Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #8 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 8, December 2023

As a “series finale over thirty years in the making” goes, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s storyline for Issue Eight of “Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three” certainly seems to successfully strike home, courtesy of an outrageously audacious scheme by Ra's al Ghul to convince the Dark Knight into retirement by secretly incarcerating the super-hero’s Rogues Gallery in an underground prison. In fact, the Detective’s discovery of his potential father-in-law’s plan genuinely provides this twenty-page-periodical with a jaw-dropping revelation, especially once Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego learns that the super-villain’s solution to worldwide famine will actually cause sterility within a few generations.

Furthermore, the comic contains plenty of fisticuffs and punch-ups to keep the adrenalin-junkies content, as the Caped Crusaders face-off against a veritable army of zombie dogs and undead assassins. This notion that the sickly Dragon’s Head would readily take over the Court of Owls following the demise of its original council, is an easy plot-twist to accept, and resultantly provides the writers with more than enough Talons for the Bat-Family to sporadically battle as they tensely travel deeper into Gotham City’s maze-like system of subterranean tunnels; “My guess is the Owls brought you this way.”

Perhaps therefore this book’s sole disappointment might arguably come in the lack of limelight given to so many of Batman’s most notorious opponents. Admittedly, the likes of Talia al Ghul, Selina Kyle, Kirk Langstrom and Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot do well enough with each criminal actually contributing to the overall narrative. But Clayface, Killer Croc, Two-Face, the Black Mask and the Scarecrow regrettably are given just enough panel space for a brief cameo, potentially making some of the Dark Knight’s greatest adversaries appear as little more than afterthoughts.

So minor (and understandable) a quibble though is soon forgotten thanks to the stellar artistic contribution of Ty Templeton, Jacob Edgar, and Monica Kubina, who together produce a fantastic feast for the eyes with their prodigious pencilling, inking and colour choices. Indeed, the sheer grandeur of Ra's al Ghul’s hush-hush head-quarters really helps sell the scope of the international mastermind’s evil machinations, and provides an excellent backdrop to this masterwork’s cataclysmic conclusion once Catwoman has freed all the long-lived felon’s numerous prisoners.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #8 by Ty Templeton

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #7 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 7, October 2023

Packed full of suspicion, intrigue and potential duplicity, there was surely a lot for Bat-fans to enjoy with this second instalment to Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s “The Offer” storyline. Indeed, the sheer scope of the narrative is beguilingly large, as Bruce Wayne seriously considers Ra’s al Ghul’s suspiciously generous offer to take control of the super-villain’s worldwide organisation whilst simultaneously battling a metropolis-wide incursion by the diabolically deadly Court of Owls.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Talia al Ghul as potential allies against Gotham City’s nefarious secret society adds plenty of tension between the Dark Knight and his family – especially when Selina Kyle makes it abundantly clear that the burglar would very much like to rekindle her romantic relationship with the Caped Crusader despite the daughter of the Demon's Head declaring she has a similar goal; “If you ask me, when she calls, the only one who’s going to be in trouble is you.”

Happily however, this twenty-page periodical isn’t simply content to weave a sedentary web of conspiracy and double-dealings, but also provides plenty of pulse-pounding action whenever the Talons make a dramatic appearance. These bone-crunching interludes genuinely help spice up the narrative’s pace, and also add an extra plot-thread in the shape of Doctor Kirk Langstrom’s hideous alter-ego, the Man-Bat, who somehow appears to have become an imprisoned pawn of the Court despite the scientist’s promise to his good wife that’ll he’ll never undergo his transmutation again.

By far this book’s biggest success though is arguably the team effort behind it’s artwork. Featuring the illustrations of regular Ty Templeton with Norm Rapmund and Jacob Edgar, as well as colours by Monica Kubina, this comic’s layouts are a visual feast for the eyes. Furthermore, whether it be Harley Quinn literally lopping off an assassin’s head with a bloody scythe once she’s informed the black-garbed ghoul is an ‘undead soldier’ or the Boy Wonder’s repeated looks at Batman whenever his mentor becomes the focus of Selina’s intimate desire, there always seems to be a prodigiously-pencilled panel just around the corner ready to make a reader involuntarily giggle.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #7 by Juan Ferreyra

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #6 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 6, August 2023

Walking a somewhat slow, sedentary line with this twenty-page periodical’s plot, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s penmanship for Issue Six of “Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three” probably struck its audience as being more in keeping with one of the animated television series’ films rather than its more fast-paced single episodes. But whilst the majority of the comic’s narrative focuses upon Bruce Wayne uncomfortably enduring a holiday on his own Caribbean retreat and then dining with the love of his life, Talia al Ghul, the writers still manage to inject some enjoyable action-packed moments into their script.

Indeed, the billionaire businessman’s night-time decision to windsurf near a suspiciously shady-looking family yacht absolutely smacks of something Ian Fleming would include in one of his James Bond novels, especially once the “wealthy American playboy” encounters some pistol-firing goons on water bikes and shocking gets swallowed up by a set of giant underwater claws; “Obviously that skirmish with the gunmen wasn’t intended to harm me, but to force me farther out to sea…”

Furthermore, this opening instalment to “The Offer” occasionally throws in a few pulse-pounding panels featuring a seemingly outnumbered Selina Kyle desperately attempting to shake-off an army of faceless pursuers who want her dead. Catwoman’s headlong dash through the sewers of Gotham City and all-too brief encounter with Detective Bullock on a rain-soaked road repeatedly reminds the reader that despite crime supposedly being “at an all-time low” in Batman’s metropolis, there’s clearly something sinister occurring which will doubtless draw the Dark Knight back to his usual stomping ground.

