“Just One Man”
Writers: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing
Artist: Max Dunbar
Color Artist: Rain Beredo
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Review by Adam Ray
The final issue of the series gives fans an emotionally wrought, action-packed epic. Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic #6 gives us a look at how differently Batman could operate in the future while remaining incredibly true to the eternal essence of the character.
The title of “Just One Man” is highly ironic, but fitting for the hero’s spirit. The heartfelt emotion between all the characters, old and new, along with the intense action, make this, all-around, an issue to be remembered.
In loving memory of Denny O’Neill. Of course, he deserves an entire plaza in future Gotham, as this version and the present-day Gotham are built on his writing. It’s just a shame that giant plant monsters are tearing it up.
Kyle the Cat-Boi has rapidly become one of my new favorite characters in DC. By being emotionally layered through the storied connections with the publisher’s magical (and catty) past, he has the potential to become a strong hero and ally for Terry McGinnis’ future Batman and/or any other future heroes in this version of the DC Universe.
This issue delights us with visual battles taking multiple double-page spreads that draw readers in. Yes, the action is the lure, but all the wonderful silent moments give us the heartfelt denouement which is the icing on the cake.
Conclusion
Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic #6 rounds out the story well enough to leave the future of Gotham open for any creator to do anything. The stakes should matter, but this vision of Gotham has been left open to any narrative. It’s left this particluar reader and reviewer with enough heroic spirit to inspire anyone into heroic action. So, as always, I’m hungry for more tales set in this Neo-Gotham.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
