on the pavement, as oppose to taking her into his arms to comfort her--even then it was obvious that he cared little for her). What follows next is an exciting confrontation that played out in a breathtakingly cinematic way, thanks mainly to Andy Clarke's lively, vibrant and spectacularly detailed depiction of this climactic chase on the road where Stephanie tries to outbike the Cluemaster as he almost catches up to her. I was so absorbed with these pages because I was literally gunning for Stephanie to get away (she's been through some tough shit an she's impressively soldiering on. I want her to survive, naturally. She needs to get to Batman and warn him about and her escape was a happy accident which was realistic enough if not downright embarrassing for her father, being duped like that.

The wrap-up was a hoot and I found myself liking Stephanie Brown so much than I initially expected. It was a great thing that this issue's focus was all on Stephanie and it gave me an opportunity to root for a heroine who at this point I am excited to see her become a part of the Bat-family soon enough which we all know is happening, right?

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder & Tynion issue #23

Sometimes it's getting very easy for me to forget that Selina Kyle, Catwoman, is one of my all-time favorite female comic book characters and that's basically because New 52 hasn't been exactly doing a good job reminding me of that either. This issue was not really the first time she was featured in Eternal but it was definitely the first one where I actually cared. If you did not skip the preview issue #28 in Snyder's Batman run during Zero Year, then reading this issue will not come as a shock to you but rather a satisfactory one that has finally confirmed and explained as to why the flash-forward in #28 came to being.

HEFTY SPOILERS GALORE!!!!

I'm just gonna go ahead and spoil it now because it's the most important revelation that happens for this issue. In the preview #28 one, we see Batman and Bluebird in the future events for Eternal talking to the newest mob boss for Gotham City and it's no other than Selina Kyle herself. I remember reading that and feeling weird about it yet still equally intrigued. I think it was why I wanted to read the series in the first place (and somehow I forgot that it was due to an overload of other Bat-titles to accomplish reading in between).

This issue was heavily Catwoman-centered and there is so much warmth and humor in her characterization and in the general narrative itself. It's very personal in delivery and artist Dustin Nguyen captured every emotion that Selina has gone through in these pages which was A LOT. The transition with the other subplots (which I hardly even noticed because I was so focused on Selina) was smooth, and everything about the issue itself is an engaging dialogue between an estranged father and daughter. I haven't exactly put it together seamlessly but when it was finally revealed that Selina's long-lost father is no other than former mob-royalty Rex "The Lion" Calabrese, it wasn't nearly as shocking because I did have an inkling of suspicion but ignored it anyway. It was also set up quite convincingly since we got that scene issues before when Selina was reading a letter penned by her father, and then a few issues later Calabrese himself stepped out from the shadows to help Gordon prevent a strife from escalating inside Blackgate prison among Penguin and Falcone loyalists. The clues were laid subtly enough. 

The emotional element of this issue was written with such finesse and a great understanding of what makes the relationship between characters like Selina and Rex a difficult one and something a reader could feel invested in because it also matters plot-wise. In this issue, Rex seeks out Selina not just to reconcile with her for abandoning her years ago as a child. He seeks her out so he can also impart a strategic proposal, which was for Selina to take over as the new mob boss and put the territorial wars to an end once and for all by reuniting the criminal underworld under her rule. He claimed that it was in her blood, that she's intelligent, capable and brave enough to have a prominent leadership role. What struck me about Rex's proposal is that there was a sincerity to it and it truly does feel that he's speaking more as a parent than a crime boss. He recognizes Selina's potential and believes she can make a difference. Sure, we're still talking about two criminals here so their career choices are not exactly the noblest but the way Rex speaks about his legacy and how Selina can acquire the same greatness did move me deeply. It also holds so much weight once you contextualize this with all the fuckery and chaos Gotham City has been undergoing since Eternal began.