Quite possibly enjoying the opportunity to pencil and colour a decidedly restless Wayne for the vast majority of this publication are Ty Templeton and Monica Kubina, who between them do an excellent job of contrasting the brightly lit eye candy of this book’s tropical resort with that of the grim and decidedly much more deadly home of the Penguin, Black Mask and Esther Valestra. Furthermore, the emaciated appearance of the Demon's Head is decidedly disconcerting, with the leader of the League of Assassins looking suitably elderly and frail for someone who can no longer physically survive being submerged within a life-enhancing Lazarus Pit.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #6 by Evan "Doc" Shaner

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #5 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 5, July 2023

Considering the sheer number of anti-heroes permeating this conclusion to Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s “Crack-Up” narrative, many a bibliophile might find the twenty-page-periodical’s plot a little too rushed. Indeed, the entirety of Amanda Waller’s Suicide Squad are surprisingly easily taken out twice during this particular publication, despite the Wall’s team comprising of some significantly powerful combatants such as Deadshot, Katana, Captain Boomerang and King Shark; “Said he was gonna make his own gang of mindless mercs -- The J-Team!”

This somewhat frustratingly fast-paced storytelling sadly also surrounds the tale’s central character, Straightman, who despite being on the run from the authorities is all-too quickly located by Batman and Robin roasting a pair of rats for his supper down one of Gotham City’s lesser-frequented alleyways. The Joker’s former bodyguard is still depicted as having the strength of several normal men. But that doesn’t stop him somewhat shockingly being taken straight down by the Boy Wonder and a trusty bat-a-rang within moments of the Dynamic Duo trundling up to his location in the Batmobile.

Perhaps therefore this comic’s most impressive moment comes when General Joker launches a full-on frontal assault against the military hospital where Professor Hugo Strange is attempting to save Captain Finley’s “almost unsalvageable” mind. This set-piece initially appears to contain all the elements necessary for some truly memorable pulse-pounding panels, especially once the Clown Prince of Crime has the brain-washed Suicide Squad capture a formidably sized tank for him to use as a command vehicle. However, once again the action is cut frustratingly short by the Bat Family, in order to save plenty of sheet space for a ‘sickeningly sweet’ series of heavily narrated epilogues.

Of course, some within the audience may well argue that this publication is probably worth its cover price just for Ty Templeton’s dynamic pencilling and Monica Kubina’s eye-catching colours. The artists do a cracking job of imbuing the Joker with all the deadly zaniness a reader would expect of Jerry Robinson’s co-creation, as well as include the odd Easter egg within their artwork - not least of which is a spine-chilling Funtime Freddy look-a-like sat on a display shelf in the deserted Pizza Clown Family Restaurant at the start of the book.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #5 by Scott Godlewski

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #4 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 4, June 2023

There’s a lot to enjoy inside issue four of “Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three” as Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s narrative treads an enthralling line between a nostalgic nod back to the animated series’ televised episode “The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne” and a genuinely “not-so-funny” backstory to the tragically criminal Straightman. In fact, this second instalment to the writing team’s “Crack-Up” storyline projects such a sentimentally strong atmosphere of heart-breaking tragedy that it would surely be viewed as one of the critically acclaimed cartoon’s most touching tales should it have “originally aired on Fox Kids” back in the early Nineties.

Furthermore, the twenty-page plot arguably does a first-rate job of further incorporating the likes of Harley Quinn’s “least favourite ex-boss” and Task Force X into the Dark Knight’s pulp noir universe, courtesy of a wonderfully well-penned cameo in which Amanda Waller once again shows she’s not adverse to witnessing a tiny, blonde-haired infant being swallowed whole by King Shark if it means making a point; “Oooh! All these bad peoples fighting! This no place for baby! Buh-byeee! Lemme go, bait-breath! I’ll kick out those teeth faster than you can regrow ‘em!”

Ultimately however, it is probably the sadistically selfish behaviour of the Joker who steals the show, as he seeks revenge upon Professor Hugo Strange for “trying to con Pengy, Harv, and me into buying Batman’s secret identity!” Determined to once again give his right-hand man “a booster brain blast to keep our act fresh”, the Clown Prince of Crime will clearly stop at absolutely nothing to get his way, even ordering the memory-addled Captain Finley to cold-bloodedly strangle nurse Gretchen Gallway to death with his bare hands.

