Batman Beyond: Rebirth #1 Review

Batman Beyond has a special place in many of our hearts due to the awesome premise, costume design and its abilities. Batman is basically a true superhero now, who can fly and pull many different gizmos out of his back pocket all in a seamless clean costume. He’s getting the Rebirth treatment this week, but is it good?

Batman Beyond: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics)

So what’s it about? The official DC summary reads:

Six months have passed since the events of BATMAN BEYOND #16. While areas of destruction remain in the outside world, Gotham City has made great strides toward reclaiming its bright future. But new threats arise and old adversaries may be coming back. And the question still remains: whatever happened to Bruce Wayne?

Why does this book matter?

Consider this a clean start with Terry McGinnis back in the costume and the Batman Beyond status quo more or less put back into place; Terry was recently saved by a Robin from the past, but with his life back in order it’s time to rebuild. Plus he has his little brother by his side, so he’s not completely alone.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

The art in this book is quite gritty.

Writer Dan Jurgens and artist Ryan Sook bring a very resilient and strong introductory issue here. They not only recap how Terry met Bruce Wayne, but also all the major characters in Terry’s life currently. At the same time they bring some smashing good action involving the Jokerz Gang as well as inform us of why their mere existence is personal to Terry.

Sook’s strength is in the action, but also the flashbacks, which have a grainy look and design that help convey the difference in time. The Beyond costume looks fantastic with a neat use of color to show the definition of the suit. You have to dig the detail he’s put into the Jokerz Gang members too, with every one of them touched up with unique tattoos and clothing. That helps convey they’re all real people part of a gang rather than faceless drones for Batman to punch. Sook also draws a mean “HA HA HA” too.

It can’t be perfect can it?

In the final pages we find out who’s behind it all and I’m not sure enough is said or shown to convey who the bad guy is or what he can do. I actually had to Google it myself. People new to this series will certainly be a bit confused.

Terry’s relationship with Dana is a bit of a mystery. I assume she’s the love interest (as she has been in the past), but not much is said about that. She’s also introduced near the end in a lazy sort of way–which in hindsight is probably so the story can switch direction on a dime–but it’s a bit much to believe Terry’s friend just so happens to notice she’s been abducted.

Batman Beyond is back!

Is It Good?

Batman Beyond: Rebirth #1 offers a gritty take on the character due to the well rendered art and colors. This issue serves as a good introduction to the character while establishing all the supporting characters too.