Batman Eternal, So Felt The Series (Spoiler Free Review)

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Batman Eternal instantly sounded like an interesting story to dive in to. With issue one's dark cover, I was eager to see what Scott Snyder had come up with. The series tells the tale of Jim Gordon being arrested for allegedly causing an underground train crash, whilst pursuing Professor Pyg, leaving Batman to go on a long and dangerous journey to clear his old friend's name. 

The idea that Gordon was arrested and reliant on Batman to clear him of all charges made for a compelling plot and kept me guessing throughout all 52 issues as to how Gordon was framed and why and even left me wondering in some cases, was he framed. 

Admittedly, there were a few issues which took a dip in expectation, but the writers did well to explore the possible culprits and we even get an insight in to the Bat Family, particularly when we're introduced to Alfred's daughter. 

Throughout the series it does feel as though the story veers off topic occasionally to explore other characters including Catwoman, Batgirl, Batwing and other members of the Bat Family. The book very cleverly avoids being predictable with the revelation in the last few issues and even justifies the outcome brilliantly.

The story deals admirably with the huge list of characters by giving them all relevance in their respective issues. However it's difficult to ignore that for a lot of issues, Jim Gordon's undecided fate seems as eternal as the title of the book itself.

It almost feels as though the writers began to forget about the commissioner and after reading all issues, it's clear they could have concluded the story in about 30 issues. Did it need to take 52 issues? Or did the writers prolong the plot for that reason?

But don't let that discourage you. Overall, I would say it's a good plot, definitely a nice spin having Jim Gordon as the victim. I'm pleased the way this elaborate plot was constructed and the story wraps up very neatly. Certainly worth a read but be prepared for a long yet gripping story.