Of course none of these scintillating shenanigans would successfully convey quite the impact that they do if not for Ty Templeton’s dynamically-drawn layouts and Monica Kubina’s colours. Between them the artists genuinely bring the horrific trauma of Straightman’s origin to life, as well as add plenty of “Bash” and “Klong!” to the action-sequences when the dynamic duo finally get a lead as to the potential whereabouts of the thief who stole Waynetech’s prototype battle suit, and intercept them at Gotham City's old Eastside Carnival.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #4 by Jorge Corona & Sarah Stern

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

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 3, May 2023

Focusing an enthralling spotlight upon “the Joker’s right-hand man, Straightman”, as well as featuring an intriguing appearance from both Amada Waller and Task Force X, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s script for “Crack-Up!” certainly should have impressed most of the twenty-page periodical’s bibliophiles. True, the Caped Crusader’s brilliantly brutal battle against the former super-soldier doesn’t actually last all that long. But that doesn’t stop the Dark Knight’s investigation into Captain Carl Finley’s “pre-Joker life” from being any less intriguing, especially once the likes of the Suicide Squad show up to help muddy the waters; “I figured that was you back in the alley, Deadshot. The expert marksmanship was one clue. The motley company you keep was the clincher.”

Furthermore, the book’s opening action sequence, depicting the Afghanistan veteran bravely risking all to save the life of a badly-wounded Colonel Haslett, makes for a riveting read and also helps establish that the formidably-powerful hoodlum clearly has a tragically heroic backstory to be told. Indeed, despite the slow-minded bruiser’s evident loyalty towards the Clown Prince of Crime, it’s debatably difficult not to feel some semblance of sympathy for so courageous a trooper who unselfishly put himself into the hands of Professor Hugo Strange in an unwise attempt to help create “a battlefield where no soldier has to suffer, where none are left behind.”

Similarly as successful is this narrative’s introduction of a mysterious, heavily-honed female fighter, who seemingly has Straightman’s best interests at heart and will even merrily blast away at Batman with an automatic weapon at close range if she feels it will aid her mission to “save him from Waller and that horrible clown!” Of course, many perusing this publication will soon deduce that the hooded vigilante is probably the aforementioned Haslett, who apparently joined her would-be rescuer as a guinea pig for Strange’s diabolical experimentations once she recovered from her injuries. However, that notion doesn’t lessen the sense of intrigue permeating any scenes in which the vigilante appears.

Also adding to the aura that this issue of “Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three” was lifted directly from the animated television series are Ty Templeton’s layouts, which at times genuinely look like a cartoon still. The Canadian illustrator's art style is particularly impressive whenever a panel features the Dark Knight himself, with colorist Monica Kubina doing a first-rate job in covering the crime-figure or his trademark silhouette with precisely the sort of shadows any Bat-fan would expect from a super-hero who utilises “a bat-inspired persona.”

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #3 by Baldemar Rivas

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #2 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 2, April 2023

Pairing up the Dark Knight with the hyper-active Harley Quinn, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s narrative for Issue Two of “Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three” probably pleased the vast majority of the comic’s audience. In fact, in many ways the twenty-page periodical’s plot contains the perfect mix of action, adventure and some intriguing insights into the Caped Crusader’s mysterious past when Cassie Kendall almost “changed the course of Bruce’s life when she was his high school sweetheart.”

Of course, as “Old Flames” progresses it becomes abundantly clear that the billionaire’s strong feelings for the blonde-haired socialite were badly misplaced, as the prolific partygoer seemingly had a string of other lovers during the couple’s relationship, including both Harvey Dent and Harleen Quinzel. But it isn’t until near this publication’s end that ‘the macaroni to Harley’s cheese’ is actually shown as being a cold-blooded criminal who will stop at nothing to rid herself of the restraints imposed upon her two hundred-million-dollar Trust Fund; “I hope you understand that I’m really the victim here.”

Perhaps this book’s biggest asset though lies in its numerous laugh-out-loud moments and double-takes, which should genuinely cause many a bibliophile to guffaw. Foremost of these instances is arguably Harley’s reaction to being thrown from a high-flying helicopter only to then indignantly discover her assailants have anticipated her fall into a skyrise swimming pool by dropping a hand grenade after her. This scene is extremely funny and leads into a series of humorous exchanges between the Joker’s ex-girlfriend and Batman, as the former trained psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum unknowingly keeps upsetting the cowled vigilante by telling him all about Kendall’s apparent disdain for Wayne when she ‘strung him along’ at college.

Helping to make such interactions even more amusing is Kevin Altieri, whose ability to pencil the Dark Knight’s increasing agitation and discomfort with just a narrowing eye slit or clenched fist, is breath-taking. Likewise, the American artist is able to imbue the Gotham City Siren with all the dynamic athleticism a zany gymnast should command, sensationally sketching Quinn cartwheeling, somersaulting and freewheeling from one panel to the next with great aplomb.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #2 by Kevin Altieri

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #1 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 1, March 2023

Featuring a solid, straightforward storyline which enthrallingly follows the Muscle’s eventual escape from Blackgate Penitentiary and potential opportunity for some semblance of redemption, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s “return once more to the world of Batman: The Animated Series” is surely something of a success. Indeed, with all its well-penned twists and turns, it was probably hard for many in this comic’s audience not to hear composer Danny Elfman’s highly iconic theme music playing in their head throughout the action-packed adventure.

Quite possibly foremost of these triumphs is the writing team’s ability to underline the high level of organised crime which exists within Gotham City, courtesy of a brief visit to Esther Valestra’s kitchen and the Crime Lady’s familiarity with the likes of Oswald Cobblepot, Roman Sionis and Rupert Thorne. Chillingly understated as the elegantly-dressed hostess dines alongside her nefarious guests on a course of homemade Pasta A La Valestra and Calamari Fritti, this scene illustrates just how cold-hearted the killers around the dining table are as they nonchalantly discuss how best to murderously ‘tie and skewer’ Mama’s former top underworld assassin.

