Adam Graham's Blog: Christians and Superheroes - Posts Tagged "terry-mcginnis"

Batman Beyond, Volume 1: Escaping the Grave by Dan Jurgens

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book collects Batman Beyond: Rebirth and Batman Beyond 1-5.

Terry McGinnis is back in Neo-Gotham after being presumed dead. He's got his little brother and his friend Max to help. His first task: invadne Jokertown and rescue his old girlfriend Dana. However, taking on an army of Jokerz and with Bruce Wayne dead from the last war, he's going to have to try some dangerous new tactics to get the job done.

This book is an enjoyable adventure with solid art and good action. It works as a jumping on point if you're not familiar with any of Dan Jurgens' three previous DCU Batman Beyond books. I only watched the TV series and read a few DCAU comics about the character and felt I understood everything fairly well. The one thing that did stand out a a bit odd is that Max seemed to know less than in the TV show but this is a different universe, so I can allow it.

While the book wasn't flawless, it does remember entertaining and delivers some massive reveals in Issues 3 and 5 that make the whole trade worth it. Overall, this is one of the most schway books DC has released this year.



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Batman Beyond Vol. 2: Rise of the Demon by Dan Jurgens

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book collects Issues 6-12 of Batman: Beyond

In the main story in issues 6-11, Terry and Bruce are re-united after Terry was missing and Bruce was assumed dead but quickly find themselves thrown into a crisis. Terry's wearing a dangerous prototype Batsuit that will ensure Batman always wins even if Batman has to kill , but has no time to return to the Batcave because a crisis is coming involving the league of assassins now under command of Damian Wayne, the former Robin.

This book works on both an action level and a character level. There were some great fights between Terry and Damian that are well-drawn and packed with surprises. The big thing was the character relationship, particularly between Bruce and Terry. Unlike most other Batman Beyond writers, Dan Jurgens wasn't afraid to have the relationship change and Bruce actually learn after so many years of stupid decisions. I also think the fight between Terry and Damian really puts some great conflict for Bruce.

The final issue is a one-shot. It's an okay story with Max, Commissioner Barbara Gordon, and the new Batgirl teaming up. The main purpose it serves is showing that the Batgirl Beyond created in the DCAU comics is now part of the DCU continuity.

Overall, a pretty good installment in this series.



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