It's easy to forget that there can still be hope from all this blood and commotion and this conversation between Rex and Selina showed that it's possible for Gotham to have a fighting chance; and maybe one of those possibilities will include Selina Kyle embracing her new role and responsibility in all of this. She is a woman of many skills but had wasted her life short-changing herself in order to just get by. She is someone who Batman himself saw a capacity for goodness and strength in. So why not Selina Kyle as the new mob boss? Apparently, the writers agree that this would be a spectacular thing to explore seeing as they already revealed it in their preview installment months ago. Now her ascension to that throne is one of the things we can look forward to.

RECOMMENED: 8/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder & Tynion issue #22

Two weeks ago, I stopped reading Batman Eternal because it was hurting me too much. I managed to reach twenty-one issues--four issues a day--when I decided to resume reading the rest of Detective Comics first which I finally finished yesterday. Now I'm ready to subject myself to this series and I hope to accomplish posting the reviews by the end of the weekend. Next week I'll solely focus on the pending three graphic novels on my comics shelf. So after me typing and you reading all that tedious announcement you probably don't care about, let me jump right into the actual review.

Eternal's greatest strength lies in its ability to focus on three events happening to different sets of characters and finding a way to emerge them into one cohesive arc by the end of an issue. Meanwhile, installment features only one major event and a minor revelation at the end featuring a character (WHO STILL MAKES ME ANGRY). But it worked so well because the build-up picked up page after page until we get a very climactic and engaging action sequence between Batman and the Architect. I happened to buy Gates of Gotham last week and it was brought to my attention by someone that the Architect was actually the main adversary in that graphic novel which was timely enough for me since I've read him first here and I'm now looking forward to encountering him again in said GN next time. Snyder has co-written that story with Kyle Higgins so it's no coincidence that this was his script, seeing as the Architect is his character.

Jorge Lucas illustrated this issue with such energetic panels for the ones with tons of action and movement, while painting the scenes featuring Wayne manor with mute and somber tones that manage to come alive in spite it. I think my enjoyment for this one was helped by the two-week break because now I have a fresh set of eyes while reading this series again and I'd like to believe I have gotten used to the formula, both good and bad, that Eternal operates with. That said, I still recognize that this an excellent issue due to its own merit and not just because my sabbatical has allowed me to cleanse my palette sufficiently. Now I'm not entirely sure how much I can spoil here because the Architect wasn't the only one who made a homecoming appearance for this issue but I suppose I can get away with it as long as I don't mention his connection with another character (WHO STILL MAKES ME ANGRY). Anyway, there's no reason to keep it a secret and to fuss over it.

It's Hush, Bruce's childhood friend turned villain, Thomas Elliot. He was also the one who attacked Alfred at Wayne Manor in the previous issue. Anyway, he's here and he's working with the Architect and they both have it out for Batman. This is actually a formidable pairing I'm convinced can wreak enough havoc--and they did.

As enjoyable as the action was, this is heavily plot-driven and there are no discernible character developments unless you count what happens at the end with a character WHO STILL MAKES ME ANGRY. It's still a great installment, though.

You know what, I think that after this series wraps up, Gothamites should be sold merchandise (mugs, shirts, arm bands) with the words that say "I survived Batman Eternal" because jesus fuck the city is in utter chaos in every corner and any ordinary citizen who hasn't packed their bags and left this hellhole and is able to survive all the random commotion via mob crimes, murderous villains, killer nano-bots and paranormal forces deserves to have a medal to show for it or something.

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #21

FUCK. In the name of all that is holy and Loki, WHAT THE FUCK? Just...why? Seriously, WHY? I don't understand...why, why, WHY the fuck would you do this to ME, Batman Eternal? This is...unreal. Just fucking unreal, man. I'm not ready to accept that truth. It's NOT TRUE! It doesn't make sense. Has it been the plan all along, writers? ANSWER ME, Snyder and Tynion and the rest of the staff! But why would you make me care so much? And I CARED A LOT. I may even have fallen in love a little bit...AND THEN YOU BROKE MY HEART. WHY?