Of course, the meat of this twenty-page periodical’s plot lies in the Muscle’s double-dealing with the prison’s priest, and the subsequent shenanigans which occur in a deserted factory when the hired gun suddenly realises he’s been played for a fool by the clergyman the entire time. So obvious a twist probably didn’t come as much of a surprise to many a perusing bibliophile, however, the way the actual action then plays out is rather exhilarating, especially when the sturdy-looking Lock-Up actually manages to temporarily incapacitate Batman himself; “Looks like I’ve wrapped up a great big bonus on this job. Signorina Valestra will gladly pay extra for your carcass.”

Helping to make this particular publication appear as if it had literally just stepped from out of the small screen cartoon programme are Jordan Gibson’s pencils and Monica Kubina’s colours. Together, the creative team genuinely do a first-rate job of replicating both the look and feel of “Fox Kids” hit show from the early Nineties, with their ability to have the Dark Knight’s punches pack a truly impressive wallop being just one of several visual treats.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #1 by Kevin Nowlan

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #7 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO No. 7, February 2022

Disappointingly derailing Emerson Mayfield’s grand scheme to become Gotham City’s mayor again within the space of just this comic’s final few pages, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s concluding narrative for Issue Seven of “Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two” probably came as something of an anti-climax to its readers in December 2021. Indeed, for those within this publication’s audience who were unaware that the mini-series was fast approaching its end, the pacing of this book’s central political-based plot probably caused them to anticipate at least another instalment or two to subsequently hit the spinner racks.

Sadly however, the Dark Knight, Robin and Nightwing suddenly seem able to resolve the unscrupulous former councilman’s Machiavellian plan with breath-taking ease, debatably spoiling a strong build-up which had seen the Caped Crusader unnervingly wrong-footed at almost every turn. Admittedly, the discover of the Mad Hatter supplying the mind-controlling technology needed for Mayfield to tighten his grip over the swaying opinion of the metropolis’ vast population inevitably gives the World’s Greatest Detective some leads to finally investigate. But ultimately, the notion that everything would simply come down to an uninspiring punch-up inside Arkham Asylum with some of Batman’s most notable rogues is arguably a little too ‘low-brow’ for such a well-crafted, thought-provoking three-parter.

To make matters worse though, this cataclysmic confrontation with the likes of the Riddler, Scarecrow, Two-Face and the Joker, as well as a plethora of unnamed minions, lasts for less than a dozen small-sized panels. In fact, the adolescent Boy Wonder himself is supposedly so formidable a close-combat competitor that he can almost effortlessly ‘take out’ both Edward Nygma and Harvey Dent within seconds of one another; “Once again Jervis, you’ve built a fantasy from a house of cards. Intricately designed but doomed to collapse.”

Equally as discouraging as this finale’s fisticuffs is probably Rick Burchett’s artwork, which whilst proficient enough to help tell most of the story, does at times leave a few question marks as to what is actually occurring within certain set-pieces. This problem is most noticeable towards the end of the book when the criminals start dropping like ninepins, and certain ‘super-powers’ are being employed, such as March Harriet’s bunny ears which are shockingly able to electrocute her assailants.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO" #7 by Jorge Fornes

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #6 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO No. 6, January 2022

Jam-packed with as many twists and turns as you’ll find on-board a funfair’s rollercoaster ride, this second instalment to Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s “Mayor Mayhem” storyline probably landed rather well with fans of the “Batman: The Animated Series”. For whilst the central plot of the twenty-page periodical predominantly focuses upon former Mayor Mayfield’s inexplicably successful ‘charm campaign’ for re-election, the “visionary team” behind the nineties cartoon television programme also throw in an intriguing mix of familiar rogues and freshly-created villains to help liven the party up.

Indeed, arguably one of this comic’s biggest successes is its narrative’s ability to initially ‘hook the reader’ with the mystery behind just how the enigmatic Emerson is able to surprisingly hypnotise all those around him in order to fulfil his shady political ambitions, and the subsequent revelation that the corrupt councilman is actually doing it by utilising the special powers of certain nefarious Arkham Asylum inmates; “Something funny is going on. Like how my enthusiasm for Mayfield fades whenever he’s not nearby. Judging by the way Miss Hanbury reacted, I’m pretty sure it has something to do with this off-limits Strategy Room.”  

Furthermore, the book’s collaborative writing duo also pen some truly exhilarating fight scenes for the Dark Knight to become embroiled in, most notably his tussle with a seemingly all-power Errol Flynn lookalike referred to solely as “the actor”. This rooftop bout of fisticuffs is remarkably well-played, with Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego momentarily appearing completely outclassed as his well-dressed opponent attempts to brain the Caped Crusader with his own Bat-signal. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the super-tough assailant is eventually outmanoeuvred and forced to flee when a nearby water hydrant is overturned. However, by then the goon has already rather cleverly been shown to unwittingly leave the audience with a tantalising hint as to his true identity.

