Batman: Going Sane

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciller: Joe Staton
Inker: Steve Mitchell
Letterer: Willie Schubert
Colorist: Digital Chameleon
Published by DC Comics 2008

The Joker finally succeeds in killing the Batman (or so he thinks) then proceeds to pursue a normal life. Can you honestly believe that? The Joker living as us plebs, inlove, WORKING, settling into a daily routine. I'll admit the story was a good read. I was absolutely engrossed in the Joker's new life and new love (aside from himself). What stood out the most is his battle to remain normal. One also realizes how much the Joker's story revolves around his nemesis the Batman. Without is counterpart the Joker really serves no purpose in the DC Universe (speaking of which he's an absolute riot in Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe....try it!).
As Joseph Kerr, the Joker dives head first into the life of a regular person. He by chance falls inlove, lives off the inheritance his parents left for him (ummmm maybe that's not so plausable but I'll run with it), and is quite the romantic. He even proposes to his love Rebecca Brown on several occassions. Joseph Kerr constantly battles and subdues his alternate personality which is an ever-present reminder of his psychotic side. It's also a reminder that he is a deeply disturbed individual. I'm surprised he managed to remain "sane" for as long as he did.
The Batman's side of the story on the other hand was quite dull. Nothing about him being dead and lost in a town 200 miles north of Gotham City for six plus weeks stood out. Of the two, Batman's story was quite boring unfortunately. Of course he's taken in and cared for by a beautiful and successful female doctor, and of course he remains a mystery. Astonishingly enough she does not even recognize him as billionaire Bruce Wayne. Bruce finds a peacefullness that he's longed for since his parents' murder; however, he remains obsessed with finding the Joker. I'm tempted to say that Batman is more obsessed with the Joker than the Joker is with Batman. Eventually Batman returns to Gotham City, the daily news gets wind of this which in turn makes its way back to Joseph Kerr. The really unfortunate part of this string of events is that this news reaches Joseph the day before his wedding and oh my does he flip! He also leaves the love of his life to pursue his nemesis.
I have to say the old school Sunday comics art used in Batman: Going Sane was quite appropriate. It's a break from the usual art I tend to read but it in no way detracts from the story being told. I ws taken back to being nine years old and harassing my mother for the comics section of the Sunday Guardian. Overall I enjoyed Batman: Going Sane and I'd highly recommend it as a Sunday read. Preferrably sitting in your sunroom with the breeze whicking through.

Batman: Going Sane
Rating: 4 1/2 of 5 Jewel of the Demon Seals

Eternals: To Slay A God

ETERNALS: TO SLAY A GOD
Cover: Daniel Acuna
Writer: Charles Knauf, Daniel Knauf
Pencils: Daniel Acuna, Pascal Alixe

If you read my previous ETERNALS post then this should be no surprised to you. The Horde is approaching earth, the sleeping Celestial has been awoken, and the Eternals are facing a civil war. ETERNALS: TO SLAY A GOD has all the makings of a great story and it does not disappoint at all. I am delighted that Jack Kirby's ETERNALS have been revived, and is being told in such a great way.
As usual the art work is exactly what I typically go for; however, the "end of chapter" notices as I call them really caught my attention. They reminded me of the classic Spider-Man comics I read as a kid because the brief comments are humorous. Picture watching the 1970's BATMAN tv series and hearing "join us next week, same Bat-Time, same Bat-channel" the seeing the screen whirl out of an into another scene with Batman and the boy wonder in imminent danger. That's how the end of chapter notices come across. You have to love the clever editorial behind this. At least I appreciate it.
What's also interesting about TO SLAY A GOD is the inveitable war amongst the Eternals themselves, the Horde, and the Celestials. The interesting twist that explains why one Celestial was left sleeping on earth is BRILLIANT. Also the watcher who has interveined in earth's affiars 300 plus some odd times seemed out of place in some regard. I couldn't help but wonder what his purpose is in relation to the Celestials, the Fulcrum, and the otehr cosmic beings in the universe. Oddly enough the watcher remided me of the Guardians from The Green Lantern. All we're missing now is a corps of super heroes with power rings!!! This is a must read if you're intrigued buy super heroes grounded in the Marvel universe, but who don't share the typical Marvel super heroe traist. You know, human with some augmented genes, accidental abilities, or power suits.

ETERNALS: TO SLAY A GOD
Rating: 4 out of 5 Demon Seals