Batman: Eternal #16 Review

By John McCubbin on Thursday, July 24th, 2014

How will the Spectre and Batwing handle the mystical happenings of Arkham? Read on to find out.

The official description from DC Comics:

Red Robin is out to solve the mystery of the nanovirus spreading among Gotham City’s poorest, but Harper Row isn’t going to let him do it alone! Can Batwing escape the clutches of The Joker’s Daughter?

Following the gripping cliffhanger from last issue Batman: Eternal sees James Corrigan confronted by Mr. Bygone whilst Batwing is tied up and at the mercy of Joker’s Daughter. Elsewhere Red Robin and Harper Row continue their investigation in Japan whilst Batman tries to stop the riots. Despite all these awesome developments it is however the addition of a well known Batman rogue that has me most interested in things going forward.

Ray Fawkes continues to script this tale with Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV as ever working on the plot whilst John Layman and Tim Seeley act as consulting writers. The main positives about this issue has to be the suspense and set-up with the issue really building up a certain character. It also allowed small insights into other avenues but much like last issue it was mainly a teaser for things to come. Despite this I can say that I’m enjoying seeing Harper Row slowly transform into Bluebird though am dying for some in depth development.

Dustin Nguyen also returns with his wonderful art style continuing to fit this story. The only small negativity that I’ve had about the art over the last two issues is there’s not been enough Batman. Though that’s not Nguyen’s fault. Disregarding that Nguyen manages to give a very dark and gritty look to this mystical tale with the spirit and smoke like creatures being really eye catching. In addition to this he also manages to build atmosphere and energy with the awe-inspiring presence of the character I’ve refrained from naming being very dramatic.

Batman: Eternal continues to be an entertaining read but there’s times that I feel it’s focusing too much on the future than the present. Still comes recommended.