Writer/Artist/Letterer: John Byrne & Colors by Trish Mulvihill
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics in 2003, this 200-page collection reprints the four-issue Elseworlds sequel mini-series from 2001.
Again aging the iconic characters in real time, writer-artist John Byrne depicts Superman & Batman’s evolving lives at eleven-year intervals between 1942 and 2019. Byrne ups the ante by adding Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern, and other familiar faces in exchange for the World’s Finest Duo’s decreased screen time. Per his foreword, Byrne deliberately inserts contradictions to mirror the comics industry’s tendency to tweak established backstories. Hence, a few dropped hints justify yet another ‘first’ meeting of Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne — this time, it’s approximately 1918.
1942 (Battlefields): The Man of Steel backs up the JSA and the Blackhawks amidst World War II. In Gotham City, with Batman missing in action, Lois Lane & Robin face jeopardy from Lex Luthor’s forces. On Paradise Island, Wonder Woman’s worldwide debut is imminent.
1953 (Absent Friends): Batman and the JSA worry that a long-missing James Gordon’s return hints at an ominous mystery. In deep space, Superman meets a familiar Green Lantern. At a Metropolis hospital, Lois Lane-Kent gives birth to their second child. Simultaneously, tragedy strikes Wonder Woman’s famiily, as she gives birth to her own half-mortal daughter.
1964 (Children’s Hour): The current Batman (Dick Grayson) hooks up with Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl. A potential squad of Teen Titans first unite against the combined villainy of Gorilla Grodd, Mirror Master, and Weather Wizard.
1975 (Troubled Souls): Batman & Supergirl recruit Deadman and Dr. Occult to help put an old friend’s ghost at peace. An aging Hal Jordan makes a life-changing decision.
1986 (To Hunt the Hunter): Superman finally locates a fugitive Lex Luthor (or does he?). Including the current Wonder Woman and a new Flash, a short-handed Justice League confronts a renegade Batman.
1997 (Turning Points): Will there be a fourth Batman? Meanwhile, Sinestro overwhelms the Justice League, which sets up a climatic showdown at the White House.
2008 (This Ancient Evil): The Justice League’s new Flash joins their fight vs. Metallo. Knightwing keeps a long-standing romantic promise. Two Batmen reunite with Mrs. Wayne.
2019 (Father to the Man): At the Fortress of Solitude, Superman and Knightwing reveal to Batman the full shocking truth behind Clark & Bruce’s first encounter a century before.
REVIEW:
Considering the difficulty factor mustering so many characters, kudos must go to Byrne and his colorist, Trish Mulvihill for a generally satisfying effort. Yet, this multi-part sequel suffers from too much of a good thing.
In terms of further detailing the first Generations, Byrne’s work is admirable. Case in point: Barbara Gordon’s progression beyond Batgirl; a version of the Silver Age Teen Titans; Hal Jordan’s destiny, etc. As for some other relevant answers (i.e. whatever happens to Diana Prince-Trevor’s Wonder Woman), evidently one must wait for Generations III. Hence, this book isn’t a conclusive read, especially as a pivotal 2008 sequence is deliberately cut short (to be finished in the next mini-series).
Up through the 1975 segment, Generations 2 is easily enjoyable without prior knowledge of the first book. Both the 1942 opener and a delightful Teen Titans adventure are worthy highlights. However, it should be noted that a 1964 scene implying sexual intercourse and a brief 1986 glimpse reminding readers of Supergirl’s grisly fate likely precludes this book from pre-teens. To Byrne’s credit, he refrains from gore or other gratuitous displays in Generations 2.
In its second half, though, Generations 2 becomes far more convoluted due to its surplus of new characters. For instance, so many Flashes may prove hard to keep track of, so the ‘roll call’ Byrne provides at the book’s end comes in handy. Still, Generations 2’s entertainment value doesn’t bog down too much. It’s really more of a matter if readers actually want to see more third-generation heroes, like Knightwing, for instance. Byrne assumes one does, that is judging by the last three segments, so it’s something to keep in mind.
Finally, though some purists may dislike it, the 2019 segment poignantly takes a revisionist approach to Batman’s origin that is worth checking out. At the very least, it’s an effective wrap-up for Generations 2. This sequel isn’t nearly as intriguing as its more tightly-focused predecessor, but fans should like Byrne’s sequel.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Unlike the previous volume’s lack of extras, Generations 2 goes the distance. Byrne’s one-page June 2001 foreword offers some appreciated insights re: both books. A helpful ‘role call’ page lists all of this sequel’s heroes. Each of Byrne’s four Generations 2 covers are printed in a full-page format to conclude this book.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
Note: Byrne’s first Generations is available in trade paperback form, but, as of this writing, his 12-part Generations III mini-series remains uncollected in this format.
