'Future's End' #1 Comic Review

This is another prime example of how DC is seeing how far they can push the fan base, with yet another weekly title on the shelves, DC really aim to rake in the money. As much as some of us may complain, the fact remains that each of the first four issues of ‘Batman Eternal’ (a weekly) took places in the top 10 bestselling comics of April this year. Don’t complain if you’re gonna buy them, folks. However, that’s an argument for another day.

Story

 ‘Future’s End’ #1 should in reality go by the name of ‘Future’s End’ #2, as the title did essentially begin with the FCBD 0 issue, which established some fairly important plot details (as far as I could tell). This makes me wonder why DC didn’t just throw the FCBD issue into this book anyway for the sake of those that didn’t manage to get a hold of a copy, but again, that’s another story. The book is of course, as the title suggests, focussed on the somewhat bleak, dystopian future of the New 52, where a cybernetic apocalypse has been set in motion, with a similar structure to that of the ever so popular Zombocalypse formula of wounding and subsequent infection. It’s this cybernetic dominance that acts as the book’s main antagonistic force. Following the escapades of a time travelling Terry McGinnis (Batman Beyond) and with an appearance from Grifter and an aging Firestorm, the book shows how these heroes go about their quest to save the DCU in a number of different well known locations. While the premise itself is suitably dark for the event, the book still feels like it is ultimately tied down by the tirade of apocalyptic works currently stagnating in pop culture, and results in it feeling quite clichéd. However it does show promise, with an ending that, while clichéd, is still quite enticing and leaves enough for the reader to want to return.

Art

The book’s art has a fairly standard feel to it, while not spectacular by any means; it still does enough to keep the book alive, and is admittedly impressive with the character’s themselves, with their designs feeling interesting and somewhat inspired, especially when there is such a variety of characters on display. Environments look foreboding and dark enough to match well with the subject matter, and the book on the whole has a fairly dread filled tone about it, unsurprising for a DC title.

Readability

The book, while not completely engaging, is still quite easy to follow and well balanced between text and visuals. However, it does, at times, feel a little too simple, although that is likely just a result of its weekly format leading to a more drip by drip method of storytelling, which is quite clearly on display here.

Verdict:

‘Future’s End’ #1 is a fairly uninspired take on the future of the New 52, but leaves enough to evoke some interest in the reader, and is faithful to the characters it portrays. While not as emotionally jarring as some other DC titles, it still shows enough promise with an ending that, as overdone as it is, brings in enough in the way of enigmas to warrant a second outing.

Score:

6/10