Review: Batman Beyond #12


“Batwomen Beyond”
Writers: Vita Ayala & Steve Orlando
Artists: Siya Oum, Dexter Vines & Tony Aviña
Review by Steve J. Ray

 Holy futuristic interlude, Batman! The ladies have taken over the comic-book… and how! Welcome to Batman Batwomen Beyond.
With both Terry McGinnis and Bruce Wayne in far off Nanda Parbat, recovering from the epic “Rise Of The Demon”, protecting the citizens of Neo Gotham falls to the new Dynamic Duo of Batgirl and Max.
The future Batgirl, known only as Nissa, began her crimefighting career at the tender age of 15, back in Batman Beyond (vol. 1) #27 (July 2013). She also starred in the 3 issue story “Batgirl Beyond” (Batman Beyond Unlimited #18) and in the Batman Beyond: Batgirl Beyond trade paperback (collecting Batman Beyond #19-29 – digital chapters – and Batman Beyond #1-2). She was created by writer Scott Peterson and artist Annie Wu.
Little else is known about Nissa, other than that she is clearly a force for good, and has the approval of Barbara Gordon.

Batwomen Beyond

Writers Vita Ayala and Steve Orlando have carved a little self-contained gem this month. They portray Max and Nissa as strong, capable women who make a great crime-fighting team. The story stands up well on its own, and is a fresh, fun interlude.
The art on this issue is great! Penciller Siya Oum and inker Dexter Vines’ style is the perfect blend of cartoony and realistic. The splash page with an unmasked Nissa on a dark rooftop being a prime example.
Color artist Tony Aviña’s palette elevates the art. From his rich night-time purples, to the artificial green phosphorescence of the computer screens in the Batcave, Mr. Aviña transports the reader to Neo-Gotham. Nice work.

The Changing Of The Guard

After experiencing legendary comics veteran, Dan Jurgens’ take on the Dark Knight of the future, incoming writer Kyle Higgins has big shoes to fill. Mr. Jurgens deserves a well-earned break, after three years writing these characters. Thank you, Dan… you’ll be missed.
Bernard Chang has left his mark on this corner of the DC Universe, and I’ve made no secret of my admiration for his awesome art, so artists Siya Oum and Decter Vines had large shoes to fill this month, and both did a great job.

Conclusion

This issue has closed a terrific 12 months for the Rebirth version of Batman Beyond. This book has been an action packed, futuristic, thrill-ride for a whole year. This story was great fun, and deserves a very respectable:
Images Courtesy Of DC Entertainment.
(This review originally appeared on the Dark Knight News website on 29th September 2017)

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