Sean Murphy knows how to create an action-packed ending. He proves it again as the fifth installment of his Murphyverse, Batman: Beyond the White Knight, closes out with a bombastic and heartfelt conclusion in issue #8.
Derek Powers, AKA Blight, has built an army using Batman’s tech is ready to roll it out into the streets of Gotham. Batman and the ever-growing Bat-Family, which now includes Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Barbra Gordon, Duke Thomas, Gan, Harley Quinn, Terry McGinnis, the AI hard light construct Joker, and Jackie, have to launch a desperate, last-stand, all-out assault on Powers and his paramilitary GTO.
Action is the star of the climactic issue #8. Murphy cleverly divides the big Bat-Family into smaller groups, allowing each one to shine for a few panels. Some highlights include the slightly more friendly rivalry between Jason and Dick as they fly the Batmobile and Terry working alongside the AI Jack to take Powers head-on.
Murphy is no stranger to big climaxes, as the previous White Knight books have proven. He continues to flex his skill, creating a well-paced, cinematic, blockbuster-style final battle. Murphy deftly balances multiple planes of action and several important character moments throughout the final issue, making for a rewarding conclusion. Bruce also gets a single standout panel protecting his family, which will go down as one of my favourite Batman panels of all time.
The only complaint is Barbara was off to the side directing the GCPD. It makes sense that she would be there, but it would’ve been nice for her to get a heroic moment like the other members of the Bat-Family.
The two main heroes, Terry and Bruce, are both given opportunities to wrap their arcs in neat little bows. Terry’s quest for revenge against Powers concludes when he must decide what kind of Batman he will be as he faces Blight. Bruce, who has been struggling with the question of Batman’s real legacy, is given a chance to see what it is when it’s reflected to him by his family.
They aren’t particularly new revelations, and you likely won’t be too surprised with the outcomes, but it is never wrong to read a story reaffirming what it means to be Batman.
The action throughout is well-drawn and clear. Murphy embraces the fun of the Batman mythos in every panel. Dave Stewart does a great job of bringing Murphy’s lines to life, evoking the colors of the Batman Beyond show while not being beholden to them. He does a great job of making the characters pop with life, and the radiating green Blight is a particular treat.
There is a genuine love for all the characters, costumes, and cars of Batman’s history throughout. We get to witness the return (again) of the 1989 Batmobile, the Tumbler, and Harley even has a special Bat-Mallet to go along with her sleek gray and black costume. That’s what makes issue #8 and the series so much fun.
You can feel Murphy’s love for these characters and their history in the art, design, and story. Whether it’s the shows, movies, or comics, White Knight is a celebration of Batman and his family. He takes beloved characters and makes minor changes and twists, creating something new while keeping their core intact.
Batman: Beyond the White Knight #8 is an exciting, action-packed, and emotionally-driven conclusion to a series that has had fun at its core since the beginning. Characters get their moments to shine, culminating in a testament to the power of the Bat-Family. Plus, with the added last page hints at what’s coming next, Beyond the White Knight #8 is a terrific send-off for the series.
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