Helping to add plenty of “Thuuf”, “Whack” and “Bammm” to this publication are the layouts of artist Rick Burchett and colorist Monica Kubina. The pair do a tremendous job in illustrating such dynamic action sequences as Clayface’s sense-shattering ambush whilst the Dark Knight is driving the Batmobile. But debatably some of the line work used to sketch many of this comic’s more sedentary, dialogue-driven sections, most notably when a bare-chested Wayne is exercising in his gym, appear rather disappointingly minimalistic in nature.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO" #6 by Jorge Fornes

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #5 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO No. 5, December 2021

Arguably tapping into the “noir-inspired narrative” of Frank Miller’s “Batman: Year One”, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s storyline for this twenty-page periodical surely must have enthralled the vast majority of the comic’s 26,200 readers in October 2021. Indeed, the Dark Knight’s riveting retread of his early adventure against Mayor Emerson Mayfield and the corrupt politician’s murderous M-Force captures the attention almost straight away due to its portrayal of the costumed crime-fighter as an inexperienced, rather headstrong champion for justice, as opposed to the seemingly unstoppable Caped Crusader debatably depicted in modern day comics; “I wasn’t as cautious as I’d become, and it taught me a valuable lesson.”

Likewise, “Mayor Mayhem” doesn’t simply portray Gotham City’s highest-ranking official as a stereotypical shady statesman either, but as a Machievellian-level manipulator of the general public, who is also able to crookedly infiltrate the metropolis’ police department with his own ‘specially-selected’ mercenaries taken from both Stonegate Prison and Arkham Asylum. Such grand scheming really does make Mayfield an intriguing, well-fleshed out antagonist, especially when coupled with the fiendish felon’s decades long loathing of Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego, and the fact that his success was savagely cut short by Batman’s interference once his dubious deals to pocket stolen money had been uncovered.

In fact, this publication’s cliff-hanger of a conclusion is possibly one of its greatest assets, as it shows the much-younger cowled vigilante ultimately failing in his mission to permanently rid his home conurbation of the dishonest councilman, and facing an “old face” with a big grudge against him who rather enigmatically isn’t “afraid of Batman anymore”.

Regrettably however, what excitement this comic generates with its penmanship, it debatably partially loses with its somewhat inauspicious layouts, which appear rather roughly-hewn in several places, particularly when the titular character is at the heart of the action. There certainly should be no doubt that Rick Burchett does a reasonable job of capturing the look of the Nineties “Batman: The Animated Series” with his pencilling, and the marked difference in costumes between the two incarnations of the Dark Knight is wonderfully visualised. Yet the persistent inconsistencies of the minimalist line art increasingly suggests that numerous panels were perhaps just thrown together so as to meet an ever-impending deadline..?

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO" #5 by Jamal Campbell

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #4 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO No. 4, November 2021

Considering just how successful the character of Renee Maria Montoya has become since the police officer made her television debut in 1992, it’s difficult to imagine many fans of “Batman: The Animated Series” were particularly pleased with the detective’s portrayal in Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s script for “The Muscle”. For whilst this twenty-page periodical still undeniably depicts Harvey Bullock’s partner as a strong-minded, self-reliant badass, the detective’s public and private contempt for all that the Dark Knight has done for Gotham City arguably soon transforms Bruce Timm’s co-creation into a pale, highly dislikeable shadow of her former self.

Happily however, this overconfident, unpleasantly arrogant Montoya doesn’t completely eclipse a delightfully well-penned narrative which sees a concussion-plagued Caped Crusader try to protect Renee from a truly formidable-looking armoured assassin. This seemingly deadly mercenary-for-hire genuinely captures the imagination straight from this comic’s opening when he commits an efficient, cold-blooded murder at the Gotham docks, and doesn’t let up until he’s about to literally bash Batman’s brains out with a set of powerlifting weights; “He’s faster than I thought. And stronger. A lot stronger… That’s why I’m ending this fast.”

Likewise, plenty of thought seems to have gone into just how this latest adversary could seriously rival the legendary fighting prowess of the titular character, when, unlike Bane or Mister Freeze, the newcomer has no evident super-powers to call upon. This conundrum is cleverly solved by having the Muscle attack an unsuspecting Bruce Wayne whilst the billionaire playboy is being driven in his limousine by Alfred, and suffering both a debilitating bullet to his shoulder, as well as a hefty bang to the head, as a result. Of course, the cowled Justice Leaguer does don a power brace in order to off-set his gun-shot wound, but he’s still so visibly impaired physically that he gets Pennyworth to drive the Batmobile for him.

Adding plenty of shadowy menace and spine-tingling chills to all these pulse-pounding proceedings is artist Jordan Gibson and colorist Monica Kubina, who together genuinely provide a claustrophobically dark atmosphere to the crime-ridden metropolis within which this twenty-page periodical’s plot is set. The pair’s panels also help sell every bone-crunching blow thrown during some dynamically-drawn punch-ups, most notably when Batman and the Muscle confront one another for the first time.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO" #4 by Bob Guillory

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #2 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO No. 2, September 2021

For those aficionados familiar with Mayor Hamilton Hill from the “Batman: The Animated Series” during the early Nineties, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s collaborative storyline for “Court Fight” probably left something of a sour taste in the month. For whilst there is some comfort to be taken from their twenty-page plot showing that the Gotham City’s gray-haired politician didn’t actually die following an assassination attempt during this title’s previous instalment, it instead disconcertingly depicts the former lawyer as the despicable leader of the metropolis’ “sinister Court of Owls”.

