Batman '66 #1 (Printed) Review

Batman ‘66 #1 (Printed) Review

By: Jay 

Holy awesome idea Batman! On July 3, 2013 DC released its newest digital comic, which is also the 1^st comic in the DC² line, Batman ’66. Following the usual DC Digital First format, DC has released three digital issues before collecting them in the 1^st issue of the printed Batman ’66 comic. Has DC captured that nostalgic feeling of the campy Adam West series? Find out in this Bat-review. Cue the 60’s theme.

Has the Riddler truly perished in a plane crash? Is Catwoman really reformed? Can Batman and Robin thwart the Riddler’s most challenging riddle yet?

Sorry I couldn’t resist the old Adam West series style questioning way of setting things up.

Jeff Parker really did his homework. This book reads like an episode of the infamous Adam West, Burt Ward Batman TV series. Even the first issue mirrors the first episode of the show by featuring the Riddler as the villain and having him rob a museum.

Parker’s pacing also fits in perfectly with the ‘60’s show. I felt completely immersed in this book. I was transported back to being a kid watching the re-runs of Batman with me laying on the floor, my chin propped up by my hands as I smiled while Batman and Robin scaled a building with my dad. Parker even had someone not familiar with Gotham pop their head out a window and ask what they were doing.

But if you think that is all this is, you’re wrong. Parker adds some of his own touches that fit in perfectly with the feel of the show. The scene with Alfred and Aunt Harriet was spot on funny, but the scene with Alfred and the Bat-Pole put the biggest smile on my face. Parker even references the Batdance when a few people at the club ask Batman to show them how to do his dance.

The story is just one factor to the overall effect of this comic, with the art being the second. Jonathan Case brings the 60’s feel of the show to life in the pages of this comic. He gives us a very simple style that automatically throws you back to the early Silver Age style art that was prominent during the 60’s and was used in the title sequences of the show. But it doesn’t stop there. Case takes it a step further and gives the characters enough likeness that you can picture the show in the pages of this book. 

My one drawback may be that I read the three digital issues that make up this printed edition digitally first. Why? Well Batman ’66 is the first release in the new DC² format, which the publisher describes as “the next level” of digital comics. DC² adds new layers to the digital comic's page by putting in morphing artwork. What does that mean? Conversations build as you read them. The pages pop as the special sound effects are layered on to each panel. This style really works with this series because the layering of the scenes and sound effects reminds you of the series itself. This element obviously is missing in the printed edition, but it doesn’t hurt the story or the feel of the printed version. I’m not sure if this style would work with other titles though.

Digital Edition Page 6 Morph Part 1

Digital Edition Page 6 Morph Part 2

Digital Edition Page 6 Morph Part 3

Digital Edition Page 6 Morph Part 4

Digital Edition Page 6 Morph Part 5

Digital Edition Page 6 Morph Part 6

Digital Edition Page 6 Morph Part 7

Digital Edition Page 6 Morph Part 8

Overall with the same Bat-style and same Bat-humor as the show I highly recommend this title to everyone who grew up watching the series either in its original run, or reruns like me. If you’re someone who only wants that dark gritty Batman, then I say skip this title. But if you are going to pick it up I recommend giving the digital edition a shot also to add to the overall effect of the story.

 

Printed Edition Page 6

That is what I think about this book. Let us know what you think about Batman’66 #1 and the new DC² line in the comments. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter to know whenever we post more previews, reviews, news and interviews on Comic Frontline.