The culmination of Batman’s year-long weekly arrives this week in “Batman Eternal” #52, demonstrating the power and versatility of the Caped Crusader and his allies. James Tynion IV is on script duty with this final issue and allows each member of the Bat family to have their own individual defining moment, while teasing the future of these enduring characters. Check out our spoiler-free review of the finale below.
Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
Illustrated by various artistsThis month in BATMAN ETERNAL: The epic Bat-story over a year in the making comes to a stunning end! Gotham City is in flames! Villains are running wild in the streets! Bat-tech has been corrupted! And the mastermind behind it all has put a knife in Batman’s ribs! How will the Dark Knight put an end to this nightmare…and how will it shape the face of Gotham City to come?
Since “Batman Eternal” began, the team of writers and artists on the book have demonstrated why Batman is a character that will last forever. His diversity and ability to fit within most genres, from serious to campy, is just one of the reasons why Batman will always be “eternal”. The series has reflected that, with the darkness of supernatural goings-on mixing seamlessly with the absurdity of other story threads. However, as “Batman Eternal” #52 so powerfully proves, Bruce Wayne would not survive without his villains terrorizing him and his Bat family assisting him. The showdown between the big bad is exciting, but what makes it more thrilling is seeing those Bruce loves stand beside him. We can see why both Batman’s family and his city are inspired by his example and why they thrive because of him.
Tynion, who is given story credit with Scott Snyder for the entirety of this fifty two part epic, displays in this issue the influence that he and Snyder have had on the Bat books for the last four years. The other writers (listed as consulting writers) who have taken turns with scripting throughout the series also get to experience their influence on certain characters as well. Fully fleshed out individuals created by Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, such as the Court of Owls and Harper Row, intermingle with classic characters that have appeared throughout Batman’s history. The book and the creators involved are celebrating that history while at the same time contributing new and intriguing twists to characters and concepts. Snyder and the other writers succeed in retaining that familiarity while reinvigorating the entire concept of Batman and his world.
In order for Batman to remain relevant, solid storytelling is the essential element. It was a daunting task, yet Snyder, Tynion, Ray Fawkes, Tim Seeley, and Kyle Higgins have crafted an epic that will clearly affect the future of the entire Bat line of books. This issue is evidence that bold risks in writing and art have been fruitful, with a satisfying conclusion instilling excitement for the future of every one of these characters. From non-masked protagonists like Vicki Vale and Jason Bard to such heroes as Batwing and the reintroduced Spoiler (who is a personal favorite of this writer), my patience will be tested until I can delve further into their adventures.
It never becomes a distraction with the five artists involved in the issue’s thirty eight pages. There are some iconic moments that are beautifully rendered. When heroes unite on a double page spread by Eduardo Pansica, I defy you to disagree that Batman has a formidable family of characters that can stand strongly on their own. David Lafuente’s art is particularly effective in a small moment between Red Robin, Bluebird, and Spoiler. These three characters have had great chemistry throughout the series and Lafuente’s quiet moment between them highlights the fact that they are deserving of a team book or even titles of their own. Robson Rocha’s rendering of established characters are appropriately larger than life and yet finely detailed at the same time. Each artist brings their own unique interpretation to the issue with rushed art never in sight.
There’s an apt addition to the final issue with two of “Batman Eternal”’s writer’s contributing a few pages of art. Both Seeley and Fawkes are also known for their artistic abilities and it’s nice to see them visually depict characters they had lovingly focused on in their respective issues. This series was indeed a group effort. Seeley and Fawkes’ addition as artists in the final issue is a respectful nod to two writers who deserve recognition for a large chunk of the huge undertaking that was “Batman Eternal”. Pressure was assuredly placed upon all involved, from the writers, artists, inkers, colorists, and letterers. Every one of them assisted in maintaining the quality and consistency of the issues and are deserving of praise for keeping us entertained and moved.
“Batman Eternal” answered the question of whether Batman is eternal with a resounding yes. With unresolved story threads for other creators to explore (including some from creators within the “Batman Eternal” writer’s room), this 52-week-long series is a testament to their love of Batman and his world. As “Batman Eternal” #52 so expertly lays bare on the page, characters come first. When that happens, characters become real and we grow to love them. Batman has now been around for seventy-six years and counting, proving his immortality as an icon. “Batman Eternal”’s success can be measured by the way it has accentuated both that immortal quality and Batman’s psychological depth. That complexity and diversity is what makes Batman eternal.
Final Verdict: 8.9 – “Batman Eternal” #52 will satisfy those who have read this story from the very beginning. After reading this issue, a hunger for what happens next in the Bat-corner of the DC Universe will be present.
