Batman Eternal #1

By Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, John Layman, Tim Seeley, Jason Fabok & Brad Anderson

The team on Batman Eternal aren’t pulling any punches! Immediately, on the first page, they show part of the endgame to the story and it is gorgeously bleak. After this indelible page, the plot returns to the present where a certain character named Bard is introduced (Bat fans will be familiar with this guy!) to Gotham City and its illustrious police department. Meanwhile,  Batman and Commissioner Gordon are facing off against Professor Pyg and his minions. By the end of the issue, the status quo of Gotham begins to derail…

I’m not sure who to give writing credit to considering there are so many great hands in this pot, so they will be collectively referred to as the writing team. Seeing the names of the writers, comic readers can’t help but become giddy with the thought of them playing in the sandbox that is Gotham City. Going through this book, one can’t help but the feel the passion and love for Batman and his legacy. The writing team is introducing and bringing to the forefront secondary characters who wouldn’t normally get the spotlight in the main Bat titles. This shift in perspective gives a grander and more interesting perspective of Batman’s world, which makes for fantastic storytelling. Also, there are clear influences from Gotham Central and Batman: The Animated Series, which is such a treat for fans!! There are some great returns for elements from some of the Batman titles in the New 52, one in particular just busts through the wall! Fantastic events bookend this issue and just leave the reader drooling for issue #2. Thank God this is a weekly title!

Jason Fabok just gets it, he just seems to know how to depict Batman and Gotham City. There is one panel I just fell in love with: Batman is pinning down Professor Pyg and all you you can see on his face are his piercing white eye slits, the rest is in silhouette. The posture for the characters is perfect. With the addition of Brad Anderson’s colors, the dark, gritty tone of the city and characters shines. The four panels on page one are the introduction to the artistic marvel this series will no doubt continue to have.

There is so much more I would like to discuss, but it would detract from the excitement and surprise this first issue delivers. Just go buy this book…and probably every week from here on out!