DC Comics recently released a new series of Batman Beyond and Justice League Beyond comics, giving them both the ‘2.0’ ending. The connotation – that the DC Beyond Comic universe is getting an upgrade – promises much; up until now the DCBCU has had some good stories and glimpses of greatness, but has yet to break out of its teething problems.

So, does DC deliver?

I ended my review of the ‘Industrial Revolution’ storyline with the following hope:

Adam Beechen has written a great Bruce story (“Industrial Revolution”), Max story (“Undercloud”) and Dana story (“10,000 clowns”). I’m still waiting for the great Terry story.

Although Beechen is no longer the author of this series, my prayers for the “great Terry story” have been answered, in what is unquestionably the tightest, most multifaceted and well-written Batman Beyond storyline to date. I don’t exaggerate when I say that stories on this level and above have the potential to surpass the animated series that spawned the comics – it’s that good.

“Rewired” takes place a year after “Joker’s Night”, described in the “10,000 clowns” storyline. A mysterious villain has murdered Gotham City’s mayor and set free most of Gotham’s worst criminals. Clearly, this is a job for Batman. Terry is now an experienced and confident Batman who is capable of taking down criminals which used to take him much longer. He acts and feels like Batman – when he says the signature line to Barbara Gordon, it feels genuine.

But all is not as it seems. It is no longer Bruce on the other end of the radio link – but Dick Grayson. Terry is driving himself so hard as Batman that he’s cut himself off from Dana; he barely interacts with his family and he’s failing college. Something – we don’t yet know what – happened between Terry and his old mentor Bruce to cause an almost complete break between them.

This story really introduces us to Terry the person in a way no other story really did. We see him trying to balance being a hero and having a ‘normal life’. Most importantly, we see what promises to be his most difficult yet fruitful struggle – his fight to leave Bruce’s shadow. The story poses a stark question – is it possible to be Batman and not be BatGod? Can Terry be his own Batman and be great in other ways or is he doomed to be just an inferior version of the original? “Rewired” leaves these questions hanging and does not let us off the hook with pat answers in either direction.

The supporting cast to this story is just as compelling as the star. Barbara Gordon has to conduct her investigation while fighting public lack of confidence and a new mayor who would like to see her gone. Dick Grayson is an effective and empathetic mentor for Terry and a joy to watch. The villains are also interesting: Ghoul has gone from tech lackey to the original Joker to a conniving criminal in his own right. As for the main villain, all I’ll say is that there are disturbing parallels between the character and his background and Batman – both of them. I’ll leave it to you to find them out.

“Rewired” feels like an object lesson in how to write a comic book story. The dialogue is to the point. Questions are left in the air leaving us wanting more. The art is not only the best so far for Batman Beyond – it is also used as an effective storytelling device, especially a scene involving Terry, Bruce and the Batcave which I won’t spoil here. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.

Please note this review continues with a look at "Justice League Beyond: Power Struggle".

"Batman Beyond: Rewired" is now available through digital outlets and comic shops.