Batman Beyond

• Title: Batman Beyond #1
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Dan Jurgens
• Artist: Bernard Chang

Spiraling out of the events of Convergence and Future’s End, the new Batman Beyond ongoing series stars Tim Drake trapped in a future where Gotham is the only known city standing after Brother Eye‘s attacks. Picking up the mantle of Batman following the death of Terry McGinnis, Tim Drake begins protecting this new future Gotham which is similar to that of the television show but different in several important ways beyond just the identity of the man behind the cowl.

The truncating of the Bat-Family’s chronology in the New 52 reboot left a glut of former and current Robins all roughly the same age and not enough room for each to operate. Mercifully released from that regrettable Teen Titans title, I would have preferred Drake to have spun off his own book in the present but this at least affords him the opportunity to prove himself in new ways. Drake plus the Batman Beyond Universe, with a more dystopian feel, is an odd mix, but writer Dan Jurgens (at least initially) sells me on the concept while artist Bernard Chang shows he has what it takes for the series’ unique visual look. I’ll be curious to see where things go from here. Worth a look.

[$2.99]

• Title: Batman Beyond Universe #14
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel
• Artists: Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Thony Silas

Wrapping up the return of the Phantasm who attempts to prevent Terry Ginnis from learning that his father’s true killer is still at large (and tempting him into seeking vengeance), Batman Beyond Universe #14 offers more flashbacks to the events which splintered the Bat-Family and ended any chance of Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon‘s happily ever after.

Although not as strong as the previous month’s set-up, and with several of the final pages setting up future stories I have little to no interest in, Batman Beyond Universe #14 should still be worth a look for fans of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman Beyond and curious to see a pivotal moment in the Terry/Bruce relationship unfold.

Filled with plenty of action, hard choices, and Bruce Wayne loosing another adopted son and apprentice, the latest issue of Batman Beyond Universe is worth picking up even for those (like me) who may not stick around to see how the fallout between Bruce and Terry is finally resolved. Worth a look.

[DC, $3.99]

• Title: Batman Beyond Universe #13
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel
• Artist: Phil Hester

Sometimes a comic can surprise you. After largely ignoring Batman Beyond Universe I decided to pick up the latest issue which promised the return of the Phantasm, flashbacks to the old Batman: The Animated Series days, and the reveal of what really destroyed the Bat-Family all those years ago.

Batman Beyond Universe #13 weaves a story that feels more like part of the Timmverse, without being overly nostalgic, rather than the increasingly watered down version we’ve seen come and go in recent years. The result is the best Batman Beyond comic I’ve read and easily sells me on the conclusion of the two-part storyline which will not only see the fallout between Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, and Bruce Wayne but also force Terry McGinnis to deal face-to-face with the man responsible for the death of the man who raised him.

Joining the comic with this issue, artist Phil Hester manages to faithfully recreate the look of both series. I particularly love the flashback art. Best of the week.

[DC, $3.99]