Review: Batman Beyond #31 - Mobile Edition

DC Comics
Review: Batman Beyond #31
By Philip Schweier
April 24, 2019 - 08:15

DC Comics
Writer(s): Dan Jurgens
Penciller(s): Rick Leonardi
Inker(s): Ande Parks
Colourist(s): Chris Sotomayer
Letterer(s): Travis Lanham
Cover Artist(s): Chris Smanee, Matthew Wilson; Ben Oliver

A new adventure begins, one without that annoying Robin Beyond (Schway!). As Terry returns to action, he investigates some high-tech thievery which lands him in trouble. It would take the original Batman to help him escape, but Bruce isn’t himself today.

Bruce has paid a visit to Arkham Asylum, where the “guests” may or may not be rehabilitated some day. It’s an overly-compassionate environment, ideally made for the possibility of someone – or something – slipping through the cracks and escaping.

I am usually a big fan of Dan Jurgens’ work, but in this instance, there seems to be a great deal of exposition. “All we need is your fingerprint, Mr. Wayne.” “We brought up the Powers files but can’t get past the firewall without you.” “Scanner’s ready, Mr. Wayne.” We get it, Bruce Wayne’s fingerprint scan. But in fairness, all the preceding dialogue comes from Matt McGinnis, the former Robin Beyond. I wasn’t wrong when I called him annoying, was I?

Ric Leonardi and Ande Parks are handling the art for this issue. I’m used to seeing Parks teamed with Phil Hester, but Leonardi isn’t a bad substitute. In some places, his work reminds me of Carmine Infantino’s work in the late 1970s/early ‘80s. I mean that with the utmost respect to all concerned.

I have a suspicion for what has secretly transpired in this issue, but in the interest of keeping it spoiler free, I’ll keep my theory to myself. It’s an interesting idea, and I’m disappointed for (possibly) seeing through it so easily.

Rating: 7/10