The Good
Last issue gave us a huge shakeup in terms of the architecture and stakes of Gotham as Arkham was obliterated by a supernatural energy, taking its denizens with it (though not all to their deaths). Unfortunately that included everyone’s favorite butler (fun fact: he’s actually a valet) who finds himself with the unlikely rescuer of Bane. The two decide to make an alliance of convenience to get out alive as we see cracks actually begin to appear both in Batman and his new contact in the cave Julia over the state of the missing manservant. We also get updates on Spoiler and the GCPD’s handling of the whole Arkham break-out. This is a surprisingly focused issue in terms of how many of the disparate storylines are focused on, it really only is two and one’s only a few pages. Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV’s overall story seems like it’s proceeding apace, and things are holding together with remarkable clarity, all things considered and a huge part of that is the script by Ray Fawkes not only telling an intriguing story, but making all the characters compelling above all else. Alfred and Bane’s dialog is one of those things that you didn’t realize you wanted until you got it, particularly with Bane’s grudging respect for the elderly ex-military veteran. Another reason this title works so well has to be Tim Seeley and Kyle Higgins keeping an eye on all sectors. It’s impressive to see this many writers able to work on a single title without tripping over one another, but they clearly have a system that works.
Another highlight of this book is watching Batman dealing with as many convicts as he can all at once in the issue’s central battle and, of course, we can thank Fernando Pasarin for a large part of what makes all that blocking look so good. Bats never does that thing where he “teleports” around the field, every panel leads naturally into the next one as it naturally would and Matt Ryan’s inks makes the reader feel each and every hit. When things get more mellow, though, those solid, dark inks evoke the shadows of the cavern under Arkham with equal ease and the colors, by the mononymous Blond, bring the action to grim, dark life.
The Bad
Once again, we’re in the dark on exactly what has or hasn’t happened as Bane has no clue that Alfred is Batman’s butler. This wouldn’t be as egregious if he didn’t ALSO know that Batman is Bruce Wayne. Whether or not Knightfall happened, Bane knows his identity and wouldn’t have neglected to research one of his closest confidants.
As great as the art is at showing the action, when the characters need to express something subtle or character-driven, it falters. Characters look same-y and have a strange, gaunt appearance along with vacant expressions.
The Verdict
BATMAN ETERNAL continues building momentum well past its halfway point. While not every issue is killer, they’re all at least solid and great at continuing to build the characters and storylines that continue to grow apart and come together at the most unexpected points. It’s a series that constantly keeps the reader guessing, but also keeps them thinking as it’s not difficult to follow, but it can get a bit labyrinthine with a cast this size, so maybe a staff this size is the only natural reaction. Whatever they’re doing, it continues to work week in and week out.