Batman Beyond 2.0 #39 Review

Written by: Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel
Art by: Thony Silas
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: October 25, 2014

You Outta Know by Now

Here we are, the penultimate issue of Kyle Higgins' run on Batman Beyond 2.0 and one things clear, he wants to go out with a bang.  Of course, I could have been cheesy and said it's "shocking" or "electric", but I'm not doing it.  For those not in the know, this final Alternating Currents story involves Davis Dusk (aka Rewire) holding Dick Grayson until he is given Bruce Wayne's portal to the Justice Lords' timeline.  It seems that he didn't think the whole killing his Father thing through and like Terry, doesn't care which version he gets.  Yes, this book is filled with Daddy issues.  While Batman and Rewire duke it out, Dick is on the verge of a heart attack thanks to an electrical device attached to his chest.  It's a fight against the clock with two timelines and my favorite hero at stake and it's been awesome.  This issue is no different and ended with me begging for the next issue right now.



The issue opens with a quick scene that shows a consequence of the destroyed portal that I didn't think of before.  I thought terry was being selfish with his Justice Lords' timeline actions but this really made it hit home.  I don't know why, but I couldn't help but hum Cats in the Cradle while reading it and it actuially made me really sad (I know that Cats in the Cradle doesn't really fit the scene per se, but any time I see or read a sad scene with a son and father my mind just goes there).

...my boy was just like me

Back in our timeline, Rewire is kicking the living hell out of Terry.  Bruce is his usual "helpful" self and tells Terry to keep Rewire occupied while Barbara goes and gets Dick.  Easier said then done, Bruce.  Terry does his best by being a pretty good guy. Really.  If anyone knows what Davis is feeling, it's Terry, but it's in one ear and out the other.  Davis wants the Portal or Dick is dead.

Barbara makes it to Dick, but instead of taking him to safety, Bruce tells them to help Terry.  I'm not saying Dick doesn't want to do just that because he does, but Bruce comes off as an ass (again) just sitting there in his comfy Batcave seat deciding every one's fate.  It's funny, but one of the things I will take away from this run of Batman Beyond 2.0 is just how much I ended up hating Bruce.

Dick!  Wait, I mean Bruce...or do I?

However, one thing (of many) I loved was Dick Grayson.  He is my favorite DC character so it doesn't take much for me to love him, but Higgins gave him a few more wrinkles (literally and figuratively) that made me appreciate him even more.  I don't want to spoil anything, but Higgins may have done what the big wigs at DC have been trying to do for years, but instead of me name calling and cursing, I had a little smile on my face.  I'll have an even bigger one if we find out about the eye patch next week.

This issue is a setup issue for the grand finale next week, but it was so good.  I wish that other writers could take lessons from Higgins and Siegel on how to make every issue good because these guys don't slow down.  Like eating a pig, it's all good.

Another thing that's all good is Thony Silas' art.  I've run out of accolades after so many good issues.  Just think of synonyms for "awesome" and you'll get the point.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman Beyond 2.0 #39 may be the penultimate issue of the series, but Higgins, Siegel and Silas don't hold anything back.  Fans of this book don't need me to tell them how good it is and if you haven't read it yet, do so now.  This is one of the best books out there and while I will be sad when it's over, I can'[t wait to see what happens.  Highly Recommended.

9.5/10