Future State: The Next Batman #3A (DC Comics 2021)

DC’s Future State: The Next Batman #3A delivers a pivotal 64-page expansion of Gotham’s underground resistance, featuring intersecting storylines that escalate the conflict against authoritarian rule while advancing individual hero journeys. This installment continues the landmark event’s alternate timeline narrative, mapping how Batman, the Outsiders, and reformed inmates confront the oppressive Magistrate regime.

The issue splits focus across three major arcs, each moving the central rebellion forward. In “The Next Batman,” the detective intercepts two condemned fugitives and opts to risk his life fighting through city checkpoints to deliver them to the GCPD, defying extrajudicial enforcement officers. Simultaneously, Katana tracks down Jefferson Pierce in the “Outsiders” storyline, only to find him transformed into a being of literal black lightning carrying urgent intelligence about Duke Thomas’s liberation campaign. Their reunion forces a strategic alliance against overwhelming firepower. Meanwhile, “Arkham Knights Chapter Two: Dawn” follows Arkham inmates including Croc, Zsasz, Phosphorus, Clayface, Harvey, and additional crew members as they prepare for a coordinated assault on the occupying forces, fully aware that several squad members will not survive the engagement.

Crafted by veteran comic professionals, this edition pairs scripts from John Ridley, Brandon Thomas, and Paul Jenkins with sequential art by Nick Derington, Laura Braga, Sumit Kumar, Jack Herbert, and Raul Fernandez. Ladronn handles the exterior cover design. The 64-page interior is printed in full color and rated for readers ages 13 and up, matching the mature science-fiction crime tone established in the opening chapter.

Readers should note that the narratives build directly on issues #1 and #2, requiring prior context for full comprehension. However, the issue functions as a definitive narrative checkpoint where political tension peaks and character alliances shift. Purchasing this specific print secures the official Ladronn cover artwork, traces the correct 2021 DC Comics serialization sequence, and provides the complete unedited creative pages intended for collectible preservation.