Batman: Beyond the White Knight

The Murphyverse

by Sean Gordon Murphy, Dave Stewart (Colorist), Simone Di Meo (Inker)

With Bruce Wayne behind bars, a new Batman arrives on the scene. But will he be the last Dark Knight? Gotham Motors CEO Derek Powers has seized control of the Wayne family’s assets, using them to transform the Gotham Terror Oppression unit, and with it, the city it’s supposed to protect! With the crime rate down, only the original Batman, Bruce Wayne, is fully aware of the true danger the city is in. The time has come to destroy the mantle once and for all! Collects Beyond the White Knight #1-8 and White Knight Red Hood #1-2!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Batman, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2023

About the author

After breaking into the industry at a young age, Sean Gordon Murphy made a name for himself in the world of indie comics before joining up with DC. In his tenure, he has worked on such titles as Batman/Scarecrow: Year One, Teen Titans, Hellblazer, Joe The Barbarian, and the critically acclaimed miniseries American Vampire: Survival Of The Fittest and The Wake with Scott Snyder. Murphy also wrote and illustrated the original graphic novel Offroad and the popular miniseries Punk Rock Jesus.

Reviews

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so fun to read!

So it takes place a decade later with Bruce still in prison and somehow married to Harley but what happens when a new enemy Derek Powers takes over Wayne industries and militarizes it and at the same time there is a new Batman running around and so the dilemma of Bruce happens and he has to escape that puts him in conflict with other members of GTO, its interesting to follow the journey of Duke and Dick here also and the odds that they have to be against, then the big thing with Terry and how he and Bruce ultimately stop this new enemy Blight..

The thing with this volume is it feels like the series is starting to slip like I thought the major focus will be on Terry and its not, its Bruce still and the thing with him is weird and he apparently can see Joker (shared psychosis) maybe and Idk it kinda was off putting and not the best part of it, and how Jack later comes back was weird. There is a spin-off 2 parter with Jason as he gets a new robin, that one was not that good, and could have been its own thing showcasing their relation but thats glossed over.

The other thing is WK really explores their villains so well and here they didn't explore Blight enough in my opinion and you could have like explored him and his conflict with both the Batmen but he comes off across as a cookie-cutter villain and frankly boring and is not that interesting.

So overall the series has sort of slipped in terms of storytelling though the surprising thing at the end was nice welcome and I guess will get some people excited and yes finally we exploring this Murphyverse for real, and maybe the next volume will be good. ;)

[Sean Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as thrilling as White Knight and Curse of the White Knight, but a worthy addition to the growing body of work Murphy is adding to this wonderful alternate take on the Batman mythos. Gimme more, please. And I'm not just saying that because the Joker and I have the same nose.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terry McGinnis, Legendary Batsuit Ballast.

Sean Murphy does BATMAN: BEYOND and the results are as expected with cheeky winks to the reader and serious heavy metal carnage in equal proportions.


Due credit, my man loves his Bat-vehicles and always does them proud.

The MurphyVerse is set to continue, as well, with a (for me) quite surprising final stinger promising a grand expansion of this DC Elseworld. Let's go!

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the White Knight universe. This is a great addition to the universe. Great artwork, story, characters, and character development.

The White Knight universe goes Beyond. Bruce Wayne has almost served his sentence, but Gotham has changed. It is now a police state. Crime is almost non-existent. Isn't this why he became Batman? Does this Gotham even need or want a Batman? The Batfamily is divided and split on both sides of the divide. On top of all that, Bruce has a most unwanted visitor. One thing that has not changed is Bruce's ability to push those he loves away. Is there a place for him in the new Gotham, and does he have a chance to change it.

I thought this was going to the final book in the White Knight universe, but I am over the moon. There is more to come. I like the family theme of this book and that every character gets their chance in the spotlight. There are slightly different histories for certain characters. Usually, I hate Batman/Bruce getting beaten up, but him being older makes more sense here. I also like his detective first approach. The ending could lead to the next exciting chapter. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery.

