DC Comics has been dominating the news lately with their upcoming DC Future State event, which will be launching throughout January and February of 2021. During these two months, DC will be halting the production of their ongoing titles to make way for oversized anthology comics containing multiple stories, two-issue limited series, and a variety of one-shots. This event is not just limited to January and February as DC Executive Editor Marie Javins states that these books will lay the groundwork for future DC series.
From new characters taking on the mantle of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, to a host of new legacy characters, there will be plenty of changes in the DC Future State event. The launch titles in January and February are being broken down into three groups with thematic connections between them. This list focuses on the seven Batman Family titles, which include two oversized comics and five monthly mini-series.
7 Future State: The Next Batman #1-4
Future State: The Next Batman is set several years into Gotham's future, in which a new Dark Knight has taken on the mantle of the Batman. DC has not revealed who will be under the cowl yet, but they did share a few details about the plot. The Magistrate, a totalitarian police force, has taken over Gotham City. The first thing they did was go after the vigilante Batman, which ended in the apparent death of Bruce Wayne.
This oversized issue features five stories in its four-issue run. "The Next Batman" story is by John Ridley, Nick Derington, and Laura Braga, and will reveal the new Batman's connection to former Batman weaponeer Lucius Fox. "Outsiders" is by Brandon Thomas and Sumit Kumar, featuring Katana protecting the outskirts of the city. "Arkham Knights" is by Paul Jenkins and Jack Herbert with the Arkham Knights gang including Croc, Two-Face, Phosphorus, Zsasz, Clayface, and Astrid Arkham. "Batgirls" is by Vita Ayala and Aneke, which have introduced new designs for Spoiler and Orphan!
Finally, "Gotham City Sirens" is by Paula Sevenbergen and Emanuela Lupacchino with Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Siren going off on a girl's night out shopping spree. The first issue goes on sale on 1/5/21 and the second issue hits the stands on 1/19/2021.
6 Future State: Dark Detective #1-4
This oversized anthology features three Batman family-related stories. There is "Dark Detective" by Mariko Tamaki and Dan Mora. The "Dark Detective" story seems to spoil the fact that Bruce Wayne was not taken out by the magistrate and is now on the run. In "Grifters" by Matthew Rosenberg and Carmine di Giandomenico, Grifter returns. Cole Cash runs into the detectives of the GCPD and has a chance meeting with Luke Fox.
Lastly, there is "Red Hood" by Joshua Williamson and Giannis Milonogiannis. In "Red Hood," Jason Todd works as a hunter for the Magistrate, bringing in heroes and villains for them. Until he hears the Red Hood gang is back in business and must face his past. The first issue goes on sale on 1/12/21 and the second issue hits the stands on 1/21/2021.
5 Future State: Batman/Superman
The Future State: Batman/Superman two-issue limited series is by Gene Luen Yang and Ben Oliver. Set in the early days of the Magistrate's reign, Bruce Wayne calls in Superman to help. But that only makes things worse as the Magistrate takes control of Superman with Professor Pyg getting his hands on a Kryptonite scalpel. The gross-out first issue goes on sale on 1/26/21.
4 Future State: Catwoman
The Future State: Catwoman two-issue limited series is by Ram V. and Otto Schmidt. The Magistrate has made vigilantes illegal and created a bullet train to take captured masked fighters to a reformation facility. But when they fill the train with children, Catwoman steps in to try and stop the train from reaching the facility.
Catwoman has a new magnetic suit as well as a posse called the Strays, who includes her new protégé. Catwoman will attempt to steal a train when the first issue of Future State: Catwoman goes on sale on 1/19/21.
3 Future State: Harley Quinn
The Future State: Harley Quinn two-issue limited series is by Stephanie Phillips and Simone Di Meo. The Magistrate has thrown Harley in prison and their pawn the Scarecrow is trying to get information from her about Gotham's villains and the Black Mask Gang. But they shouldn't have counted Harley out just yet, and she's ready to take her revenge. The first issue goes on sale on 1/5/21.
2 Future State: Nightwing
The Future State: Nightwing two-issue limited series is by Andrew Constant and Nicola Scott. With Batman's absence, Nightwing tries to keep the citizens of Gotham safe from the Magistrate.
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Hiding out in Arkham Asylum, Dick is approached by the new Batman. Their confrontation begins when the first issue of Future State: Nightwing goes on sale on 1/19/21.
1 Future State: Robin Eternal
The Future State: Robin Eternal two-issue limited series is by Meghan Fitzmartin and Eddy Barrows. Robin and Spoiler hijack the sky convoy carrying Lazarus Resin, a regenerative super drug that the Magistrate plan on using to make their members immortal!
Not only are Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown facing the threat of Gotham losing its freedom, but they're also facing the emotional baggage between them. The teen angst will be in full swing when the first issue goes on sale on 1/12/21.