If that was the goal all along then congratulations. Color me enraged and disappointed and depressed. Ironically enough and despite my utter dismay and despair expressed above, this has to be one of the phenomenal issues of the series so far, tonality and presentation-wise, and it's almost in the same league as issues 12-14. Jason Fabok returns to illustrate this issue and it couldn't have been more perfect to have his pulpy illustrations occupy the pages. This story is just the set-up for the upcoming painful punchline for the next issue, sure, but it did a wonderfully sadistic job of revealing who are the true villains of this sick, twisted game whose ultimate goal is something NO ONE can fanthom as of yet. Falcone turns out to be just another pawn after all. Issue #10 (which was a fucking horrible mess) gave us a tasty piece of foreshadowing which I completely forgot until now.

AND NOW IT'S HERE. And I want to wish it all away..

I'm sorry but I think I've had enough of Batman Eternal for this week. I've been reading four issues a night and posting reviews of them the very next day. Now here I am at the 21st issue, and I think I need to take a well-deserved break from this series and continue with Tony S. Daniel's volume 2 of Detective Comics and anyone who follows my reviews knows HOW MUCH I HATE THAT PARTICULAR BAT-TITLE and yet I'm choosing to read that tomorrow instead. I'm not rage-quitting Eternal, okay? I still want to find out more about this shift in the story ESPECIALLY NOW AND AFTER ALL THE HEARTBREAK AND BETRAYAL THAT THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE REVEALED, FUCK! But it's just too much for me. I need to balance out the stress this series has put me through. Now Daniel's Detective Comics is not exactly a title that would appease me either, I'm well aware of that, which is why I'm also going to be reading more of the classical novel Jane Eyre alongside it (which I have started reading way before I picked up Eternal in the first place). I just...NEED TO GET AWAY FROM ALL OF THIS. I'm also avoiding the next issues for Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin because Tomasi has yet to give me back my Damian Wayne in New 52 continuity so...I HAVE SO MUCH AVOIDANCE ISSUES RIGHT NOW I CANNOT COPE.

Look, just...take my word for it. This series is getting better even if there are complete duds in between the great issues. But I need to cleanse my Bat-palette now, and I can't think of any other issue to temporarily end with than this one. I'm now going to reveal the earth-shattering moment in this issue that almost made me feel like I was going to have a panic attack, Just move your cursor on the vacant space that follows this sentence while holding down the right button of your mouse to highlight the hidden spoiler: (JASON BARD IS A TURN COAT! We saw how Jim Gordon and Batman eventually learned to trust him. His actions have been nothing but heroic so far. Jason Bard was the only one who stood up against the corruption in GCPD. He had even saved Gotham from a gang war with the help of Vicki Vale. He was characterized as a younger and more resilient version of Jimmy and the best candidate to take his mantle as the brand new commissioner. Everything about him paralleled Jim Gordon and it was moving and splendid to watch this character evolve and become a new friend and ally to Batman. Jason Bard was beguiling, fiercely loyal and morally upright--AND IT WAS ALL FOR SHOW! He was actually working with whoever was behind the scenes, pulling the strings all along! All that character development for nothing! All the emotional investment I allotted for him obliterated with that single revelation THAT NONE OF US SAW COMING). Anyway, I made up my mind. My next post in this blog will be for the episode six review of GOTHAM. I might post something for Snyder's Batman (issues #34 and/or #35) but don't count on it. I'm just...in a very fragile place. Please don't judge. Allow me to recuperate. I'll come back stronger next time.

RECOMMENDED: 9/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #20

This was the conclusion issue for Tim Steely's script divided into three events among Batgirl, Red Hood and Batwoman in Brazil; Batman, Bard and Killer Croc in the sewers; and Gordon, the warden and the guards of Blackgate trying to resolve a prison riot between Falcone and Penguin loyalists. Strangely enough, the first two issues of this three-part arc have been more superior and stellar in scope than this actual pay-off. Don't get me wrong. I still think that this one did a great job wrapping up each story neatly with resolutions that made sense--but something about the entire delivery feels weirdly unsatisfying for me. Maybe my expectations were just too high to appease. In any case, we get another fabulous cover by Alex Garner, and Emanuel Simeoni as the artist provided the rest of the art again and his use of dark shading in some edges and panels work really well for the characters and the settings involved. I personally enjoyed his illustrations in the forest. It was lush and foreboding to look at all at once.

