Batman: Eternal #31 Review

Written by: Ray Fawkes
Art by: Fernando Pasarin
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 5, 2014

Joker Said Knock You Out

I have said it over and over, while I like Baternal as a whole, it's been so up and down that I can't really recommend it.  The book seems to always bite off more than it can chew each week and because of that we are left hanging between too many stories.  I have enjoyed Ray Fawkes run on the book and he's back this week.  He brings an awesome teamup, more Arkham destruction and Joker's Daughter getting hers.  Too many stories are being juggled each week, but I liked what Fawkes gives us.



Arkham is in ruins and the inmates aren't running the Asylum...they're running from it.  It's a who's who of the rogues gallery and it's awesome.  Of course, Batman doesn't just sit on his hands, he curls them into fists and cuts loose.  The best is Joker's Daughter who gets cold cocked and hits the canvas.  I've been waiting for this moment and wish I could have delivered the blow myself.

Meanwhile, Alfred is trying to get out from the rubble underneath Arkham and comes across an unlikely ally.  Bane!  Yes, Alfred and Bane team up and it is pure and utter greatness.  The interaction between them is great and good old Alfred gains Bane's respect quickly.  Bane's trust proves to be his downfall by the end of the issue, however.

We also get a little Spoiler action, but it's over too quickly and is only a setup to get Batman involved.  Hush has Stephanie Brown in his sights and Batman better get there quickly.  Of course that means four weeks from now.

The book ends with Penny-one showing that the Joker's toxin has worn off and he is ready for action.  Ray Fawkes pushes the story forward enough to have me excited.  Yes, Stephanie Brown needs a little more attention, but Batman is sure to come face-to-face with her very soon.

I loved Fernando Pasarin's art last week and while it is good this week, it just didn't have that wow factor.  I loved his versions of the Bat Rogues at the beginning and his Bane is a one-man wrecking machine.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman: Eternal #31 runs into the usual problems...slow pacing, too many storylines and not enough resolution.  However ,Ray Fawkes gives the reader some great moments and Fernando Pasarin's art is really good.  In an up and down book, you can file this issue in the up category.

8.3/10