As the landscape of collectible comics continues to evolve, the anticipation surrounding new releases remains a key indicator of market vibrancy. In this context, the announcement of a new story arc featuring Batman Beyond is significant for collectors and retailers alike, particularly given the character’s enduring popularity within the DC Animated Universe (DCAU).
Comics legends Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, and Alan Burnett expertly navigated the complexities of character reinvention when they launched Batman Beyond in 1999. This sequel to the beloved Batman: The Animated Series introduced audiences to Terry McGinnis, a teenage hero battling crime in a futuristic Neo-Noir Gotham, with the guidance of an aging Bruce Wayne.
“With Batman Beyond, I definitely paid attention, because like many of us of a certain age, I was a huge fan of Batman: The Animated Series. That (show) came out and changed everything about how we thought that stuff could be adapted and interpreted for a different medium,” stated comics writer Evan Narcisse, who is currently exploring a new chapter in Terry’s saga through the upcoming title Batman/Static: Beyond.
For fans of Batman Beyond, DC’s recent confirmation of a new storyline is particularly promising. This narrative will intriguingly pair Terry McGinnis with another often-overlooked superhero.
DC has officially announced the limited six-issue comic series Batman/Static: Beyond, slated for release this fall as part of the publisher’s DC Elseworlds imprint. The series will debut on November 12, placing Terry, the cyberpunk protector of Neo-Gotham, alongside Virgil Hawkins, Dakota City’s future defender, on a mission that promises to redefine the Earth’s standing in the universe.
The first issue is already available for pre-order.
“Batman Beyond was totally different in terms of – they threw out almost everything you know,” Narcisse elaborated during an exclusive interview on CBR’s podcast Heroes Journey. “Terry wasn’t rich. His origin had some kind of thematic similarities to Bruce’s. But from a personality perspective, he was not like Bruce at all. … I was intrigued from that standpoint.
“And then everything else about the world, right? This is a cyberpunk, cool, edgy, slick modality that Batman Beyond operated in. Which was totally different than the dark, deco style of Batman: The Animated Series. Where you knew what the references were, especially with the 1980s movies, the Tim Burton movies, having established that kind of aesthetic. But this was something different. It felt like, ‘OK, this isn’t even an evolution of the old Gotham.’ Them calling it Neo Gotham let you know that, yeah, things are totally different.”
We return to both Neo Gotham and Dakota City in Narcisse’s upcoming title, which immerses readers into a space mission right from the outset, as Earth approaches inclusion in an intergalactic coalition known as The Collective.
Before that, the storyline introduces Melvin, an activist opposing sociopolitical unrest at home.
“One of the subtextual pillars of this story very much is alienation by virtue of the modern technology that we use every day. And not just alienation. When you’re alienated from the social systems that would give your life meaning, you are ripe for being manipulated by misinformation and disinformation,” Narcisse explained to CBR.
“We’re not driving it too hard in this story. But that definitely is a plot beat,” he continued. “Melvin has other people whispering in his ear about this technology – where it comes from, and what its dangers hold. He latches onto that because he’s already kind of disaffected. And so that message finds fertile ground in his brain.
“And you can probably guess the transformations that he undergoes across this story. But that’s where it starts. He has the wrong people whispering in his ear and getting the wrong kinds of information. That sets him off on his path, which is clearly a collision course with Static and Batman.”
For a deeper dive into Evan Narcisse’s insights, tune into the full conversation on CBR’s YouTube channel this Saturday, November 15.
Bringing Legends Together: The Principle Behind This New Collaboration
The inception of this project can be traced back to Nikolas Draper-Ivey, an artistic collaborator who previously created a short story titled Static Beyond in the milestone 30th anniversary special. This narrative depicted an adult Virgil Hawkins, aka Static, engaging in an adventure with Terry McGinnis.
Driven by his talent and the evident demand for more content featuring these characters, Draper-Ivey’s work spurred DC to greenlight this new direction, inviting Narcisse to co-narrate the tale.
“As someone who appreciated both shows—especially Static Shock—I recognized how impactful the emergence of Milestone Media was in bringing a diverse range of characters to life,” Narcisse shared.
“The Static Shock series was significant in spotlighting a character who deeply resonated with viewers, thanks to his relatable depiction amidst profound societal issues.”
Collectors have long expressed a desire for a Batman Beyond film adaptation. The animated series was so well-received that Terry McGinnis was integrated into the plots of other DCAU titles. As Bruce Wayne gracefully aged, Terry assumed the Batmantle in Neo-Gotham, equipped with high-tech gear and Bruce’s mentorship.
Drawing inspiration from Blade Runner, the series revitalized Gotham’s aesthetic, transforming it into a visually striking cityscape. While the production of a live-action adaptation remains elusive, fans might find solace in the fan film Batman Beyond: Year One, which demonstrates the potential for bringing Terry’s journey to life on-screen.
Narcisse reflected on the landscape of comics during Milestone Media’s inception in 1993. “Seeing such a range of creators coming together to construct a universe that mirrored my own world felt revolutionary, especially as a young black man. The references to hip-hop and culture truly connected with my experiences.”
“Even when Static Shock aired, well past my childhood, I felt immense pride in witnessing a character realize the leaps of representation that many superheroes have yet to achieve.”
“In crafting this collaboration, we aim to synthesize collective nostalgia into a narrative that resonates with today’s audience while incorporating evolved sensibilities and understandings.”
When asked about the inclusion of older Bruce Wayne, Narcisse confirmed, “He plays a role, albeit not the central one, much like his involvement in Batman Beyond. He serves as a voice of experience, contrasting with Terry’s approach.”
This dynamic is further enriched by Virgil’s perspective, revealing a generational gap in their understanding of heroism. “Both characters come from different backgrounds and views, which informs their motivations and the course of their actions. Bruce is there to guide them, encouraging self-advocacy and ethical choices.”
By immersing readers in the worlds of both Neo Gotham and Dakota, this collaboration promises to offer fans an engaging exploration of their respective mythologies.
In short, collectors can anticipate a fusion of familiar characters with fresh narratives — a chance to see how the distinct worlds of these heroes intermingle and diverge.
Based on reporting by Sean O. Read the full story at https://www.cbr.com/batman-beyond-writer-digs-deep-into-new-static-team-up-and-bruce-waynes-eventual-role-exclusive/.