The DC3 decided to take on the Herculean task of covering DC’s weekly books! Our coverage will rotate between creator interviews, issue reviews and annotations, and long-form pieces on featured characters. This, friends, is the DC3kly!
Batman Eternal #13
Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Mikel JaninA demon from Jim Gordon’s past comes to haunt him in Blackgate while the Gang War threatens to rip Gotham City apart! Can Jason Bard keep the order without coming head to head with Batman himself?
On the Cover: July sees some fantastic covers from Dustin Nguyen. For issue #13, Nguyen delivers a haunting image Gordon, half-cloaked in shadow, standing at the bars of his cell. The reflection of his glasses is eerily reminiscent of the iconic visage of his son, James Jr., whose reflection you can action see in the lenses. The jail themed cover also brings to mind the cover to “Batman” #28, which as you may recall, we adored.
How is the Story Progressing?: This issue feels like a direct continuation of the last, also drawn by Mikel Janin and picking up immediately from that last page reveal. James Jr. throws an interesting wrench in the continuing struggles of Jim Gordon. The deranged sociopath presents the very real possibility that whatever darkness lives in him also dwells in his paragon of a father. While we all know there’s a perfectly logical explanation for Gordon’s apparent misstep, one that will eventually exonerate him, Jim as a character in the story has no such assurance. To blame his predicament on a psychotic break, brought on by years of chaos, might even come as a relief.
On the battlefront of the growing gang war for control of Gotham, a new line is drawn, with Vicki Vale and Jason Bard teaming up to take down Carmine Falcone. Bard takes point here, showcasing an impressive resourcefulness for a cop so new to the Gotham beat. Vale looks to make a huge name for herself as well, exposing much of the corruption plaguing the city. It’s great to see these “non-capes” playing such a large role in “Eternal.” In fact, only 5 pages in this issue feature a costumed hero.
New 52 Debuts: Sorry folks, no big debuts here.
“Batman Eternal” Debuts: Though he actually appeared at the end of the last issue, drawn by this marks the first full issue appearance of James Jr. in Eternal.
Visuals: As with issue #12, Janin’s work is slick and realistic, without feeling stiff and static. This issue really demonstrates his knack for portraying emotion through facial expressions. Take the issue’s scenes with Stephanie. There’s a terrific panel where, while surfing local gossip sites in hopes of exposing her father, Stephanie lets out an exasperated sigh. There’s no word balloon or sound effect, just an image of Steph puffing her cheeks out. It’s a small touch that conveys quite a lot. Then there’s the more traditional and dramatic image of Stephanie, grimacing with tears flowing in the glow of her father’s sinister handiwork. While Janin’s upcoming gig on Grayson will probably limit his future contributions to “Eternal,” his work here is certainly appreciated.
Three Big Questions:
1. The game is afoot.
Cluemaster takes the private war between himself and his daughter, going after one of her friends. In his attack, Cluemaster delivers what looks to be his first clue; a blue box containing an orange horse. While the clue is certainly abstract, it’s been established that Cluemaster’s hints are his downfall. It certainly seems that, as Stephanie evolves into her Spoiler persona, she will be the one deducing her father’s lethal trivia.
2. Is Tim Drake the better Batman?
Over the past few issues we’ve seen just how far Tim Drake has come as a super hero. His extensive network and impressive gadgetry more than rival that of Bruce’s. This is a major push for the hero, who has taken somewhat of a backseat in the Bat-family over the course of the New 52. One has to wonder though, is Tim beginning to surpass his mentor?
Continued below3. Like son, like father?
I alluded to it earlier, but this issue hints that the darkness that encompasses James Jr. actually originated in his father. This is a particularly dark path for a man that, while occasionally struggling with demons, is often presented as a shining white knight. While this is likely just the manipulations of James Jr. at work, it is a very interesting possibility, one wrapped up in the debate of nature vs. nurture.
Final Verdict: 6.5 – While Janin’s art is great, and there’s some terrific character work, this issue feels somewhat generic compared to more recent issues.
