Does The Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point Comic Set Up A Sequel?
The Zero Point has well and truly been blown open, with an event that's on a par with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, setting up the Multiverse. While the dark and brooding world of DC might seem a million miles away from the candy-coated Fortnite map, it turns out the two have become the best of bedfellows.
Since April, comic book fans and gamers alike have been flicking through the pages of DC's battle royale crossover with Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point.
Bridging the gap between fiction and real-life, each issue of the six-part comic series has come with a redeemable code that's given players everything from the Rebirth Harley Quinn skin to Catwoman's grappling claw.
What happens in Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point?
Click to enlargeFor those who've been keeping up, Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point has focused on the Caped Crusader waking up in this strange land and finding himself trapped in an infinite loop of 22-minutes.
This comic book Groundhog Day has seen him face-off against familiar foes like Deathstroke and Lex Luthor, while meeting new enemies like Fortnite's Imagined Order.
The final issue revealed who's been pulling the strings, but before we get there, remember that Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point has been packed with more tragedy than your average DC series. Doing what most of us do on a weekly basis (but never thought would stick), Zero Point boldly killed off Fishstick. If that wasn't enough, Batman's quest to break free from the loop also saw the Eternal Voyager fall by his side.
We'd already covered how leaks for Issue #6 teased the arrival of The Batman Who Laughs in the Fortnite shop, and while he hasn't glided down yet, he still plays a major part in the comics' endgame.
How does Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point end?
Click to enlargeBatman/Fortnite: Zero Point "Part Six" features The Dark Knight and Catwoman realising they need another DC favourite to help activate the Zero Point and take them home. Harley Quinn is the final piece of the puzzle, however, the unhinged Dr. Quinzel loves the chaos of the Fortnite island and wants to stay.
Knocking out Harley, Batman and Catwoman have to face-off against evil versions of themselves and finally make it into the Zero Point. Back in Gotham City, everyone's memories are restored, and they go their separate ways - destined to meet another day. The big twist comes from why the Zero Point was activated in the first place.
Issue #6 rounded off with Lex Luthor, The Batman Who Laughs, and Deathstroke reconvening in Gotham City. The trio of villains has been meeting with Fortnite's Doctor Slone, who is the de facto big bad of the comic arc. The whole reason Deathstroke was on the Fortnite island in the first place was to place the Zero Point Anchor and connect these two universes.
How does Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point set up a sequel?
Click to enlargeSo where does this leave us? Clearly linking to a future slate of DC and Fortnite crossovers, the final panel of Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point features a rift opening above the Daily Planet. Remembering that this is where Clark Kent works as a journalist, it'll definitely be connected to the upcoming arrival of Superman in Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 7.
The finale leaves the door open for everyone and anyone from the wide world of DC to land on the map in the future. Given the lineup of Issue #6, The Batman Who Laughs and Lex Luthor are logical guesses for a Zero Point bundle that could appear in the shop. We've already had Aquaman in Chapter 2 Season 3, while The Flash had his own event, but what about others like Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Batgirl, Mr. Freeze, and more?
Fortnite boss Donald Mustard has already promised "many years" of Marvel crossovers, however, DC just put the wheels in motion for its own Fortnite future. Importantly, Zero Point expanded on some key pieces of Fortnite lore like the indestructible bunker and why characters can't talk. But what about the inevitable sequel?
What have the Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point creators said?
Click to enlargeSpeaking to Heavy, writer Christos Gage and artist Reilly Brown said, "probably" when quizzed about a Zero Point sequel. Gage explained, "Hmm, that’s an interesting question. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say, but, probably". Discussing Slone's role in this, we admit her newcomer status in Fortnite doesn't give us much to go on.
Despite Slone's sketchy backstory, Gage admitted, "Doctor Slone is part of the Imagined Order, which is this mysterious group that basically seems to be running Fortnite island. Yes, at the end she’s seen negotiating with Lex Luthor, Batman Who Laughs, and nothing good can come from this, obviously".
When pushed on what Slone's plan is, Gage coyly added, "What’s cool is these are all characters who are used to being the mastermind, and they all have their own agendas and I think that’s all I can say at this point".
Whether a Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point sequel comes out in a matter of months as a continuing line of comics, or whether we have to wait until the next chapter, it looks like this is one crossover experiment that's paid off in spades. We can't wait to suit up in spandex and see what happens next!
