| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | [[File:School_Warrior_Issue_1.png|center|Cover of ''School Warrior'' #1]]Cover of ''School Warrior'' #1
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | [[File:School_Warrior_Issue_1.png|center|250px|Cover of ''School Warrior'' #1]]Cover of ''School Warrior'' #1
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! colspan="2" style="background:#cbe; text-align: center;" | Publication information
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| Mob Productions
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| 1
| 10
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'''''School Warrior''''' is a year-long weekly [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]] published by [[Mob Productions]], that began in March 2025.
==Plot==
Alex Singh, a withdrawn sixteen-year-old student, arrives at Ravenridge High School intent on getting through the day unnoticed. His attempt at anonymity collapses when a hallway altercation with a larger student triggers an unexplained reaction, warping a locker without physical contact. When the bully attacks again, time appears to stutter and Alex instinctively strikes back, releasing a shockwave that sends the student crashing down the corridor. The incident leaves the school in chaos as Alex realizes he has manifested powers he neither understands nor controls.
Panicking, Alex flees through the building, cracking walls and bending metal as teachers respond. In a bathroom, he briefly sees his reflection move out of sync before losing control again and destroying a sink. Outside, emergency services arrive while a mysterious suited man observes from afar and confirms that something has “activated.” That night, Alex returns home shaken but determined, accepting that his once-ordinary life has irrevocably changed.
In the aftermath of the violent incident at Ravenridge High School, the campus is closed by police as footage of the destruction circulates among students and the media. At home, Alex Singh struggles to suppress his abilities, causing objects to move in response to his emotions, while police inquiries strain his family and reduce the event to an unexplained “incident.” Summoned before the school board, Alex is questioned about what happened but refuses to speak, shaken by flashes of the moment his powers emerged.
When he returns to school grounds, Alex is shunned by classmates who fear him. His grip on reality weakens further when his reflection begins acting independently. Later, he is confronted in an alley by older teens and instinctively stops an attack mid-air, injuring one of them as his power surges and shatters nearby windows. The mysterious suited man reappears, warning Alex that he is being watched and that his lack of control has made him a target.
'''''School Warrior''''' is a year-long weekly [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]] published by [[Mob Productions]], that began in December 2025.
Ravenridge High School reopens under heavy surveillance, its recent destruction hidden beneath fresh paint and newly installed cameras that track Alex Singh as he returns. Students avoid him, whispering as he passes, while Alex notices disturbing changes in himself, including a reflection that lags behind his movements and silently mouths words. Summoned to the administration office, Alex is confronted by the mysterious suited man, who presents evidence of similar incidents and explains that Alex’s abilities are classified as a “student-level event” meant to be monitored and contained. The man admits that not everyone with these abilities adapts successfully.
==Publication history==
Angered by being reduced to a manageable risk, Alex refuses the offer of oversight in exchange for staying enrolled and is warned that noncompliance will reclassify him as a threat. As surveillance cameras follow his exit, Alex retreats to the school rooftop, where he steadies his power and resolves to act without permission, aware that unseen forces are watching.
In October 2013, [[DC Comics]] announced the series would launch in early 2014, with [[Scott Snyder]] heading the story. Additional writers include [[James Tynion IV]], [[John Layman]], Ray Fawkes, and [[Tim Seeley]], with art at the beginning handled by Jason Fabok. Snyder and Tynion co-wrote the first story arc, which lays the groundwork for the series. The story lines then move to a bigger story that includes Snyder's ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' title, once it finishes the "[[Batman: Zero Year|Zero Year]]" story line. The series is part of the 75th anniversary celebration of [[Batman]].<ref name="USAToday" />
==Plot==
After school, Alex is held alone in a heavily reinforced detention room outfitted with cameras and bolted furniture, making it clear the punishment is also a test. As he waits, the lights flicker and Alex’s reflection begins speaking to him, warning that he is not meant to leave freely. An older, visibly battered student enters the room and reveals that he was once in Alex’s position, subjected to what authorities called “guidance.” Through brief flashes of the past, it is implied that others like them were observed and pressured into submission.
[[School Warrior (character)|Alex Singh]], a withdrawn sixteen-year-old student, arrives at Ravenridge High School determined to get through the day unnoticed. As classes begin, a hallway confrontation escalates when a larger student assaults him, triggering an unexplained reaction in Alex that causes a locker to deform without physical contact. When the bully attacks again, time appears to stutter and Alex strikes first, unleashing a powerful shockwave that sends the other student flying down the corridor. The violent display leaves classmates and staff in shock as Alex realizes he has exhibited abilities he cannot control or understand.
As teachers rush in, Alex panics and flees through the school, leaving structural damage in his wake as walls crack and metal bends around him. Hiding in a bathroom, he notices his reflection briefly moving out of sync before he loses control again, destroying the sink. Outside, emergency responders arrive, while a mysterious man in a suit observes Alex from across the street and confirms via earpiece that something has “activated.” That evening, Alex returns home shaken but resolute, reflecting on his long-standing suffering at school and accepting that his life has fundamentally changed. As his newfound power manifests once more, he resolves to confront whatever has turned his ordinary life into a battleground.
