Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Batman 66 #1
DC Comics
Parker & Case
For many, the 1966 TV show, Batman, was their first introduction to the caped crusader. This aided by the many years the show aired in re-runs. Once Tim Burton's 1989 Batman movie hit the screen, the TV show all but disappeared and remained a cult classic and a bit of a self-indulgent nostalgia piece for those interested in looking for a completely different take on Batman. This comic book takes the TV show's view of Batman lock, stock and barrel and it's fantastic and refreshing at the same time. I've waited decades for this very comic book and I wasn't disappointed. For a book that is part goofy and part clever, but all charm, you can't go wrong.
Basically, the plot involved the Riddler and a heist. The comic is the combination of three, ten page comics, so the story is kind of broken up in spots you might not expect but it still has a nice flow to it. Riddler isn't the only character that gets involved here as we get Catwoman as well.
What's a good heist that doesn't include Catwoman on some level? For those wondering, it's the Julie Newmar version and she is stunning in every way you remember the actress from the show. The book is complete with almost all of the signatures from the show.
Giant, colorful sound effects covering panel after panel are included in this book. Batman and Robin scale the wall of a building with a guest window appearance. Batman and Robin complete each other's thoughts. Robin proclaims, "Holy …..!" on a couple of occasions. If you remember something from show then the odds are it's in this book. The show is alive and well in this book to the point where the plot is completely secondary.
The artwork captures the TV show well. From my perspective the artwork would be a hit if the characters looked like their TV counterparts and that is definitely what we have here. There is no doubt that Case absolutely nails every curve and line on Catwoman and that alone is worth a gold star. If I had to pick on any single aspect it would be the coloring. The entire comic has a very dull tone to it and if I recall, the TV show was as loud and colorful as anything the 1960s pop culture produced. Overall, this is a fantastic artistic effort.
For the most part this comic is a complete hit if you have ever watched the show. I will say that I was disappointed that Batman and Robin weren't ever in the typical cliffhanger as seen so many times on the show, such as them being lowered into lava or attached to a giant band saw board. However, the characters, dialogue, wit and plot are all in line with the TV show. If this book can deliver like this for each installment then this might become one of the biggest hits from out of nowhere DC has ever had. Who says old ideas can't be recycled and dusted off?
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
