Batman: Eternal #18 Review

Written by: Tim Seeley
Art by: Andy Clarke
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 6, 2014

Three's Company

Batman: Eternal #18 switches creative teams with Tim Seeley and Andy Clarke taking over for Ray Fawkes and Dustin Nguyen.  It's the nature of a weekly book (especially this one) and while this issue is an abrupt change of pace from the last couple, Seeley makes it fun.  In fact, this may be the funniest issue of Eternal.  You see, Batman: Eternal #18 is all about the teamups.



Tim Seeley sets the mood right away in such a meta way.  Batgirl, Batwoman and Red Hood are still in Brazil and they've stumbled upon an action figure factory.  It would be Weird Science writer, Eric's wet dream if it wasn't also a sweat shop.

Meanwhile back in Gotham, Jason Bard is pounding the pavement in the Narrows as creepy Batman stalks him.  Batman (and Alfred) are suspicious of Bard, but he seems on the up-and-up.  Things go suddenly wrong (as they often do in Gotham) and Batman and Bard end up in the sewers in search of a cannibal.  Cue Killer Croc.  Bard may be suspicious, but this is the Killer Croc from last year's Villains Month.  You know, the one who protects the unwanted and needy in the sewers.  He may have scaly skin, but he's got a heart of gold.  The three of them are great together and it looks like the fun will continue as they search for the cannibal killer.

Ladies and Gents, William Defoe

The third story this week shows James Gordon in Blackgate.  It's Oz and I don't mean the one with the Tin Man.  Tensions are building and the gang war takes it's first victim.  I know a man is dead, but who it is cracked me up.  Catwoman fans will surely get a kick out of it.

Back in Brazil, Batwoman, Batgirl and Red Hood are coming up with a plan to free the children workers and take care of their captors.  Red Hood wants to go in guns blazing and even when they decide to go stealth, he can't help kicking ass.  Seeing Jason with these two is so awesome.  The issue ends with a surprise cameo from William Defoe (at least it looks like him) and Batgirl not really herself.

Overall, this issue was so much fun.  It had two great teamups and Seeley gives the reader a better Red Hood than any I've read in quite a while. The only negative is that the overall story doesn't really go anywhere.

Andy Clarke's art was good, but I had one big gripe.  I hate when artists give Red Hood's mask a mouth.  It may just be me, but it doesn't look right and actually throws me off a bit.

Bits and Pieces:

Tim Seeley changes things up and gives fans the funniest issue of Batman: Eternal yet.  The overall story doesn't really move forward, but I had a blast anyway.  Recommended.

8.5/10