Batman Beyond

Batman Beyond
1st issue of Batman Beyond ongoing series (January 2011). Art by Dustin Nguyen.
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
Schedule	Monthly
Format	Ongoing series
Genre	Superhero
Publication date	(vol. 1): 1999 (vol. 2): 1999 - 2001 (vol. 3): 2010 - 2011 (vol. 4): 2011 (vol. 5): 2012
Number of issues	(vol. 1): 6 issues (Limited series) (vol. 2): 24 issues (vol. 3): 6 issues (Limited series) (vol.4): 8 issues (vol.5):
Main character(s)	Batman (Terry McGinnis) Bruce Wayne Dick Grayson Barbara Gordon Tim Drake Maxine "Max" Gibson
Creative team
Writer(s)	(vol. 1): Hilary J. Bader (vol. 2): Hilary J. Bader (#1-14, 16-19, 21-22, 24), Jason Hernandez-Rosenblatt (#15, 20), Paul D. Storrie (#23) (vol. 3): Adam Beechen (vol. 4): Adam Beechen (vol. 5): Adam Beechen
Penciller(s)	(vol. 1): Rick Burchett (#1-3), Joe Staton (#4-6) (vol. 2): Craig Rousseau (#1-6, #12, 15-20, #23-24), Min S. Ku (#7, 13-14), Terry Beatty (#8-11), Rick Burchett (#21-22) (vol. 3): Ryan Benjamin (vol. 4): Ryan Benjamin, Eduardo Pansica, Chris Batista (vol. 5):Norm Breyfogle (BB) and Dustin Nguyen (JLB)

The Batman Beyond concept, based on the television series of the same name, has appeared in various DC Comics publications. It can typically be split into four volumes which follow on from each other, the first volume using the 6 issue miniseries from 1999, the second being the 1999-2001 24 issue series, the third being the 2010 'Hush' arc, and the fourth being the 2011 8 issue series. There is currently a new series titled 'Batman Beyond Unlimited', which becomes the fifth series.

DC animated universe tie-in

Cover art by Bruce Timm from the Batman Beyond comic book miniseries, depicting Batman battling Blight.

After an initial 6-issues limited series released in March 1999, Batman Beyond had its own comic book series, running through November 1999 until October 2001, for a total of 24 issues. They were set in the same world of the show and aimed at younger readers.

Originally, Batman Beyond #3 (the monthly series) was to focus on the Terrific Trio from the episode "Heroes". The story would have 2-D Man and Magma trying to revive their former teammate, Freon. It was rejected due to their resemblance to the Fantastic Four.^[1]

Terry also appeared in Superman Adventures #64. The story has Terry/Batman traveling to the present and teaming up with Superman against a futuristic version of Brainiac.

A comic adaptation of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker was released in 2001.

Collected editions

• Batman Beyond: Reprints #1-6 of the miniseries.
• DC Comics Presents Batman Beyond #1: Reprints #13-14 and #21-22 of the monthly series.^[2]

DC Universe

Cameos

In Superman/Batman #22 (written by Jeph Loeb), a Batman wearing the Beyond costume appears, making his first foray into the regular DC Comics continuity. The plot involves Bizarro being transported to an alternate version of Gotham City. It would appear from #23 that this Batman is someone named "Tim" (presumably Tim Drake). However, the writers admitted to the mistake of misnaming the character,^{[citation needed]} and although the name was rumored to be changed to "Terry" in the trade paperback, it still reads "Tim" (see first page of "Smoke and Mirrors" chapter in the trade paperback). Furthermore, the packaging for the action figure created by DC Direct based on this appearance in Superman/Batman also erroneously identifies Batman Beyond as Tim Drake instead of Terry McGinnis. Another oddity is the Batwing pictured is the version from Batman: The Animated Series, not Batman Beyond. Whether this is the regular DC Universe or a parallel one is still to be seen. It is possible that this may be an alternate reality as the same story has Batzarro transported to the world of Superman: Red Son, an Elseworlds communist version of Superman.

