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Batman Beyond (1999) #1-6
Batman Beyond
Batman Beyond ("the future of crime-fighting!") got an excellent kickoff in the first few issues of DC's comic series starting in November of 1999. But before those comics appeared, DC issued a "miniseries" that bordered on the craptacular, with six issues published separately from March to August of the same year, and now collected in this trade paperback. Beginning as a nearly verbatim rehash of the TV pilot, the series never seems to find its footing, something writer Hilary J. Bader remedies in the "real" series later. A couple of these stories approach almost acceptable status--the third, Blight-fightin' issue ("Never Mix, Never Worry") and the sixth story on the normally sexy Inque ("Permanent Inque Stains")--but unless you've gotta have it, leave this one to the kiddies. --Paul Hughes
144 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2000
1 person is currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Hilary J. Bader
39 books4 followersHilary Bader was born in Brooklyn, and attended State University in Stony Brook with a major in Mathemathics. She also studied Mime in Paris and toured with Edmond Felix. She was a fan of Star Trek, and relocated to California to become a freelance script writer.
Primarily writing for Star Trek series, Bader rolled into DC productions when she wrote "Chi of Steel", and episode of Lois & Clark. She was asked aboard the writing staff for the DCAU, and contributed to their shows until her death.
Hilary Bader died in 2002 from metastasized breast cancer. She was married to Jay Broad.
Primarily writing for Star Trek series, Bader rolled into DC productions when she wrote "Chi of Steel", and episode of Lois & Clark. She was asked aboard the writing staff for the DCAU, and contributed to their shows until her death.
Hilary Bader died in 2002 from metastasized breast cancer. She was married to Jay Broad.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 12, 2017
Batman of the Future is the first Batman Beyond book, spinning off from the late ‘90s animated TV show and, like every other Batman Beyond book, it sucks!
The origin story is ok even if the sequence is a bit rushed. Set in 2039 where an elderly Bruce Wayne, relying on tech-suits to still be Batman, passes on the snazzy new outfit and cowl when a worthy heir conveniently appears: Terry McGinnis. Except it’s a retelling of the pilot episode so the quality is based on Paul Dini/Bruce Timm’s work rather than anything the writer of this book, Hilary J. Bader, came up with. Rick Burchett’s artwork is also very much like Timm’s art style so the whole book comes off as derivative.
For a first volume, the book does a lousy job of world-building. The Jokerz just show up without establishing who they are and what they stand for, while Inque appears without any introduction, as if we’re just meant to know who they are instantly! Also, Terry fits into the Batman role far too easily without any real problems, like he’s been a superhero for years rather than a kid who’s just been given this remarkable new life!
Besides crummy villains, the stories are completely unmemorable. Etrigan’s in one, Blight’s in another, Inque’s doing something, and there’s a super-corny mummy story. Just terrible, dreary nothing, one after the other!
Awful across the board, Batman of the Future is unfortunately the usual Batman Beyond bog-standard!
The origin story is ok even if the sequence is a bit rushed. Set in 2039 where an elderly Bruce Wayne, relying on tech-suits to still be Batman, passes on the snazzy new outfit and cowl when a worthy heir conveniently appears: Terry McGinnis. Except it’s a retelling of the pilot episode so the quality is based on Paul Dini/Bruce Timm’s work rather than anything the writer of this book, Hilary J. Bader, came up with. Rick Burchett’s artwork is also very much like Timm’s art style so the whole book comes off as derivative.
For a first volume, the book does a lousy job of world-building. The Jokerz just show up without establishing who they are and what they stand for, while Inque appears without any introduction, as if we’re just meant to know who they are instantly! Also, Terry fits into the Batman role far too easily without any real problems, like he’s been a superhero for years rather than a kid who’s just been given this remarkable new life!
Besides crummy villains, the stories are completely unmemorable. Etrigan’s in one, Blight’s in another, Inque’s doing something, and there’s a super-corny mummy story. Just terrible, dreary nothing, one after the other!
