The adventures of the 1960s TV Batman continue in this week’s installment of Batman ’66. Check out our review after the jump!
Last week’s installment of Batman ’66 eased the readers into the world of this digital-first series. While there were certainly elements that showed would differentiate this series from the television show, its success was largely due to a heavy dose of nostalgia. This issue sees Parker and Case start to really break the mold of the television show and make this series their own.
Positives
When this series debuted last week, I immediately found it to be the most fun title DC is putting out, and I’m glad to say the trend continues this week. It’s hard not to read this without a smile, and that’s due to the perfect marriage of Parker’s script and Case’s art.
Parker introduces two more characters from the original show, Aunt Harriet and Catwoman, and both characterizations are spot on. Aunt Harriet is as nosy and aloof as she was on the show. But the real draw is Catwoman, this one being the Julie Newmar version. Parker gives her the ruthlessness and sensuality that made Newmar’s Catwoman so enduring over the years, even after seeing other live-action interpretations. I also found the Riddler to once again be enjoyable. His battle of wits with Batman and Robin come to a head in this weeks’ cliffhanger. Hopefully Scott Snyder is able to write the Riddler as well in the upcoming issues of Batman proper.
Part of the reason that this title is so enjoyable is Jonathan Case’s art. Cat-Newmar wouldn’t be the same if she didn’t look the part, and Case delivers in spades. His pop-art style is a tonal fit, but also beautiful to look at.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention we have a classic wall-scaling scene, complete with a guest star!
Negatives
There were a couple of moments that I found too campy, even for a comic set in this world, that took me out of the story. The primary example is Alfred taking the Bat-poles down to the Batcave. Didn’t he always take a separate elevator to get down there?
Much of the issue was also dedicated to Batman and Robin trying to figure out the riddle from last issue’s cliffhanger. As enjoyable as the dialogue was here, it did drag on for a little too long.
Verdict 
(5/5)
Batman ’66 proves to be more that a one-week fluke. Parker and Case are able incorporate even more elements from the television show while flexing their creative muscles. Tune in next week for more adventures of derring-do! Same Bat Time. Same Bat Channel.
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