Superman has officially arrived in the Murphyverse!
By Liam McGuire
Feb 17th 2023
Superman has officially arrived in the Murphyverse, as the Man of Steel just made his debut in Batman: Beyond The White Knight's exhilarating finale. In the final chapter of the recently concluded limited series, Batman, Batman Beyond, Harley Quinn and the crew of heroes defeat the villainous Blight. However, when their latest mission ends, Bruce Wayne gets a surprising visit from Diana Prince, who asks for help dealing with a new powerful threat to the universe: a kid in Kansas who can do "some pretty amazing things."
Batman: Beyond the White Knight is the latest Black Label limited series from writer and artist Sean Murphy, which continues the adventures of his version of Bruce Wayne from the Murphyverse. After Wayne revealed himself to the public as Batman and donated his entire fortune, he turned himself into the police for his crimes. However, more than a decade later, a new Batman, Terry McInnis, emerges on the scene, desperate to avenge his murdered father. With the villain Blight rising in Neo-Gotham, Bruce Wayne escapes prison and teams up with the Bat-Family to stop the bubbling war emerging in his city.
In the final issue, after Blight's defeat, Bruce Wayne and the Bat-Family are surprisingly visited by agent Diana Prince, a version of Wonder Woman who works for the FBI investigating superpowered individuals. Working alongside agent Stewart (presumably John Stewart), she offers Batman a deal: The FBI will expedite the rest of his prison sentence to time served in exchange for helping them deal with a new powerful alien who has made their presence known: Superman. Batman: Beyond the White Knight ends with a stunned Batman looking over footage of Superman - as the limited series promises to be continued.
So, what's next in the White Knight Murphyverse? Sean Murphy has previously teased several series in development - including an untitled Catwoman series from Clay McCormack, who worked alongside Murphy on the Red Hood and Generation Joker books set in the Murphyverse. Murphy has also teased a Superman series, so for those hoping to see the new version of the character's journey continue, you're in luck. Murphy is also working on a World's Finest book, presumably coming after the Superman-starring comic.
Sean Murphy has done a fantastic job creating a unique DC Universe featuring his versions of Batman, Batman Beyond, the Joker, and many other familiar characters with all-new twists. With the introduction of not just Diana Prince and John Stewart but now Superman, the Murphyverse is set to expand into something even bigger- as it seems likely a Justice League will eventually be introduced. But, for now, readers can see the new version of Superman's debut in Batman: Beyond the White Knight #8 from DC Comics, which is available on CaptCan Comics right now!