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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #12 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 12, September 2020

Containing a storyline which is so savagely violent that it would never have seen the light of day as an actual episode of the superhero animated television series in the early Eighties, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s narrative for this particular instalment to their “Red Son Rising” storyline arguably traverses a delicate path between paying its respects to the beloved world of “Batman: The Animated Series” and Jim Starlin’s somewhat controversial "A Death in the Family" four-issue mini-series. For whilst the “digital first” publication doesn’t go to lengths of actually having the Joker cold-bloodedly kill a hapless Jason Todd with a crowbar, as per the “DC Comics” book so memorably pencilled by legendary artist Jim Aparo, it doesn’t stop far short.

Indeed, if not for Harley Quinn’s apparent squeamishness at the suddenly all-too serious Clown Prince of Crime’s murderous intentions, and the timely arrival of the Caped Crusader, there seems to be no doubt that the ‘out of control’ Boy Wonder would have been remorselessly beaten to death with absolutely no hope of escape or clemency; “Did you think we were just going to give him a love tap and let him go?! He won’t stop until he’s killed every one of us! You’ve seen what he’s done! He begged for this!”

Similarly as successful is the writing partnership’s enthralling ability to genuinely place Batman between a rock and a hard place, both physically and morally. A highly-emotional Dark Knight is understandably horrified at what the Joker has done to his former crime-fighting companion, and seemingly has his vow to never take a life pushed to its very limits. However, despite everything his white-faced arch-nemesis has done the cowled vigilante still remains true to his oath, and desperately attempts to rescue the villain from a flaming overturned car, even when his dying team-mate is screaming at him to let the homicidal maniac meet a grim demise.

Tying all these plot threads up together into a thoroughly entertaining roller-coaster of a read are Ty Templeton’s fast-paced panels and Monica Kubina’s colours. Insanely calm and calculating one moment, then brandishing his improvised hand-weapon with deadly glee seconds later, the Joker’s facial expressions are particularly well-drawn, especially once his bloodlust takes over and any suggestion of humour has been entirely erased from his countenance.

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #11 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 11, August 2020

Firmly focused upon Jason Todd’s downward spiral into becoming one of Gotham City’s most notorious anti-heroes, this particular instalment of Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s “Red Son Rising” storyline must surely have delighted many fans of the 1992 "Batman: The Animated Series” with its clever weaving of the rogue Robin into the television programme’s mythos and its numerous characterful cameos. Indeed, considering that the digital first comic book contains appearances from the likes of Leslie Thompkins, the Clock King, Killer Croc, Man-Bat, The Penguin and Commissioner James Gordon, it is quite remarkable that it still seemingly finds plenty of time to shine a spot-light upon both Harley Quinn and the Joker, as well as the Dark Knight himself.

Of course, the true highlight of this publication is following Alfred Pennyworth’s narration to a wide-eyed Tim Drake as to just how Todd went “from Boy Wonder to Boy Barbarian” by ruthlessly beating up any low-life criminals unlucky enough to cross his path during a robbery. But it is still nice to see that Park Row’s dedicated doctor continues to tend to the injured over at the Gotham Clinic, and how informants such as Sid the Squid repeatedly react when dangled upside down over the metropolis’ skyline by the Caped Crusader; “Waaah! Okay! Okay! I’ll tell ya!”

What it particularly noticeable about Issue Eleven of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” however, is just how much the sheer savagery of Jason’s violence is on show for all to see. The always aggressive adolescent appears to have little mercy for the street-level goons he encounters and even less for “Batman’s usual rogues”, with both the heavily-mutated Morgan and Temple Fugate getting riddled with numerous bullets and stabbed through the chest with a giant clock arm respectively.

Such wanton carnage is only the start though, once Harleen Quinzel’s deranged alter-ego and the Clown Prince of Crime arrive on the scene. Supposedly riled by her lover’s lack of attention, “the Joker's on-and-off girlfriend” is dynamically-drawn by Ty Templeton demolishing half a dozen fairground stalls and toy stores with all manner of bulldozers and hydraulic cranes. Yet this is just a taster for the comic’s cliff-hanger of a conclusion as “Punkin-Pie” faces off against an all-too cocky Robin, and gets savagely smacked to the ground by a stinging back-handed swipe.

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #10 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 10, August 2020

As retcons or rather reimaginings go, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s second instalment to their “Red Son Rising” storyline probably landed reasonably well with their audience in August 2020, considering that the digital first comic contains more than its fair share of frantic fisticuffs and Bat family tension. But whilst their “secret history of Batman's second Robin” initially follows the somewhat familiar path of Jason Todd taking “an alarming amount of zeal in doling out punishment to [his] more formidable adversaries”, its sudden and shocking portrayal of Dick Grayson’s successor actually attacking the Dark Knight in the Bat Cave so as to escape with the adolescent’s colourful costume and motorcycle arguably makes the sidekick even more unlikeable than when he was revamped by Max Allan Collins in the late Eighties.

