DC Comics reviews 11/28/23 – Titans: Beast World #1, Green Arrow #6

Batman’89 Echoes #1

It’s hard for a mini-series that got a sequel to be considered underrated, but not enough people seemed to appreciate the greatness of Batman ’89. Maybe that will change with the next chapter, Batman’89 Echoes, which features the same creative team returning for another adventure in the Tim Burton Batman universe.

Two years have passed since Batman’s last appearance. Random people dressed like Batman have occasionally turned up and gotten gunned won trying to stop crime. In his deal with Commissioner Barbara Gordon, Batman has been dormant with no news on Robin as well. Writer Sam Hamm brings back some characters from the earlier Batman films as well as Dr. Q.

Artist Joe Quinones continues to nail the likenesses of the Burton cast. This time they essentially get to do a fan cast of sorts with Madonna playing Harleen Quinzel, a shock talk show host with a penchant for Gotham City master criminals.

While Batman is away, the Gotham City PD is tracking Firefly, who has been a dangerous menace. When they finally bring him in, Firefly encounters Jonathan Crane, but the twists are only just starting.

Like its predecessor, Echoes takes the nostalgia for the Burton films and keeps a tone consistent with that source material. Quinones’ gorgeous art and Leonardo Ito’s colors captures the aesthetics of the Burton verse with amazing actor likeness.

If this first issue is any indication, Echoes is going to be a fantastic ride and one worthy of both its cinematic and comic book predecessors.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10