Beechen Talks “Batman Beyond” Mini-Series Conclusion, Upcoming Ongoing
The World’s Finest caught up with writer Adam Beechen to talk about the conclusion of the current Batman Beyond six-issue mini-series from DC Comics in addition to the forthcoming Batman Beyond ongoing series, set for a January 2011 launch. Beechen was able to spend a few moments answering questions about the characters who inhabit the world of Batman Beyond, his favorite episodes, and how the cartoon’s continuity will find its way into the forthcoming comic adventures.
The World’s Finest: Before we jump into the new ongoing series, the final issue of the current Batman Beyond series streets this week. What can we expect from it?
Adam Beechen: You think Im going to give the whole thing away?! You gotta work harder than that to get info like that from me. Suffice to say, its the end of Batmans conflict with this killer the medias been calling Hush, and theres lots of bang-up action, high stakes, cool gadgets and drama.
WF: How and where does the new Batman Beyond ongoing pick up from the mini-series?
AB: The ongoing picks up just a few weeks after the mini-series. To say anything else really would be giving away stuff.
WF: Can we expect to see more homages and references to the original animated series as you move Terry McGinnis into the mainstream DC Universe?
AB: Absolutely. Our series is very much set in the world of the animated series, so those references will always be there. Because were not fully tying Batman Beyond to established DCU continuity, at least not yet, the homages ad references will show up more on that end.
WF: As a semi-follow-up to the previous question, you mentioned in previous interviews that you have been reviewing the Batman Beyond animated series in preparation for your role as writer for the series. Did you come out of that with any favorite episodes? Any moments jump out at you?
AB: Not so much moments as an overwhelming sense of the amount of creativity that was poured into that show. The best fiction transports you into the world of its creation, and Batman Beyond certainly does that. In watching the entire series, I got a definite idea of the size and scope of the sandbox weve been handed to play in, and its extremely exciting as a writer.
WF: How do you see Batman Beyonds role in the DC Universe? Is this where Batman is heading in comics, or is this a possibility on how things could go? Given the different interpretations of the future of the DC Universe, do you consider yours the definitive future for the current-day Batman comics, or a possible one? Does that make it any less valid?
AB: I think the world of Batman Beyond remains a possible, rather than definitive, future, but events in the current DCU seem to draw the Batman Beyond future closer as a likelihood. But even if that connection doesnt happen, as long as the stories are entertaining, theyre valid, in my opinion.
WF: Have you been paying attention to fan feedback on the mini-series, both positive and negative? Will you be taking any suggestions or feedback to heart as you move ahead with the new series?
AB: My understanding is that the feedback has generally positive, and I think the fact that the book has become a monthly bears that out. Fans Ive met personally have certainly been positive. Ive been told there has been some wondering among fans as to whether or not Terrys supporting cast will play much of a role in the ongoing, and the answer to that is yes, and right away. Because we wanted to focus the mini-series in such a way that it introduced Terry and Bruce and their dynamic to a new audience, while bringing the fans of the animated series an introduction to a new villain, we didnt have a lot of space to focus on Terrys mom, brother, girlfriend Dana or best friend Max. Now that were up and running, readers can expect them to become a large part of the series. That said, we always keep in mind the concerns of fans Theyre who the book is for, after all.
WF: What are your plans, long-term and short-term, for the new Batman Beyond ongoing?
AB: Just to keep telling fun and interesting stories that shed light on corners of this world that we havent seen yet, or further explore the ones we have. The structure is going to be very friendly for new readers to jump in at almost any point Were going to do three-issue story arcs, punctuated by stand-alone stories after every arc. Were going to see all-new characters, reimagined or updated versions of characters from the current DCU, and old favorites from the animated series, and try to weave them all into a larger tapestry than even the animated series had, because we have the history of the DCU at our disposal, to some extent.
WF: Finally, can you tell us why we should rush out to pick up Batman Beyond #6 (of 6) this week and then come back for Batman Beyond (ongoing) #1 in January? Convince us!
AB: Because youve been waiting on the edge of your seat to see how Batmans battle with this new killer everyone calls Hush is going to play out, and because youve enjoyed this ride so much, you know what Im talking about when I say weve got stories planned beyond this that will blow your mind. The first year of the book is pretty well plotted out and in good shape, the entire creative team is coming back, and were excited to build on what we feel is a great start!
The World’s Finest would like to thank Adam Beechen for his participation!
Batman Beyond #6 (of 6), written by Beechen with art by Ryan Benjamin, hits shelves on Wednesday, November 24th, 2010. The new ongoing Batman Beyond comic title, spinning out of the current mini-series, begins January 2011 from DC Comics.
Additionally, also available this week is the new DVD collection Batman Beyond: The Complete Series from Warner Home Video. More details on this new home video release can be found here at The World’s Finest Batman Beyond subsite. Stay tuned for other updates here soon at The World’s Finest.
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