On March 3, 2007, Dan DiDio announced that Terry McGinnis may be showing up in the DCU sometime that year.^[3] Terry appeared in Countdown to Final Crisis #21, Earth-12.^[4]

A Green Lantern implied to be from a universe within the multiverse similar to that of Batman Beyond (though not the same GL represented in the animated series) is a participant in the Countdown: Arena series leading towards Final Crisis.

The character also made a cameo in Justice League of America #43, which was released May 2010.

Mainstream contemporary continuity

In Batman #700 (June 2010), Terry McGinnis is included in the one-off as a part of the DC Universe presented, having a history with Damian Wayne, who rescued him as Batman from Two-Face-Two when he was held hostage as an infant. Two-Face-Two believed Terry McGinnis was one of a pair of twin boys who were the sons of billionaires rather than Warren and Mary McGinnis. Two-Face-Two transformed Terry into a miniature duplicate of the Joker with the Joker's toxin. Damian administers the antidote after he rescues Terry. In the following page, a teenage McGinnis is seen behind the Batman cowl, battling the apparently-resurrected Joker, with Damian as his mentor, instead of Bruce.

Superman/Batman Annual #4 (2010) is a single over-sized issue featuring Terry McGinnis' Batman. Author Paul Levitz penned the story, with experience collaborating with Paul Dini and Alan Burnett in the past. It picks up after Superman's first meeting with the new Batman taking place in the DCAU, and supposedly jibing with the DCU.^[5]

Miniseries

Batman Beyond is a 2010 six-issue comic book limited series published by DC Comics. The series is a continuation of the DC animated universe television series Batman Beyond. The comic series is penned by Emmy Award-nominated writer Adam Beechen^[6] with art by Ryan Benjamin. Beechen stated his comic book arc will open the door for the "legendary" DCAU to enter into the mainstream DC Universe (comics), tying into both continuities.^[7] The story features Terry McGinnis, the future Batman, now a seasoned hero, and his mentor Bruce Wayne, the former Batman, dealing with their straining relationship over the demands of the role of Batman, as a new killer emerges with ties to the original Dark Knight's past.^[8]

Creation and development

Beechem was approached by Dan DiDio in December 2008 regarding the possibility of the project. Beechem responded by pitching DC Comics editor Ian Sattler in a two-worded email, the title to opening story arc. The series was green-lit during Comic-Con 2009.^[9] The series was first announced during the Emerald City ComiCon in March 2010.^[10] Summarizing the series to The Source.com Beechem stated:

The arc opened in a single issue focusing-on and featuring Terry McGinnis and Superman in Superman/Batman Annual #4.^[12] Following the issue, the miniseries began in June 2010, under the title Future Evil. In August 2010, the series was announced to continue following the completion of the first arc as an on-going series.^[13]

Plot

The Return of Batman (Terry McGinnis).

The plot revolves around future Batman Terry McGinnis and his investigation into a series of murders involving former enemies of the original Batman, Bruce Wayne. Worried about who this new villain might be, Bruce keeps a tight rein on Terry due to his concern that he has not sacrificed enough time and effort into being a worthy Batman.

Storyline

This section's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. Please help improve it by removing unnecessary details and making it more concise. (June 2011)

At Project Cadmus, an inmate escapes from the Neo-Gotham based facility. During the escape, he notices that a fight is occurring above him and, upon realizing that it is Batman, expresses his disgust that someone new has taken on the mantle of the Bat. After the new Dark Knight, Terry McGinnis, successfully captures Spellbinder, Justice League Unlimited member Micron arrives and attempts to recruit Terry to the League. This is not the first time someone has tried to recruit him, and McGinnis remains resolute in his refusal to accept the League's offer. When Terry returns to the Bat Cave and mentions that a member of the League tried to recruit him again, Bruce Wayne, Terry's mentor, immediately replies to "tell them no".

