Batmans, Batgirls, and Gordons.
Eternal continues!
The Good
First of all, Alex Garner's cover for this issue! Amazing, am I right? The three characters, Batman, Gordon, and Batgirl, are [without a doubt] the three characters [and stories] that were primarily focused on in this issue. I like how Garner does a great job at portraying the characters through his artwork, and how his style and colors just make each character standout in a different way. Alex Garner's cover for this issue, is definitely one of those covers that make you say, "Oh crap! What's happening in this issue!?" I always like seeing creative covers like this, and awesome artist like Alex Garner. Hope to see more of his covers in the issues to come! Now, onto the rest of the review!
The writers did an awesome job with the stories presented in this issue! Primarily focusing on Batman, Gordon, and Batgirl; the writers found a balance between the three stories, that way, when one story was starting to lose the readers' attention, another story would take its place! And with the awesome artwork by, artist Emanuel Simeoni and colors by Blond, it really helps get the readers sucked into the three stories that the writers created. So briefly, let's talk about those three stories!
Batman, Killer Croc, and Lt. Bard -
So in Batman's half of the story, he and Killer Croc and Lt. Bard finish their mission in Gotham's sewers! With something supernatural happening in Arkham Asylum and another supernatural element happening in Gotham's sewers, this entire thing can't be a coincidence. So I like how the writers are having, events like this, occur at the same time, so readers [like you and me] can start to come up with our own assumptions as to whatexactly is going on. The writers handled Batman's story pretty well, because it acted as the story that would wake the reader up if the other two stories were starting to get boring. (As Batman's half of this comic had the most action in it.) The writers are still building on this story, but for now, they did a good job at partiallyclosing a door that they'll [without a doubt] expand upon at a later date. So this is definitely a story that should be remembered!
Gordon to the rescue! -
Gordon to the rescue! Even with Gordon having assumedlymurdered over 100 people, I still like seeing the writers handle Gordon's character like he's a hero. (Which he is!) Though Gordon was tricked, I like seeing him rise to the challenge to save the security guards that are being threatened by Carmine Falcone's gang. But even with Gordon still having that hero complex, the writers do an even better job at reminding, not only Gordon but the reader too, that Gordon is still a criminal doing time, and just saw this as an opportunity to do the right thing.Really impressive how the writers continue to make Gordon beat himself up about murderinga bunch of people, but how the hero inside stillshows up from time-to-time. Gordon's story mightbe over soon, with a little help from Batgirl's half of the story!
Batgirl and the search for answers! -
So we know that Batgirl is traveling with Red Hood and Batwoman in the search for answers to clearing Gordon's name. Well, it turns out she finally got her answers! (As seen in the above image!) However, as that closes one door, another opens. The villain that was behindthe operation to mess with Gordon's head, was assassinated. (But by whom?!) Though it looks like the writers are trying to throw water over this fire, it looks like they are leaving a little spark behind to make the readers want to stay interested in what Batgirl might have to do in the near future. However, the writers handle getting answers to clear Gordon's name pretty swiftly. I don't know how much I could take if this story with Batgirl [and friends] kept on going issue-by-issue. Because after a while, it started to feel like the writers were dragging it out for far longer than needed be. Thankfully though, we won't be seeing Batgirl go on another adventure overseas soon [hopefully].
Finally, the writers left the ultimate ending in this issue. With a huge SPOILER! So that is, without a doubt, something that will excite fans and get them excited about the next issue!
The Bad
No complaints.
The Verdict
5 out of 5! This issue takes the momentum, and events of prior issues, that the writers established, and finishes those said stories with this issue! I'm excited to see where things will go next in the 21st issue! Until next time my friends!
Batman: Eternal reviews
