Another practice review for DC Infinite. Batman Eternal #14 features Jason Bard getting shit done, Penguin stabbing people, and Harper Row eating Cheese Puffs. Yep.
Batman Eternal #14 is in every sense a big turning point for the series. The gang war in Gotham seemingly reaches a head, and the pieces are all coming together. This issue devotes most of it's time to characters outside the Bat-Family. It's a nice change of pace, and shows how vital characters like Jason Bard and The Penguin really are to the story. James Tynion IV returns for the third consecutive week to script, while series opener, Jason Fabok returns for art duties.
Tynion is becoming a much better script writer with every passing issue. Much like last issue, his Jason Bard parts are really well done, and give the reader a great appreciation for the character. Tynion effectively shows the ways in which Bard is like Gordon, and in the end, the big difference between the two cops. Bard is written like a young James Gordon, who tries to bring about justice through morally ambiguous actions. Tynion's Bard in Batman Eternal #14 is a much better written character than he was in the early issues. Harper and Tim show up again in the last few pages, and it's a pretty funny sequence. We'll definitely be seeing more of them in future issues, which should be pretty good.
Tynion also writes one hell of a great Penguin. Coupled with the art of Jason Fabok, This issue stands as one of the greatest Penguin moments in recent memory. Penguin shows everyone that he is a true force to reckoned with. Fabok draws one scary and disturbing Penguin, which seems almost like a tribute to Danny DeVito's Penguin from Batman Returns. Fabok simply put is a great Batman artist. He is like a combination of Jim Lee and David Finch. His artwork is very detailed, and he always draws one hell of a Batman. Brad Anderson's colours really make Fabok's art pop.
The only real bad thing to say about this issue is the real lack of Bat-Family members. Jason Bard and Penguin take up all but a few pages, giving Red Robin, Harper, and Batman only a few pages of interaction. The increased focus on Joker's Daughter and her subplot has yet to prove itself as something good nor bad.
Batman Eternal #14 is another excellent issue. Eternal has been on quite the hot streak as of late, and this issue definitely continues the trend. Big turning points, and great character moments make this one of the best issues so far. The anticipation is certainly high for next weeks issue.
Score: 8/10
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