Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #3 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO No. 3, October 2021

Distinctly favouring the exploits of Batgirl over those of the Dark Knight, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s narrative for “The Hunter Or The Hunted” probably pleased the vast majority of its 27,000 readers in August 2021. Indeed, as pulse-pounding adventures go, this twenty-page periodical’s plot has plenty to enjoy from death-defying motorbike chases and close combat action sequences, through to a chillingly deadly conclusion set inside a Gotham City Police Department cell; “I never liked it myself. But after tonight, I doubt I’ll hear it again.”

In addition, the comic also demonstrates that Barbara Gordon’s “iconic” alter-ego isn’t simply one of Batman’s sidekicks, but, having exhibited some first-rate detective skills in order to locate the mass-murderer who shot her father, is also a formidable crime-fighter in her own right. As a matter of fact, one of the highlights of this book is watching the costumed vigilante both stand her ground against a similarly determined Huntress, as well as single-handedly ‘sock it’ to Jimmy “The Jazzman” Peake and his obnoxious minions.

Likewise, the creative duo’s handling of Helena Bertinelli and the cold-blooded killer’s desperate desire to have revenge upon the man who gleefully played a piano whilst her family were gunned down during a mob hit makes for an engaging character arc. Initially depicted as being willing to physically harm Batgirl so as to complete her personal mission, the anti-heroine eventually teams-up with Gordon once Peake’s goons arrive en masse at a deserted train yard. However, it is arguably during this publication’s final panels, when a heavily-disguised Huntress is shown as being Jimmy’s sole prison guard, that the calculating executioner’s true calling for ‘an eye for an eye’ are fully displayed.

Quite possibly therefore this comic’s sole disappointment comes with some of Rick Burchett’s layouts. Alongside Monica Kubina’s colours, the Eisner Award-winner’s pencilling generally does a good job of mimicking the aesthetic look of the “Batman: The Animated Series” during the early Nineties, and imbuing any fight sequences with plenty of ‘bone-breaking bops’. Yet, every now and again, such as when the Jazzman is receiving his latest tattoo, the line work appears rushed and undisciplined, as if the American artist was rushing through his drawings at breakneck speed.

Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Artist: Rick Burchett, and Colorist: Monica Kubina