REVIEW: ‘Batman Beyond,’ Issue #29

Batman Beyond #29 is published by DC Comics, written by Dan Jurgens, penciled by Brett Booth, inked by Norm Rapmund, with colors from Andrew Dalhouse, and letters by Travis Lanham. Issue number 29 of Batman Beyond is the final issue in the “The Final Joke” arc in which the Joker is back and quite angry that there is a new man under the cowl. He has terrorized the city, his disciples, and as of last issue, has taken Matt McGinnis hostage while threatening to kill yet another Robin.

In the last issue, the Joker took Matt, the new Robin hostage, and Terry and Dick were off to try and rescue him. Ending the last issue with the Joker holding an unconscious Robin with the words, “Death in the Family?” in the corner of the final page was masterful and had me ready to take on the next issue.

Throughout the five parts of ‘The Final Joke’ we’ve seen references from the Joker that make any Batman fan stand at attention but in issue 29, we see the Joker reference some of his most brutal moments. The shooting of Barbara Gordon in The Killing Joke and the killing of Jason Todd in Death in the Family, two moments that live in infamy in the fandom are used as attempts to pull the real Batman out.

While the Joker is broadcasting his torment of Matt across the city, Dick and Terry are trying to find Matt, but it may be too late. This issue is all about the lasting nature of the rivalry between Batman and the Joker and although we know in the future Terry is the only Batman, his status as a pretender to the Joker is used so well to cast doubt on whether or not this will be a happy ending or if we will have to watch another Robin die.

The art in the book is great, specifically, the way Dalhouse creates an atmosphere of smoke or fire with his colors. In addition, the details in the Joker and Bruce’s faces are perfect. Booth and Rapmund are able to capture the fear in Bruce’s eyes as he has to watch the last Robin in danger but he is also able to show the ferocity and insanity in the Joker’s face.

The ending of the book may leave some feeling like it was an anti-climactic ending to an arc but I liked it. This issues did a lot to set up ramifications for our characters going forth and forced multiple people to face their fears. Is Terry a good enough Batman? Will Dick continue to watch a child be put in danger? Has Bruce slipped so much that he caused everything?

There is a lot to unpack after these events of Batman Beyond #29 and I’m sure the next few issues will do just that. If you haven’t picked up Batman Beyond yet, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to continue the original series and the creative team behind the book is able to make me feel like I’m watching the cartoon while also elevating the darkness from it.

Batman Beyond #29 is available in comic book stores everywhere now