I don't feel like going into the resolutions themselves for each story because I quite honestly didn't feel like there was any monumental significance to them. Sure, I can count the mission is Brazil to be a success and therefore a valid win since the Bat-team was able to uncover a sufficient amount of evidence to exonerate Gordon from the manslaughter charges. We also get yet another cutesy moment between Batgirl and Red Hood. Barbara is surprisingly softer now which is great because I wasn't really a big fan of the hothead mode she was in since Eternal started, but I was also suspicious of her sudden fondness for Jason, at least with the way she was physical about it. Hell, she just looks perfectly comfortable hugging him for the second time in the panel below. It's really cute.

I didn't know they were ever chummy. Not that I have a reason to complain. Like I said in my other review, I thought they're quite amazing together and I wouldn't mind if somebody in the writing staff decided that BG and Red Hood should have more scenes together, and possibly have their relationship develop and deepen into something that's more than just 'passing work buddies'. Am I hinting hard enough for a romantic angle or what? Well, excuse me! But just look at them and tell me that you don't see a potential for something more!

There is a significant revelation in the Gordon-Blackgate scenes. However, if you paid close attention to the events from issues 12-14 before, then this wouldn't be an unexpected twist, really. It turns out that Gordon's cellmate, the old man called "Leo" is no other than former mob boss Rex Calabrese, also known as The Lion. It's...there in the name, for Loki's sake! Anyway, that's still a great revelation in itself. Gordon Die-Hard-ing his scenes was sort of amusing to read too. The storyline for Batsy, Bard and Croc was probably the most underwhelming. The conflict with Ten-Eyes was resolved fairly quickly. Bard's sudden arrest of Killer Croc was great though because it once again shows Bard's code as a law enforcer and how he does not hesitate to implement it if he knows that an injustice has happened, but Croc managed to evade capture and Batman---well, he kinnda just stood there and watched Bard and Croc have at it...or not have at it. I don't know, Croc just got away and Bard didn't even get to shoot him. Batman didn't feel like he had to interfere either. That sequence felt weird to me.

The issue ends with an update of Stephanie Brown's whereabouts. It looks like her own story arc is about to move forward and have its overdue spotlight in the later issues. Speaking of story arcs, I failed to mention that we get a Red Robin/Harper Row/Professor Milo update in the previous issue too but that's only because it was so forgettable that I didn't feel I should bother. Hopefully when they make another cameo of that arc, something finally happens than just characters standing around, talking.

RECOMMENDED: 7/10

 

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #19

I've pointed out several times since the fourth issue that I've been having problems with Batgirl's characterization. I just can't accept that Barbara Gordon could be so aggressive and angry which for me are qualities that are antithesis of who I thought she was as a person and a heroine. Sure, we can justify all these strong, violent emotions as a by-product of her father getting wrongfully accused of a crime he didn't commit. But that may only be the catalyst. Thinking more about it now, I think Barbara's constant state of rage actually goes deeper.

Since the New 52 started, she had a lot on her plate from the get-go. The Joker had paralyzed her when he attacked her in her own home, and then he came back years later to kill her. Her brother James Jr. is a psychopath who sold her out to the Joker and had tormented her every chance he got. One of the few men she trusted, Bruce Wayne, withheld certain truths from her and her fellow masked fighters which then fractured their relationship and loyalty to him. And then Damian Wayne died and when she tried to be there for Bruce, he just pushed her away even more. But it didn't stop there. Dick Grayson, a brother-in-arms (and someone she had always connected with the most of all the Robins) had just died. And now her father stands accused and condemned by the very city he loved and protected for decades.

