My natural inclination when the thought of a comic based on the legendary Batman television series from the sixties crosses my mind is...why bother? Batmanwas such a perfect translation of the Batman comics of its era that it feels like many of those issues (especially the ones with Carmine Infantino covers and go-go checks at the top) could just be read in Adam West's voice and there you'd have it. So, it takes a special creative team to capture that show's special brand of zany energy, filter it back into comic form, and not have it come across warmed over or recycled. Jeff Parker and Jonathan Case are that special creative team, and all Batman '66 #1 (available now in digital only format via ComiXology and the DC Comics app) is missing is Nelson Riddle's score.
From the opening caption and that initial exchange between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, the classic BatmanTV formula is clearly and perfectly on display. You can practically hear William Dozier's narration, and Bruce and Dick's dialogue feels like it could only have been spoken by Adam West and Burt Ward. And that's just the first few panels! In no time at all (just like it would on the show), the Riddler shows up and puts the first step of his plan into action. If you're a fan of the show, all of this will feel very right.
But let's not forget, this is a comic, which means there are things that can be done here which couldn't work on the old show, both because of budgetary limitations and the physical capabilities of stuntmen. In one thrilling sequence, Batman climbs from the Batmobile to the Riddler's airplane while in flight, something which would have been extraordinarily difficult (if not impossible) on the old show. It's the perfect balance between the spirit of the TV series and something only a comic would be capable of.
Jonathan Case nails the particular body language of the familiar cast, especially the Riddler, who is positively alive with all of the manic energy that Frank Gorshin brought to the role. Throughout the book we're treated to exaggerated Ben-Day dots, perfect re-creations of the trademark visual sound effects of the series, crooked villain angles, and some really neat pop-art effects. DC is heralding Batman '66 as the first of their comics to feature "DC2 Interactivity." While I didn't necessarily see a dramatic difference between this and the standard ComiXology Guided View experience, it sure does LOOK slick.
Serious fans of the show will eat this up, and the next installment can't get here fast enough. This first chapter covers roughly half of what would be a half-hour episode, and before it's done, I suspect that "The Riddler's Ruse" will fit perfectly into the structure of a traditional Batman two-parter. The first season of Batmanis one of the greatest comic-to-screen translations in history, and while the show became inconsistent (and sometimes tough to watch) later in its run, the initial concept and its unique, twisted humor stands the test of time. Batman '66looks like it might just fit right in with the spirit of the show's better episodes.
Story: 8/10
Art: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
Batman '66 #1
"The Riddler's Ruse Part 1: Mirth From Above"
Written by: Jeff Parker
Art and Colors by: Jonathan Case
Cover by: Mike Allred
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Damnit. Are these all just going to be digital?
No, they will premiere online but be sold a print a bit later.