Such a shift in this character’s predominantly lawful personality really jars with the sensibilities, considering that the public official has previously been depicted overseeing many city improvement projects, like the creation of Stonegate Penitentiary and the municipal’s public transport system. Sure, the elected leader could be somewhat supercilious and headstrong when dealing with Commissioner Jim Gordon, especially where “the [early] activities of Batman” were concerned. But the man always seemed have the people’s safety at the centre of his decision-making, and even boasted that no city was “more free of crime” than Gotham under his tenure as its mayor.

In Issue Two of “Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two” however, such a respectable authority figure is shown to be nothing more than another in a long line of power-mad dictators, who apparently changes his entire lifetime’s ethos following a chance glimpse at an old journal he “stumbled upon” during one of Vernon Vreeland’s “idiotic parties”. So sudden a ‘moment of clarity’ debatably makes little logical sense considering the fundamentally legitimate Hill previously seen on the small screen, and certainly doesn’t seem convincing when a rejuvenated Hamilton then threatens to murder his son in cold blood if he doesn’t help fund the rebuilding of the ancient criminal organisation.

Fortunately, what this twenty-page periodical’s plot possibly lacks in credibility it arguably makes up for with its inclusion of Boston Brand’s supernatural alter-ego, Deadman. The deceased acrobat provides this comic with both some tongue-in-cheek silliness, as he momentarily possesses Alfred the Butler, as well as some all-too deadly seriousness, when it becomes apparent the supposedly immortal ghost can actually be harmed by the lethal touch of the nefarious Talons; “I feel like I’m burning up! Can’t… Get Out… I’m dissipating! How much deader can a dead man get?”

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO" #2 by Kris Anka

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #1 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO No. 1, August 2021

Featuring an excellent ‘guest-star’ appearance by Deadman during its reimagining as to just how Batman discovered the presence of the Court of Owls “buried under the streets of Gotham”, it is arguably easy to see just why this opening instalment to “DC Comics” seven-issue long second season of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” purportedly sold an impressive 40,000 copies in June 2021, making it the sixty-ninth best-selling comic of the month. Indeed, considering that this twenty-page periodical’s plot starts with the shockingly gory demise of Mayor Hamilton Hill, the book debatably makes good on its creative team’s aim to excitingly insert the secret society into one of the “gaps in the original Batman: The Animated Series”.

Foremost of these intriguing hooks has to be Boston Brand’s relationship with the storyline’s murderous Talon, who perturbingly seems able to both clearly see the undead acrobat, as well as successfully resist the ghost’s usually formidable ability to “possess any sentient being.” This disconcerting conundrum repeatedly causes the deceased thrill-seeker to seek alternative solutions to his investigation’s problems, such as inhabiting General Vreeland’s daughter so as to fend off the owl-influenced assassin with a desperate display of swordsmanship, and even momentarily causes the 'Sentinel of Magic' to dwell within Bruce Wayne so as to inform the Billionaire’s alter-ego that Hill’s mysterious assailant is actually a zombie.

Just as engaging is Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s decision to give the titular character plenty of clues with which to demonstrate his own detective ability. Of course, the pair still pen the Dark Knight trading blows and batarangs with the seemingly unstoppable Talon. But for much of this comic the Caped Crusader is shown in the role of a dogmatic sleuth, matching claw marks at the scene of the crime with a glove in Vreeland’s “Nineteenth-Century collection on the legendary Court of Owls”, and deep-diving into his metropolis' disturbingly dark history.

Impressively taking this book’s bibliophiles back to the Nineties and the days of “Warner Brothers Animation” is Ty Templeton’s artwork, which really helps sell the deadly athletic prowess of the nameless Talon. In fact, the Canadian illustrator is debatably at the ‘top of his game’ when pencilling both Batman and Deadman desperately engaging the Court of Owls’ lethal minion in close combat; “Sorry, girl. But I don’t have many choices here. I just hope you’ve been keepin’ up with your Pilates. Very good. Socialite poise with army-brat combat training. But will that be enough to stop him?”

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON TWO" #1 by Riley Rossmo

Batman: The Adventures Continue #17 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 17, December 2020

Throwing the utterly homicidal Joker together with the equally psychotic Scarface, this final instalment to the “Batman: The Adventures Continue” series of digital first comics definitely provides its audience with a fast-paced, thrill-a-minute journey through Gotham City’s underground rail network. In fact, apart from a brief visit to Harley Quinn’s shared apartment with Poison Ivy for a super-swift interrogation scene, the titular character is repeatedly portrayed simply kicking in as many doors as he can during a ferociously-fast investigation into both the location of some stolen CX explosions, as well as the Clown Prince of Crime’s diabolical plans for them; “I’ve had enough trouble tonight. And now Crazy’s with Insane. This could get a lot worse before it gets better.”