If you contextualized all of these events then Batgirl's volatile state of mind at this point is understandable. Smart, collected and logical as she may be, having to face such deadly encounters with evil men and loved ones who betrayed her would weigh down anyone. Fortunately, this is still Barbara we're talking about and she's still finding productive ways to cope with her anger and grief. Her story arc for Eternal hasn't always been stellar to read but the previous issue and now this one were more than enough to make up for the slow build-up especially since we get a confrontation between her and Jason Todd that was worth waiting for. It will surprise us readers to realize that this issue was more about Red Hood than Batgirl and I was actually pretty happy about it because I'm one of those fans who had a conflicted relationship with Jason most especially in light of the way writers and readers alike keep comparing him to Dick Grayson--and how much he falls short of the original Boy Wonder. Jason's death was quite significant too and his comeback even electrified his highly unpredictable character even more. I can't say I will continue to like Jason after this but I will say that I do find him strangely endearing--and this story has helped me understand why that is.

Before we get back to these two crazy kids, let's talk about the other stuff that happened in this issue. This is a continuation of the three events that happened in the last one with Batgirl, Red Hood and Batwoman in Brazil, Batman, Bard and Killer Croc in the sewers and Gordon in Blackgate. What I love about all these scenes is that the characters are all making action-oriented decisions. In Brazil, Batgirl and Red Hood are locked down in a fight where Batgirl was hypnotized to believe he is the Joker whilst Batwoman busied herself in catching Falsario, a villain who fancies himself as a puppeteer. In the sewers, Bats, Bard and Croc work together unravelling the mysterious abductions of the people Croc has been sheltering (the vagrants and the homeless who considered Croc as their only ally and friend against a city that wishes to be rid of them), and their scenes were enjoyable because of how they actually take time to explain things among themselves and therefore to the readers about what dangers they are facing exactly and what's the bes line of defense. Meanwhile, a prison riot breaks out in Blackgate where two factions of the Falcone and Penguin followers attack each other, and now they seem determined to free their bosses from solitary confinement. True to form, Gordon springs to action and tries to delay them from their goal. So this issue was such a gem to read because everyone is doing something that serves the plot and keeps it moving forward. These three stories were all allowed with an equal amount of pages to evolve which is saying something because that's been one of Eternal's primary failings. I applaud Snyder and Tynion (with Tim Seely writing this one's script) for not making that mistake again. I can only hope they can continue telling stories with such deftness and great sense of direction while zeroing in with character developments along the way.

The cover artist since the last issue was the wonderful Alex Garner. His illustrations should be turned into posters and I would definitely buy them and hang them on my walls. Emanuel Simeoni is the artist for the story itself and I liked the effect of blood spatter in the panels where we see Batgirl hallucinating since they serve to contrast what is real and what is not for the readers. His attention to detail is remarkable as well particularly his choices of panel layout which turn the action sequences (such as the Batgirl-Red Hood fights) into something vibrant and engrossing. 

Now let's go back to Batgirl and Red Hood. I just LOVED the fact that Jason showed some kind of vulnerability here which then touched Batgirl and made her finally stop raging like a bull to acknowledge that someone still cares about her. The page below was particularly touching (and I'm not ashamed to say that I started shipping them in that moment). His petname "BEE GEE" for her should spread like wildfire, by the way! It's sooo cute! It's impressive that Jason's fondest memory of Barbara also includes a demeaning exchange where Barbara actually made a cruel comment about Jason never being able to replace Dick Grayson (a rather timely memory to unearth in that precise moment too during their fight; it makes one think of what Dick would have done if he was still alive and it was up to him to stop Barbara from being eaten away by her rage). And perhaps it doesn't matter what Dick would have done because Jason was the one who saved Barbara from herself and NO ONE SHOULD BELITTLE THAT OR TAKE THAT AWAY FROM JASON TODD. That's why I enjoyed that tiny family moment they had below:

Overall another marvelous issue, especially since it ended with Batman, Croc and Bard about to confront the evil forces hiding in the city's underground sewers. Let's go ahead and shift gears, Eternal, and let's make it rock!

