Batman Beyond 2.0 #35 Review

Written by: Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel
Art by: Thony Silas
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: September 27, 2014

Call Me When You Have No Class

I've already gone on and on about how much it sucks that this great book is ending.  I love the DC Animated Universe and will gladly throw money at DC to get my fill of it.  My aim better get real good, though, since there is not much left to throw at.  It would hurt a little less if I thought canceling Batman Beyond 2.0 was part of a greater plan that would make the world a better place, but I know that's not the case.  Granted, I don't know the reasons, but that's because no one is talking.  Oh well, at least we have this issue and five more after that for Kyle Higgins to finish up his Batman Beyond story.  I'll try to be thankful for the little things, but it still sucks.  You know what doesn't suck?  This issue.



The issue starts with Terry hitting a brick wall in his attempt to infiltrate the Royal Flush Gang.  It looks like his patrol is over and Dick even gets on him about going to school in the morning.  That bit actually made me laugh out loud.  The only time he seems to go anywhere near the college is to hang out and sulk.  Maybe Dick feels a little guilty that Terry is about to flunk out.

No matter, the idea of higher learning goes out the window when Terry runs into Melanie. "Runs into" doesn't describe the awesome way she summons him, but I won't spoil the enjoyment of it here.  Believe me, you'll smile when you see it.   When he gets to her, she's dressed to the nines...I mean tens and you can feel Terry's disappointment seep from the page.  It is so hard not to just spoil the hell out of this comic, but I will do my best. Melanie explains herself to Terry, but he still seems reluctant to believe her.  Fool me once...  Things get a little better when Terry sees her the next day at...School!  The best part of this scene is how bored Terry looks in class.  One class a month really wears you down in Neo-Gotham I guess.  He perks up when he sees Melanie and it looks like he's back on board with her.  She better not break his heart again.

We get another quick (and heartbreaking) look at Davis Dusk that is surely setting up the final arc of the book and then we are off to see if Terry's trust in Melanie is going to bite him in the ass.  I'll tell you that it's leading to a battle in the finale, but you'll have to read it to know which parties are involved and what side they're on.

Like I said, this issue sets up for an action packed finale. That doesn't mean it's bad because it's far from it.  I loved the interaction between Terry and Melanie and loved the fatherly Dick as well.  I'll admit, I've become really interested in the Davis Dusk story.  Kyle is setting him up to be a sympathetic character at a crossroads and I want to see which way he goes.

Thony Silas nails the art as usual.  It's no surprise, the guy is consistently awesome.  There are a bunch of standout panels, but the final page rocks.  Guy Majors colors are also a huge part of why this book looks so great, so kudos to him as well.

Bits and Pieces:

This isn't the best issue of Batman Beyond 2.0 I've ever read, but it's why I will miss this series so much.  Even the setup issues are great.  Kyle Higgins gives fans just enough information to keep them interested and everything he sets up, pays off big time.  I can't wait for next week, even if it's one step closer to the inevitable end.

8.8/10