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A Dark Knight. Comics’ most exciting universe. When both collide, it creates a new vision of a legendary character. Using tokusatsu storytelling elements, creators from The Massive-verse have breathed new life into BATMAN. The result is an all new DC Elseworlds story that has generated buzz since C2E2 2025 and never let up.
Centuries in the future, Humanity crosses a line. It tapped into Dark Matter for advancement. The fallout created a tear in the barriers between the Universe and its shadow. Deadly creatures spawned from the chaos. Three stood in their way… This is their story.
IMMORTAL LEGEND BATMAN #1 by Kyle Higgins, Mat Groom, Erica D’Urso, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, Igor Monti & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)welcomes RADIANT BLACK’S lead voice & the team from INFERNO GIRL RED into an alternate Bat-verse all its’ own.
NI’s own triple threat are on the call for this review. It’s Megan (NI editor/Vigilante Vibes Podcast), Matt (NI Lead editor/Hops Geek News) and yours truly (Ken – NI editor-in-chief/ODPH Podcast). Let’s see what all the hype is about!
*** POSSIBLE SPOILERS WARNING ***
LET’S TALK STORY!
MEGAN: Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom go out of their way to bring you into a different world of Batman and make you not want to leave. The Immortal Batman is something of a myth in this futuristic story, a mantle that’s passed down to a different worthy successor to keep the legend alive. We start the story with the Immortal Batman searching high and low, and questioning whoever gets in his way for Bruce Wayne. No matter what reason you have in your head as to why he’s searching for him, I promise you are wrong. That’s the beauty of Immortal Legend Batman #1, it keeps you on the edge of your seat while giving you the opportunity of learning the lore of the The Way of the Robin, The Way of the Bat, and The Way of the Nightwing.
MATT: WOW, this story had me questioning what was real and what was not real as Kyle took Batman to a place I have never seen before. I was impressed with the character directions he took them, such as Bruce being the Sheriff and crafting a mystery surrounded by death, all culminating in a fairly shocking twist at the end. I appreciate the swings Kyle takes here and I will say it has me ready to read more right away!
KEN: Higgins and Groom hit the gas pedal and never look back form the opening page. Readers see an opening chase set a high pave. It concludes with a very shocking line: “Where’s Bruce Wayne!”. The story pivots to a more familiar territory for Batman. A body is discovered and many questions arise. In this circumstance, that is the only time events seem similar to the past.
An unlikely confrontation starts off a frantic action sequence. The writing throws in a few key twists before mixing in another startling reveal. Its’ proceeded by strong dialogue which sets the stage for the explosive encounter. This spirals into high-octane excitement. Readers watch as the fight payoff cashes in. There’s no shortage of delivering a superb conclusion to the clash. It leads into a very solid final act. The writing gives the backstory of events pushing towards a shocking final panel. There’s no way to walk away form this book without immediately wanting more!
HOW ABOUT ART & LETTERING!
MEGAN: The artists bring together two things that you didn’t think were possible to mesh together, the energy of a futuristic world and the gritty world of the Batman. Erica D’Urso and Dan Mora create a beautiful world that’s surrounded by the mystery that we’ve grown so accustomed to in Gotham. The Immortal Batman being a legend, I’d say the artists understood the assignment and created what only can be described as legendary. The colorists of the comic, Igor Monti and Tamra Bonvillain, matched the art beautifully with their use of vivid colors of the future juxtaposing the dark colors that give us that Batman vibe we all love.
MATT: This is a beautiful issue, and you can see the Radiant Black inspiration with Batman’s suit; however, I actually think that enhances this story tenfold and gives us something refreshing with a character that is so prominent, such as Batman. These different worlds give us an air of familiarity; also, there are minor details that make it known that we are not on Earth. I truly could not think of a better team to tackle a book like this.
KEN: D’Urso and Monti helm the majority of art duties for this chapter. The starting pages tease the search for clues to the new world. It is capped off by an impressive full shot of Batman finding his target. The moment is complimented by another near full shot of Bat doing what he does best. This provides a transition to Avoca’s latest victim. The scenario locks in on the gruesome discovery. Readers see how this puzzling discovery is just the tip of a larger iceberg.
With another bold panel, Batman arrives to confront the Sheriff and Mayor of Davistown. The sense of fear rises with each image. This rolls into another fantastic action sequence. D’Urso and Monti spare no expense on delivering a thrilling stand-off. This leads into more dramatic reveals, including a full page villain transformation. Readers will be enthralled with what’s happening here. A spectacular full page finishes the fight in style.
Art duties are handed off to Mora and Bonvillain to wrap things up. Their flashback pages paint the descriptive picture of events. The full page trio shot is one that won’t escape fans’ view. This moves events right to the mic-drop panel. Seeing who’s there at the end will have readers buzzing until the next round starts. There’s much to enjoy with this debut.
OVERALL GRADE:
MEGAN: 10/10. We’ve all seen so many different iterations of Batman over the years, but nothing like this. Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom truly outdid themselves with this extremely strong start of a comic, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
MATT: 10/10. This is Batman in a way we have never seen him before, and a book that is taking some risks, that is exciting, and sets the stage for what should be a fun run ahead of us. I cannot wait to see where the team takes us!
KEN: 10/10! Trying to re-envision the Dark Knight is easier said than done. Higgins and Groom put an incredible spin on the myths with their writing. D’Urso and Monti blaze an electric blend of action and dram with phenomenal art. This has all the makings for a must-read event readers could want.
Let us know your thoughts on Immortal Legend Batman #1 in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
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