Awful across the board, Batman of the Future is unfortunately the usual Batman Beyond bog-standard!
September 17, 2018
This was alright. The first two issues are just a re hash of the first two episodes of the show verbatim. Then the other four come across as individual episodes of the show, just not quite as good. Still, it's a fast read and I enjoyed it enough.
May 30, 2024
Un complemento a la serie animada algo redundante en su concepción.
August 26, 2022
Buen intento, aunque no a la altura de la serie animada.
October 26, 2017
Batman Beyond is probably one of my favorite Batman cartoons, if not my favorite. I grew up on it, together with Batman: The Animated Series, so it's pretty nostalgic to me. The book being reviewed here collects the six-issue miniseries, released before the main series began. I bought this trade paperback several years ago, and my feelings on it are...mixed.
The pros:
- The first two chapters faithfully adapt the pilot episode "Rebirth." Chapter one adds a scene not in the cartoon, where we see TNBA Batman with a nifty electrical arm extension, in a moment highlighting his dislike of guns. Makes the next scene, where an older Bruce ends up grabbing a gun (prompting his retirement) all the more poignant.
- Terry's proneness to wisecracks. That's part of the reason I love his character, so it's great to see more of it, especially for stories that weren't TV episodes.
- The fight scenes, usually, are well done, and one chapter I'm particularly fond of is the fourth, which features Etrigan and an original villain, Axilano. The character's defeat is somewhat anti-climactic, but he still has a cool design, and it's a neat story, especially if you like Etrigan and/or dark magic-based plots.
The cons:
- Inconsistent coloring. Terry's jacket is always green, not brown like in the show, while Mary (his mother) is wearing an orange dress, rather than blue - plus Bruce's clothes are drawn as grey. Is this based on earlier concepts for the show? Perhaps, but it's still bothersome, especially since a later chapter has Bruce correctly drawn as wearing black, then the next chapter has him wearing grey again. Make up your mind!
- Lack of detail in several scenes, particularly ones set in the Batcave. Many of Bruce's various trophies and memorabilia from his time as Batman are simply not there, and those present are kind of sloppily drawn, such as the giant T-rex. Incidentally, that same panel has Nigthwing's mask missing, despite it being present in earlier ones - did the artist just forget? Still conspicuous.
- Overly cliché storylines, most notable in the third and especially fifth chapters. The sixth chapter, featuring Inque, is just boring.
So...where do I stand? It's hard to say. I like three of the chapters, but the other three not so much. It's hard to recommend the book - if you're okay with having three good ones and three ranging from so-so to outright bad, then I suggest buying it; if not, then try and find the singles, but expect to be charged a pretty penny. The book's main draw is the pilot adaptation and the aforementioned Etrigan-starring chapter, but the other three books - and the issues with the art likewise serve as detracting points. I wish I could rate the book higher, but I can't, which is unfortunate for a Batman product, as he's my all-time favorite DC superhero.
Rating: 3 out of 5 - though if this were a ten-star rating system, I'd give it a 55% mark.
The pros:
- The first two chapters faithfully adapt the pilot episode "Rebirth." Chapter one adds a scene not in the cartoon, where we see TNBA Batman with a nifty electrical arm extension, in a moment highlighting his dislike of guns. Makes the next scene, where an older Bruce ends up grabbing a gun (prompting his retirement) all the more poignant.
- Terry's proneness to wisecracks. That's part of the reason I love his character, so it's great to see more of it, especially for stories that weren't TV episodes.
- The fight scenes, usually, are well done, and one chapter I'm particularly fond of is the fourth, which features Etrigan and an original villain, Axilano. The character's defeat is somewhat anti-climactic, but he still has a cool design, and it's a neat story, especially if you like Etrigan and/or dark magic-based plots.
