In this final and concluding issue of the Beyond VS series, the protagonist Bey delivers a stirring valedictorian speech at her graduation ceremony. The narrative alternates between Bey’s words and vivid illustrations of the future she envisions—a future that is both optimistic and pragmatic. The style is photorealistic for the first time in the series.
Bey begins by acknowledging the challenges that her generation faces, such as climate change, social inequity, and crumbling infrastructure. However, she refuses to accept a dystopian future and instead argues that the world is ripe for transformation. She calls upon her fellow graduates to harness the power of emerging technologies to build a better tomorrow.
The panels of the graphic novel are rich in detail, showing not just the crumbling world we could inherit, but also the brighter, more sustainable world we could build. From self-repairing streets to intelligent water systems, Bey paints a picture of a future where technology serves humanity’s best interests. She emphasizes the role of renewable energy, smart grids, and advanced battery storage in combating climate change.
Bey also touches on the transformative potential of public transit, envisioning self-driving buses and trains powered by renewable energy. She imagines cities designed for people, not cars, with wide sidewalks, safe bikeways, and dedicated spaces for electric scooters and skateboards. Beyond functionality, she stresses the importance of aesthetics in public works, advocating for vibrant public spaces, green roofs, and public art.
However, Bey also issues a word of caution: technology is a tool, not a savior. She urges her peers to wield it with care, ethics, and conscience. As they step into the world, she calls on them to be leaders who use innovation to level the playing field and bridge gaps rather than widen them.
The graphic novel ends on a hopeful note, with Bey encouraging her classmates to be the architects of a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit. She envisions a world that is not just smarter but wiser, not just innovative but compassionate, and not just functional but beautiful.
This issue serves as a powerful reminder that the future is not set in stone; it is something we actively create. Through its photorealistic art style and compelling narrative, it challenges us to envision and work toward a future that is as bright and limitless as our imaginations.