Flashpoint Beyond #1 (2022) continues the story of the alternate-reality Thomas Wayne as he struggles to understand why his world still exists, leading him to confront a "mad king" Aquaman for answers. The issue is a crucial part of a limited series that sets up major events for the larger DC Universe. The issue, written by Geoff Johns, Jeremy Adams, and Tim Sheridan, picks up after the events of the zero issue, which saw Thomas Wayne (this world's Batman) fail in his attempt to recreate the Flash, a critical step to restoring the proper timeline. With the Flashpoint version of Barry Allen now dead, Thomas must pursue other leads to find the "Clockwork Killer," the mysterious figure he believes is manipulating time and keeping this dark reality alive. Thomas Wayne's Quest: Believing Aquaman may be responsible for the sabotaged attempt to create a Flash, Thomas journeys to Europe to confront him in his Atlantean stronghold. London is on the verge of being sunk as a war between Aquaman's Atlanteans and Wonder Woman's Amazons rages on. A Temporary Alliance: Infiltrating Aquaman's lair, Batman finds the captive Wonder Woman (Diana) and makes a deal to free her in exchange for the use of her Lasso of Truth to question Aquaman. The Confrontation: Thomas confronts Aquaman, forcing him to admit he was not the one who interfered with the timeline's restoration. Shortly after this, Wonder Woman executes Aquaman with her trident, ending his reign. Flashback/Epilogue: The issue also features a B-story/epilogue showing the main DC Universe's Bruce Wayne and Barry Allen working together in the past to deal with the complexities of time travel and the "Time Masters". This segment suggests that Bruce himself may be involved in the events that led to the Flashpoint Beyond reality's continued existence, a major twist. Themes and Impact "Nothing Matters Here": A recurring theme is Thomas Wayne's nihilistic belief that because his world shouldn't exist, nothing in it truly matters, driving his desperate, often violent actions to erase it and save his son's reality. Sequel to Flashpoint: The series is a direct sequel to the 2011 Flashpoint limited series and follows threads from Doomsday Clock and Justice League Incarnate. Creative Team: The issue features art by Xermánico (and Mikel Janín for the epilogue), which was widely praised by reviewers for its stunning visuals. Setting up The New Golden Age: The events of Flashpoint Beyond directly lead into the The New Golden Age storyline, reintroducing classic Golden Age characters and the Justice Society of America to the modern DC continuity.
