COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Batman Eternal #52 – We are the Batmen!
Raves
Rants
After 52 weeks of red herrings, plot twists-and-turns, flashbacks, and the reveals, Batman: Eternal has finally come to a satisfactory ending. In the final 52nd issue, we can assure that it possesses a typical superhero finale set-up: a showdown between the hero and the mastermind, and obviously, the hero wins, with tying up loose ends […]
After 52 weeks of red herrings, plot twists-and-turns, flashbacks, and the reveals, Batman: Eternal has finally come to a satisfactory ending. In the final 52nd issue, we can assure that it possesses a typical superhero finale set-up: a showdown between the hero and the mastermind, and obviously, the hero wins, with tying up loose ends and a good transitional point to fit the grand narrative to end the series. Yes, Batman/Bruce Wayne tussles with the mastermind that the former wins and his allies (and some archenemies) set off to their respective directions while he proceeds to another crusade against crime. A typical superhero story, of course, but it has some interesting twists to look upon.
Seriously, I end up being hooked more than what I bargained with. Let me count the ways. First, it finally explains in the flashback the exact connectivity between the masterminds behind the overall chaos in Gotham City: Cluemaster and Lincoln March. Rereading Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s entire The Court of Owls, The Night of Owls, and Zero Year, this piece of history really makes sense. Second, the creative minds like Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV are probably aware of the superhero finale cliché. Therefore, they must add spice up something that can deliver in a very convincing way to make the plot more engaging—insert the rallying call! In lesser kinds, this insertion can spell a creative disaster for this is nothing novel at all. Actually, this execution can be found in many mainstream and independent comic storylines or events. I think the best template here is the highly influential and comic masterpiece of Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s V for Vendetta. I remember how Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon ended their Punisher MAX series. And, I recall how Mark Millar and Goran Parlov executed that one in the concluding issue of Starlight. In Batman: Eternal, this kind of treatment is repeated with good effects. If there is a precedent in Batman narrative concerning this one, honestly, I have no idea. This is where the ultimate issue shines the best. Secondary or supporting characters illuminate further in that matter. Although wordy at best, one has to read carefully to get the meanings between the lines, particularly the dialogues of the Caped Crusader and his allies.
As usual, issue 52 has a plethora of artists to keep up the grueling weekly deadlines. Eduardo Pansica and Julio Ferreira do the majority art and their combined artistry of detailed outlines, facial expressions, and action sequences is simply astonishing. Robson Rocha and Guillermo Ortego have ten designated art pages, including the flashback. Truth to tell, their artistic chemistry is almost similar to Pansica and Ferreira’s, which is good for consistency’s sake. David LaFuente, Tim Seeley and Ray Fawkes serve both as “consulting writers” and artists, whose respective styles reflect in the epilogue scenes. LaFuente’s colorful and bouncy take is appropriate for the teenage Gotham City protectors. Seeley’s moody and dark take on the Batwing’s fate is a bit jarring but ultimately necessary due to the ambiance in place. And Fawkes’ detailed and lively take on Gordon, Barbara and Jason Todd’s directions is consistent with the main artists and overall, the artists blend so well that one may think that this is forty-page book is done by a singular artist. And the hefty price is a bit justified, truth to be told here.
Batman: Eternal has its great, average and disappointing moments; but the last chapters deliver so well that the entire series can be considered as the New 52 Batman canon. Tynion IV shows everyone he has the writing chops that is identifiably his own. Of course, Scott Snyder masterminds the entire comic narrative here, and Tynion serves his place as an excellent comic “showrunner”. I say, Batman: Eternal deserves an omnibus treatment here. Hopefully, DC responds to my humble request.