Batman '66 #36 Review

Written by: Art Baltazar and Franco
Art by: Ted Naifeh
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: June 11, 2014

Classically Retro

I love Batman '66.  First the TV Show and now the comic.  While not every issue is a home run, they are usually good for at least a few chuckles.  In our World of grim and dark comics, that's enough for me.  However, some issues rise above a few chuckles and give something more, either through campy fun, great dialogue or zany concept.  This month Art Baltazar and Franco give us one of those issues.  Leave it to those zany Tiny Titans guys to give us such a fun issue.  I just wish the art was as strong as the script.  

Batman '66 is a book of nostalgia.  I read it to time travel back to being a kid in my footsie pajamas laying in front of the TV thrilled with the Batman and Robin that was MY Batman and Robin.  This issue is the kind of nostalgia I imagine my Father would have loved while watching the show with me.  I'd like to say, "This isn't your Father's Batman and Robin", but it's exactly that.  

Wayne Manor has been broken into.  Aunt Harriet is knocked out, but it looks like those responsible only stole one item.  The Shakespeare bust.  Minor, right?  Nobody who knows the show would ever think that because without the bust, there is no way into the Batcave.  That means no costumes and no Batmobile.  Of course, Alfred has prepared for this and he has some spare costumes. They are old-school and awesome.  Seeing the Dynamic Duo in their old outfits is good enough, but I also love the Shakespearean back-and-forth between the two.  The best dialogue is the kind you can hear Adam West and Burt Ward say while reading and that's what Baltazar and Franco gives us.

All this leads to a confrontation with the Villain, who is one of my favorites of this series and the TV Show.  Just wait until you see how the Duo get to his hideout.  More retro greatness.  I really enjoyed this fun one-shot and hope Baltazar and Franco give it another go in the near future.

Ted Naifeh's art was a bit off.  The main problem was his Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.  They had a very odd look that pulled me out of the book a bit.  Once the costumes went on, though, I was back in.  In fact, his art got stronger as the issue went on.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman '66 #36 is a classic of a classic, retro within a retro issue.  Art Baltazar and Franco bring the fun they are known for and I enjoyed it so much.  Ted Naifeh's art was a bit off, but not enough to ruin the fun.  This is the type of issue I want out of this series.

8.0/10