Express Review – Future State: The Next Batman

For the sake of time, I'm only going to focus on the first story in the oversized 64 page - Future State: The Next Batman issue #1. As a reader, I needed more set up to care about the new Batman Tim Fox. The character is showing some real promise, but writer John Ridley just threw us into the story which felt more of a tell than a show. I will say there are good points. Ridley wrote some convincing moments with the Bane-litos gang recruiting new members and an interaction between ex-partner street cops. I will also give Ridley credit in that the page count he was working with was dismal. Shame on DC for not at least allowing the writer to develop the full 64 pages for the new Batman.

The drawing was good for this first story. Nick Derington has some really decent pages in here, especially with the action shots. Denington makes consistent use of shadows, which is a must to maintain the look and feel of Gotham City. Some panels also had a Judge Dredd tone (which is a good thing) mixed with moments that echo back to David Mazzucchelli's work in Batman Year One. The non-action dialogue scenes/pages need a little work though, and that is where Derington needs to develop as an artist. I do like his work though and I think he might be a short time away from hitting his stride.

I paid $11 Canadian dollars for this one and I wish it hadn't been 3 stories and 64 pages. I feel less ripped off with this one compared to the Superman: Worlds of War #1 (that was a trainwreck, click the link to read that review).

Bottom Line: As a collector, you should pick it up for a long term spec at cover price. As a reader I'm on the fence, it needed more room to allow the writer to stretch.

Stay focused fellow humans!

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