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 2 out of 5]

How many times in one book can Batman or any version of Robin launch into a mopey monologue about how many mistakes they’ve made in their past?

The White Knight series started really well, but by this third volume, all the magic is gone. What’s left is a convoluted story in which the timing frequently feels bizarre. (How did Barbara age seemingly forty years in just twelve years since the last book? How did Gotham City possibly rebuild into a Blade Runner–esque new city in that same amount of time? What is going on with the residents of Gotham City that they allowed a police state to take over their lives?) Because it’s still “White Knight,” Napier has to be brought back in a ridiculous way, and when he disappears at the end of the story, no one can really expect that he won’t find some new way to return in the next book.

Just make it stop. This alternate Batman story has more than run its course.

[Matthew Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, one of the best Batman books I’ve ever read. This alternate universe that Sean Murphy created is some of the best work comics currently has!

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman: Beyond the White Knight collects issues 1-8 of the DC Comic series written and illustrated by Sean Murphy and Batman: White Knight Presents: Red Hood 1-2 written by Clay McCormack with art by Simone Di Meo and George Kambadais.

Set approximately a decade after the events of Curse of the White Knight, Bruce Wayne is in prison and Derek Powers is the CEO of the renamed Wayne & Powers Industries. Gotham's tech has flourished in the time that Bruce has been behind bars and crime is at an all time low. But the GTO has become a fascist-like police force, leaving many Gotham citizens worrying if the price of safety has been worth it.

When a prototype Batsuit is stolen from Wayne Manor, Bruce becomes worried that Batman is still a risk to Gothan. Bruce breaks out of prison in order to track down the suit, but after being away from the game so long, Bruce is going to need all the help he can get, including help from a computer AI Jack Napier implanted into Bruce's brain.

The plot to Beyond is a little sloppy and convuluted at times, but I believe it has a lot of great character development for Bruce, Jason, and Dick. Murphy's art is fantastic throughout so it is always a bummer to see when other artists fills in, even if that artist is still good. I have really been enjoying this alternate universe that Murphy has been creating and really excited to see where the next volume goes with that fantastic tease.

[Paxton Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may even be a 4.5 star book. It might be my favorite of the White Knight books so far.

This brings in Terry McGinness and Batman Beyond. Based on the title, you’d think it’d focus on McGinness’ story. But that’s really more a subplot. Like the other volumes this is really about Bruce and his relationship with the Bat Family. And the consequences of things Bruce has done over the years.

A lot is going on here. It reunites the Bat Family, and Jack Napier returns in a very fun way. I really really enjoyed this. I love all the relationships and how everyone interacts with each other. I’ve loved from the beginning Bruce’s relationship with Joker/Jack Napier and Harley Quinn. I love the subtlety of the shadows in this book showing everyone’s alter egos. And I love that Bruce loves the 89 Batmobile and always picks it to drive.

The end of this opens up the Murphyverse a bit with a couple new characters. I’m here for it.

[seana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than all the other white knight comics combined.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 4.5! I know it's no longer possible, but I would love to see this turned into an animated film with all of the original voice actors...

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6 stars

Catching up on the ‘Murphyverse’ after letting it fall to the wayside for a while. What can I say? When you read as many comicbooks as I do, sometimes a book gets lost in the shuffle.

This one was a lot of fun but I’m fairly sure I’d’ve enjoyed it more if I’d ever watched/read Batman Beyond. I should probably do something about that…

[Richard · Rating 1 out of 5]

As with prior volumes, there are some interesting ideas here, but the story is a mess. The Beyond stuff that was included here doesn't really add much except providing a reason to include Terry and the new suit (and the new villain). I think by shoehorning it in while Bruce is still active it kind of cuts out what made Beyond effective in back-seating Bruce for a new hero. Of course, this could all just be an introduction for another White Knight spin-off, so maybe Terry will get his time to shine elsewhere.

