Batman Eternal #12

By Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Mikel Janin, Jeremy Cox, Ray Fawkes, John Layman, & Tim Seeley

Bats takes more of a side roll this time around.  This issue gives the different stories unfolding a few pages each to breathe and grow.

James Tynion IV (he’s writing the story along with Scott Synder) takes over for the scripting of this issue with consulting from Ray Fawkes, John Layman, and Tim Seeley. Tynion does well to juggle and balance the different story lines coming into play this issue. As promised last issue we’re given a look into Jim Gordon’s trial. We’re also given another look at Harper as she becomes more and more involved with the story. Lieutenant Bard continues to be a great character as he works to clean up what Jim Gordon is no longer able to (for now at least). His placement of Batman throughout the issue, sitting in the background of scenes, is an approach that works. We’re given time to revisit other characters but are also reminded how Batman is still very much involved in Gordon’s case (they’re BFFs).

The art goes back to the “original” style (#11 went for a different approach) and we’re given some really great and detailed scenes. Mikel Janin is on art duty this issue with Jeremy Cox on colors. From the first page we see a lot of play with the panels, giving a quick action sequence as a familiar face sniffs a rose (ahh the beauty). Janin and Cox continue the rooftop meeting that appeared at the end of last issue. Both Batgirl and Red Hood are drawn so precise, and colored to perfection as each spits their own brand of banter at one another. There is an airbrushed look to the detailed faces of the characters that seem to present a glow. A close-up of Jim Gordon’s face during the trail shows this method off well when we’re able to see the glare from his glasses and the shadows on his face.

This is another great issue in a series that refuses to disappoint. The overall story just keeps getting bigger as more unfolds and more rogues from Batman’s (and Jim Gordon’s’) past resurface.