Book Review: Batman '66 vol #1

Book: Batman '66 volume #1 (issues #1-5) by Jeff Parker with illustrations by various artists

Edition: Single print issues

Publisher: DC Comics

Description:

Put on your go-go boots and get ready to "Batusi" back to the Swingin' 60s as DC Comics reimagines the classic Batman TV series in comics form for the first time! These all-new stories portray The Caped Crusader, The Boy Wonder and their fiendish rogues gallery just the way viewers remember them.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Oh, this was such a fun read, it was just like watching an episode of the Batman TV series.

These first five issues featured a collection of stories that had the dynamic duo going up against many of their notorious villains.

The first issue began with the Riddler (just as it had with the TV series) as he attempts to steal artwork created by Oskar Villkoop. He first disrupted an awards ceremony in Gotham Park by use of a plane to pick up a statue. But thankfully millionaire Bruce Wayne and his youthful ward, Dick Grayson were in attendance.

As the Riddler zips around the sky taunting Commissioner Gordon and Chief O'Hara that left time for Batman and Robin to pursue him. Despite the heroics of Batman, the villain still got away leaving behind a riddle.

The clue to the riddle led the dynamic duo to a nightclub owned surprisingly by Catwoman (Julie Newmar). Two more surprises had them trying to save everyone in the club from Riddler's bomb. And also having Catwoman join them in tracking down the Riddler who had already stolen another statue. Will the trio be able to find out what the Riddler's next move is and stop him? Also, can they really trust Catwoman?


Aside from the first issue, the rest of issues contained two stories, in issue #2 the first story "Emperor Penguin" focused on Batman and Robin trying to stop the Penguin and Mister Freeze from their latest scheme. They were extorting money from ship captains in exchange for letting them pass through Gotham Harbor since the iceberg they were on was declared a sovereign nation. When Batman tried to stop them he was captured and placed in jail. Will the Boy Wonder be able to not only rescue Batman but also figure out a way to thwart the Penguin and Mister Freeze's plan?

In the second story "Chandell's Chanteuse", Brue Wayne while on a date with Kathy (I'm pretty sure last name is Kane) attended a performance by Chandell. However, the great musician was joined by a special singer, Lorelei Circe. Lorelei quickly used her magical voice to ensnare the men in the audience to steal all the valuables not only from themselves but from the women as well. Bruce due to quick thinking was able to sneak away before Lorelei starting singing and returned as Batman. During the time Lorelei had been away at prison, Batman had been using a technique to lessen the affects of her voice. But she had a surprise that was going to make it difficult for Batman to stop her and without Robin there to assistant him, will he be able to stop Lorelei?.


Issue #3's first story "The Joker Sees Red" had the dynamic duo willing to work with the Joker to stop the latest villain the Red Hood. The new villain had been terrorizing Gotham as a way to seek revenge against the Joker, he demanded that the Clown Prince of Gotham be turned over to him by midnight or he will continue his reign of terror on the city. There was an interesting twist to who was underneath the hood. This issue also had a cameo appearance by Dr. Harleen Quinzel or Dr. Quinn as she's called in this story.

The second story "Scrambled Eggs" found Batman and Robin captured by Egghead. It left the duo in a dire situation as they try to escape the trap that they were in and find a way to stop the egg obsessed criminal.


The first story in issue #4, "The Hatter Takes The Crown" had Batman, Robin and Alfred Pennyworth traveling to London, England to stop the hat crazed villain the Mad Hatter. The Hatter had plans to steal the Crown Jewels but will Batman and Robin be able to ruin his plan?

In the second story "The Clock King Strikes!", Batman remembered something during his action packed chase through London in his attempt to capture the Mad Hatter. It was something that had him, Robin and Alfred showing up at Big Ben at night to investigate and what they found was the Clock King who seemed to be fascinated with the famed clock but he had ulterior motives for being there.


Issue #5's first story "The Sandman Says Good Night" follows Batman and Robin who were trying to stop the Sandman's plan to put the entire city to sleep. Unfortunately, they fell under the Sandman's spell and was in danger of revealing the secret location of the Batcave. Can Batman figure out a way to keep the Sandman from finding out their secret?

The last story "Tail Of The Tiger Topaz" was a treat because with Batman and Robin out of the country, it was up to Batgirl to stop the villainous Catwoman (Eartha Kitt) from robbing the Gotham Museum of Science. While Barbara Gordon was getting an early look at the exhibits with her father Commissioner Gordon she became suspicious of the new exhibit designer Madame Kugar. Returning later that evening as Batgirl to investigate, she found Catwoman in the act of stealing the Tiger Topaz. Will Batgirl be able to stop the Princess of Plunder or is it too late?


It stands repeating that this was a fun group of issues, as a fan of the TV series I thought Batman and Robin were just as they appear on the show. Batman is the ever so calm, composed and wise crime fighter while Robin was his enthusiastic plucky sidekick and Batgirl was equally awesome. This was well written and a joy to read.