The cover to the latest issue of Justice League Beyond.
Property of DC Comics
By Alex Headley
DC’s digital first series bring the DC Animated Universe to comics on a monthly basis. The three books, Batman Beyond, Superman Beyond and Justice League Beyond are available digitally for $.99 an issue. That’s a great price for any comic, especially so when it brings back a little of Bruce Timm’s Justice League series. I loved that cartoon series almost as much as Batman: The Animated Series (which is responsible for my love of comics). Although I didn’t watch it much when it was on the air, Batman Beyond was pretty good and some of its better ideas are on display here. I haven’t been following all three series but Justice League Beyond brings back a lot of that animated DC style. One of the arcs even flashes back in time to the romance between John Stewart Green Lantern and Hawkgirl, managing to finish up some dangling plots from the series. The book’s first major arc includes big time action with threats like Darkseid and a giant world destroying. The new cast is interesting and includes Big Barda, Superman, Micron (a new Atom), Aquagirl (Aquaman’s daughter), Batman, a new Green Lantern and Warhawk (a thanagarian warrior). Amanda Waller and Bruce Wayne make appearances as well. The emphasis on the cosmic side of things is great. DC doesn’t focus on its sci-fi enough, not since the Rann/Thanagar War miniseries have we got this much of a glimpse into the cosmic side of the DCU. I’m very much looking forward to learning more of the cast’s origins.
Dustin Ngyuen and Derek Fridolfs take on writing and art duties for the book and do a great job of giving it an animated feel that is appropriate for the series.
The series is more than worth the ticket price. Check out the first 15 issues on Comixology if you are looking for some fun stories. You can also pick up physical copies at your local comic shop. I believe there is even a print bundle of all three series for $6.99.
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