Synopsis: The Batmobile is in flames, and Batman’s enemies have won…but reporter Vicki Vale has learned the secret that could turn everything around!
Batman:Eternal #36 picks up where #35 left off, the Batmobile flying out of a building. The Dark Knight is in some serious trouble when Commissioner Bard has Lucius Fox under his control, which ultimately means all things Batman are as well. The Dark Knight’s ride then blows up, leaving everyone (except us readers) believing he had died in the explosion. This leads to a cool moment between Vicki Vale (who is uncovering the back story of Bard in Detroit) and Bard, where she shows all of us that after this many years and she still knows Batman as well as anybody.
This leads to a family reunion on the rooftops, then ultimately in the cave. Bard is basically caught and his story is finished but there’s a lack of celebration and more of a concern that the Dark Knight missed something. This leads to a wonderful reveal of yet ANOTHER villain that has put this whole plan into action: The Riddler (remember Hush?).
The reveal at the end of the issue was a great tease to the final act of Eternal. However the way this story has been going, there may still be 3, 4 or 5 acts left. If anyone has the time to start back with issue #1 and read all the way up to this point, do it. I think this epic is one that will help you connect more dots the more times you read it.
I’ve been really digging Eternal. Sure it’s had it’s issues that were just plain bad, but for the most part it has been pretty awesome. Scott Snyder and company have really come up with something special here, and I feel like it’s got something for everyone. I’ve been reviewing this book since week 1 and STILL get lost at times… and that’s a good thing!
This book has been a great story and we still have a lot to go… with one of Batman’s best villains now calling the shots. If you have yet to get on board with this story, now is the perfect time to jump in.
Rating: 8 / 10
