Some thoughts about Future State: The Next Batman #1

Who is Batman?

In a future timeline, Bruce Wayne is no longer around to protect Gotham City but there are still people willing to take upon his responsibility.

Future State continues and this follows the same formula as the Superman of Metropolis tie-in. However, I believe this has a better execution of idea as a whole and that's mostly thanks to the creative teams.

First of we open with a story about the so called "Next Batman" written by John Ridley and the first thing you can differentiate between this and the Jon Kent segments from the Superman of Metropolis entry, is that the writing here is much more effective. Ridley is able to convey the idea of a new hero in a different timeline with way more depth and in way less words. The presentation is pretty solid by creating a great depiction of this future, showing the complicate political state, exploring the tension between the Fox family and playing with the identity of this Batman as a mystery (despite that I'm pretty sure solicits already spoiled it). Great execution overall.

Nick Derington's artwork is also surprisingly creative in its storytelling, following the script as closely as possible and even elevating it to new levels.

Brandon Thomas handles a story about the Outsiders which is heavily based on Bryan Hill's work on the team but somehow manages to offer more content and more interesting developments in this little section than your usual Hill issue which is commendable. Sumit Kumar's art is pretty expressive, detailed and unique.

Finally Paul Jenkins handles a story that is more heavy on the narration than the previous but still showcases an interesting angle of the future along with a diverse cast of characters with different motivations and backgrounds. Jack Herbert's pencils are conventional but get the job done.

Overall, pretty solid installment. Hope the following ones follow this route.