In classic Batman ’66 style, our last issue ended with a Boy Wonder in peril, and a Batman needing to rescue him. I must say, so far I am loving this series. My first concerns about having too much in the story were calmed very quickly and since then, I’ve just been enjoying the ride. The story’s good, the art is gorgeous, so let’s get stuck in and see where it goes!
Holy escape route Batman!
I mentioned that the last issue ended in a very 66 manner. That’s one of the things I love about this series, it feels one part Batman ’66, one part the original Year One with the inclusion of Grimaldi and the traditional crime world, and one part BTAS with characters like Clayface and Firefly putting in an appearance. An all-around great blend of tones and influences if you ask me.
Being the sixth of a 12-issue series, this one’s got me feeling optimistic. It still feels refreshing and exciting, and the plot actually advances. I find that with some maxiseries’, the fact that writers have 12 issues to tell a tale makes the pace slow right down. With B&RY1, six books contain six books worth of story. Our dynamic duo have a really good moment at the end that a lesser writer may have left until the end. It’s great to see their relationship evolve in a way that feels very natural, and shows that they’re both learning how to adapt to their new roles.
Speaking of the story, we don’t have much more added this issue, more a resolvance of past points, with a few hints of something more sprinkled in. This helps it feel like the end of an arc. There is still a lot to go, but our main cast is then allowed to evolve emotionally. Side note, has Bruce already encountered Bane yet in his career? I know he isn’t supposed to show up for a little while, but you know how canon is. Assuming that he hasn’t, it looks like we might be headed for a retelling of their first encounter. At least, that’s what scientists experimenting with a super-steroid seem to indicate to this reviewer.
A carousel of characters
If we do get Bane, I’ll be very pleased! Waid has elected to use, not uncommon characters (because at this point, what rogue is uncommon?), but people we wouldn’t typically expect. We’re not just doing another Joker story, or even retreading Dixon’s Robin Year One with Mad Hatter, this is its own beast. Even if Harvey makes an appearance, he’s being used in a different capacity I would argue. Not a “big bad” but a side player of sorts, who puts in some great appearances.
Regardless of how you feel about his style or the types of stories he likes to tell, I think it’s very clear how much Waid understands these characters and their relationships with each other. This book feels the most centred out of what we’ve seen so far. We only see from Dick or Bruce’s perspectives for pretty much the entire time. Waid wants to show us how their new situation is affecting these people with the mask and under. We do get a bit of Grimaldi at the end, but that serves as more of an epilogue for the first “arc” of this book.
I don’t think I’m physically capable of finishing this review without mentioning the incredible visuals. The cover art Samnee has been putting out time after time is borderline iconic. The rest is just as incredible. Not only are the writing and the art at an immensely high level, but they work together just as well. I might even say I prefer it to Dan Mora’s work with Waid on World’s Finest, amongst other things. It gives this series such a unique visual identity and offers people who might pause at the concept of another Year One book a reason to pick it up.
Recommended If
- BTAS, 66, and Year One sounds like a good combination
- You’re as invested as I am
- Chris Samnee’s art brings delight and happiness to your very soul (it should)
Overall
What a great time this book is! No disappointment as of yet, but let’s not jinx it. I’m afraid that if I say Joker three times, he’ll suddenly appear in the next issue. At this point, I have complete trust in the creative team and I’m just twisting to see where this story leads!
Score: 9/10
