When DC Animated followed up the highly acclaimedBatman: The Animated Series with the futuristic Batman Beyond, they caused quite a stir. Fans like their continuity, and the adventures of Terry McGinnis and an elderly Bruce Wayne had no foundation in the DCU. Thus, blasphemy!

But as the series played out over the course of four years, starting up in 1999 and concluding in 2002, Batman Beyondbuilt a following and secured its place in the pantheon of superhero tales. In a strange twist, the property evolved back to comic books, where the McGinnis' adventures continue to this day, and even stirred up conversation of a big screen adaptation (Chris Nolan put that one to rest). Batman Beyondis as legit as they come.

Now, Beyond fans have a new reason to be excited: the announcement of Superman Beyond, a one-shot from writer Tom DeFalco and illustrators Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema.The Daily Blam reports that Superman Beyond #0 is set in the world of Batman Beyond and will tell the story of an older Kal-El who is called back to his heroic duties to battle off a new villain. What connections the book has to Batman Beyond and McGinnis continuity is, besides the "world" itself, is unknown.

DeFalco, Frenz and Buscema has had a lengthy career working with Marvel Comics, DeFalco being the Editor-in-Chief of the comic giant for 1987 - 1994 and all three working together recently on Spider-Girl. The teaser image from the book is reminiscent of some of Frenz's work on Superman back in the nineties, when the the Big Blue Boyscout was literally Blue. Everywhere. Those were the days.

Superman Beyond #0 is slated for an August release, making Comic-Con the perfect platform for DC to announce details on the project and a possible expansion of the brand beyond the one-shot. As lauded as Batman Beyond is, it's a truly under utilized resource and expanding the universe through a spin-off series starring another famed superhero might be just what the property needs.

The world needs a Superman Beyond series!