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Batman Eternal #13
Writer: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, John Layman, and Tim Seeley
Artists: Mikel Janin, Guillermo Ortego, and Jeromy Cox
Cover Artists: Dustin Nguyen
Publisher: DC

James Gordon Jr. hasn’t been dead for that long, but like the numerous dead characters before him, he has returned. The circumstances of his survival remain a secret, but the purpose of his return is simple: get his father to abandon all of his principles and escape prison, or spend the rest of his life behind bars. The way their relationship has developed in recent years is absolutely wonderful to read. Gordon’s portion of this series continues to get better and better with every issue and is really the highlight of the series. Likewise, Lt. Bard’s role in this series changes in a major way this issue and it looks like it is for the better. He’s slowly being built up as a replacement for Gordon and it is working out fantastically for the character. 4/5

Batman Superman #12
Writer: Greg Pak
Artists: Tom Raney, Ken Lashley, Jaime Mendoza, and jason Wright
Cover Artists: Jae Lee and June Chung
Publisher: DC

While this title started out strong, it has gone through a couple minor bumps along the way. This issue happens to be one of the better ones. Though it is light on the action and even plot progression, it is fantastic when it comes to emotional character development. Past issues of this title have shown little to no growth in Batman and Superman’s relationship. From five years in the past to the present, Greg Pak has consistently written them to be distant, begrudging allies. However, with this issue Pak is slowly moving towards a place that is remarkably similar to friendship. While it’s not where their relationship was Pre-New52, Pak is delivering a slow build of one of the most noteworthy friendships in comics. 4/5

Swamp Thing #33
Writer: Charles Soule
Artists: Javier Pina and Matthew Wilson
Cover Artists: Javier Pina and Matthew Wilson
Publisher: DC

With every issue Charles Soule continues to build a masterful story. His entire run essentially boils down to Swamp Thing’s need to be connected to the Green, combined with his desire to stay connected to his humanity. And while that sums up his run, it isn’t anywhere near the proper description to illustrate just how great his story is. The Wolf and Lady Weeds make two fascinating antagonists. They’re the product of Swamp Thing’s hubris, therefore deserving of Swamp Thing’s leniency, and yet they’re also ruthless in their actions, and must be shut down. With these characters, as well as other events in the story, Soule has done a great job of demonstrating the idea that actions have consequences. Javier Pina, with Matthew Wilson on colors, continues to be absolutely fantastic. The two of them have done a tremendous job of making this book look as gorgeous as it reads. 4.5/5

Be sure to check out previous editions of Crisis of Infinite Reviews by clicking here!

Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net