Intriguingly however, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini do add an extra element to their serious sleuthing narrative by depicting the Ventriloquist as literally being in two minds as to whether he wants to be partnered with his wooden puppet anymore. Such a noble hesitation by a reforming Arnold Wesker arguably creates some genuine sympathy for the ex-supervillain’s split-personality within the audience, especially when it is revealed the softly-spoken loner has risked his very life to aid the Dark Knight’s breakneck pursuit by leaving behind a few all-important clues as to Scarface’s secret whereabouts.

Equally as entertaining is the relationship between the Joker and his new smart-mouthed associate, which initially seems to unexpectedly be based upon a ‘healthy’ respect for the inanimate doll’s anti-social savvy. However, it soon becomes clear that the white-faced murderer was simply using his fellow felon to get his hands on a bomb, when he unflinchingly dispatches Wesker with a whiff of knock-out gas, and watches the figurine fall lifelessly upon some train tracks.

Enjoyably imbuing all this action with some considerable life and animation is Ty Templeton, who manages to generate oodles of compassion for poor lonely “Arnie” as the man desperately tries to enjoy his first Christmas going straight. Likewise, the Canadian artist does a great job pencilling the oft-times fraught interaction between this comic’s top two evil masterminds, with the panels showing Scarface threateningly pushing himself right into the Joker’s face so as to make a point doubtless providing the book’s audience with at least a few smiles.

Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Artist: Ty Templeton, and Colorist Monica Kubina

Batman: The Adventures Continue #16 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 16, December 2020

There’s debatably a strong sense of ‘padding’ to be found within Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s script to Issue Sixteen of “Batman: The Adventures Continue”. For whilst the digital first comic provides an interesting insight into Bruce Wayne’s under-cover alter-ego Knute Brody, the vast majority of the publication simply focuses upon the present-swapping shenanigans taking place at Harley Quinn’s Christmas party, and the celebration’s subsequent sudden conclusion once it’s been gate-crashed by a somewhat irate Joker; “Straightman and I were chilling at the Ha-Ha-Hideaway when we heard you were in need of Yuletide cheer."

Such festive joyfulness is admittedly momentarily entertaining, as it provides the collaborative writing couple with plenty of opportunities to include a number cameos from the DC Universe, such as Penguin, the Carpenter, March Harriet, Baby Boom, the Mad Hatter and Scarecrow. But endless panel after endless panel depicting some of Gotham City’s less glamourous criminals drinking heartily, kissing under the mistletoe, and singing carol songs together soon starts to grate upon the senses, even if the audience knows that the Father Christmas recklessly mixing up everyone’s well-wrapped presents in the background is actually the Dark Knight himself.

To make matters worse though, this particular instalment to “Secret Santa” ends with the Joker revealing his grand scheme for revenge to be nothing more than to reunite Arnold Wesker with his wooden partner-in-crime Scarface. This ‘touching reintegration’ arguably made some semblance of sense whilst the Ventriloquist was visiting Quinzel’s social gathering, as presumably the Clown Prince of Crime was hoping to use the puppet master’s fragile psychological state to ruin his ex-girlfriend’s moment of merriment. However, with the shindig now silenced following Brody’s clever bluff that he “saw a bunch of cops pulling up outside ‘bout, oh, ten minutes ago”, it seems odd that the white-faced homicidal maniac would continue to stalk a bespectacled Wesker out onto the metropolis’ snowy streets.

Perhaps therefore this book’s sole guilty pleasure is studying some of Ty Templeton’s bar room-based scenes to spy just how many members of Batman’s almost limitless Rogues Gallery pay a visit to the Iceberg Lounge. Some bibliophiles might see this as an exercise in futility, however, there is undoubtedly a little fun to be had spotting the Clock King doing the rounds, Captain Boomerang propping up a countertop, and the identical cousins Tweedledum and Tweedledee giving the odd carol their vocal all whilst Jervis Tetch tinkles the ivories of a solitary piano.

Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Artist: Ty Templeton, and Colorist Monica Kubina

Batman: The Adventures Continue #15 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 15, December 2020

Despite starting with a pretty pulse-pounding punch-up between the Caped Crusader and a dirigible full of Scarface’s well-dressed henchmen, it was probably a good bet that the majority of this digital first title’s readers felt a little cheated by the plot to “Secret Santa”. In fact, the more uncharitable within this comic’s audience could well argue that little to nothing actually occurs within Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s narrative once the Dark Knight has snatched Arnold Wesker from the fiery jaws of certain death; “Robin! I hope you have us in your sights.”

Of course, that isn’t to say that Issue Fifteen of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” doesn’t contain the odd highlight here and there, such as when the ever-arrogant Detective Bullock unwisely forces the Ventriloquist to once again place his wooden puppet upon his hand during the bespectacled prisoner's interrogation, and unsurprisingly gets walloped straight across the face for his trouble. But such scenes don’t arguably do much in the way of progressing this book’s central plot, which bizarrely appears to revolve around Harley Quinn trying to arrange a Christmas party for all her criminal friends – apart from her ex-boyfriend, the Joker.

Indeed, once Poison Ivy rather begrudgingly agrees to support Quinzel in her Yuletide endeavour, very little of any significance actually occurs within the storyline until the Clown Prince of Crime rather contrivingly just happens to hack into his former partner-in-crime’s computer and sees that “she’s sent out a bunch of invitations for a Christmas party” and that he is not invited. This rather manufactured moment disappointingly comes completely out of the blue, and seems to have been bolted onto the publication’s end simply so its writers can provide it with something of a cliff-hanger.

