The Super Powered Fancast

Future State The Next Batman #2

DC Comics

Written by John Ridley, Vita Ayala and Paula Sevenbergen

Art by Laura Braga, Aneke and Emanuela Lupacchino

Breakdowns by Nick Derington and Rob Haynes

Inks by Wade Von Grawbadger

Colors by Arif Prianto, Trish Mulvihill and John Kalisz

Letters by Clayton Cowles, Becca Carey

The Rundown: Batman is at turns fighting crime and evading the Magistrate’s private policing team. Cassandra Cain has been arrested by the Magistrate and finds her self facing former Batgirl Stephanie Brown. Catwoman and Poison Ivy take their android friend Dee-Dee for a night on the town.

Tim Fox, during his patrol as the Batman stumbles across the remains of a deadly crime scene. Before he has time to fully investigate, he finds himself the target of the Magistrate’s Peacekeepers. Meanwhile, Tanya Fox discusses protocol and laws revolving around current events with Gotham’s mayor. When finally confronting the suspects from earlier, Tim makes an unexpected discovery and must determine how he wants to proceed.

Cassandra is taken to a jail that is used to house masked crime fighters and villains. She must make a choice on whether to sell out the resistance in return for leniency. When she learns of Stephanie’s presence in the jail, she must confront her former friend and teammate.

The story begins with a burglary. After an encounter with the Magistrate’s Peacekeepers, the Sirens head to a bar that caters to heroes and villains alike. Dee-Dee’s backstory and her necessity to the trio is uncovered. Then the night takes an unexpected turn.

The Story: Its fun to see how a less experienced Batman deals with a multitude of life threatening situation. How he navigates the world where it is nearly impossible to disappear is interesting to say the least. The Fox family dynamics are intriguing, as well as the politics surrounding The Magistrate’s level of power in Gotham.

Batgirls

Vita Ayala takes us on a journey inside the mind of a hero determined to make a stand against the Magistrate. I appreciate the character perspective from both Batgirls. As well as the insight into the Magistrate’s objectives.

Gotham City Sirens

While lighthearted, I found this story to filled with insight into the lives of Gotham’s masked community and how they are affected by the Magistrate. Its interesting to see which side of the line the Siren’s fall on.

The Art: Laura Braga’s panels perfectly compliment the story. I especially like her use of facial expressions to highlight emotions. The action scenes were also well done.

Aneke use of traditional comic book style emphasizes the fact the Magistrate has locked away superheroes and villains alike. There are also certain flashback panel where the drawings become slightly modern, and it emphasizes the difference between the where one character was previously, and where they are now.

Color artwork detailed for a lively night time adventure fits in perfectly with the story.