When Alex admits that he also hears the voice, the student cautions him not to trust either the reflection or those watching. Alarm lights signal that intervention is imminent, and the student explains that what is coming is about enforcing compliance. As tension builds and the room begins to crack under Alex’s power, he regains control and asserts his own agency. The student departs as Alex is left alone under constant surveillance, realizing that detention was only the beginning of sustained observation.
==Reception==
During a mandatory morning assembly at Ravenridge High School, heavy security and surveillance signal heightened control following recent incidents. Alex senses something is wrong when his perception shifts, allowing him to identify several other students exhibiting subtle manifestations of unusual abilities, including Mara Kline, Jayden Cross, Leo Park, and Rina Solis. As administrators speak, tensions escalate and a distressed student triggers a disruptive sonic event, plunging the courtyard into chaos. Multiple students lose control of their powers, exposing the scope of what authorities have been monitoring.
According to Comicbook Roundup, the entire series received an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 based on 709 reviews. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Batman: Eternal Reviews |url=https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/dc-comics/batman-eternal |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=ComicBookRoundup.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In February 2014, ''Batman Eternal'', along with DC's second weekly title launching in 2014, ''[[The New 52: Futures End]]'', were featured on [[IGN]]'s "Most Anticipated Comics of 2014".<ref name="IGNMostAnticipated" />
The first issue received positive reviews. [[Comic Book Resources]]' Jim Johnson gave the issue 4.5 stars out of 5, saying the issue "is a tremendous start, not just for a weekly series, but for any comic series."<ref name="Eternal1CBR" /> Michael Moccio of [[Newsarama]] added, "From beginning to end of this issue, you won’t want to stop turning the pages and, at the final page, you’ll be on the edge of your seat anticipating the next issue", giving it an 8 out of 10.<ref name="Eternal1Rama" /> Despite some "clunky dialogue" at the start of ''Batman Eternal'' #1, Mike Logsdon of IGN gave the issue an 8.6 out of 10, due to its "cinematically-scaled layouts, strong themes, an interesting use of a new character, and an intriguing new mystery."<ref name="Eternal1IGN" />
Security responds by deploying suppression emitters that incapacitate students indiscriminately, confirming the assembly is a coordinated sweep rather than a safety measure. Realizing the students are being harmed, Alex intervenes with a controlled shockwave that disables the equipment without injuring anyone. Recognized as a focal point by both the empowered students and the observers, Alex urges those affected to flee. As drones descend to pursue them, Alex leads a small group to escape, exposing Ravenridge as a containment facility rather than a school.
John Layman's first issue in the series, ''Batman Eternal'' #4, was met with generally positive reviews. Logsdon gave the issue a 9.0 out of 10, saying, beyond a few art distractions, it was "the strongest issue of this series so far."<ref name="Eternal4IGN" /> Newsarama's Pierce Lydon added that, despite "another solid installation in this weekly series... the plot is starting to spin its wheels. We are less than 10% through this series, but we’re not seeing enough effective payoff yet. The World’s Greatest Detective is really taking his time doing any detecting", giving the issue a 6 out of 10.<ref name="Eternal4Rama" /> Jennifer Cheng of Comic Book Resources said the issue felt "like a well put-together TV show, and not just in its faster week-to-week pacing. There are many interlocking parts to the plot, and each part holds its own," awarding the issue 3.5 stars out of 5.<ref name="Eternal4CBR" />
Fleeing Ravenridge High, Alex and several empowered students take refuge in an abandoned service tunnel beneath the school, only to find their escape routes sealing behind them. As security forces close in, tensions fracture the group: Jayden panics, Leo insists on splitting up, and Rina senses time behaving erratically within the tunnel. Alex’s unsettling reflection reappears, hinting that the underground facility was designed to contain students like them. When the corridor destabilizes, a widening fissure separates the group, forcing hard choices. Leo volunteers to draw pursuit away and escapes through another route, with Jayden following, leaving Alex, Mara Kline, and Rina Solis behind. As security descends and suppression emitters activate, Alex collapses the tunnel entrance to protect those remaining. With the group divided and containment protocols escalating, the escape turns into a coordinated hunt.
Issue #5, James Tynion IV's first issue, continued the generally positive trend, receiving 4 stars out of 5 from Comic Book Resources' Greg McElhatton. He said, "A weekly series needs to have three to four times as much plot as a monthly book, in order to keep from feeling padded. With this issue, we're starting to enter the outskirts of "epic" levels of plot, and that's a relief. Tynion takes on the scripting for this issue and it flows well, introducing the new elements without feeling like we've been left hanging for what's come before."<ref name="Eternal5CBR" /> Logsdon gave the issue a 7.8 out of 10, saying "It seems that this weekly series might be presenting us with a series of one-shots that tie into the larger story. If this really is the start of a trend, so far it has been quite successful. James Tynion IV takes on scripting duties and he does a good job of capturing Tim Drake's new personality."<ref name="Eternal5IGN" /> Lydon, however, said, "I’m always partial stories that take into account more than just the police and capes side of a story and Tynion taps Vicki Vale for a starring role as well. But we’re still just moving pawns in this game of chess, and the strategy has been yet to be fully realized," giving the issue a 5 out of 10.<ref name="Eternal5Rama" />
Hiding beneath the school district in an abandoned transit terminal, Alex, Mara, and Rina struggle to recover as security forces continue their sweep of the underground. Rina admits the strain of using her abilities nearly broke her, while Alex remains alert, certain the pursuit is not over. As armed units close in and blast doors seal off escape routes, Alex’s disturbing reflection reappears, taunting him with visions of Leo fleeing alone and Jayden being captured. It suggests that while strength can hold ground, speed can change outcomes.
