Batman: Universe is a book that I’m surprised it’s taken me this long to read. I remember being thrilled to discover that DC would be publishing the 100-page Walmart giants, and that a new serialized story would appear in each of them. But, other priorities won, and I wasn’t able to pick up any giant after the first wave.
Then, DC decided to republish the original stories from the giants and sell them in comic shops. I read the first two installments of Batman: Universe, but fell off again. I was enjoying it, but there were other things to read, other things to do.
They say the third time’s the charm, and with Universe’s hardcover collected edition in hand, I sat down on a Saturday afternoon and read the entire story, and I’ve got to say: that was a lot of fun.
What’s included?
The hardcover contains all of Batman: Universe, which was originally released in 12 parts in Batman 100-page Giant, and later re-released in six installments through comic shops. It was written by Brian Michael Bendis, illustrated by Nick Derington, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Josh Reed, Carlos M. Mangual, Tom Napolitano, and Troy Peteri.
You can read our in-depth reviews of the original, released-in-comic-shops issues here.
From tragedy, fun
It is ironic, and maybe even a bit tragic, that the Batman giant’s one original tale—Bendis and Derington’s Batman: Universe—is the only story that actually fulfills what I had assumed was the purpose of these Walmart anthologies. Other than a swear word or two late in the story, this is actually an incredibly kid-friendly tale. It’s an adventure across space and time, with plenty of delightful interplay between Batman and friends. Derington’s storytelling, while immensely satisfying for an almost 40-something like myself, also happens to be incredibly clear and accessible for younger readers—or anyone new to comics.
With stories like Hush included, I wouldn’t buy the Batman giant for my kids, but I would buy Batman: Universe. That’s the tragic part of all of this: Walmart was an opportunity to expand the market in the younger direction, but in the end, the specialty stores were still the only place to get (just) the kid-appropriate material that the giants offered. I’m glad they released it like this, and I’m eager to share it with my kids—but I feel like the reach of this book could have been much higher had the Walmart context been used a bit more strategically.
So much DC
One of the coolest things about Universe is the cast of characters and locations, and getting to see Derrington and Stewart bring them all to life. Bats turns up in Gotham, Gorilla City, and more, and he hangs with Green Arrow, Green Lantern, and others. He crosses the universe, sure, but this is also a book that gives readers a look at his wider fictional universe—the faces and places that make DC Comics such a rich storytelling landscape.
An ideal context for Bendis
Bendis has done some decent work on Superman and Action Comics, but I’ve been colder on his other DC output. My biggest complaint? I feel like he has more often than not failed to capture the voices of familiar characters. He’s got a pretty big cast here, as well, and at times, the voices aren’t consistent with my expectations/prior experience; however, the lighter tone and continuity-free context provide some leeway. As a critic, I note the tonal “issues,” but as a reader, I’m not bothered by them.
One of the very best Batman artists
Derrington’s work on the incredibly weird (delightfully weird) Doom Patrol got my attention, but I never imagined I would be so in love with his work drawing Batman. His Dark Knight aesthetic is not oppressively grim, but neither is it difficult to take seriously, making it a style that could easily suit a wide variety of narrative tones. I also think his visual storytelling is some of the best I’ve seen—particularly in his ability to choose when to give detailed backgrounds and when to keep panels simple and focus the action. I was very impressed—still impressed, in fact.
Bonus material
My hardcover features a Nick Derrington cover Gallery, with 15 (!!) covers, as well as a Batman: Universe sketchbook, also by Derrington, with quite a few thumbnail-sized goodies.
I’d also like to point out how much I like the paper stock that DC went with for this edition. It’s definitely coated, and it’s definitely thick enough to handle Stewart’s colors without any cockling (the waves that you sometimes see in pages); but it’s not super high-gloss, either, and I think this was a great choice for Derrington and Stewart’s work.
Value: Brand New
This story is a verbal and visual blast, following your favorite character through plenty of interesting encounters and environments. You will likely reread this numerous times, so you might as well pick it up with plenty of mileage left.
Overall
Batman: Universe follows the Dark Knight around the globe, the galaxy, Gorilla City and the great-grand past. It’s tons of fun with the world’s greatest hero, but still manages to take him seriously. Derrington’s artwork is similarly balanced, and is a delight to read. It won’t be the most profound Batman story you’ll ever pick up, but you may find yourself picking it up more often than most.
You can find your copy of Batman: Universe in comic shops today, and everywhere else on March 24.
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating Batman-News.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of Batman News. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.
