The long-awaited crossover, Batman/Static: Beyond #1, is finally here, and it feels exactly like the reunion fans have been waiting for. This isn’t just any team-up; it’s an event reuniting two fan-favorite heroes from the beloved, distinct corners of the DC animated universe: Terry McGinnis (Batman Beyond) and the electrifying Virgil Hawkins (Static), and the result will send a shock to your systems!
Kicking off a series decades in the making, writer Evan Narcisse and artist Nikolas Draper-Ivey deliver an opening act that successfully blends the futuristic, neo-noir atmosphere of Neo-Gotham with the high-voltage super-powered action of Dakota City. While it’s definitely a comic crafted for the old-school fans, it delivers a thrilling opening that reminds us why these characters became so iconic in the first place.
The story immediately throws us into a momentous event: Earth is on the verge of being inducted into the Cooperative. Think of them as a wealthy interplanetary benefactor. At the heart of this technological revolution is Static, whose groundbreaking Q-Wave Energy Grid is shaping the future of Dakota City. The opening scene captures the palpable excitement as Static, glowing with pride, prepares to showcase humanity’s intelligence (or, as Superman dryly calls it, an audition) to the alien body.
This is where the fan service hits hard, but in the best way. Static isn’t alone; he’s joined by the powerful lineup of Justice League Beyond: Superman, Warhawk, Flash, Micron, Big Barda, and a welcome return for Icon! Seeing this lineup together, especially the rarely-featured Icon, is a genuine treat for longtime readers, cementing the epic scale of the Beyond timeline.
The “audition” barely starts before the warmongering Khunds crash the party, instantly kicking off a huge battle. This is where Nikolas Draper-Ivey’s stellar art and Will Quintama’s awesome colors really shine. The action is super vivid, with this high-energy anime vibe. Energy beams are flying everywhere, and the heroes look so cinematic it feels like a panel ripped right out of a Star Wars movie.
The standout moment in this issue definitely belongs to Static. He’s a fan favorite for a reason, and let’s be honest, Virgil Hawkins has always deserved the mainstream hype that Miles Morales has now. Draper-Ivey makes sure he finally gets his moment to shine. When Static faces off against the Khund scavengers, his display of power is simply jaw-dropping. He literally siphons all the energy from their tech into himself. It’s a visually stunning panel that truly sells how much this magnetic meta-human has mastered his abilities.
Despite the great action, however, the story does get muddy when it comes to the central mystery. The introduction of the new villain, the Cooperative’s looming threat, and the tech behind the Q-Wave Energy Grid and “Q-juice” rely heavily on “future-speak,” which can be confusing for readers, as it makes the stakes unclear and confusing. Hopefully, future installments will clear this up.
Ultimately, Batman/Static: Beyond #1 feels like coming home. The creative team has captured the unique energy and spirit of these two animated worlds, treating fans to a visually stunning reunion that looks absolutely phenomenal. The dynamic art, especially Static’s design, is easily worth the price of admission.
However, the issue doesn’t serve well as a primer for new readers. It drops us straight into the deep end of continuity, making it a title primarily for those who fondly remember the days of Neo-Gotham and Dakota City. If you are a longtime fan, this issue is a stunning, action-packed opening act that ends on a classic, episode-style cliffhanger, leaving you eagerly awaiting the next issue.
‘Batman/Static: Beyond’ #1 Review: The Explosive Crossover Fans Have Waited Decades For!
Batman/Static: Beyond #1 feels like coming home. The creative team has captured the unique energy and spirit of these two animated worlds, treating fans to a visually stunning reunion that looks absolutely phenomenal.
