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Borg (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Hilary Bader
The Lost Years (The Batman Adventures)

Hilary J. Bader
Borg (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Hilary Bader
Klingon! (Star Trek)

Hilary Bader
Batman of the Future

Hilary J. Bader, Rick Burchett, Joe Staton

One of the indelible elements of Batman's success over 60 years is how malleable he is with time, effortlessly fitting into the 1940s as he does the 21st Century. This is certainly reflected in the mammoth success of the animated TV series Batman Beyond, set in 2039, where a teenage boy inherits the Mantle of The Bat, armed with a high-tech costume and mentored by an elderly Bruce Wayne. In the opening six issues, Terry McGinnis quickly adapts to his new destiny, soon engaging with an equally garish Rogues Gallery, including the Jokerz (descended from Bruce's arch-enemy), the radioactive Blunt and a malevolent liquid monster, Inque. Along the way, Terry learns the old chestnut "with great power comes great responsibility" and develops a grudging respect for his wily mentor. It is a refreshing take as Terry, while fighting to avenge his father's murder, is driven by youthful reckless abandonment rather than his predecessor's grim determination. Not saddled with conventional Bat-history, it has a greater creative freedom, adapting the animated Batman's stylish "Dark Deco" to excellent effect. Does it translate well to the printed page? Though it may struggle to convey the superb atmosphere of the show, it does succeed in being a fast-paced, engaging read. The action orbits around a well-portrayed relationship between Terry and Bruce, with the old man secretly pleased that his life as Batman has taken a new lease--albeit behind the scenes. A successful venture, then, definitely attracting a new generation of Bat-fans while not alienating the faithful. --Danny Graydon