RECOMMENDED: 9/10

Batman Eternal by Snyder and Tynion issue #18

In the last week since I started reading Batman Eternal with a diligence that demands patience and faith, I find that what's probably the most uplifting thing about this series so far is whenever I can finish an issue from its run, sigh contentedly and say, "Now that was a great story" which only happened six times out of seventeen issues. Luckily for me, this would be the seventh time now.

A Night on Earth had a seamless transition among the three events that happened in it. This isn't the first time Eternal employed a three-prong approach in narrative. When done superbly, we get an issue like the third one which remains as one of the strongest issues in the run; and if delivered too simplistic with no forward motion in the plot arcs themselves, we get an recent issue like the last three before this. A Night on Earth closely follows the former but with less gripping action and sequence than issue #3 which worked to its advantage. As I've stated many times, a sprawling saga of a comic book series like Eternal will always benefit more when character interactions within are meaningful, which would the  sustain the readers' emotional investment on what happens to these people as we move decidedly forward with plot progression as oppose to just getting stuck rehashing the same formula that not only becomes anticlimactic but also leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

This issue focused on Gotham City with Batman and Bard teaming up to investigate a case of missing people, only to find themselves navigating the sewers to pursue the lead, as well as an unlikely ally in the Killer Croc who was thankfully portrayed less harsher and more humane in this story. Still in Gotham, we also get the rising tension between Falcone and Penguin in Blackgate where both former crime bosses are residing (who decided this, seriously? It's not the smartest move ever but with Arkham Asylum overrun by Deacon Blackfire, there really is no other option is there?) and these two would probably continue fighting their turf war within this prison instead. In the middle of this development is Jim Gordon, still serving for his crime (the train massacre) and he may be the only one who can interfere before an all-out bloodshed happens behind bars.

Across another country, Batgirl, Batwoman and Red Hood encounter a child slavery organization and are of course more than determined and able to put a stop to it. We get a great interplay among these three, with Barbara and Jason totally having a not-so-subtle sibling rivalry that makes it awkward for an outsider like Batwoman but she was willing to step in to keep things from getting more abrasive between the kids. The last few pages had Jason Todd making a speech to Batwoman about Batgirl's ferocity and dedication and the reason why she's on a different level from the rest of them. Unlike Jason, Dick and especially Bruce, Barbara is not fighting as a masked crusader for some trauma or injustice done to her (which I thought was a significant detail in itself when you think about what she had been through; the girl is no stranger to trauma and injustice). But Red Hood asserts that this is not the primary motivation to why Barbara fights: she fights because she has someone she loves who is counting on her and that's no other than her dad. She fights for the living and not for some ideal. I thought that was an impressive piece of self-reflection for Jason, and also speaks of his respect for her as a fellow crime-fighter. Jason's speech also cuts into panels that show Batman and Gordon which gave the entire sequence a cinematic feel to it, montage-wise.

But Jason was not the only one who gets personal contemplative dialogues like this one. Killer Croc gets to express his rage and frustration for being pegged as a heartless, cannibal monster, and Gordon allows himself to believe that there is some hope for him to change things. To balance out the grimness of the story, we get some humor in the interactions too. The tension and budding working relationship with Batman and Bard is becoming a favorite of mine; it's great to see Batsy learning to trust someone again aside from Gordon to help him battle the crimes and evils of the city. No one is a perfect candidate than Bard. I'm also happy that we explore the humanity of Weyland Jones in Killer Croc. There's just something about humanized monsters that gets to me.

The issue also ends with a brilliant cliffhanger with Batgirl, Red Hood and Batwoman. I can then totally chalk up A Night on Earth as a sort of rising action to the climactic thing that's about to transpire in the next issue. With that, it definitely served its purpose, providing us with savory pacing and character interactions with heart and a lot of weight to them. I'm getting excited again..

RECOMMENDED: 8/10