Mammoth Base Opera Castle

Writers: Vita Ayala & Steve Orlando,  Pencils: Siya Oum, Inks: Dexter Vines, Colors: Tony Aviña

You’re perfect, you’re beautiful, you look like Linda Evangelista.

Filling out the volume is a story created by a guest team called Batwoman Beyond. There’s a Batgirl in the Beyond universe? Nice! I like the premise. Batgirl works in a tough part of town not even Batman frequents. Why? Wish someone in the story told me.

This takes place during the Rise of the Demon arc so yay for Max doing something other than waiting around and being worried. Commissioner Gordon is kidnapped and it’s up to Batgirl and Max to save her. Max, you need an alias, my friend. And, Gordon, are you the same Gordon from the regular arc because here you’re drawn more like older Barbara Gordon. But, I swear I thought the main story Barbara Gordon was her granddaughter. She looked middle age at the most. I’m confused. 

Writer: Dan Jurgens, Artist: Bernard Chang, Colorist: Marcelo Maiolo

Let’s jump right in with the multiparter, Rise of the Demon. Following the events of volume one, Bruce Wayne is back and everyone’s happy. Looks like this volume is all about happiness and—oops! The League of Assassins are back and ready to assassinate…their own member, Curare? What the schway? Okay, sidebar, how does the League continue to exist? They’re always getting stomped by Batman or some other hero or infighting. Maybe save all that bloodthirsty dysfunction for Fortnite.

Rise of the Demon is a good story, but I liked the previous one more. I enjoyed Terry back in the game and Bruce reflecting on his life but I felt there’s too much inner dialogue in these comics. You always have to be in their head. It’s a general problem I have with western comics. You never escape the main character’s constant thinking. Not a fan of it, but that’s just me.

Writer: Dan Jurgens, Artist: Bernard Chang, Colorist: Marcelo Maiolo

For those not familiar with how western comics work, as a way to bring in new readers companies will renumber issues after awhile. It’s a marking gimmick. Basically, this volume one isn’t the true Batman Beyond volume one, but a jumping on point for those wanting to give the series a chance. Everyone on the same page? Let’s begin.

Escaping The Grave, I like it. It feels like Batman Beyond. Yeah, I’ve seen the cartoon series and read previous Beyond comics, but I stopped reading the series years ago. Can’t remember why. Think DC’s New 52 had something to do with it (when in doubt, blame New 52). Either way, I lost interest. After reading the volume my Batman Beyond thirst is back.

The volume picks up after the last arc (which I didn’t read) ended. Terry McGinnis is back (Huh?), his little brother, Max, knows he’s Batman (What?), and Bruce Wayne, Terry’s mentor, is dead (The f*ck?). Whoever wrote the last arc when out with a bang. At least this writer’s quick to explain all the important past plot points, including a general recap of Batman Beyond’s origin. Again, nice for old and new fans.