Batman Beyond #13 – A Dual Timeline Mystery Unfolds
Genre
Science Fiction, Superhero, Neo-Noir, Action
Main Characters
-
Terry McGinnis / Batman – The futuristic Dark Knight of Neo-Gotham, continuing Bruce Wayne's legacy.
-
Barbara Gordon – The Police Commissioner of Neo-Gotham and former Batgirl, now aiding Batman in his investigations.
-
Rewire – A high-tech villain with mysterious origins and a new identity that challenges everything Terry thought he knew.
-
Bruce Wayne – The original Batman, appearing in flashbacks that uncover vital clues from the past.
-
Joker – Referenced in Terry's flashback investigation, possibly returning from the grave—or inspiring something sinister.
Writer
Dan Jurgens – A veteran comic book scribe known for crafting emotionally charged narratives in both futuristic and classic DC settings.
Artist
Bernard Chang – Renowned for dynamic panel layouts and futuristic visuals that breathe life into the Neo-Gotham landscape.
Editor Details
Edited by Rob Levin, who ensures continuity and pacing remain sharp across timelines and emotional tones.
Publisher and Brand
DC Comics – Under the DC You branding initiative, which aimed to diversify and modernize storytelling during its 2015 publishing phase.
Release Year
2015
Brief Plot Summary
In Batman Beyond #13, two investigations—separated by time but connected by a common thread—intertwine. In the present, Terry McGinnis and Barbara Gordon attempt to expose the true identity behind the villain Rewire, who is no longer the man they once knew. As secrets peel back, Terry’s mission is juxtaposed with flashbacks from an earlier time, when he searched for signs of a resurrected Joker. The narrative cleverly bridges these two eras, hinting that the past may hold the key to decoding the present threat.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue continues building on the "Rewire Saga," an arc that reintroduces one of Batman Beyond’s original villains but with a surprising twist. The book also taps into the larger mystery arc concerning the Return of the Joker, playing with fan expectations and the psychological impact of legacy villains on the new Batman.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Many readers speculate that the new Rewire could be someone close to Terry—or even a clone, AI, or victim of memory manipulation. The flashback to the Joker investigation also fuels theories that his legacy persists through copycats or dark technological resurrection, possibly linking Rewire's behavior to old Joker tech or ideology.
Review Summary
Batman Beyond #13 excels in storytelling by merging mystery with emotional depth. Dan Jurgens delivers tight plotting that respects both the animated legacy and the comic's evolving identity. Bernard Chang’s artwork is sleek and atmospheric, capturing the grit of Neo-Gotham while making each scene visually compelling. The dialogue feels authentic, and character motivations are well-developed, especially in Barbara’s hardened yet supportive portrayal. Overall, this issue offers an engaging blend of noir detective work and futuristic action, making it a strong entry in the Batman Beyond series.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
