BATMAN ’66 #1
Holy Ben-Day dots in a comic-book Batman, we’re back!
The original theme-tune plays loud and clear in my mind as I take the first glance at my copy of Batman’66 which I received thanks to A place in space. Upon opening the pages to discover what this episode had got planned for us, I was immediately drawn into the action packed plot, so if you’ve ever wondered what sort of comic the 1960′s tv series would make, then prepare to be pleasantly amazed bat-fans because this is gonna be an indulgent journey through history!
The old series was famous for bringing the ‘sound-effect’ to life in full-on technicolour! And I for one am excited to see it put to it’s rightful use once again, there are just too many comics these days that lack a good “VA-VA-VOOOM!!” if you ask me. This is the first time in a long while that we get to see the Dark Knight face his opponents in broad day-light which if anything makes a refreshing change, and i’m sure the sun-rays will do Bruce a world of good. It is crystal clear that the creators over at DC have worked their socks off to re-invent the classic capers of the caped crusader and co’. They haven’t only brought back the Gotham-city and it’s strange community filled with eccentric inhabitants of the ’60′s era; but even the ben-day dots have returned as a further dedication to the history of comic-book art. Equally DC has given something back to it’s inspiration by allowing the characters to do things that weren’t physically possible back then whether it was due to the low budget, the lack of special FX or both, these things include having Bats save himself from an untimely death at the hands of the Riddler, as he is struck from an aeroplane and uses his cape to glide back into action! This is an aspect of the new comic series that will truly work in it’s favour as it sends out the message that the comic has not simply copied the stories from the tv series, but has -as it states on the cover- been inspired by them.
Adam West’s articulation is as strong as it always was, as is the rest of the Batman ’66 crew’s. Hearing their voices come to life once again in these new stories is both nostalgic and utterly entertaining! The dialogue is identical to the series scripts and the narrator is even on top form, questioning whether the dynamic duo will succeed in solving the riddle and if so “will it lead them to more danger?!”. When Bruce, Dick and Alfred do solve E. Nigma’s riddle, they are led to “the meow wow wow” (Catwoman’s club) where Riddler has more diabolical tricks up his sleeves! And it doesn’t end there, in fact it plays out like an entire episode from the original show, giving you a comic that’s worth every penny of your money. Expect to see Catwoman, the Riddler, Hench-men and more action than you can shake a Batarang at! The timing is spot on, it keeps your eyes moving at a pace that allows you to soak up all the exciting visuals that are on offer, at the same time the creator’s have achieved the perfect pause points reminiscent of the spinning bat-logo from the show before entering the next scene. all of it’s dotted Technicolor-inspired art, it’s humorously quirky quips, and it’s admirable lettering and sfx are a credit to both the original programme and Detective Comics.
Batman ’66 not only takes us back in time to it’s televised roots, it exhibits some wonderful examples of the great comic-art brought to us from the 1960′s, but more than anything it puts the FUN back into comics. Good work DC!
By Dylan Butcher. 
Here are the related links guys!:-
Written by: Jeff Parker Drawn and coloured by: Jonathan Case
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