Saturday, June 28, 2014

Review- BATMAN '66 VOL. 1


BATMAN '66 VOL. 1 (DC, 2014; Hardcover)

Collects Batman '66 Nos. 1-5 (the previously online only Batman '66 Chapters 1-15) (cover dates September, 2013- January, 2014; digital release dates July 3- October 9, 2013)

Writer: Jeff Parker

Artists: Jonathan Case, Ty Templeton, Joe Quinones, Sandy Jarrell, Ruben Procopio, and Colleen Coover

Colorists: Wes Hartman, Jonathan Case, Maris Wicks, Rico Renzi, Tony Avina, Matthew Wilson, and Colleen Coover

This was an absolute blast. Who doesn't love the 1966 Batman television series, raise your hand...nobody, right, that's what I thought. Now imagine that awesome tongue in cheek campiness which was played straight, only in comic book form. That is what Batman '66 is all about. Those looking for dark, brooding Batman will be sorely disappointed. The rest of us who grew up watching reruns in syndication in the late '70s and beyond will dig the heck out of this.

Everything stays true to the continuity of the television series. The characterization and even the “casting” all ring true. Heck, even the sound effects are present in all their goofy glory. Another pleasant surprise is that this is true all ages reading. I read it to my 7 year old son and he loved it. He has seen the original series on cable, and we are both chomping at the bit for the Blu-Ray box set. It was nice to be able to share a modern comic book with him.

The Joker, The Riddler, The Penguin, Mister Freeze, The Mad Hatter, The Clock King, Egghead, the Siren, the Catwoman (Eartha Kitt, the third one)...they're all here! All of your old friends in exciting, fun new adventures. Is it wrong to want something fun and lighthearted in this oh so serious world? Anybody...anybody...Bueller? I didn't think so.
Junk Food For Thought rating: 4.25 out of 5.

http://www.instocktrades.com/TP/DC/BATMAN-66-HC-VOL-01/DEC130307

The OCD zone- This is a decent package at a good price.
DVD-style Extras included in this book: All are one page each.
#1 Variant by Jonathan Case
#1 San Diego Comic-Con International Action Figure variant cover
#2 Variant by Kevin Maguire and Rosemary Cheetham
#3 Variant by Cully Hammer
#4 Variant by Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, and Wes Hartman
#5 Variant by Dave Johnson

Paper rating: 5 out of 5. Thick glossy coated stock, perfect for material with modern computer coloring.
Binding rating: 4.25 out of 5. Perfect bound hardcover.
Hardback cover coating rating: 4.5 out of 5. This has the same dull matte casewrap coating that recent Marvel Premiere Edition hardcovers have. It is of sufficient thickness as to resist scuffing with reasonable handling. 

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