Nobly adding to this comic's smattering of spills and thrills are Ty Templeton and colourist Monica Kubina. The creative pairing do an excellent job of imbuing Batman’s attempt to thwart Scarface’s plan to detonate fifty pounds of CX-8000 explosives over Gotham City with some palpable pace, and even manage to temporarily put the frighteners on any perusing bibliophile during a brief scene where Wesker realises he hasn’t seen his old mannequin’s reflection in a shop window. But rather that of four animatronic puppets who have been programmed to replicate elves busily building some of Santa’s presents for those children who have been nice not naughty.

Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Artist: Ty Templeton, and Colorist Monica Kubina

Batman: The Adventures Continue #14 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 14, October 2020

Finally bringing “the Red Hood's plan against the Bat-Family” to a somewhat contrived conclusion, Issue Fourteen of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” certainly provided its audience with plenty of action once its collaborative writing partnership finally manoeuvred their numerous playing pieces into position. Indeed, the ‘explosive’ re-appearance of the Joker’s supposedly deceased super-strong henchman, Straightman, and the Boy Wonder’s escape from an apparently unavoidable water-based death trap, both lead to some truly sense-shattering shenanigans as Jason Todd’s plan for revenge goes completely ‘belly up’ at the last minute.

Disappointingly however, much of the tension before this cataclysmic closing is lost due to the narrative’s over-reliance upon Batman being in any way tempted to kill the Clown Prince of Crime in cold blood with a crowbar. As long-time producers of “Batman: The Animated Series” franchise both Alan Burnett and Paul Dini should know far better than to suggest Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego is even slightly inclined to commit such a horrific act against his personal code, despite being threatened with the demise of his latest Robin, and resultantly there is arguably never a doubt in the reader’s mind that the Red Hood’s diabolical plan is ever going to successfully reach fruition; “Wake up, little Red! You’re out of threats. You snuff that Robin, he’ll just get another… Then Batman will haul your red-hooded rump to the cops.”

What this digital first publication does provide though, is an excellent portrayal of the Joker at his maniacal best. Full of witticisms and homicidal banter, it really is easy to hear actor Mark Hamill’s voice uttering the criminal mastermind’s dialogue, especially when the green-haired villain’s muscle spectacularly emerges from the sewer so as to overpower Todd and provide Bill Finger’s co-creation with a fleeting opportunity to “pin that punk down” for a final, lethal time.

Likewise Ty Templeton’s pencils, ably coloured by Monica Kubina, also imbue the Dark Knight’s arch-nemesis with plenty of the purple-suit wearing character’s infamous swagger. The Joker’s facial expressions are perhaps this periodical’s greatest highlight, with the Canadian artist’s ability to switch the murderer’s mood from gleeful amusement to deadly darkness within the space of a single panel or two, wonderfully capturing the mischievous killer’s psychopathic instability.

Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Artist: Ty Templeton, and Colorist: Monica Kubina

Batman: The Adventures Continue #13 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 13, October 2020

Debatably depicting Jason Todd as a fully-fledged psycho, and containing a thoroughly enjoyable confrontation between the hired help of both the Joker and the Penguin, this third instalment to Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s “Red Son Rising” surely must have landed well with fans of the “Batman: The Animated Series” when the digital first comic was released in October 2020. Sure, the Clown Prince of Crime appears to be a little too easy a target to get the drop on when he visits the Iceberg Lounge and is surprised by a sedative-dart firing Red Hood. But the pair have already previously met in this particular storyline before, providing Batman’s former Robin with plenty of intelligence with which to plan their all-too quick rematch; “It’s just half a dose. You’ll be out for hours.”

Foremost of Todd’s despicable acts however, has to be the way the anti-hero physically assaults the aged Leslie Thompkins when she catches him burgling her stock of medicines. Despite clearly being cross at her former friend’s intrusion, the elderly doctor genuinely appears to care for the young man’s well-being, and as a result any sympathy this book’s audience might have had for the malicious, mask-wearing hoodlum goes straight out the window when he savagely swats her away from him with one hand.

Easily this periodical’s biggest draw though has to be the aforementioned tussle between Mister Wing and Straightman. Sadly, this scene involving the two super-strong heavies duking it out is a little short-lived, yet their pulse-pounding bout of pugilism makes an excellent backdrop to the Joker’s explanation as to how he came to hire “one of those Captain White House guys” as Harley Quinn’s replacement. Indeed, one of this narrative’s most chilling elements is the way the homicidal criminal calmly recollects how he personally lobotomised his henchman with a scalpel and his “natural ability.”

Adding plenty of “Bam!”, “Crunch!” and “Smash!” to this comic’s shenanigans are Ty Templeton’s pencils and Monica Kubina’s colours. The collaborative pair do a particularly fine job of bringing the Penguin’s genetically-enhanced hatchling to life, with Mister Wing’s mix of white feathers and muscles making the massive bird-man dominate each and every panel in which he appears - even after the badly-beaten guardian has been smacked semi-conscious and is simply laying in a star-spinning stupor.

Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Artist: Ty Templeton, and Colorist: Monica Kubina