Batman Eternal #7
Writer: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, John Layman, and Tim Seelye
Artists: Emanuel Simeoni and Blond
Cover Artists: Andy Kubert
Publisher: DC Comics
With the story still powering forward, the writing team presents a fast paced issue that is filled with action. From Catwoman facing off against Penguin, to Batman battling Pyg, with Falcone masterminding everything from the shadows, this issue doesn’t leave much room to breathe. There is a nice bit of plot progression, especially concerning the gangs of Gotham, and yet just like with the last issue, the abrupt change in focus is slightly jarring. The past three issues have only the slightest connection to one another, whereas the first four issues where more logically connected. Considering the length of this series, it makes sense to have multiple plot threads, however it is starting to feel like there are one too many. Every week brings with it a potential new story, if not two or three new stories, without closure for any of the previous stories. That being said, the large scope of the series has allowed the writers to tap into the vast depths of Gotham’s criminals and make use of many of the underrated villains in a refreshing and exciting new way. 4/5
Forever Evil #7
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: David Finch, Richard Friend, and Sonia Oback
Cover Artists: David Finch, Richard Friend, and Sonia Oback
Publisher: DC
After months of waiting, the event finally comes to an explosive end. Geoff Johns does a commendable job tying up many of the lingering loose ends. However, at the same time, the issue was not spectacular enough to warrant such a long wait. The goal of the story seems to have been to put Lex Luthor in a position of limitless power, which unfortunately comes at the expense of heroes. The Justice League, who are for the most part not involved, end up looking ill prepared and ineffective, while Luthor comes out the hero. For whatever reason, as well, Johns makes the decision to have Luthor join the increasingly large list of people who know Batman’s identity. Consider Johns revealed Nightwing’s identity to the general public back in the first issue, it makes sense for Luthor to have figured out that Bruce Wayne is Batman. And yet, at the same time, it makes absolutely no sense for so many people to know Batman’s identity, especially Luthor. While there were many questions left unanswered from this event, Johns does a good job of opening the door for future, potentially exciting stories. 3.5/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
