Batman: Eternal #48 Review

Written by: Kyle Higgins
Art by: Fernando Blanco
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 4, 2015

Take This Book...Please!

Here we are again, Batman: Eternal Time.  It seems like we talk about this book every week or so and...What?  It's a weekly?  Damn it, I'm such a dummy.  Please forgive me, but with all the creative team changes this book goes through, I get a little mixed up.  This week we get Kyle Higgins and Fernando Blanco and while I am a huge fan of both, it's still a jarring transition from last week.  I guess I should be used to it since it happens all the time, but for some reason, this time it hit me pretty hard.  What am I talking about?  Is the issue still good? Why am I asking so many questions?  The answers to these questions and more after the break.



And we're back.  The first thing the reader will notice about this issue is the awesome art and color work by Fernando Blanco and Marcelo Maiolo.  Everything looks so moody and awesome.  The next thing they'll notice is the about face by Jason Bard.  He wants James Gordon released from prison and he's gone to Mayor Hady for help.  Unfortunately, this scene felt forced and out of character for both of them.  We then cut to the Penguin in Blackgate and he's getting an offer he can't refuse.  We eventually find out that it also involves Gordon.  I have complained that we haven't got enough of Gordon lately, so I shouldn't be so upset and besides, I really like the Penguin bit.

Where the issue falls apart for me was the next part.  I guess Kyle Higgins wasn't a fan of the Bat Villains winning the lottery, because after two issues of setup, the whole thing falls flat.  In fact, it was all a setup to show Hush messing with their tech from the Batcave.  Before I go on, I have to cry bullshit on one thing.  Why is Jason wearing his mask?  When Bane came out all Mechaized (that should be a word) last week, Jason was not wearing the mask.  He was in the alley before, but not in the bar.  I know it's minor, but it pissed me off.

While Batman and Julia try their best to deal with their current situations, Stephanie Brown finds herself on the wrong end of a zip line.  It looks like it will be up to Vicki Vale to save the day.  The issue ends with the Penguin and Jim Gordon getting ready for a little Q&A...at least that's what I hope.

Okay, what the heck is going on?  I have really tried to be patient, but I'm at the end of my rope.  It's a shame that I have to say this on a Kyle Higgins's issue because it's not his fault.  It's the weight of the whole series crashing down on me.  I have begged for answers, but now I just want it to end.

On a brighter note, this issue looked fantastic.  I said it above and I'll say it again, Fernando Blanco and Marcelo Maiolo do an awesome job in this issue.  I wish everything else was as good.

Bits and Pieces:

I don't want to sound like a hater, but I hated this issue.  Everything we were forced to deal with the past couple of issues was swept under the carpet and everything new was uninteresting.  The book looked great, but i can't recommend this issue and just want the series to end.  Four more issues and I'll get my wish.

5.0/10