REVIEW: ‘Batman Universe,’ Issue #6

Batman: Universe #6, the final issue of Batman: Universe which was originally published in Batman Giant #13 and Batman Giant#14, is written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art by Nick Derington, colors by Dave Stewart, and letters by ALW’s Troy Peteri. Following the events of the previous arc and the conclusion of the last issue, Batman learns he is trapped in an ancient and broken White Lantern power ring. But while Batman’s consciousness is trapped in the vast nothingness of the ring, the fight still rages on outside as the Green Lantern Corp, along with Nightwing, take on Vandal Savage. However, as Batman struggles to find a way out, his physical body remains vulnerable. But, just as Batman is able to return and free himself from the ring’s grip, it chooses another.

Learning that the elusive egg of the previous arc is a broken White Lantern ring isn’t that far fetched considering this series has found Batman time traveling to team up with Jonah Hex and visiting iconic DC Universe locations including Gorilla City. What is surprising is the turn the comic takes once Savage has the broken White Lantern ring. As Batman and Savage fight over the ring, they go through another, albeit this time much more fast-paced, journey through the DC Universe including seeing classic comic book moments many fans will know.

The panel design and artwork from Derington are incredible. The unorthodox shapes create a disorienting flow that works well for the ongoing fight. Additionally, Stewart’s colors are extremely bright and each section and classic moment visited from the DC Universe is highlighted with extravagant detail. This double-page spread was my favorite of the entire issue and was a solid final fight for the series.

As a conclusion, Batman: Universe #6 offers a solid end for the mini-series that at times struggled with pacing. However, this issue does well to keep things moving without feeling rushed. It is also an action-heavy issue but, as mentioned previously, the fantastic artwork from Derington keeps it engaging. While there are still a few loose threads, it is nothing that absolutely needs tying up.

As a series, Batman: Universe has been a delightful and more light-hearted Batman book. It has elements that every great Batman story should and is reminiscent of the Justice League: Unlimited cartoon. While this final issue doesn’t have a lot of the humor found in the previous ones, the series as a whole had a lot of “laugh out loud” moments. Overall, Batman: Universe #6 is a solid conclusion to a great series that could easily serve as a solid entry point for newer fans to the DC Universe while also providing a more relaxed, less brooding story for returning ones.

Batman: Universe #6 is available now in comic book stores everywhere and online.