The cons:
- Inconsistent coloring. Terry's jacket is always green, not brown like in the show, while Mary (his mother) is wearing an orange dress, rather than blue - plus Bruce's clothes are drawn as grey. Is this based on earlier concepts for the show? Perhaps, but it's still bothersome, especially since a later chapter has Bruce correctly drawn as wearing black, then the next chapter has him wearing grey again. Make up your mind!
- Lack of detail in several scenes, particularly ones set in the Batcave. Many of Bruce's various trophies and memorabilia from his time as Batman are simply not there, and those present are kind of sloppily drawn, such as the giant T-rex. Incidentally, that same panel has Nigthwing's mask missing, despite it being present in earlier ones - did the artist just forget? Still conspicuous.
- Overly cliché storylines, most notable in the third and especially fifth chapters. The sixth chapter, featuring Inque, is just boring.
So...where do I stand? It's hard to say. I like three of the chapters, but the other three not so much. It's hard to recommend the book - if you're okay with having three good ones and three ranging from so-so to outright bad, then I suggest buying it; if not, then try and find the singles, but expect to be charged a pretty penny. The book's main draw is the pilot adaptation and the aforementioned Etrigan-starring chapter, but the other three books - and the issues with the art likewise serve as detracting points. I wish I could rate the book higher, but I can't, which is unfortunate for a Batman product, as he's my all-time favorite DC superhero.
Rating: 3 out of 5 - though if this were a ten-star rating system, I'd give it a 55% mark.
August 20, 2020
A tie-in to the Batman Beyond animated TV series, this book adapts the first two episodes of the series and then goes on to tell several original stories set in that world.
Here, in the year 2039, young Terry McGinnis encounters the aged Bruce Wayne. When his father is murdered, Terry steals a powerful Batsuit from the caves beneath Wayne Manor and adopts the mantle of the Batman.
I've never seen any of Batman Beyond, but I hear it's very much in the same vein as Batman: The Animated Series, which I always loved. Honestly, aside from Old Man Bruce, this was totally new ground for me and whilst it was interesting enough, I can't say it blew me away.
In the 90s both DC and Marvel had a thing for releasing comic tie-ins to their animated series (there were ones for Batman, Spider-Man and X-Men, for instance), which shared the same art style as that of the animation. What it means is that those comics all had a very cartoony art style and fairly simplistic Saturday-morning-entertainment type of storytelling.
Since this book adheres to those elements, what we get is a book with little depth or complexity and unremarkable art, but which nonetheless manages to capture the short-term entertainment feel of the cartoons.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com/ *
Here, in the year 2039, young Terry McGinnis encounters the aged Bruce Wayne. When his father is murdered, Terry steals a powerful Batsuit from the caves beneath Wayne Manor and adopts the mantle of the Batman.
I've never seen any of Batman Beyond, but I hear it's very much in the same vein as Batman: The Animated Series, which I always loved. Honestly, aside from Old Man Bruce, this was totally new ground for me and whilst it was interesting enough, I can't say it blew me away.
In the 90s both DC and Marvel had a thing for releasing comic tie-ins to their animated series (there were ones for Batman, Spider-Man and X-Men, for instance), which shared the same art style as that of the animation. What it means is that those comics all had a very cartoony art style and fairly simplistic Saturday-morning-entertainment type of storytelling.
Since this book adheres to those elements, what we get is a book with little depth or complexity and unremarkable art, but which nonetheless manages to capture the short-term entertainment feel of the cartoons.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com/ *
January 21, 2025
A Continuation of the Lore Established in the Late '90s by the Legendary Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, and Alan Burnett.
This comic serves as an extension of the lore crafted in the late '90s but is best experienced only after watching the animated series. The first section functions as an introduction to the storyline, which is explored in greater depth within the series itself. In the comic, this portion feels rushed, almost like a condensed retrospective.
The second part comprises a few episodic chapters with no significant narrative impact or fresh contributions to the overall experience. However, for fans of the animated series, these episodes may feel like additional content that complements the original episodes.
To fully grasp the story, familiarity with the series is essential. Without it, many elements will be unclear. Unfortunately, the comic lacks innovation, offering nothing new to expand the world built by Dini and Timm.