The death of a minor costumed criminal from Batman's past known as Signalman, prompts Bruce, to send Terry out to investigate. They discover that the M.O. matches Two-Face, who had disappeared years ago during his final battle with Bruce. However reports of alarms at St. James Hospital disrupts their thoughts and Terry investigates, it has been the home of the Mad Hatter since Arkham Asylum closed down. After checking in on the Hatter who has become docile and somewhat senile, Terry discovers a nurse under attack by a man in a trench coat. The mysterious rogue flees at the sight of Batman and Terry checks on the nurse, who says the man told her to "Hush".^[14]

After Terry's return to the cave he shares his hunch that they may be facing Hush. Bruce proceeds to explain what took place during his last confrontation with Hush on a rainy night. After a fight with Batman, Hush dived through a window and was shot by the homeowner, Bruce then had to flee without inspecting the body but was satisfied with the official police identification of the body as Thomas Elliot for a while. He then admits Hush's skill for strategy and plastic surgery meant that he could have planned the entire scenario. After a brief encounter and chase with a new Catwoman, Terry discovers that another villain has been killed, this time with sharpened umbrellas, in the style of the Penguin's. Attempting to stay ahead of their foe, Terry and Bruce search out the Calendar Man, Julian Day, upon confronting Day, Terry is suddenly ambushed by "Hush".^[15]

During Terry's fight with "Hush," it is revealed that he is is not only capable of matching Terry, but is also aware of Bruce Wayne's identity. Regarding Terry as an 'imposter', and states that his murders is his way of 'orphaning' Batman all over again by killing Batman's rogues gallery. "Hush" escapes the office, leaving Terry to decide whether or not to pursue him or rescue Calendar Man, who is bound with a bomb attached to him. He chooses the latter only to arrive too late as a bomb detonates, killing Calendar Man. After he returns to the cave, Terry receives an earful from Bruce about his commitment to Batman.

Meanwhile, Amanda Waller talks with Doctor Reid about reports of the latest murders, when Reid insists that they need to report their role in this, Waller shoot down that option. Terry, finally has a chance to return home and lives a normal life for the day meeting up with his girlfriend, Dana. She wasn't happy about their lack of time together and asks whether anything long term will ever come out of his working for Wayne. Terry soon after returns to the cave and confront Bruce but finds nobody around and investigates Bruce's secret new "gadgets". The "gadgets" turn out to be Bat-Wraiths, robotic drones created to help assist Terry in his duties. Terry decides that he will prove himself to Bruce, without the drones and sets out to capture "Hush" once and for all. Terry's first lead is to check on Tim Drake confirming that Tim has been under constant physical and psychological observation since his time as the Joker. Eliminating Drake as a possible culprit, Terry proceeds to confront and question Dick Grayson. We see "Hush" hired the new Catwoman to plant a tracking device on Batman so that he can monitor his whereabouts, before proceeding to strangle her as part of his 'vendetta'.^[16]

Using a Bat-Wraith, Bruce attempts to apprehend Hush, allowing Catwoman an opportunity to escape. The attack fails as Hush attempts to hack the Drone, forcing Bruce to activate the Wraith's self-destruct to stop him. Meanwhile, Terry talks with Dick Grayson, who now runs an athletics training center. Dick explains that he retired as Nightwing after he was badly shot, losing an eye while aiding Batman, and retired in disgust at Bruce's lack of concern for his health after the shooting. As Terry leaves, Dick warns Terry but Terry disregards it, while at Cadmus, Waller learns that Doctor Reid has gone missing. Attempting to lure Hush into a trap, Terry uses a hologram to pose a villain, only to be immobilized by Hush's use of Shriek's Tech. Mocking Terry, Hush unmasks himself and reveals himself apparently to be Dick Grayson, determined to replace Bruce Wayne once and for all.^[17]

