By Zack Quaintance — The Batman Universe Hardcover found its way into my hands just before the COVID-19 crisis and quarantine began, taking a long path to get there. The history is that it was part of a DC Comics initiative a couple of years back (has it been that long? wow) to get superhero comics outside of comic shops and into Wal-Marts. To do this, the publisher created a series of 100-page giant comics that retailed for $4.99, consisting mostly of new-audience friendly reprint material...and a handful of new stories, one of which was Batman Universe.

Batman Universe featured a Batman story told by long-time Marvel exclusive writer Brian Michael Bendis, who’d just jumped to DC, and artist Nick Derington. It came out in 10 parts on Wal-Mart shelves, featured a dozen-plus guest stars, and was subsequently lightly read by usual comic book consumers. We’re a fickle bunch, well acclimated to get our stories through the insular direct market. Many of us (myself included) didn’t really get to read much of Batman Universe until the publisher next released those giant books in comic shops the following year, followed by the hardcover this March. 

Phew. See what I mean? A long journey.

The initial release of this story, however, is important to note because it clearly informed its creation. Batman Universe is a breezy and engaging story that is equal parts easter egg-filled reward for long-time readers and accessible romp for newcomers. It is, perhaps, holistically Bendis’ best work for DC. I like the Superman run he’s putting together quite a bit, but with Batman Universe, Bendis accomplished the always-challenging task of creating fresh yet straightforward with a character who’s existed for 80-plus years. 

It’s not really surprising, either. Bendis is a veteran and savvy creator among the best in the industry at doing superhero work with mainstream appeal, be it through creating new characters that turn into pop culture phenomenons (see Miles Morales, see Jessica Jones) or with back-to-basics fundamental approaches to time-tested icons like Daredevil or Batman. And he teamed here with artist Derington and colorist Dave Stewart (as well as a host of letterers), who are all equally adept at their own crafts.

Upon picking up this Batman Universe Hardcover, you’ll likely be struck by a few things. The trade dress and book itself is absolutely gorgeous, featuring the bright Derington-Stewart artwork from the interior both on and under the book jacket. Next, as experienced as Bendis is with superheroes, he has clearly been wanting to write Batman for a long time, and now that he has a chance, he loves it. There’s an infectious joy to this thing that even the most cynical fan is likely to feel. Third, Derington should be near the top of any list of the best DC Comics artists, even if his work is a bit apart from the publisher’s usual house style...no, especially because his work is a bit apart from that usual house style. Derington occupies rarefied and kinetic comics air with the best superhero storytellers today, right up alongside Chris Samnee.  

Derington shines extra hard in this book when given two page spreads, be it a giant widescreen framing shot of Batman overlooking Gorilla City, an 18-panel grid (18!!) of Batman and Jonah Hex fighting ninjas (ninjas!!) in the Old West (the Old West!!), or an intricate motion sequence of Batman and Nightwing fighting more ninjas (more ninjas!!) on and in a submarine. It’s all wonderful, just an utter joy to consume with your eyes.

Overall, this new Batman Universe Hardcover is — as many others in comics analysis have pointed out — not just a Batman story. Far from it. It’s a DC Universe story. Within the first half alone, readers see Batman interacting with Riddler, Deathstroke, Green Arrow, Vandal Savage, Cyborg, Green Lantern, Thanagar, Gorilla City, and Jonah Hex. And it continues from there. It’s a who’s who of great comics characters that Bendis was unable to write as he spent two decades as a Marvel exclusive creator. And if this is the only time he ever gets to write them, he’s done them all justice. In short, we’re lucky to have this book. 9.6/10

Batman Universe HC
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Nick Derington
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterers: Josh Reed, Carlos M. Mangual, Tom Napolitano, and Troy Peteri
Publisher: DC Comics
In this story written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Nick Derington, Batman is pushed to his limit as he sets off in search of an item with incredible destructive powers-and embarks on a journey across the DC Universe! It's a race to the finish line as Batman chases the Riddler from Gotham to Gorilla City and beyond, with the fate of humanity in the balance. Guest stars include Vandal Savage, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Deathstroke, Jonah Hex, and more! Collects Batman: Universe #1-6.
Release Date: March 18, 2020

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Zack Quaintance is a tech reporter by day and freelance writer by night/weekend. He Tweets compulsively about storytelling and comics as Comics Bookcase.