Batman Eternal #14
Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Jason FabokAs the Gang War reaches a bloody climax, Batman and Jason Bard must bear witness to the horrifying last stand of The Penguin! Plus, Jim Gordon makes a terrible decision that will shape the rest of his life.
On the Cover: Issue #14’s cover is yet another stunning effort from Dustin Nguyen. The artist’s interpretation of the Penguin is particularly chilling, and the fantastic use of red and negative space makes this cover stand out in a way that few Eternal covers have.
How is the Story Progressing?: With all the pieces put into play, Jason Bard, Vicki Vale, and Harvey Bullock push the big red button on their war machine against’s Gotham’s would be rulers. Seeing the most powerful men in Gotham being played against so impeccably is a joy to watch, and it’s impossible not to cheer for Bard. That is, until you find that his methods are not so pristine. The blood on Bard’s hands now sets him at odds with the Dark Knight, a road block on the way towards his ascension as Jim Gordon’s replacement.
Speaking of Gordon, this issue brings a major test of character after his encounter with James Jr. Faced with freedom, Gordon is forced to reevaluate his entire system of morality, the rules around which he has built his life. It’s certainly a low point for the character. While Batman is around to keep him in check, one has to wonder if this is the lowest we’ve seen Jim Gordon.
Finally, we get another short glimpse at the growing chaos within Arkham, via a thoroughly terrified Scarecrow. This is a really intriguing sub-plot that I can’t wait to see more of.
New 52 Debuts: I think we’ve quite nearly run out of characters to debut at this point. Where’s Cassandra Cain again?
“Batman Eternal” Debuts: The Scarecrow makes his way through a seemingly deserted Arkham, making, if I recall correctly, his first appearance in the series.
Visuals: There’s not much more to say about Fabok’s art that hasn’t already been said regarding his work in previous issues of “Eternal.” It’s interesting to note that the artist seems to shift back and forth between the hard, stone-hewn style of David Finch, and a smoother style that’s acutally reminiscent of Mikel Janin. Fabok’s art is arguably it’s best when he is blending the two styles, as seen in the showdown between the Penguin and Falcone.
Three Big Questions:
1. Oswald Cobblepot…?
Some things you just can’t un-see.
2. Out with the old, in with the new?
A big theme of “Eternal” seems to be a new generation rising up to replace their predecessors. We’ve seen Jason Bard filling the role of the displaced Jim Gordon. Several of the younger Bat-characters have played key roles in the ongoing events, particular Red Robin, Batgirl, and Batwing. Several new characters are rising up as well, like Stephanie Brown, Julia Pennyworth, and Harper Row. Over these past two issues, Batman’s role has been greatly diminished. My favorite era of Batman is the one in which Dick Grayson takes on the cowl in Bruce’s absence. While the emphasis will always return to Bruce, it’s certainly great to see some of the younger characters getting a chance to shine.
3. Daddy’s home?
The other shoe had to drop eventually. With the Joker’s less than definite demise at the end of “Death of the Family,” and the increased profile of Joker’s Daughter, it was only a matter of time before we caught wind of the possible return of the Clown Prince. Of course, this could be nothing more than a mad-woman’s ramblings. The Joker taking over Arkham would certainly necessitate the moving of its inmates into, say, Bruce Wayne’s mansion?
Continued below
Final Verdict: 8.3 – It’s great to see the gang war sub-plot reach a major climax, and several character dynamics take interesting turns.
The Series So Far: 7.0 – “Batman Eternal” continues to be impressive and enjoyable in it’s scope, but the heavy focus on the gang war over the past few issues is beginning to drag on. Hopefully its apparent conclusion (for now) will allow other interesting plots, like the various team-ups that have been brewing recently. I for one can’t wait for a proper Red Robin/Blue Bird team up. Let us at DC3 know what your thoughts are regarding “Eternal,” and keep checking back here at Multiversity for more weekly DC goodness!