In an alley, Reid is preparing to provide information to Commissioner Barbara Gordon regarding Hush's origin and motives. However, she is being pursued head of Cadmus' security under Waller's order but Reid manages to escape after she scratches his face. Dick Grayson arrives and saves the doctor, however Reid is terrified and faints after seeing Grayson's face. Elsewhere, the other Dick savors the moment over an incapacitates Terry, and spares him so that he can witness his mad plan. Catwoman arrives after Dick departs, and with help from Bruce saves Terry's life from his wounds. Bruce deduces Catwoman's true identity as the daughter of supervillain Multiplex. In the Batcave, all of the Bat-Wraith have been activated and controlled by Hush after developing his own remote sparing Bruce as the drones leave. At Cadmus, more inmates have escaped ,including Killer Croc and Waller deduces that Hush must have done it.

At Gotham Central, Reid reveals that Hush is a clone of Grayson created by Cadmus, due to Waller insisting that the world "must always have a Batman." Waller believed that Bruce's psyche was too unstable, and Grayson was seemingly the next best candidate, as he shares the Dark Knight's passion, as well as other factors. However, the clone escaped before he ready, believing himself to be the real Dick Grayson and wanting to replace Batman as Gotham's champion. Reid also reveals that she is a granddaughter of Thomas Eliot, and is seeking to atone for her family's sins by working for Waller.

In the Batcave, Bruce begins treating Terry's wounds, he admits that he has only treated Terry so harshly due to thinking he alone could be Batman, making faults in Terry's actions where none existed. Terry has regained consciousness during his monologue to which Bruce confirms to Terry that everything he heard is true. Hush reveals by transmission that he, inspired by Gotham's last earthquake, will save the city by performing mercy killings of its corrupt, by a mass of explosives at the epicenter to set off another quake.^[18]

The wounded Terry is aided by Dick Grayson, voiced concerns about his old injuries, and Catwoman confront the clone. With Grayson unable to convince Hush that he is merely a clone, the group defeats Hush when Bruce temporarily overrides Hush's control of the Bat-Wraiths. The clone is subsequently accidentally impaled on a Bat-Wraith, Catwoman then departs quickly and Grayson departs despite Bruce's attempts to offer an apology for how things ended. Terry returns to Bruce where they discuss ideals of heroism. Bruce offers Terry a chance to step down as Batman, Terry refuses, stating that it's better than anything else he could do. Unknown to them, however, Waller has escaped blame for her role in Hush's attack by claiming that Reid was acting alone, and is now aided by new geneticist Doctor Thawne. Waller has begun research into a new line of clones, stating that recent events have merely confirmed her belief that the world will always need a Batman.^[19]

Reception

The first issue of the series was well received and met favorable reviews for both writing and art.^[20][21] Ian Robinson of Craveonline.com noted the series was both blended well with and matured from the animated series.^[20] Jesse Schedeen of IGN provided a favorable review, but commented that while the writing transitioned well from small screen to comic, the art was 'haphazard' and 'inconsistent.'^[22]

Batman Beyond in 2011

Batman Beyond was published as an ongoing series that lasted for 8 issues. It featured two major storylines, the first of which featured the Justice League Beyond and a person who would became the Matter Master of the future. The second storyline featured the return of Blight, Terry's original nemesis. Two issues also provided an in-depth exploration of characters Max Gibson and Inque, whose origins were revealed. Several plot threads were not resolved and left for 2012 relaunch.^[23] Also in 2011, a comic book one-shot titled Superman Beyond #0 was released, set in the "Beyond" timeline and featured a cameo of Terry McGinnis.

Batman Beyond Unlimited (2012)

Cover of Batman Beyond Unlimited #1. Art by Dustin Nguyen.

The Beyond universe will return as two series of bi-weekly digital issues, which will be published together monthly as Batman Beyond Unlimited ongoing, 48-pages comic book. This monthly title will include both Batman Beyond and Justice League Beyond. Batman Beyond starts where 2011 series left off.

References