The Joker, or I should say Jack, manages to return and it seems like the White Knight universe, despite my hope that it would move on, is always going to be about the Joker. Hey, it's the in the title, so it's my own fault for expecting something else. He provides running commentary throughout the book and I really felt that it took away from scenes that would have otherwise been more effective with a true internal monologue for Bruce or just another way of showing what was happening. Most of the characters in this book spend a fair amount of time just doing exposition at each other in place of showing us the story and the new Jack/Joker is a big part of that.

Murphy's art is still solid and his designs work well. There are a few moments here and there that didn't feel quite up to par for him, but it's effective overall. There is a spin-off partway through that gives some more context on Red Hood. I don't think the art is bad, but it was a bit chaotic for my tastes, so I skipped over it since I was already not feeling the story and wasn't terribly interested in what Red Hood was up to prior to Beyond.

I read back through my reviews of the volumes prior to this and noticed a trend where I kept hoping the next volume would tie up the issues I had with the previous volume and then it just kept not happening. So at this point, Beyond the White Knight is probably the last White Knight title I'll read as I realize that the story it wants to tell (and they way it wants to tell it) just isn't for me.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a little long, and I didn’t love the Red Hood issues, but overall it was very good. Interesting direction they went with the plot. I can’t remember the end of the previous volumes, so there may have been some build-up that I don’t recall. But still, this was quite good. Eagerly anticipating the next volume.

[Jesse A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, I'm just not a Batman beyond fan.

[Štěpán · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his third full book, Murphy gets to do a 10-year time skip, which technologically feels like much more time has passed. Nevertheless, this is his spin on the older Batman and Terry from Batman Beyond, while keeping the narrative from previous White Knight stories.

In this third book, I feel a lot of things as in the first one - big cast, twists and turns and lot of love was put into this book. But what I enjoy the most is that this feels like the story actually progresses. Because this is an elseworld story, Murphy can push the story forward and not return to some status quo every time and I think that it works much better here than in other Elseworlds stories.

The main shocking plotwist in the story is done by "somehow technology can do this" and once I've gotten past that I really actually enjoyed this. It creates some unique opportunities in the narrative and especially the relationship stuff is honestly working well for me. But my biggest concern and problems with this book are really similar to the first one. Everyone is here and everyone needs to have their own moments to shine and it feels very rushed and cammed. Based on Murphy's letters column it is clear he knows this as he had to cancel some (in my opinion) superb tearjerker scenes and the result is that the side characters are still fairly flat even though he is trying to give everyone something.

The villain is honestly another meh and the police state was never shown "as that much of an issue" though from the action of the GTO it clearly is an issue. But I think that the villains are not the main focus of Murphyverse, if they were there would be more of them. But the focus on family, inheritance, relationships and art. And that is what I am looking forward to seeing next.

The ending is fairly obnoxiously positive with another staple character coming here and delivering a cliffhanger and teaser for the next book, and it will be interesting to see Murphy's spin on things, but honestly, I do not think it is necessary, even though I understand that Murphy just wants to draw and write these other characters, however, they should just rename it :D

One more thing about the art, Sean Gordon Murphy draws so beautifully and the colours by Dave Stewart highlight all the poses, action and dynamics and bring the world to life. The architecture, dynamic shots of posings and suits all look stellar and my only gripe would be with the agelessness of characters (especially women) and that some action shots with multiple people are hectic and not clear enough. But that is nitpicking someone whose art I admire and really love.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman: Beyond the White Knight is a pretty solid follow-up. The book is great, but the best parts are definitely the character stuff.

They did an excellent job with Bruce's character development. He's older, a little more broken, and you really feel the weight of his past. And the conversations with Jason as Red Hood? Seriously, they're fantastic. The history between them makes every interaction feel raw and real. Plus, a huge surprise for me: the Joker is actually funny in this. Not the usual terrifying stuff, just genuinely witty and well-timed humor.

On the other hand, a couple of things felt a bit off. The main plotline seemed a little stretched, like they were trying to fill space. And even though it’s a Beyond title, Terry McGinnis felt like an extra. He’s the main Batman in this universe, but he gets sidelined a lot, which was kind of a letdown. And the villain was just okay. They served their purpose, but nothing about them was that memorable.

