With the new Batman Beyond: Rebirth issue shortly on the way I can’t help but be excited for what’s in store for this character. This series, and the future plans by DC, reveal there’s more in store for this character than just a cancelled TV show. Is it good?
Batman Beyond #15 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? According to DC Comics official summary:
With the downfall of Brother Eye, a power vacuum has opened up in Gotham City and a longtime villain has stepped into the void to take control. As Tim Drake finds it increasingly difficult to call this future world home, Batman and Rewire become uneasy allies as they’re forced to confront the emerging threat of…Spellbinder!
Why does this book matter?
The identity of Rewire was revealed last month and it’s obvious the Rebirth issue coming up is going to bring back a certain Batsuit-wearing hero. Meanwhile Spellbinder is using Rewire which means he basically has more power than ever, controlling the minds of anyone he pleases.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
And punch!
Dan Jurgens writes a good issue that never lets up and constantly throws new elements at the reader as things progress. Now that we know Terry is Rewire the stakes are ever raised, especially with his brother Matt working with Tim Drake (the current Batman). Bringing back the Blackgate prison also serves to remind us this is all taking place in future Gotham. We also get a helpful flashback that sheds light on how Terry ever became Spellbinder’s pawn.
The art by Bernard Chang is quite good with technology and environments (it reminds me a bit of Leinil Francis Yu’s work). The use of color in the angular explosions and electricity by Marcelo Maiolo make the effects really pop. Most importantly Chang makes Batman sleek and cool looking. In a fantastic full page splash we get a neat use of panels to make Rewire pop out of the frame as he jumps towards Batman. Along the same page smaller panels convey the events which reveal Rewire’s identity which helps make everyone’s gasps of surprise that much more dramatic.
It can’t be perfect can it?
The developments of the issue aren’t that surprising, nor is the character work that robust. Instead, this issue offers a smidge of plot development and a few action scenes. The half page flashback is revealing, although it’s not that surprising or riveting.
Cool sound effects.
Is It Good?
A good looking issue that seems to hold back just enough to allow for the next issue to wrap things up. For part 4 in a 4 part series though, it certainly doesn’t conclude much!
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