Batman: Eternal #49 Review

Written by: Kyle Higgins
Art by: Fernando Blanco
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 11, 2015

I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name

In this issue, Hush tells Alfred that we are closing in on the finish line and I really want to believe him.  I just hope that the creative teams on this book got the memo because there doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency in the story telling department.  That has been the case throughout this series and this issue is no different.  Each writer seems intent to tell their little stories while the overall story sputters and stalls.  I want answers, dammit!  That being said, Kyle Higgins gives us an issue that plays out like a summer popcorn blockbuster and it's fun stuff.  I still want answers, but I'll take what I'll get.



This issue opens on Blackgate with Jim Gordon and Oswald Cobblepot getting better acquainted.  I called it all wrong when I said that I thought Penguin and his gang were going to protect the former Commissioner.  They are out for his head.  Unfortunately for them, Gordon isn't going down without a fight.

All the stuff with Gordon was cool, but everyone has been waiting to see what Hush will do in control of the Bat Computer.  He seems to have the same idea and gets down to some nasty business. Meanwhile, Julia Pennyworth heads to the Robin's Nest and the "other" Bat Computer.  Leave it to Tim Drake to be the smartest guy in the room...even when he isn't even there.

While I have been down on the last couple of issues, it was fun to see the Bat Family going up against some souped-up Gotham Villains and now that they are back online, the battle is in full swing.

Then there is the case of Stephanie Brown.  Last issue she was captured by her father, Clue Master and he was hinting that Signal Master was behind it all.  Signal Master?!?!  Please?!?!  We don't get any new information, but Stephanie gets all action star and makes an awesome leap for life out of the helicopter.  It's little moments like these that make me wish we got more of her in this book.

The issue ends with Alfred making his triumphant return and Bane about to take on Batman in a jet. It may not promise the answers that I crave, but it gets marks for being kick-ass!

With three issues left, this book is still moving at a snails pace.  I really enjoyed the action this week and if this issue came in the middle of the run, I'd have a lot less problems with it.  However, that isn't the case and unfortunately, it really did effect my overall opinion of it.  I love Kyle Higgins and really feel that his last two issues were more of a victim of the weight of this entire book than anything wrong with the actual writing.  Maybe that will all change when things finally pick up, but I don't know when that will happen.  It better be soon, though.

Fernando Blanco's art may not be as great as last week's, but it's still really good.  I really enjoy his character work, especially Stephanie Brown.

Bits and Pieces:

This issue has me torn a bit.  On one hand, it's a fun action packed issue.  On the other hand, it's moving so slow with so little time left.  I don't care what Hush said, it doesn't feel like we're closing in on the finish line at all.  With three issues left, I'm far past the point of losing patience.

6.5/10