Batman: Eternal #12 Review


Has Bard really came up with a plan to free Gordon? Read on to find out.

The official description from DC Comics:

Jason Bard makes his big play to end the gang war once and for all. And Jim Gordon’s trial becomes a family affair!

BMETRL-12-4-98b37Batman: Eternal has been a fabulous series over these opening twelve issues as though some may find it hard to validate paying for a weekly series those that have will reap the rewards. With all the plot twists that have developed over the last few issues its nice to see them all fit nicely into this issue with it allowing a wide development whilst still focusing on key parts.

The story for this series continues to be handled by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV with the latter also handling the script for this issue. As ever both writer as also joined by Ray Fawkes, John Layman and Tim Seeley who at as consulting writers. Tynion IV does a terrific job of managing the pace and tone of this issue with each development flowing nicely into the next. He also gave us superb dialogue between Batman (in disguise) and Gordon with Gordon’s trial being very dramatic. In addition to this Tynion IV also ended the issue on a shocking note.

Mikel Janin takes a turn on art duties for this series with the former Justice League Dark and upcoming Grayson artist doing an outstanding job. The attention to detail in Janin’s artwork has always appealed to me with his realistic tone being one of the things that I loved most during his time on Justice League Dark. Add to that the dramatic layouts and intense character expressions and you get artwork that matches the script for it’s storytelling qualities. Jeromy Cox also adds plenty of texture and tone to the issue with his colours giving a sleek finish.

Batman: Eternal produces some interesting and shocking developments as though there’s a lot going on for one issue it still manages to flow smoothly. Highly recommended.

OUR RATING
8
  • + Captivating story from James Tynion IV.
  • + Mikel Janin produces stellar artwork.
  • + Gordon's trial was intense and dramatic.
  • - Possibly too many development points.

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