COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Batman ’66 #2
Recently, the DC universe has been all about dark back stories and even darker adventures. I’m talking about the likes of Nolan and Snyder movies, to New 52 Trinity War and Injustice video games. But here comes Batman ’66 and it made me remember how much I enjoyed the campy, over-the-top action of old comics and tv shows.
In Batman ’66 #2, there’s no dancing batman nor shark repellant, but hey, there’s underwater torch, twirling Bat symbol for transitions, silly vehicle names such as the “Penguarine” and Boy Wonder’s remarks ranging from “Holy titanic torment!” to “Holy deep sea diver!” . It’s the 1960s all over again as we have the Adam West Batman, Burt Ward Robin, Burgess Meredith as Penguin and Otto Preminger as Mr. Freeze. Definitely no shortage of quirky puns and TV show onomatopoeia: WAAK! KA-KICK! KA-RAAM! KWHAM! BOFF! SWHACK!
In the first story, there’s Penguin teaming up with Dr Schivel a.k.a. Mr Freeze in a self-sustaining summer-withstanding sovereign iceberg nation aptly named Penguinia. Batman gets caught and has to rely on Robin to save him from the icy villains and their Pengoons. In the second story, Bruce goes on a date with Kathy only to find out that it’s Lorelei Circe on the microphone, trying to pull a heist with her terrible singing. Here we see Chandell’s comeback, some Robin illusion screaming of the Boy Wonder’s jealousy and more SNART! and KRA-BAM!s.
Jeff Parker nailed everything here. Each character’s lines in the comic shouts out their counterpart in the 60s tv show, from their conversations to one-liners and remarks. And the 60s theme works to Parker’s advantage as he could use all the crazy Bat-“insert something here” gadgets to work with whatever he wishes. There’s only fun and silliness in each page that could let a giggle escape.
The story’s light and easy to follow, too! None of the dark grumpy Bats and all the crazy plot twists we see in recent DC titles. Penguin moving around in a submarine-pulled iceberg wherein nobody could stand up to him since he has this paper from UN recognizing his block of ice as a country, bet nobody would see something like that in a New 52 title, more so in any film or TV show today!
Also, the 60s feel wouldn’t be possible without the art and Ty Templeton and Jonathan Case‘s work here pulled that off. Everything just pops out, looking big and vibrant. From the pop-art styling to line-art, Templeton and Case’s work are nothing but commendable. The heck, there’s even Batman wearing Bat-shorts riding a surfboard, how brilliant is that?!
There might be youngsters out there who wouldn’t get any of this, or even old timers who wonder how the campy Batman became a thing back then. But then again, Batman ’66’s a good break from all the heavy drama and gory action of this generation’s comics.
I remember watching reruns of the t.v. show, watching some records my old folks had and searching the net for clips just to see the campy Bats all over again. Batman ’66 sure brings back those memories and I have enjoyed it very much. A must-read especially to those who could enjoy some Bat-action whether it’s Batman as the Dark Knight or as the Caped Crusader hanging around with Boy Wonder to form the Dynamic Duo.
Once again, thanks Comic Odyssey! Visit the nearest branch and grab your copy of Batman ’66 #2 now!
