Can the quasi-quartet of Smith, Garman, Templeton and Ross qualify the sticky reunion of our terrific tetrad? Find out in this fun, first issue as Batman and Robin team-up with Green Hornet and Kato.
What's Fun About This Book
I started reading Batman '66 last week with the purchase of the Vol. 1 hardcover graphic novel. I'd heard great things about it over the course of the year. I'd taken notice of it when Batman '66 initially published as a Digital First through Comixology. The creators on that book have done a great job capturing the essence the Batman (the "Adam West" Batman) many of us grew up knowing before the Frank Millers and Neal Adamses of the world brought seriousness to the Dark Knight. So when I heard that DC and Dynamite Entertainment were partnering to expand on the television show by bringing back the team-up of Batman, Robin, Green Hornet and Kato, I immediately jumped aboard.
I remembered watching those TV episodes in re-runs as a kid and how much fun they were. Heck, if you caught me sitting down on a Saturday afternoon here in the Chicago area, you just might find me watching some good ole' "Batman" on one of the local stations. The Batman TV series introduced me to the Green Hornet and Kato over 30 years ago. So with the success of Batman '66 over at DC, should this team-up prompt Dynamite to publish another Green Hornet book as a nod to its 60's foray on to television? I say yes, even if it were a simple, four issue mini-series. That would be fun.
I believe the creative team on this book has a comic book gem in their hands. The dialogue was funny. The writing altogether was reminiscent of the old television series. I really enjoyed the art as well. The story made me laugh aloud. To be honest, after reading just the first issue, I'd be okay if this limited series became an on-going book ala DC's The Brave and the Bold.
What's Not So Fun
The character of Kato in many circles is problematic because so many stories from the past only reinforced stereotypes about Asians, including notions of noble servitude and knowing kung fu. How do post-modern writers honor these characters (Tonto for instance), making them strong partners and/or leaders rather than punch-lines or footnotes?
The Punch-line
Batman '66 Meets the Green Hornet no. 1 is a book less concerned with the tortured souls and teenage angst that pervades the medium. Though the narrative is basic, the story is campy fun. This is a book I could recommend to a young reader without any huge concerns about graphic violence. Plus, the cover is cool! Does anyone want a new Alex Ross poster? I do!
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