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| BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 1, April 2020 |
Inspired by the "Batman:
The Animated Series” which first aired on “Fox Kids” in 1992, this
“digital-first mini-series comic book” must have had fans of the American
superhero television show hearing Danny Elfman’s opening theme music
thundering in their ears just as soon as they saw Dave Johnson’s highly
evocative cover illustration on their electronic devices. Indeed, considering
that this twenty-page periodical is penned by two of the original show’s
“visionary team”, Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, as well as stunningly sketched by
“Batman and Robin Adventures” artist Ty Templeton, it is clear straight from
this publication’s opening panel of the Dark Knight swinging across a dimly lit
skyline, that what follows is going to a deeply respectful continuation of “the
beloved and Emmy Award-winning” programme.
Gratifyingly however, “Hardware” is not simply just a
nostalgic-laced, partial re-tread of an old episode, but rather delightfully
pits Bruce Wayne (and his cowled alter-ego) against a super-villainous
mastermind infinitely more connected to the evil machinations taking place
within Metropolis than Gotham City, Lex Luthor. This slight
shake-up to the Caped Crusader’s usual opponent arguably makes the producers’
narrative much more interesting, especially when it’s confirmed that Superman
is off-planet somewhere having “had a big battle on the far side of the Moon.”
Equally as enjoyable though are the frequent nods back to this
world’s past, such as an all-too brief fist-fight with a drug-fuelled Bane which still manages
to show just how well-prepared Batman is before confronting a prominent member
of his Rogues Gallery, and a giant stonking robot smashing its way across town.
The creative pair even manage to literally squeeze an agitated Harvey Bullock
into one of the scenes, with the corpulent detective finding himself pinned
inside a badly damaged patrol car, courtesy of a seriously large mechanical
foot; “Oh yeah. Couldn’t be better. What the @#&#!”
Templeton too is on top form with this comic’s layouts, breathtakingly
capturing all the fast-paced foot chases and sense-shattering shenanigans of
the animated series with his marvellous pencilling and “mechanized menace”. In
fact, as with the cartoon’s theme tune, it’s really easy to hear all crashes,
smashes and squeals coming from the vehicles, partially destroyed buildings and
terrified innocent bystanders, thanks to the energetic life the Eisner
Award-winning artist imbues all his action sequences with.
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| Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Pencils & Inks: Ty Templeton, and Colors: Monica Kubina |
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