Batman Beyond 2.0 #33 Review

Written by: Kyle Higgins and Alec Seigel
Art by: Thony Silas
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: September 14, 2014

Royal Bluff

I'm sure most of you know it by now, but Batman Beyond 2.0 has been canceled.  You're probably asking the same thing as me and my man, Roman, "Why would they cancel such a great and popular book?"  Unfortunately, I don't have the answer to that question.  Time? Money?  Something dark and sinister?  You're guess is as good as mine at the moment.  I'll tell you one thing, the news hit me pretty hard and I actually didn't read this issue the second I got it for the first time ever.  That's why this review is a day late and why I'm reviewing it with a heavy heart.  It's weird to say, but I almost wish the final issues weren't so good so it wouldn't be so hard to say goodbye.  Of course, Kyle Higgins don't play that and this is yet another really good issue.  Damn you, Kyle.



This issue gives fans a heavy dose of the Royal Flush Gang.  It opens with them stealing a very interesting statue, but the caper quickly goes South.  Higgins and Seigel continue the theme of "Family" and it goes far beyond just getting another Ten to complete the Flush.

In fact, it gets close and personal with Terry, himself.  Last issue saw him trying to use the Justice Lords Timeline to reconnect with his (somewhat) Father and this issue he is close and personal with a gal with her own family issues...Melanie Walker.  Funny thing that the Royal Flush Gang just lost a Ten and Melanie is having money issues.  That couldn't lead to anything, right?

Meanwhile, Ghoul continues to recruit Inque with promises of better living through chemistry.  He's developed a way to counter her aversion to water ,but she's thinking bigger.  If you know Inque and her history, you'll easily figure out why she's interested.  It's not for herself, but again it's all about Family.

The issue ends with a cliffhanger that may or may not be what it seems, but it sure looks like one of the characters is "All In" and another has a decision to make.  With all the trouble and pain Terry has dealt with recently, I can only hope that what looks to be inevitable doesn't happen.

Higgins and Siegel have done it again.  They push the story forward bit-by-bit while referencing the cartoon in subtle ways that doesn't leave new readers in the dark, but make it so great for those in the know.  On the surface, this issue is more setup than usual, but in this series, that's never a bad thing.  Man, I'm going to miss this series.  Damn you, Kyle.

I'm also going to miss Thony Silas' art.  It's so good and is such a perfect match for this book.  I am really enjoying his "Inque"  She is so sexy and mysterious, though it doesn't hurt that she's one of my favorite villains.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman Beyond 2.0 #33 continues the "All In" story and I'm...well, all in.  Higgins and Seigel continue making a book that is great for newcomers, but so special for fans of the franchise.  Thony Silas' art is a perfect match for the story and this issue is no exception. With the recent news of this book's cancellation, great issues like this are even harder to read.  Damn you, Kyle...and thanks for such a great series.

8.9/10