BATMAN/STATIC BEYOND #3 (DC COMICS)
Shutdown lived up to his billing
With the Q-Wave Energy Grid ready to change the world, Melvin Kim doesn’t want to see this happen. His actions have drawn out Static and Batman Beyond. The two heroes cant pull it together to handle the situation. It results in a massive blackout. Can the pair make it work long enough to stop this growing threat?
BATMAN/STATIC BEYOND #3 by Evan Narcisse, Miguel Mendonca & Wil Quintana, Wes Abbott (DC Comics) delivers on another futuristic chapter.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest installment.
BATMAN/STATIC BEYOND #3 by Evan Narcisse, Miguel Mendonca & Wil Quintana, Wes Abbott (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Narcisse opens with a look at the pair’s failed attempt to stop Shutdown. The city is in shambles. Readers watch as the depowered survivors have to start figuring out a new plan. The worst affected was Static himself. The writing shows the frantic attempt to revive him. It comes with some high drama as the move is a risk. The fallout brings back the extreme dislike the two heroes have for the other. Egos that can’t gel together will be a greater problem to deal with here.
Their banter in post is a mixed bag of elements. On one hand, it is a reminder of who’s city this problem is in. The other shows the elder advice McGuiness needs to hear. Dialogue is sharp and direct. It hits its’ marks while transitioning forward. Both heroes are served some humility as the post moves are not so graceful. Narcisse hits the effect of failure that weighs on Static. The gravity of this situation is met by all. Readers see how each player is handling it. This spins into a solid close with a rematch waiting for one. This time, there’s more at stake which will drive readers back for the next go around. Much stronger issue than last time.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Mendonca & Quintana are now on interior art duties for this chapter. The emptiness of failing linger on the fallen heroes. Their expression reek of despair as the blackout’s effect spreads deeper than expected. Batman’s Attempt to revive Static feels properly like a huge moment. Quintana’s coloring makes these images jump out. It results in hot tempers pouring into panels. Losing the city in this matter drives a hard wedge in-between both until one leaves the other’s side.
The moments of each hero’s next moves are met with offsetting looks. Terry’s mission comes with fast action. Static’s is more of an emotional burden of dropping the ball. His depressed looks fuel a search to re-ignite his inner power. The same can be said for Shutdown. Readers watch as he processes what’s happened and where he thinks the next move lies. It helps get the book to the closing stages. Graduation day at the Tomorrow Institute switches gears quickly. The thoughts of hope and promise fade into immediate danger. Two full images close up shop for this round but definitively not for good.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Shutdown has already taken out Batman and Static. What does he plan for an encore? Narcisse showcases the struggles of failure with the writing. Mendonca & Quintana deliver on key moments with a steady mix of drama added in the images. The series has fans talking for good reason.
Let me know your thoughts on BATMAN/STATIC BEYOND #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