The only highlight for me is the artwork, which bears a striking resemblance to Timm’s iconic style.
Unless you’re a hardcore fan of the animated series, this comic is skippable.
Rating: 1/5
This comic serves as an extension of the lore crafted in the late '90s but is best experienced only after watching the animated series. The first section functions as an introduction to the storyline, which is explored in greater depth within the series itself. In the comic, this portion feels rushed, almost like a condensed retrospective.
The second part comprises a few episodic chapters with no significant narrative impact or fresh contributions to the overall experience. However, for fans of the animated series, these episodes may feel like additional content that complements the original episodes.
To fully grasp the story, familiarity with the series is essential. Without it, many elements will be unclear. Unfortunately, the comic lacks innovation, offering nothing new to expand the world built by Dini and Timm.
The only highlight for me is the artwork, which bears a striking resemblance to Timm’s iconic style.
Unless you’re a hardcore fan of the animated series, this comic is skippable.
Rating: 1/5
April 10, 2022
Pretty good for what was supposed to be prerelease to the TV show. As far as contents go, the first two issues are an adaptation of the series first episodes. The others are one off stories, only one of which I'd say is "bad" per say. However if you've enjoyed Batman Beyond or the DCAU in general, you should enjoy it.
Just ignore the mummy story.
Just ignore the mummy story.
December 2, 2024
Dei uma estrela a mais simplesmente porque nesse quadrinho tem uma história em que o Terry se preocupa com a população oprimida de Gotham ao invés de só lidar para impedir assaltos à mega corporações como no desenho animado.
July 15, 2018
Batman Beyond comic book was an acceptable entry, the first 2 issues rehashed the first two episodes of the series, the rest of the stories were... not so good.
June 2, 2021
The first two chapters were so rushed, none of it had any emotional impact. The rest of it was filled with dull one-off stories, which is strange for a miniseries.
May 31, 2022
Read as individual issues via DC Infinite.
June 20, 2022
Adapta a la historieta los primeros capítulos de Batman Beyond.
Read
July 10, 2022Tomo que recontaba las primeras historias de la serie animada libremente.
May 13, 2024
2.5 Stars
Batman Beyond was a staple of my childhood. I remember coming home from school, eating a snack, and watching the show with my brother before we did our homework. Even now, when I reminisce with my friends about the peak of cartoons, Batman Beyond almost always makes the list of one of the best of that era.
The comic? Eh not so much.
Obviously time has passed, and being older, I have to look at this comic with a more mature eye. I know the animated series was originally aimed at a younger audience, so going in I didn’t expect something akin to Tynion or Rucka’s Batman, but I also didn’t expect this to be so…juvenile. The stories collected in this first volume are incredibly tame and simplistic…even for a 7-9 year old. Terry faces a reincarnated mummy and Inque, a shapeshifter blob of goo. Both could have been great but instead Bader makes them so inoffensive that they’re just boring and silly…not even entertaining.
The writing is also incredibly basic. Yes know the debut episode already explains everything, and in a much better way, but in this illustrated version Old Bruce Wayne picks Terry to replace him in a matter of 2 panels and does little in the way of being a good mentor to young McGiness and When he does talk he just bitches about things.
This is, however, a rare example of simple art style actually working as it does an admirable job of duplicating the same style from the animated series. I’ll keep reading these as I know they do eventually mature with other authors and darker storylines, but for the first 6 issues, I’m a bit underwhelmed.
Batman Beyond was a staple of my childhood. I remember coming home from school, eating a snack, and watching the show with my brother before we did our homework. Even now, when I reminisce with my friends about the peak of cartoons, Batman Beyond almost always makes the list of one of the best of that era.
The comic? Eh not so much.