Despite that, the incredible character work totally makes up for the weak spots. It’s a great, character-driven story that really moves the series forward. Oh and the art is fire, as we know. Harley is a hot as fuck MILF. A 4 out of 5.

[Mainak Sankar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun! While I absolutely love the first three books in the series, this one came as a surprise package of humour, nostalgia and some hilarious set pieces. It was as if the series was being directed by Christopher Nolan so far and all of a sudden the reins have been passed on to James Cameron!

Murphyverse is certainly the best DC Black Label series and storyline so far and might arguably be the best thing to happen to Batman since TDKR.

[Mols · Rating 3 out of 5]

least fave in the murpheyverse

[goodreed · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as I'm concerned the Murphyverse is the prime DC universe.

[David Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Thanks to the Hoopla app (type of digital library) for enabling me to read this volume.

[Mik Cope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fun chapter in the White Knight universe saga. The various constellations of characters are fun, as is the holographic Joker / Napier - though his wide-eyed fanboy persona does get a bit irritating after a while. Phillips apparently has more instalments planned, I'm looking forward to them.

[Saifullah Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I love this book. Psychiatrists should recommend this to their patients. Though I wonder if there's any as cool as reading Batman.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean Murphy's excellent series retelling an alternate version of Batman and his allies and villains continues roughly 20 years in the future. Bruce Wayne was outed as Batman and is in Blackgate prison, and the man who built most of Batman's gear and vehicles, Derek Powers, is now in control of of the Wayne-Powers company. Powers has recruited Terry McGuinness to help "retrieve" (i.e. steal) a prototype Bat-suit that is beyond anything else that's been created. Harley's kids are now almost grown, but her daughter, Jackie, resents never knowing her father, the Joker. Murphy also brings together all the various Robins and Babs, now Commissioner of GCPD, while Jason Todd heads up the independent and more powerful GTO. I also loved the set up for something big (no spoilers) coming in future volumes that will expand the story outside of Gotham.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this so much. I loved it the first time. I love the art, it had to grow on me. The faces aren't my favorite part but like there's a look to it that just... fits.
I like that Bruce realizes who he is, and what he does has an impact and a legacy. And that it matters.
I like the integration of WW and GL and Big Blue, and I really hope the next series focuses a bit on him. Since the Generation Joker really is just... kind of a mess I think.
But I also wish there had been more Terry in this, I think I said that before when I wrapped the series the first time. But I love the various ways Batman connects with others in this, and the rifts that get healed. That was powerful for a Batman comic. And as always I enjoy Jack just causing Bruce problems.

[Fabrice Onno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!!

Loved this! I initially thought the joker program was done by the 3rd Robin, Tim (because in the animated show if I remember, he was the joker?), but this was a great run altogether imho!
Would love to read more from that universe.
Also, the order of the Robins affects hwo I see them. I suppose I'm being a purist and preferring Richard as the eldest.

[Shawn Ingle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment of the White Knight series. Not quite as good as the others, but close enough. Gritty art, strong character development, and smooth dialogue, along with a fast pace, make this an exciting read.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murphy's take on Batman is fantastic as always. This is what the movies should be doing -- taking familiar elements from the 80+ years worth of comics and putting them together in a way that's coherent enough for new readers to understand, but also fresh enough for fans to feel like it's something they haven't seen before.

[Fabian Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a 3.5, I do think it is the weakest of the 3 storylines in this "Murphyverse" so far. Still, I am excited to see where this will go next taking into account this story opens the door to the expanded DC universe.

[Roman Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the White Knight is the latest collected installment in the rapidly expanding White Knight-verse or Murphyverse, born out of the Batman: White Knight series.

If you’ve read and enjoyed any of the previous stories or if you liked the Batman Beyond cartoon, you’ll enjoy this.

Sean Gordon Murphy is a genuine fan; his love and knowledge of all things Batman comes across not just in his writing but also in different callbacks in the art, which Murphy also draws himself. Great series, highly recommend.

[Shaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars