Hey weekly Batfans! I’m subbing for Frank this week in reviewing Batman Eternal because he has been working on a lot of other reviews for the site while I’m slacking. So, I hope you stick with me as I tackle the latest issue!
Batman Eternal #8 begins with a group of divers exploring the ruins of Penguins casino that was destroyed in the last issue. They find the money vault, but before they can loot the goods, Batman shows up in a submarine. He then goes on a multi-panel crime busting spree as he is sending a message to Carmine Falcone, literally. Unfortunately, new Commissioner Forbes has decreed that any criminal caught by Batman is to be set free. Thankfully, Bullock is still a loyal cop to Jim Gordon along with Gordon’s recruit, Lieutenant Bard. We also get a little further along with the Stephanie Brown side story as she gets one step closer to possibly becoming the Spoiler.
I felt last issue slipped a little compared to the crazy good start of this series, but it is back to being great again here. I have no doubts with the writing staff because they have been doing a wonderful job, but the rotating group of artists have been hit or miss. When I saw that Guillem March was handling art on this issue, I was a little hesitant because I haven’t always been a fan of his stuff. I will be the first to admit that I was wrong because he does one heck of a job here. His Batman looks appropriately vicious and haggard as he is taking out Falcone’s goons.
As to be expected with this title, there are more questions than answers as it moves the story forward. Overall, I’ve been happy with the pacing as it definitely feels like we are building to something pretty amazing. The way this issue ends, I’m expecting that we might see a little more of the extended Bat-family soon.
I’ve heard from a few of our readers that said they’ve dropped off this series after the first few issues, but I think it is worth sticking to it. There have only been two issues that I consider to be a little below the quality of the rest and I’m really liking the set-up so far. Artistically, this issue is my favorite away from Fabok’s. He set the bar very high and it is nice to see March stepping up and making the most of it here.
If you are sticking with this weekly series, let us know what you think! Do you want to submit your own review of this or any other issue? Send it to [email protected] and put Spinner Rack in the subject. That’s our weekly post where we put reader reviews along with summarizing all of our reviews for the week. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Tumblr. Just search for Geeks In Capes. You will find us!
Batman Eternal #8 – Guided By Darkness
Story by: Scott Snyder & James T Tynion IV
Script by: John Layman
Consulting Writers: Tim Seeley & Ray Fawkes
Art by: Guillem March
Colors by: Tomeu Morey
Letters by: Steve Wands
Cover by: Andy Kubert & Brad Anderson
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