Obviously time has passed, and being older, I have to look at this comic with a more mature eye. I know the animated series was originally aimed at a younger audience, so going in I didn’t expect something akin to Tynion or Rucka’s Batman, but I also didn’t expect this to be so…juvenile. The stories collected in this first volume are incredibly tame and simplistic…even for a 7-9 year old. Terry faces a reincarnated mummy and Inque, a shapeshifter blob of goo. Both could have been great but instead Bader makes them so inoffensive that they’re just boring and silly…not even entertaining.
The writing is also incredibly basic. Yes know the debut episode already explains everything, and in a much better way, but in this illustrated version Old Bruce Wayne picks Terry to replace him in a matter of 2 panels and does little in the way of being a good mentor to young McGiness and When he does talk he just bitches about things.
This is, however, a rare example of simple art style actually working as it does an admirable job of duplicating the same style from the animated series. I’ll keep reading these as I know they do eventually mature with other authors and darker storylines, but for the first 6 issues, I’m a bit underwhelmed.
June 2, 2016
This one contains six issues. The first two are an adaptation of the pilot episode of the show, which is okay, but because this story is only 44 sparse pages while the pilot was 44 jam-packed minutes, it does feel rushed and like a lot is missing. The pacing is also a bit wonky in the third issue, a Blight story, but it's still a fun enough read. Things really heat up in the last three issues, where we deal with Etrigan, a mummy, and finally Inque. The Etrigan and mummy stories are fun, but they lean too much on elements that aren't specific to Batman Beyond. Bader clearly found the voice of the series by the end- the final story captures the uniqueness of the show the best and is by far the strongest of the lot- but it's a shame it took the whole volume to get there.
The art's great the entire way through, combining the best visual elements of the show with visuals that work in comics, and with superb coloring throughout. Even when the story wasn't firing on all cylinders, the art always was.
Overall: Recommended if you're a fan of the show and can find this for cheap. A full series started after this miniseries, and while unfortunately none of that is collected at the moment, I feel it will be soon. If most of the ongoing series is like the final issue here, I'm definitely in.
The art's great the entire way through, combining the best visual elements of the show with visuals that work in comics, and with superb coloring throughout. Even when the story wasn't firing on all cylinders, the art always was.
Overall: Recommended if you're a fan of the show and can find this for cheap. A full series started after this miniseries, and while unfortunately none of that is collected at the moment, I feel it will be soon. If most of the ongoing series is like the final issue here, I'm definitely in.
September 4, 2013
This trade paperback collects 6 issues of the first Batman Beyond miniseries. The first two issues are a shortened version of the first and second part of BB episode 'Rebirth'. The other four are separate stories featuring Derek Powers aka Blight, Etrigan, a revived ancient mummy and Inque. The stories are quite short, but not bad, so if you like the animated series, you'll enjoy this collection too.
March 18, 2015
This Batman of the future didn't give me the same "good vibrations" as the "old Batman", so I think this experiment will finish right here and right now.
Questo Batman del futuro non mi ispira, specialmente se paragonato al Batman a cui sono abituata, quindi credo che non leggeró altro del genere.
Questo Batman del futuro non mi ispira, specialmente se paragonato al Batman a cui sono abituata, quindi credo che non leggeró altro del genere.
August 10, 2021
"You're Batman."
"I was Batman."
"Oh, my God of course."
"Of course? What does that mean, 'of course?' I hate it when you 'of course.'"
"I couldn't save her, Bruce."
"You can't save everybody, Terry."
"I was Batman."
"Oh, my God of course."
"Of course? What does that mean, 'of course?' I hate it when you 'of course.'"
"I couldn't save her, Bruce."
"You can't save everybody, Terry."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2011
The first bits are a straight forward adaptation of the cartoon series. It does then start to do interesting things with the characters, especially Inque and Etrigan.
May 26, 2012
Pretty damn mediocre... Wouldn't suggest reading unless you absolutely have to read anything and everything Batman.. Beyond.
October 22, 2013
Really just aimed at kids. Plus, the colors are inaccurate (Terry's jacket, Dana's dress, etc). Oh well.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews