BATMAN/STATIC: BEYOND #2 – Lights Out

Creative Team – Evan Narcisse, Nikolas Draper-Ivey, Wes Abbott

Published by DC Comics

Catch up with Batman/Static: Beyond #1!

The Story

After an explosive first issue of Batman/Static: Beyond, we’re seeing the after effects of what all went down at the protest of the Q-Grid. The tone is immediately struck with Terry searching high and low for Melvin in the wreckage. Not being able to find him, he gets back to the cave and starts looking into hospital admissions and giving Static a call. Static, who’s much less than thrilled about all that’s happened, knows what a big deal this is. Static knows how powerful the Q-Juice is as he’s experienced it himself. Terry tells Static about Melvin, and he’s told to find Melvin fast.

Melvin, who was in the hospital under the name John Doe, is already experiencing the effects of the Q-Juice. Any technology he’s around causes his body to burn, and somehow he breaks the tech. It appears that Melvin can’t control any of this unpleasantness, and causes mass shutdowns. Melvin is in pain, he’s angry, he’s vulnerable, and he’s heading right for Dakota where Static is.

The Writing

Evan Narcisse Nikolas Draper-Ivey followed up the fantastic first issue with a continuation that somehow ended being even more powerful. When reading Batman/Static: Beyond #2, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as the tone shifts between Static’s calmness and Terry’s worry. By the end of the comic, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the pages as the energy elevates to the highest it’s been. The stakes are at an all-time high and Terry and Static know it. Melvin, who’s their newest villain, is acting out of reaction and doesn’t care who he shuts down.

The Art

Nikolas Draper-Ivey is also the artist of the comic, and brings so much heat to the pages of Batman/Static: Beyond #2. The comic is drenched in vibrancy with excellent drawings that make the characters practically pop off the pages. Where I think Draper-Ivery’s talents were truly on full display was the end fight of the comic, which was as powerful as the story itself. The characters were able to showcase their powersets in a beautiful and vibrant way, juxtaposing the abstract backgrounds that gave a perfect comic book vibe.

Alongside Draper-Ivey is Wes Abbott, who lends his lettering talents to the comic. Abbott is able to give so much depth to the dialogue, even while switching back and forth between Static and Terry. There’s an excellent flow of dialogue throughout the comic that matches the tone of the art perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Batman/Static: Beyond #2 should be on everyone’s pull list! There’s action, there’s heart, there’s excitement at every corner. What else could you want?!

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of Batman/Static: Beyond #2.

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Batman/Static: Beyond #2 or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!