Trent Breward has done it again, producing a review of the first four issues of the new Batman Eternal available incidently WEEKLY at AD. Batman Eternal: The first month #1-4 Review Published by DC comics Written by: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, Tim Seeley Art by: Jason Fabok, Justin Nguyen Review by Trent Breward 2014 marks 75 years of one of pop cultures most iconic figures, the Batman. And to mark the occasion, some of the biggest names DC has to offer are collaborating on a special comic run entitled Batman Eternal. For the next year we will be getting a new issue of Eternal every week as the creative team produce an epic Batman tale that will encompass the ever growing allies and foes of the Dark Knight himself, and naturally will impact upon the future of the New 52 Bat-mythos. The question you have to ask yourself though, do you really need to invest in another book headlined by the Caped Crusader, especially when its not just investing in one comic a month but the equivalent of four? The first thing that will strike you about this book is the long line of creators attached to the tale. Current Batman writer Scott Snyder, and Dc regular James Tynion IV are overseeing the greater story while everybody chips in with specific sections of the story. Each person has a focus, be it certain themes or characters that they will be charged with tackling. Like the writing team, the art team is diverse and talented, featuring some of the very best DC have to offer. After an initial three issue introductory arc, we get four standalone issues that will set the stage for each writers pet sub-story, and then the Eternal book goes through three issue arcs through the rest of its run, allowing for stories to get into their groove whilst still allowing each of the subplots time to build. The art is the first thing that stands out. Jason Fabok covered the first three issues and did a truly spectacular job. It is easy to see why he opened this high profile weekly, as he effectively captures both the big explosive moments like that found at the end of the first issue to the small subtle character moments, where intricate detailing in the face sells the emotions better than any words do. Not only is his work beautiful, its effective. Dustin Nguyen takes over for the fourth issue, and while his style is significantly different it is no less wonderful. It is also clear he has altered his signature style to fit in with Eternal. While it is clear from the moment you open the book who is drawing the issue, you can tell steps have been made to help blend in with what will be a rotating artist lineup in comparison to his previous work, and this is aided by the shading and colouring work which will likely be a trend with every artist. The story itself so far has been enticing. It is immediately apparent that Eternal is going to make the most of its weekly shipping. The story has been carefully building the foundations of each key subplot so far without feeling rushed. Its been slow without being boring, the kind of slow burn that has been the foundations of the recent run of critically acclaimed TV dramas like Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad. If Eternal were a monthly book the story would run for four and a half years, and that just wouldnt work. With this format, each subplot can miss a few issues and not get lost in the greater story because it is only a week between issues. It is clear that Eternal is going to make the most of the release schedule, and through this format can truly cover the wider Batman family of villains and allies while still giving them the groundwork and development they deserve. This wider Bat-mythos has already been mined for resources in the first month. There have been numerous name drops of characters even hardcore Bat-fans may miss on the first read. Some are simply in the background, others are being setup to have small but important roles, and one recognisable name looks to be at the centre of it all in his end of issue reveal. And its not just villains either. Gothams favourite journalist Vicki Vale is looking like a recurring figure of importance, as is the New 52 debut of former Batgirl Stephanie Brown. There is plenty to sink your teeth into, and the writing has been enjoyable, although the real test will come over the next few months as the book rotates from writer to writer, and whether there can be a coherent voice for the different characters. Batman Eternal is an investment, and somebody not willing to go all in may be better served waiting for the first trade to be released in December, which will collect the first twenty issues. By then, it will be clear if this is a must have Bat-epic or an over-hyped cash in on the anniversary. The opening month has been a great read, ranking up there as one of the best books DC is publishing right now, but while the weekly publishing schedule allows for a broader and more dynamic story, it also makes for an expensive one. If you are a big fan of not just Batman, but the entire supporting cast, this is going to be a must read. With the creative team that is on board, and with the potential for the kind of epic that wouldnt be possible under normal comic conventions, there is a lot to be excited about by Batman Eternal. Whether or not the prospect is worth essentially four new comics a month is up for you to decide. Read more: alternatedimensions.boards.net/thread/692/batman-eternal-first-month-review#ixzz30zRHgjcv
Posted on: Wed, 07 May 2014 01:44:15 +0000
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