DC Universe: Inheritance is a 2006 superhero novel written by Devin Grayson, published by Grand Central Publishing.  A gunshot nearly kills the a foreign official’s son and it is up to superheroes Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow and their sidekicks Tempest, Nightwing, and Arsenal to find the would-be assassin.

Positives:

• Well-written characters
• Interesting backstories
• Great characterization
• Story goes at a good pace
• Descriptive writing

Negatives:

• Antagonist isn’t memorable
• Main story isn’t engaging
• Lack of action

Plot: The core focus of the story is the superheroes attempting to stop an assassination of a foreign political figure, however, during the investigation we’re given the backstories of the younger characters.  It also delves into the relationships between the sidekicks and their mentors which feels more refined compared to the main story.

Honestly, I found the backstories to be a bit more interesting than the actual main one.  There’s a sense of tragedy that seems to bind all of the younger characters.  I particularly like Cheshire despite her being a bad guy and the relationship she and Roy have and how it does shape much the story.  Honestly, this is a pretty well-paced read.

Even with all the superheroes there is serious lack of action.  There is about three major action sequences, the rest is dialogue and backstory.

Another issue is Tempest storyline.  It gives some good insight into the characters Tempest and Aquaman but it does feel tacked on.  The book would’ve been just as good had they not been in the story or been better expanded upon.

The plot is good enough to enjoy, despite not really being all that engaging, and actually take something meaningful away.  (3 out of 5)

Characters: The characters are just awesome. The book mainly focuses on the sidekick characters, Arsenal, Nightwing, and Tempest though there is focus on a foreign politician’s son named Dabir Abdul-Hakam. Also, there is the focus of their relationship with their mentors and how it has shaped them.

Dabir Abdul-Hakam is the son of a foreign official, who’s struggling with the loss of his mother and brother while trying to meet his father’s expectations.  He’s a pretty deep character.

For nearly half of the book the story focuses on Roy Harper, formerly known as Speedy now Arsenal, and his early days as Green Arrow’s sidekick. We get to see Roy and Oliver’s relationship and how dysfunctional it is..  We also get to see Roy develop a relationship with Batman, how he is more attentive that Oliver was.

The story then shifts over to Nightwing.  We get to see how Dick grew up with Bruce and how their relationship evolves over time.  We get to see how Oliver’s more carefree attitude affects Dick compared to Batman’s more strict.

Then story shifts over to Tempest, and we get to see how his relationship with Aquaman grew but ultimately crumbles due to Aquaman’s betrayal (which was kind of hard call as it was either Tempest or Aquaman’s son).  Plus, Tempest and Aquaman don’t have much of a role in the novel.  I understand the symbolism behind them being included but I don’t really think they should’ve been included.  T

Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke, is the main antagonist I guess.  Deathstroke is one of the most badass antagonists in DC but in this story he isn’t really given much to do.  They do have this little subplot about him and his dead son which does humanize him. Cheshire has one significant scene and her presence feels more prominent.

The characters are definitely true to their comicbook counterparts with enough deep to keep their presentation enjoyable.  (5 out of 5)

Writing:   Devin Grayson does a good job with the writing.  As a superhero novel, he does a good job of making it feel like a superhero story even including some of the more ridiculous aspects.  The writing focuses on the comparisons and contrasts between each of the hero’s mentoring techniques and how the sidekicks turned out.  It’s not so much as about being a superhero as it is being a father or father-figure.

Loved the characterization and how well it is presented.  Each character has their own perspective, their own take on the situation.  The action sequences are definitely well-written and the presentation makes it quite enjoyable.

There are some things that would be in a comic that don’t necessarily translate well into writing.  Why are the heroes meeting up all the time in uniform? Why is Nightwing perching on chair arms and jumping down the side of the building rather than use the ladder?  Also, there is the inclusion of Aquaman and Tempest when their role and backstory is so short.  There are some tidbits here and there but otherwise Grayson delivers a solid read. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, DC Universe: Inheritance is a good read and a great story.  This is something that will definitely resonate with readers with relationships with their fathers.  The book isn’t without its flaws.  Tempest/Aquaman (both roles and backstories) do feel shoed in and probably would’ve help the book had they been removed or expanded upon, the serious lack of superhero action scenes, and a main story that isn’t really all that engaging.  However, what works works well.  The characters are just awesome and true to their source material, the backstories are really interesting, and the writing is done really well.  DC Universe: Inheritance gets 4 out of 5.  DC fans will definitely enjoy reading this.