By Christos Gage, Iban Coello, Kyle Higgins & Thony Silas
Both series conclude their first story arc with new creative teams. In Justice League Beyond, the league handles the self-destructing Superman robots and then enters the Phantom Zone to save Superman. As the story concludes, the true mastermind is revealed and someone returns from the Zone with the Justice League. Batman Beyond continues with Rewire wreaking havoc in the city and Terry, after being unconscious, devises a plan to stop the new villain.
Christos Gage builds on the theme of whether or not the League can still make a difference without the use of their superpowers/technology. Case and point is when he has the majority of the Justice League enter the Phantom Zone, knowing that each of their traits is useless there, to save their comrade. Gage vividly details what truly makes a hero is their courage, heart and determination. It was such a fun read! Christos is also able to maintain enthusiasm by introducing new threats that will undoubtedly come into play later in the series–hopefully sooner than later because they have the potential to be great arcs in the Beyond universe.
Batman Beyond seemed to take a more contemplative approach to the conclusion of its storyline. By doing this, Kyle Higgins retains the heart that Batman Beyond stories are known for. Two pages in particular just nail it; Terry McGinnis meets up with Dick Grayson, who points out how Rewire and his relationship with his father is reminiscent of Terry and Bruce’s. Higgins shows his understanding of great villains by noting some possible similarities between the antagonist and protagonist; two sides of the same coin. Why Wayne and McGinnis are not speaking to each other is still unclear, but it’s evident that Kyle has a firm idea on where he wants to go with this book. He has proven himself as a Batman Beyond scribe, so let’s just go along for this awesome ride.
Iban Coello and Thony Silas have demonstrated, throughout these two arcs, their talent for the bringing the material to life. There wasn’t much in either book that stuck out in the panel layout or artwork; it was just solid work all around. Although, Coello’s depiction of Batman Beyond is still one of the best to date!
These comics can be purchased digitally first, they alternate weeks. If you’ve become a fan or just enjoy stories in the Beyond universe, buy them as soon as they are available. If not, wait until they are compiled, in print, in this book each month. With two options to be reading these great books, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be picking them up!
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