''Batman Eternal'' #6, the first for Ray Fawkes, had more mixed reviews. IGN's Jeff Lake said the series "is starting to feel a bit like ''[[Game of Thrones]]''. Each week offers a snapshot view of a few characters, only to switch to a different set the following week. Issue #6 is a Batwing issue, and while it's fun to see him working alongside Jim Corrigan (and facing the always awesome [[Gentleman Ghost]]), it's hard to see how it fits into the main story," awarding the issue a 7.8 out of 10.<ref name="Eternal6IGN" /> Lydon expressed similar sentiments, giving the issue a 6 out of 10 and adding, "We’re still firmly in building mode but we’re starting to lose sight of the inciting incident. Gordon’s mishap and the return of the Roman feel like they happened so long ago because we’ve seen an attempt to weave so many other storylines in."<ref name="Eternal6Rama" />
When security deploys suppression emitters, Alex refuses a direct confrontation. Instead, his perception shifts: sound stretches, rain hangs motionless, and Alex moves faster than the environment around him. He races through the tunnel, dismantling equipment and disarming soldiers without striking them, repeatedly reappearing in impossible positions. Carrying Mara and Rina, Alex outruns the collapse of the tunnels and escapes to the city streets above.
Logsdon gave issue #7, Tim Seeley's first, an 8.0 out of 10, feeling Seeley gave each of the characters he dealt with the proper spotlight.<ref name="Eternal7IGN" /> Marykate Jasper of Comic Book Resources gave the issue 4 stars out of 5, saying the issue was "an explosion-packed, game-changing issue that keeps up the pace of its predecessors and continues to expand the scope of the story."<ref name="Eternal7CBR" /> Lydon also spoke positively, giving the issue an 8 out of 10, and saying, "The chains are really starting to move in ''Eternal''... [and the series] is changing the landscape of Gotham quite literally, and it’s exciting to watch."<ref name="Eternal7Rama" />
Once the world snaps back to normal speed, Alex collapses from exhaustion, shaken by what he has done. He realizes his power was not newly granted but always present, misunderstood as bad timing and near misses throughout his life. As sirens approach, Alex stands alone, aware that while strength draws attention, speed determines who escapes containment and who is left behind.
Issue #22, Kyle Higgins' first issue, received a 5 out of 10 from Lydon. He said, "Kyle Higgins’ scripting serves really only to get us to the ending and have the Architect reveal his motivations a bit... This chapter almost feels extraneous, but it’s not the worst this title has been."<ref name="Eternal22Rama" /> McElhatton gave the issue 2.5 stars out of 5, saying, "The problem with ''Batman Eternal'' #22 is that this recent shift, bringing the Architect and Hush back into continuity, hasn't had time to settle in with everything else around it. Dealing with the crime war or the strangeness under Arkham Asylum, bringing the characters in feels out of place, almost like an entirely different comic. While the connection is there, it's still such a thin line that for the moment it's hard to adjust to a proverbial jumping of the tracks into something else. The tone is different, the characters we've been reading about are suddenly all absent, and this just doesn't quite work."<ref name="Eternal22CBR" />
Alex, Mara, and Rina observe an industrial complex on the city outskirts that has been converted into a fortified containment site. As a convoy arrives, they realize this is not a routine operation but a coordinated trap designed to capture people like them. Alex flashes visions of Jayden restrained in mid-air and Leo buried beneath rubble, confirming the authorities are systematically collecting empowered students. When they witness another student being dragged into a glowing suppression field that instantly strips their abilities, the danger becomes clear.
;''Batman'' (vol. 2) #28
Despite Mara’s warnings, Alex decides to intervene. He races from the rooftop, but upon entering the field, his accelerated perception collapses and the world snaps back to normal speed. Cut off from his powers and even his reflection, Alex is overwhelmed and captured by security forces. Inside a mobile containment unit, the suited man confronts him, revealing footage of Mara and Rina being restrained and dismissing them as expendable variables while labeling Alex as something far more valuable.
[[Comic Book Resources]]' Doug Zawisza gave ''Batman'' (vol. 2) #28 4.5 stars out of 5, saying he was "onboard and locked in to see how Snyder and crew weave the not-so-distant past with the near future... [and the] issue is a nice break from "Zero Year," a change of pace, a switch in visual impact, a breath of fresh air and a sign of hope for the Gotham of tomorrow as Snyder continues to construct and deepen the legend of Gotham City and its role in the mythology of Batman."<ref name="Batman28CBRReview" /> David Pepose of Newsarama gave the issue an 8 out 10. He said, "With this preview to the upcoming Bat-event ''Batman Eternal'', the creative team adds just enough to Gotham's mythology to hold your interest."<ref name="Batman28RamaReview" /> IGN's Melissa Grey gave the issue an 8 out of 10 as well, calling it "a fun issue," but one that "doesn't comfortably ground the reader in its timeline."<ref name="Batman28IGNReview" />
==Sales==
As Alex is isolated and restrained, the suppression field begins to destabilize. Hearing his reflection only faintly, Alex realizes his strength does not depend on speed alone. Centering himself, he resists the system entirely, causing the dead zone to fracture and containment to fail. The operation collapses as Alex proves that even without motion, he cannot be controlled.
For April 2014, [[Diamond Comic Distributors]] announced that ''Batman Eternal'' issues #1–4 were the fourth, sixth, ninth and 10th best selling titles of the month, respectively.<ref name="April2014Sales" /> ''Batman Eternal'' #5–8 ranked 10th, 11th, 17th and 15th, respectively for May 2014.<ref name="May2014Sales" /> In June 2014, ''Batman Eternal'' #9-12 ranked 14th through 17th, respectively.<ref name="June2014Sales" /> For July 2014, ''Eternal'' #13-17 ranked 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd and 25th, respectively.<ref name="July2014Sales" /> ''Eternal'' #18 in August 2014 ranked 10th, while issues #19-21 ranked 14th-16th, respectively.<ref name="August2014Sales" /> In September 2014, ''Batman Eternal'' #22-25 ranked 31st, 34th, 35th and 37th, respectively.<ref name="September2014Sales" /> In October 2014, issues #26-30 ranked 29th, 32nd, 39th and 38th, respectively.<ref name="October2014Sales" /> The final issue, #52, reached the rank of 39th.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2015/2015-04.html | title=April 2015 Sales | work=Comichron }}</ref>
In June 2014, DC announced a new title within the "Batman" family of ''New 52'' titles, ''Arkham Manor'', written by Gerry Duggan, with art by Shawn Crystal for release in October 2014.<ref name="ArkhamManor" /> In August, they also announced ''Gotham by Midnight'' for release in November 2014, written by Ray Fawkes and art by Ben Templesmith.<ref name="Midnight" /> Both spin out of the events of ''Eternal'', with ''Arkham Manor'' focusing on Wayne Manor becoming the new Arkham Asylum,<ref name="ArkhamManor2" /> and ''Gotham By Midnight'' exploring Corrigan and "The Midnight Shift" of the Gotham Police Department that handle supernatural occurrences.<ref name="Midnight" /> ''Arkham Manor'' takes place after the events of ''Eternal'' #30,<ref name="ArkhamManor3" /> with ''Gotham by Midnight'' occurring at the end of the ''Eternal'' storyline ending in March 2015.<ref name="BatTitlesEternalEnd" />
==Sequel==
At the 2015 [[San Diego Comic-Con]], DC announced a followup series, ''[[Batman and Robin Eternal]]''. It features Tynion as the lead writer, along with Snyder, Seeley, Genevieve Valentine, Steve Orlando, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly and Ed BrissonIt, with art from Tony Daniel, Paul Pelletier and Scot Eaton. ''Batman and Robin Eternal'' was set to begin in October 2015 until April 2016, running weekly for 26 issues, and is intended to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Robin character, just as ''Batman Eternal'' celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Batman character. Tynion stated, "Part of it will be Dick Grayson as Robin in the past alongside Batman. This is Dick's first international mysteries, he thought it was the most harrowing case of his life but he didn't know who he was up against. He's going to stumble into a mystery that shakes the foundation of the concept of Robin. This is the series where we will bring back Cassandra Cain to the DC Universe. She's been one of my favorite characters, I came up in the era when she was front and center. Bringing her into continuity in this story in particular -- the three leads in this story are Dick Grayson and Harper Row and Cassandra Cain. It's going to take us all over the world and bring in all of the Robins. The whole Bat family."<ref>{{cite web|last=Arrant|first=Chris|title=BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL and ROBIN WAR Announced|url=http://www.newsarama.com/25123-batman-robin-eternal-and-robin-war-announced.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712182928/http://www.newsarama.com/25123-batman-robin-eternal-and-robin-war-announced.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2015|publisher=Newsarama|date=July 10, 2015|access-date=July 12, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/sdcc-dcs-upstarts-talk-black-canary-midnighter-more|title=SDCC: DC'S UPSTARTS TALK "BLACK CANARY," "MIDNIGHTER" & MORE|last=White|first=Brett|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=July 14, 2015|access-date=July 23, 2015|archive-date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730185808/http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/sdcc-dcs-upstarts-talk-black-canary-midnighter-more|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em|refs=
<!--<ref name="EternalComicosity">{{cite web|last=Santori-Griffith|first=Matthew|title=Interview: Scott Snyder Talks the Women of Gotham|url=http://www.comicosity.com/interview-scott-snyder-talks-the-women-of-gotham/|publisher=Comicosity|date=February 13, 2014|access-date=February 13, 2014}}</ref>-->
<ref name="March2015Hiatus">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=52308|title=DiDio Says All Three Weekly DC Series Will End In March 2015|last=Ching|first=Albert|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=April 21, 2014|access-date=April 21, 2014}}</ref>
<!-- PUBLICATION HISTORY -->
<ref name="USAToday">{{cite web|last=Truitt|first=Brian|title=Batman springs 'Eternal' in 2014 with new weekly series|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/10/10/batman-eternal-weekly-comic-book-series/2957815/|publisher=USA Today|date=October 10, 2013|access-date=October 10, 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="SeeleyRama">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/19775-tim-seeley-to-focus-on-adventure-batgirl-in-batman-eternal-weekly.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213175733/http://www.newsarama.com/19775-tim-seeley-to-focus-on-adventure-batgirl-in-batman-eternal-weekly.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 13, 2013|title=Tim Seeley To Focus On Adventure, Batgirl In Batman: Eternal Weekly|last=Rogers|first=Vaneta|publisher=Newsarama|date=December 11, 2013|access-date=January 17, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="FawkesRama">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/19869-batman-eternal-s-ray-fawkes-to-spotlight-batwing-horror-in-new-weekly.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223040557/http://www.newsarama.com/19869-batman-eternal-s-ray-fawkes-to-spotlight-batwing-horror-in-new-weekly.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 23, 2013|title=Batman: Eternal's Ray Fawkes To Spotlight Batwing, Horror In New Weekly|last=Rogers|first=Vaneta|publisher=Newsarama|date=December 20, 2013|access-date=January 17, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="USAToday2">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2014/04/07/batman-eternal-weekly-comic-book-series/7408031/|title='Batman Eternal' begins a grand year for Gotham|last=Truitt|first=Brian|work=USA Today|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Batsgiving2">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/19613-batman-eternal-teaser-by-jason-fabok-released.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122025024/http://www.newsarama.com/19613-batman-eternal-teaser-by-jason-fabok-released.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 22, 2013|title=Updated Batman Eternal Thanksgiving Teaser in Super-Size|last=Siegel|first=Lucas|publisher=Newsarama|date=November 19, 2013|access-date=June 12, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="BatTitlesEternalEnd">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/22002-after-eternal-spoilers-galore-about-the-future-of-batman.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831011430/http://www.newsarama.com/22002-after-eternal-spoilers-galore-about-the-future-of-batman.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 31, 2014|title=After Eternal: Spoilers Galore About the Future of Batman|last=Rogers|first=Vaneta|publisher=Newsarama|date=August 28, 2014|access-date=August 31, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="LaymanFinal">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1843147/batman-eternal-10-post-game-with-writer-jon-layman/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622173005/http://www.mtv.com/news/1843147/batman-eternal-10-post-game-with-writer-jon-layman/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 22, 2014|title='Batman Eternal #10′: Post Game With Writer Jon Layman|last=Zalban|first=Alex|publisher=MTV|date=June 11, 2014|access-date=September 3, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="SeeleySeason1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1904790/batman-eternal-post-game-20/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831022721/http://www.mtv.com/news/1904790/batman-eternal-post-game-20/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 31, 2014|title='Batman Eternal' Ends Its First Act With A Spoiler-Filled Reveal|last=Zalban|first=Alex|publisher=MTV|date=August 20, 2014|access-date=September 3, 2014}}</ref>
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<ref name="Batman28Continuity">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/20127-scott-snyder-talks-batman-28-s-prison-keyhole-relationship-to-futures-end.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126002932/http://www.newsarama.com/20127-scott-snyder-talks-batman-28-s-prison-keyhole-relationship-to-futures-end.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 26, 2014|title=Scott Snyder Talks Batman #28's Prison Keyhole, Relationship to Futures End|last=Rodgers|first=Vaneta|publisher=Newsarama|date=January 23, 2014|access-date=January 25, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Batman28CBR">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=50838|title=Breaking Down the Secrets of Snyder's "Batman" #28|last=Sunu|first=Steve|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=February 12, 2014|access-date=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Batman28Newsarama">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/20298-spoiler-alert-girl-power-rules-in-batman-28-s-revealed-future.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301204015/http://www.newsarama.com/20298-spoiler-alert-girl-power-rules-in-batman-28-s-revealed-future.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 1, 2014|title=Spoiler Alert: Girl Power Rules in Batman #28's Revealed Future|last=Rogers|first=Vaneta|publisher=Newsarama|date=February 12, 2014|access-date=February 12, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Issue43Solicit">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/articles/exclusive-batman-eternal-january-2015-solicitation/1100-150101/|title=Exclusive: Batman Eternal January 2015 Solicitations|last=Guerrero|first=Tony|publisher=Comic Vine|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="FawkesPennyworth">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=54373|title=SDCC Live: DC Comics - The Weeklies|last=Sunu|first=Steve|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=July 26, 2014|access-date=July 26, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="FawkesCorrigan">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=55012|title=Fawkes Investigates "Gotham By Midnight" With Jim Corrigan|last=Renaud|first=Jeffery|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=August 22, 2014|access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Hush">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/21988-has-batman-eternal-revealed-its-big-bad-spoilers.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829235009/http://www.newsarama.com/21988-has-batman-eternal-revealed-its-big-bad-spoilers.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 29, 2014|title=Has Batman Eternal Revealed Its Big Bad? Spoilers|last=Rogers|first=Vaneta|publisher=Newsarama|date=August 28, 2014|access-date=August 28, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="SeeleyRedHood">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1847370/batgirl-fights-a-lady-scorpion-in-the-insane-batman-eternal-11/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621010235/http://www.mtv.com/news/1847370/batgirl-fights-a-lady-scorpion-in-the-insane-batman-eternal-11/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 21, 2014|title=Batgirl Fights A Lady Scorpion In The Insane 'Batman Eternal #11'|last=Zalban|first=Alex|publisher=MTV|date=June 18, 2014|access-date=September 3, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 7">{{cite comic|writer=[[Tim Seeley|Seeley, Tim]], [[Scott Snyder]], James Tynion IV, [[John Layman]], Ray Fawkes|artist=Simeoni, Emanuel|colorist=Blond|letterer=Leigh, Rob|story=Vrrrmmm|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#7|date=July 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 8">{{cite comic|writer=[[John Layman|Layman, John]], [[Scott Snyder]], James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, [[Tim Seeley]]|artist=March, Guillem|colorist=Morey, Tomeu|letterer=Wands, Steve|story=Guided by Darkness|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#8|date=July 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 9">{{cite comic|writer=[[John Layman|Layman, John]], [[Scott Snyder]], James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, [[Tim Seeley]]|artist=March, Guillem|colorist=Morey, Tomeu|letterer=Wands, Steve|story=The Unburied Past|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#9|date=August 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 10">{{cite comic|writer=[[John Layman|Layman, John]], [[Scott Snyder]], James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, [[Tim Seeley]]|artist=[[Riccardo Burchielli|Burchielli, Riccardo]]|colorist=McCaig, Dave|letterer=Esposito, Taylor|story=When Animals Attack|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#10|date=August 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 11">{{cite comic|writer=[[Tim Seeley|Seeley, Tim]], [[Scott Snyder]], James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, [[John Layman]]|artist=Bertram, Ian|colorist=Stewart, Dave|letterer=Sienty, Dezi|story=Day of the Dads|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#11|date=August 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 12">{{cite comic|writer=Tynion IV, James, [[Scott Snyder]], Ray Fawkes, [[John Layman]], [[Tim Seeley]]|artist=Janin, Mikel|colorist=Cox, Jeromy|letterer=Esposito, Taylor|story=The Good Man|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#12|date=August 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 18">{{cite comic|writer=[[Tim Seeley|Seeley, Tim]], [[Scott Snyder]], James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, [[John Layman]]|artist=[[Andy Clarke (comics)|Clarke, Andy]]|colorist=Blond|letterer=Sienty, Dezi|story=A Night on Earth|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#18|date=October 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 19">{{cite comic|writer=[[Tim Seeley|Seeley, Tim]], [[Scott Snyder]], James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, [[John Layman]]|artist=Simeoni, Emanuel|colorist=Blond|letterer=Esposito, Taylor|story=Breaking Bat|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#19|date=October 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal 20">{{cite comic|writer=[[Tim Seeley|Seeley, Tim]], [[Scott Snyder]], James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, [[John Layman]]|artist=Simeoni, Emanuel|colorist=Blond|letterer=Sienty, Dezi|story=Wild Animals|title=Batman Eternal|volume=1|issue=#20|date=October 2014|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal1IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/10/batman-eternal-1-review|title=Welcome to Gotham, It's Going To Be a Wild Ride.|last=Logsdon|first=Mike|publisher=IGN|date=April 10, 2014|access-date=April 10, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal4IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/01/comic-book-reviews-for-april-30-2014|title=Comic Book Reviews for April 30, 2014|last=Logsdon|first=Mike|publisher=IGN|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=May 1, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal4CBR">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=7272|title=Review: Batman Eternal #4|last=Cheng|first=Jennifer|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=May 2, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal5CBR">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=7284|title=Review: Batman Eternal #5|last=McElhatton|first=Greg|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=May 7, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal5IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/08/comic-book-reviews-for-may-7-2014|title=Comic Book Reviews For May 7, 2014|last=Logsdon|first=Mike|publisher=IGN|date=May 8, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal6IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/15/comic-book-reviews-for-may-14-2014|title=Comic Book Reviews For May 14, 2014|last=Lake|first=Jeff|publisher=IGN|date=May 15, 2014|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal22Rama">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/22048-best-shots-rapid-reviews-death-of-wolverine-1-green-arrow-futures-end-more.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906021807/http://www.newsarama.com/22048-best-shots-rapid-reviews-death-of-wolverine-1-green-arrow-futures-end-more.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2014|title=Best Shots Rapid Reviews: Death Of Wolverine #1, Green Arrow: Futures End, More|last=Lydon|first=Pierce|publisher=Newsarama|date=September 4, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Eternal22CBR">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=7739|title=Review: Batman Eternal #22|last=McElhatton|first=Greg|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=September 8, 2014|access-date=September 8, 2014}}</ref>
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<ref name="April2014Sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/21083-april-2014-comic-book-sales-charts.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511222513/http://www.newsarama.com/21083-april-2014-comic-book-sales-charts.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 11, 2014|title=April's Amazing Spider–Man #1 Pushes 2014 Comic Book Sales Up Over 2013 For 1st Time|last=Doran|first=Michael|publisher=Newsarama|date=May 9, 2014|access-date=May 9, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="May2014Sales">*{{cite web|url=http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2014/2014-05.html|title=May 2014 Comic Book Sales Figures|publisher=Comichron|access-date=July 6, 2014}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/21338-original-sin-tops-charts-but-may-2014-comic-book-sales-down-again-slightly-vs-2013.html|title=Original Sin Tops Charts But May 2014 Comic Book Sales Down Again (Slightly) vs. 2013|last=Doran|first=Michael|publisher=Newsarama|date=June 13, 2014|access-date=July 6, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714131301/http://www.newsarama.com/21338-original-sin-tops-charts-but-may-2014-comic-book-sales-down-again-slightly-vs-2013.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="June2014Sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2014/2014-06.html|title=June 2014 Comic Book Sales Figures|publisher=Comichron|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="July2014Sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2014/2014-07.html|title=July 2014 Comic Book Sales Figures|publisher=Comichron|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="August2014Sales">
*{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/22054-august-comic-book-sales-up-vs-2013-way-down-vs-last-month.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906020836/http://www.newsarama.com/22054-august-comic-book-sales-up-vs-2013-way-down-vs-last-month.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2014|title=August Comic Book Sales Up Vs. 2013, Way Down Vs. Last Month|last=Doran|first=Michael|publisher=Newsarama|date=September 5, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2014}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2014/2014-08.html|title=August 2014 Comic Book Sales Figures|publisher=Comichron|access-date=September 8, 2014}}
</ref>
<ref name="September2014Sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2014/2014-09.html|title=September 2014 Comic Book Sales Figures|publisher=Comichron|access-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="October2014Sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2014/2014-10.html|title=October 2014 Comic Book Sales Figures|publisher=Comichron|access-date=December 5, 2014}}</ref>
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<ref name="ArkhamManor">{{cite web|last1=Siegel|first1=Lucas|title=DC Comics Launches Two Surprising Batman New 52 Series in October|url=http://www.newsarama.com/21461-dc-comics-launches-two-surprising-batman-new-52-series-in-october.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707023720/http://www.newsarama.com/21461-dc-comics-launches-two-surprising-batman-new-52-series-in-october.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2014|publisher=Newsarama|access-date=June 30, 2014|date=June 30, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="ArkhamManor2">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=53898|title=Snyder On Frank Miler, Gotham City, Depression & The "Zero Year" Finale|last=Campbell|first=Josie|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=July 7, 2014|access-date=August 31, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="ArkhamManor3">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/22515-gerry-dugan-opens-the-doors-to-arkham-manor-and-invites-batman-in.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022053448/http://www.newsarama.com/22515-gerry-dugan-opens-the-doors-to-arkham-manor-and-invites-batman-in.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2014|title=Gerry Dugan Opens the Doors to Arkham Manor and Invites Batman In|last=Rogers|first=Vaneta|publisher=Newsarama|date=October 21, 2014|access-date=October 22, 2014}}</ref><!--Source info is in fifth preview image.-->
<ref name="Midnight">{{cite web|last1=Sagers|first1=Aaron|title=Exclusive: DC Comics announces horror series Gotham By Midnight|url=http://www.blastr.com/2014-8-12/exclusive-dc-comics-announces-horror-series-gotham-midnight|publisher=Blaster|access-date=August 12, 2014|date=August 12, 2014|archive-date=August 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812212510/http://www.blastr.com/2014-8-12/exclusive-dc-comics-announces-horror-series-gotham-midnight|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Alex Singh, a withdrawn sixteen-year-old student, arrives at Ravenridge High School intent on getting through the day unnoticed. His attempt at anonymity collapses when a hallway altercation with a larger student triggers an unexplained reaction, warping a locker without physical contact. When the bully attacks again, time appears to stutter and Alex instinctively strikes back, releasing a shockwave that sends the student crashing down the corridor. The incident leaves the school in chaos as Alex realizes he has manifested powers he neither understands nor controls.
Panicking, Alex flees through the building, cracking walls and bending metal as teachers respond. In a bathroom, he briefly sees his reflection move out of sync before losing control again and destroying a sink. Outside, emergency services arrive while a mysterious suited man observes from afar and confirms that something has “activated.” That night, Alex returns home shaken but determined, accepting that his once-ordinary life has irrevocably changed.
In the aftermath of the violent incident at Ravenridge High School, the campus is closed by police as footage of the destruction circulates among students and the media. At home, Alex Singh struggles to suppress his abilities, causing objects to move in response to his emotions, while police inquiries strain his family and reduce the event to an unexplained “incident.” Summoned before the school board, Alex is questioned about what happened but refuses to speak, shaken by flashes of the moment his powers emerged.
When he returns to school grounds, Alex is shunned by classmates who fear him. His grip on reality weakens further when his reflection begins acting independently. Later, he is confronted in an alley by older teens and instinctively stops an attack mid-air, injuring one of them as his power surges and shatters nearby windows. The mysterious suited man reappears, warning Alex that he is being watched and that his lack of control has made him a target.
Ravenridge High School reopens under heavy surveillance, its recent destruction hidden beneath fresh paint and newly installed cameras that track Alex Singh as he returns. Students avoid him, whispering as he passes, while Alex notices disturbing changes in himself, including a reflection that lags behind his movements and silently mouths words. Summoned to the administration office, Alex is confronted by the mysterious suited man, who presents evidence of similar incidents and explains that Alex’s abilities are classified as a “student-level event” meant to be monitored and contained. The man admits that not everyone with these abilities adapts successfully.
Angered by being reduced to a manageable risk, Alex refuses the offer of oversight in exchange for staying enrolled and is warned that noncompliance will reclassify him as a threat. As surveillance cameras follow his exit, Alex retreats to the school rooftop, where he steadies his power and resolves to act without permission, aware that unseen forces are watching.
After school, Alex is held alone in a heavily reinforced detention room outfitted with cameras and bolted furniture, making it clear the punishment is also a test. As he waits, the lights flicker and Alex’s reflection begins speaking to him, warning that he is not meant to leave freely. An older, visibly battered student enters the room and reveals that he was once in Alex’s position, subjected to what authorities called “guidance.” Through brief flashes of the past, it is implied that others like them were observed and pressured into submission.
When Alex admits that he also hears the voice, the student cautions him not to trust either the reflection or those watching. Alarm lights signal that intervention is imminent, and the student explains that what is coming is about enforcing compliance. As tension builds and the room begins to crack under Alex’s power, he regains control and asserts his own agency. The student departs as Alex is left alone under constant surveillance, realizing that detention was only the beginning of sustained observation.
During a mandatory morning assembly at Ravenridge High School, heavy security and surveillance signal heightened control following recent incidents. Alex senses something is wrong when his perception shifts, allowing him to identify several other students exhibiting subtle manifestations of unusual abilities, including Mara Kline, Jayden Cross, Leo Park, and Rina Solis. As administrators speak, tensions escalate and a distressed student triggers a disruptive sonic event, plunging the courtyard into chaos. Multiple students lose control of their powers, exposing the scope of what authorities have been monitoring.
Security responds by deploying suppression emitters that incapacitate students indiscriminately, confirming the assembly is a coordinated sweep rather than a safety measure. Realizing the students are being harmed, Alex intervenes with a controlled shockwave that disables the equipment without injuring anyone. Recognized as a focal point by both the empowered students and the observers, Alex urges those affected to flee. As drones descend to pursue them, Alex leads a small group to escape, exposing Ravenridge as a containment facility rather than a school.
Fleeing Ravenridge High, Alex and several empowered students take refuge in an abandoned service tunnel beneath the school, only to find their escape routes sealing behind them. As security forces close in, tensions fracture the group: Jayden panics, Leo insists on splitting up, and Rina senses time behaving erratically within the tunnel. Alex’s unsettling reflection reappears, hinting that the underground facility was designed to contain students like them. When the corridor destabilizes, a widening fissure separates the group, forcing hard choices. Leo volunteers to draw pursuit away and escapes through another route, with Jayden following, leaving Alex, Mara Kline, and Rina Solis behind. As security descends and suppression emitters activate, Alex collapses the tunnel entrance to protect those remaining. With the group divided and containment protocols escalating, the escape turns into a coordinated hunt.
Hiding beneath the school district in an abandoned transit terminal, Alex, Mara, and Rina struggle to recover as security forces continue their sweep of the underground. Rina admits the strain of using her abilities nearly broke her, while Alex remains alert, certain the pursuit is not over. As armed units close in and blast doors seal off escape routes, Alex’s disturbing reflection reappears, taunting him with visions of Leo fleeing alone and Jayden being captured. It suggests that while strength can hold ground, speed can change outcomes.
When security deploys suppression emitters, Alex refuses a direct confrontation. Instead, his perception shifts: sound stretches, rain hangs motionless, and Alex moves faster than the environment around him. He races through the tunnel, dismantling equipment and disarming soldiers without striking them, repeatedly reappearing in impossible positions. Carrying Mara and Rina, Alex outruns the collapse of the tunnels and escapes to the city streets above.
Once the world snaps back to normal speed, Alex collapses from exhaustion, shaken by what he has done. He realizes his power was not newly granted but always present, misunderstood as bad timing and near misses throughout his life. As sirens approach, Alex stands alone, aware that while strength draws attention, speed determines who escapes containment and who is left behind.
Alex, Mara, and Rina observe an industrial complex on the city outskirts that has been converted into a fortified containment site. As a convoy arrives, they realize this is not a routine operation but a coordinated trap designed to capture people like them. Alex flashes visions of Jayden restrained in mid-air and Leo buried beneath rubble, confirming the authorities are systematically collecting empowered students. When they witness another student being dragged into a glowing suppression field that instantly strips their abilities, the danger becomes clear.
Despite Mara’s warnings, Alex decides to intervene. He races from the rooftop, but upon entering the field, his accelerated perception collapses and the world snaps back to normal speed. Cut off from his powers and even his reflection, Alex is overwhelmed and captured by security forces. Inside a mobile containment unit, the suited man confronts him, revealing footage of Mara and Rina being restrained and dismissing them as expendable variables while labeling Alex as something far more valuable.
As Alex is isolated and restrained, the suppression field begins to destabilize. Hearing his reflection only faintly, Alex realizes his strength does not depend on speed alone. Centering himself, he resists the system entirely, causing the dead zone to fracture and containment to fail. The operation collapses as Alex proves that even without motion, he cannot be controlled.
