Harley Quinn wins a battle while Batman takes another loss in DC Future State.
The first month of the DC comic book crossover Future State is over. Within that month, we’ve seen Bruce Wayne stripped down to less than the bare necessities to be Batman, Nightwing become Deathstroke, Wonder Woman at the end of time, and so much more.
With one month left to go, we’ll be seeing the conclusion of Future State. Some stories will have happy endings. However, in typical comic book fashion, others will end in tragedy. Let’s see what happened in week number five.
Yara Flor learns a lesson in DC Future State
Comic book: Future State: Wonder Woman No. 2
"“But your ending is not yet written. Show the world your purpose.” – Potira"
Yara Flor (Wonder Woman of this time) was on a journey to find the soul of her friend Potira. In order to do that, she had to travel to the Greek underworld. While there, she encountered the three Judges of the Greek Underworld and Hades. She was lucky that Persephone stepped in. Otherwise, Hades would have tortured her soul.
Yara found Potira, but couldn’t save her as the latter was eventually crushed by a cave-in. Yara had to do something that she wasn’t prepared to do. She had to let go.
Yara is full of emotion. On her journey, she had to move past her urge to fight, overcome her anger, and focus on the task – all things she isn’t known for doing. Since her friend’s life hung in the balance, she kept her composure. In the end, she couldn’t save Potira but what she did accomplish is learning a lesson on control and that her friend may be dead, but her memory will live on.
Gotham’s new freedom fighters
Comic book: DC Future: The Next Batman No. 3/DC Future: State Outsiders
"“We are not afraid of you. Gotham is not your city. Everything you do will fail. My name is Duke Thomas. I’m the Signal. And you can’t stop me.” – Duke Thomas"
The Magistrates have turned Gotham into a more dangerous place than it already is. Who knew that was even possible? The Magistrate Peacekeepers have been killing anyone wearing a mask, anyone helping them, or those they just assume are assisting them. With the original Batman thought to be dead, Tim Drake having his own mission in Gotham, and Batgirl being incarcerated, that didn’t leave many options.
Thankfully, Duke Thomas (the Signal) is a Bat-Family member that’s still around and protecting people. He’s not alone. His Outsiders partner Black Lightning is helping as well.
It’s disappointing that we aren’t going to see how this story ends. The final page of Duke Thomas with his hands in his pocket with Black Lightning in electric form beside him was an amazing image. Who wouldn’t want to see that fight? Two angry vigilantes beating down the Magistrates is worth the purchase.
This ending also leads to more questions. Does Duke Thomas eventually rid Gotham of the Magistrates? Did other citizens and vigilantes join the fight? Does Duke die trying to save the city that he’s protected for years and become a symbol? These are only three of the many questions that readers will have after finishing this story.
Harley Quinn beats Black Mask and Scarecrow
Comic book: DC Future State: Harley Quinn No. 2
"“You know… I never did like masks.” – Harley Quinn"
Harley Quinn was caught by the Magistrates and offered a deal: Help Jonathan Crane (formerly known as Scarecrow) capture masked villains in Gotham and get a more comfortable stay in prison. Harley agreed.
She started by helping Crane apprehend Professor Pyg and Firefly. Then, it was time for the big fish – a mask that has eluded Crane for a long time. Yes, Crane needed Harley to help him get Roman Sionis a.k.a. Black Mask.
Like Professor Pyg and Firefly, Harley used her profound psychiatric knowledge to figure out how to catch Sionis. The problem is that it required Crane to become Scarecrow again. Eventually, Crane donned the mask and costume. Too bad he didn’t see the Harley Quin double-cross coming. Harley hit Crane with a baseball bat and used Crane’s own mask and fear-toxin to defeat Sionis. After that, she escaped without anyone knowing where she went.
What makes this two-part story so special is Harley’s victory. Everyone in Gotham underestimates Harley, thinking that she is an idiot but the truth is that she’s far from it. She’s a literal doctor, remember?
The good thing is this works in her favor. People underestimate her because she’s always making jokes and not taking things seriously. But Harley spends a lot of time watching and learning. That’s why she tricked Crane without an issue. She used Crane’s own gear, insecurities, and hubris against him. A great ending to a fantastic story.
What did you think of this week’s issues of DC Future State? Let us know in the comments below.