DC Comics to launch ‘Flashpoint’ sequel
DC Comics is expanding the Flashpoint storyline with a new sequel featuring Thomas Wayne’s version of the Dark Knight.
DC announced over the weekend that Flashpoint writer Geoff Johns and artist Eduard Risso (100 Bullets) are currently working on the sequel titled Flashpoint Beyond, which will hit comic book stands beginning April 5, 2022.
“Everyone working on these books is giving it their all to deliver something that is worth the readers’ time in this competitive landscape of entertainment,” Johns said. “This is for fans of big DC events and the great history of DC when it comes to comic books. And even though this is an event, it’s focused on character over concept—it’s the story of Thomas Wayne Batman, a Barry Allen that could’ve been, the crimes of Bruce Wayne—it’s a murder mystery, a secret mission and a look into the past, present and future of the continuum of DC. And as dark as it can get in this upside down world of FLASHPOINT, it’s fun.”
The 48-page first issue of Flashpoint Beyond will follow the events of the 2011 comics event and will see Thomas Wayne donning the cowl once again as he searches for answers as to why the world he’s living in still exists. The maiden issue will also bring Batman face-to-face with the mad king, Aquaman as he begins his hunt for the Clockwork Killer.
"On the eve of Aquaman’s sinking of London, Batman infiltrates his stronghold and goes on the warpath for answers. Nothing matters to Batman, whose world is already dead, but if he can track down the Clockwork Killer, Thomas can save his son’s world and put everything back together again," the synopsis read.
Beginning with Flashpoint Beyond’s issue #1, DC said that Johns will share the writing duties with Jeremy Adams (The Flash) and Tim Sheridan (Shazam), with Xermánico (Infinite Frontier) on the artwork. A new issue of Flashpoint Beyond will come out every two weeks.
“This is something that, as a fan, I’ve been waiting for a long time—a return to the world of Flashpoint,” Sheridan said. “The fact that I’ve gotten to be a small part of that return is just about the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me and getting to be associated with Geoff, Jeremy, Eduardo, Xermánico and a team that's put their whole hearts into this, has made it no less than surreal. I can’t wait for people to see these pages!”
“It’s been a privilege, and incredible learning experience, to work with these talented writers, artists, inkers, letterers, colorists and editors for this series,” Adams said. “Talking story and character has been eye-opening, and the lessons will undoubtedly color everything I do from now on. I’m beyond excited that DC fans will get to go back to the Flashpoint Universe and experience a grounded mystery that will evoke serious philosophical questions while tugging at your heartstrings.”
In the original Flashpoint, Barry travels back in time in a bid to prevent his mother’s death. But in doing so, he wakes up in an entirely different timeline: his mother Nora is alive while his father, Henry, who is alive in his own timeline, died from a heart attack.
The comic miniseries also introduced a different DC universe: Thomas Wayne becomes the Batman after Bruce’s death while his wife Martha goes insane and eventually turns into the Joker. Wonder Woman and the Amazons are at war with Aquaman and the rest of Atlantis while the US government captures Kal-El after his ship crashed in Metropolis instead of Smallville.
Of course, the Flashpoint storyline will also be featured in the upcoming DC tentpole The Flash, with Ezra Miller reprising his role as the Scarlet Speedster. He will be joined by Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck’s versions of the Dark Knight as well as Sasha Calle, who is set to debut as Supergirl.