Batman Beyond #1

The first issue of a 6-part mini-series, finds Terry McGinnis, the future Batman in the DCAU, against a foe from Bruce Wayne's past, and this foe is hunting former villains as a means to see if he's up to the challenge.  The villain has been detained for years, and as he escapes, he makes it clear he is out for blood, leaving behind a trail full of it.  As McGinnis continues to struggle to balance his high school life with his nights out as the Dark Knight, his life is about to get that much harder.  
 

What You Need To Know.

 In a continuation of the popular Animated Series, Batman Beyond, we find Terry and Bruce before the Epilogue in Justice League animated series.  Terry McGinnis, a high school student, spends his nights as Batman in Neo-Gotham.  With appearances by his own rogues gallery, as well as those of his predecessors, The Batman of the future certainly has his hands full.  
 

The Good.

 I've personally been waiting for this for a long time, I was a fan of the show and the DCAU so anytime that universe gets revisited I'm pretty excited, needless to say I was not disappointed by the time I got to the last page.  The story picks up considerably before Justice League's "Epilogue."  Terry is still in High School, still struggling to balance his life.  The story is logical, for the most part.  The banter between Bruce and Terry is always an enjoyable experience and this first issue shines because of it.  
The art has it's moments, mostly while we see Terry as Batman, Ryan Benjamin does a good job with capturing the look of the series while we see the heroes.  
 

The Bad.

 I wouldn't call it bad, because of the fact that this series was prior to a certain character's appearance in 2003, but it would have been better if there was some mention at some point of this character's appearance in the DCAU.   
Another thing, doesn't effect the story, but if this is following the DCAU, we know Terry and Bruce survive this because of the "Epilogue" so it loses that type of effect with those characters. 
The Art of the actual people feels a little off in this.  It doesn't take away, but it could have added a lot more for me, personally.  
 

The Verdict.

 While the story wasn't a perfect one, it had it's faults, it was still enjoyable.  I was a huge fan of the series, and as such it great to see DC reward the fans with this type acknowledgment and confidence that the book would sell.  The Story could have been a lot better, but from the first issue, this is definitely something that I'll be picking up again.  If you weren't a fan of the series then this probably isn't for you.  If you're interested in something different with Batman this is where you can go.  
 

4.5/5