Sunday, June 29, 2014

Batman '66 #37 Review

Written by:Gabriel Soria
Art by: Dean Haspiel
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: June 25, 2014

Give 'Im the Bat-Business


Batman '66 is not only a great show and comic, but it's a reminder of a time when Batman was wildly popular without being realistic and dark.  Mind you, I love the Dark Knight Trilogy (Batman Begins is my favorite, not the Dark Knight btw), but nothing makes me happier than watching a couple Batman '66 episodes and letting the mindless camp take me away.  I know I'm not the only one and this comic is made for all of us fun-loving Bat fans. I hope there are still some of you out there.


The best issues of Batman '66 have been the ones that could have been pulled from the actual run of the show.  The ones where you can hear Adam West and Burt Ward delivering their lines in set pieces that are campy and fun.  This is one of those issues. It's also an indictment on where Batman came from and where he is now.  

Gabriel Soria gives us some real nice '66 fun right off the "bat" (sorry).  Funny intro dialogue and the Dynamic Duo climbing up the side of a building.  It's like a reminder of what makes this series so good.  Then Batman and Robin see it...a billboard for the new Batman TV Series, "The Dark Knight Detective".  What What?

So, when "Bat-urday" comes, everyone in Wayne Manor has gathered to watch.  This Batman is in Black and White and is violent as all getup.  It also becomes an overnight sensation.  Everybody wants Batman to Give 'Im the Bat-Business which means punching villains and throwing them out windows.  Pop songs about Batman are dominating the charts and only Batman, robin and Alfred seem to disapprove.

The issue ends with Batman and Robin paying the director of "The Dark Knight Detective" a visit.  Of course, it doesn't end well and the Dynamic Duo are caught in a cliffhanger to make us come back next issue.  I loved the concept of this issue and Gabriel Soria is preaching to the choir about the violent Dark Knight versus the Batusi surfing Batman.  Thank you, Gabriel.

I'd also like to thank artist, Dean Haspiel.  I really enjoyed the black and white "Dark Knight" segments with the stubbly bearded caped suited up Crusader.  Everything else looked great including the campy set pieces that I love in this series.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman '66 #37 is a great issue for anyone who thinks Batman has become to dark and gritty.  If you love the fun and campy adventures of Batman and Robin over the Dark Knight, you will be right at home here.  Gabriel Soria gives us such a clever idea for a story and Dean Haspiel comes through with some inspired art.  Highly recommended.

8.5/10

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