Batman: Eternal #37 Review

Written by: Tim Seeley
Art by: Andrea Mutti
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014

Band on the Run

I can't say that I'm a fan of Baternal.  Just when I think I have a grip on the overall story, the slew of writers go and throw something else in, take something I like out or just make me scratch my head in confusion.  When last issue ended with a Riddler appearance, I was excited to see how he figured into the story.  After this week, I'm still wondering.  In fact, I'm wondering about a whole mess of things.  Unfortunately, one of those is if I should keep reading a reviewing this book.



This week's Baternal is a transition issue through and through.  While Bruce is still dealing with his loss of funds, this issue is all about alliances.  Some are good, some are bad and some a downright evil.  First up is Selina Kyle, Crime Boss.  Fans of her solo book will feel right at home with her goings on and it's nice to see this book catch up to the new smart and savvy Boss.  This issue shows that she may care about herself, but she also cares about her city.  Enough to join up with Batman.  Could this solve Batman's monetary problems?  Very interesting.

The reason she wants to team up is interesting as well.  Interesting, but a little forced.  A large chunk of Batman's Rogues Gallery has a little sit down and decide to join forces to take advantage of the chaos in Gotham.  Each has their own motivations, but it still just feels a little weird.  Tim Seeley is walking a tightrope here and while the idea seems great, the execution already has some problems.  I do like who is involved (besides one villain with the initials Joker's and Daughter).  We also get an odd scene with Jason Bard (is he blind??) and some supernatural stuff with Batwing.  I guess Batman gave Luke back his haunted suit which in turn may have given this book an introduction to Ragman.  I love Ragman.  I didn't love this issue.

Everything in this issue seemed slightly off. The character interactions were weak and/or confusing.  An example was Batman's interaction with Killer Croc.  It didn't seem natural after what the two had been through together in this book.  Also, Maggie and Bullock's brief encounter with Bard seemed strange, like I was missing something important since last issue.

I was also not a fan of Andrea Mutti's art.  There was not enough detail, especially with the characters and some of the non-masked faces just looked weird.  I may have been spoiled from the last couple of issues, but I didn't like what I saw here.  This issue may have the worst Clayface I've seen in quite some time.

Bits and Pieces: 

I didn't like this issue.  Tim Seeley transitioned the book into the next big thing, but the weak characterizations and odd interactions had me more confused than excited.  Couple that with below average art and you get an issue that I can't recommend.

4.5/10