Indeed, Issue Ten of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” makes it disconcertingly very clear that Todd was criminally flawed from the very start and that his dark descent into violent wrongdoing as an anti-hero was always destined to happen. Unfortunately, such a ‘fait accompli’ also means that the Dark Knight was wholly wrong when he originally saw the potential in his protégé to become the new Boy Wonder, and so bleak an assertion arguably undermines one of Jason’s most intriguing aspects in that the hooded vigilante could still become one of the Caped Crusader’s greatest assets if only he’d keep his juvenile temper in check; “The thing about you, Bruce, is you believe so much in the people you care about that you blind yourself to the obvious.”

Quibbles aside however, this particular publication still provides plenty of entertainment, especially once the Scarecrow decides to commandeer “the airwaves to plunge Gotham into an epidemic of fear” during Halloween, and ‘causes’ Robin to finally cross the line. Dynamically drawn by Ty Templeton, Todd’s ego is plainly on show for all to see as the cock-sure kid ignores the silent attack plan of his costumed peers “to minimize danger to the hostages” and instead decides to go toe-to-toe with Jonathan Crane’s twisted alter-ego. Brutal, vicious and undoubtedly fatal if not for Batman’s intervention, the sense-shattering scene epitomises just how low the unhinged youngster will stoop to ensure the “other creeps will realize we mean business.”

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #9 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 9, July 2020

Considering the controversy “DC Comics” caused back in the Mid-Eighties when Jason Todd’s origin was revamped from being the offspring of circus acrobats to a “young street orphan who first encounters Batman while attempting to steal the tires off the Batmobile in Crime Alley”, many readers of “Red Son Rising” may well have been a little nervous of Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s efforts to incorporate the character into the “Batman: The Animated Series” continuity they created for “Fox Kids”. Indeed, the writers’ decision to additionally amalgamate some elements of the Joker’s criminal past as the mysterious Red Hood into the pot in order to provide the gung-ho kid vigilante with some additional motivation, could easily have concocted an unpalatable recipe for disaster.

Fortunately though, this digital first publication arguably does a very good job of making such a mishmash of plot lines work out for the best, with the death of Todd’s older brother whilst acting as a red-hooded lookout for the Wolves street gang, providing the Dark Knight’s protégé with plenty of reasons as to just why he became such a viciously formidable and savagely head-strong costumed crime-fighter; “I must admit, however, that his energy and skills were amazing. Such unfettered ferocity! He was to my eye the very equal of Master Dick at his age. Still, there were signs.”

Debatably this comic’s greatest moment however, has to be its inclusion of the Joker and the Clown Prince of Crime’s mysteriously super-strong minion, Straightman. The relationship between Todd and the Caped Crusader’s white-faced nemesis has always been tense following the fatal finale of Jim Starlin’s “A Death In The Family” storyline, and Issue Nine of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” quickly hints at the tension between the two adversaries when Jason unwisely decides to do a spot of “recon on the Clown” in order to scope “out his movements and any backup he’s got.”

Likewise, the former Robin’s skirmish upon a Whacky Wheel funfair ride with the Joker’s genetically enhanced soldier, is a visual tour-de-force by artist Ty Templeton and colourist Monica Kubina, with the action sequence being packed full of both feats of incredible strength, as well as a well-placed hand-grenade. In fact, these pulse-pounding panels are only let down by the scene’s brevity, and the slightly bizarre response of the deranged psychopath to flee the battle in a bumper car despite having a dazed Jason at his mercy, buried beneath the remnants of a shattered shooting gallery stall.

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #8 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 8, July 2020

It was probably difficult for some of this digital first comic’s readers to shake off the impression that Paul Dini and Alan Burnett were perhaps a little short of ideas when it came to writing the narrative for Issue Eight of “Batman: The Adventures Continue”. For whilst the book undoubtedly contains some excellent bouts of fisticuffs and super-heroic antics, such as the Caped Crusader and Azrael double-teaming the enormous Mister Wing with their “sword of salvation” manoeuvre, the seemingly endless stream of different characters appearing within the plot does disappointingly somewhat smack of a desire to simply pad out the plot until the publication’s page-count is filled.

Leading of this carousel of cameos is the badly underused Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot, who disconcertingly appears to have been shoe-horned into the script as a simple middleman between Catwoman and this story’s supposed lead villain, Victor Fries. The Penguin is usually regarded as “one of Batman's most enduring enemies”, and yet in “The Darker Knight” he is deplorably depicted as nothing more than a scared little man, who is easily overcome by Azbats and actually requires saving by Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego before his portly frame plummets to his death; “Though of course, since he is Catwoman’s employer, the order demands he must suffer in her place.”

Similarly as swift in their contribution to this comic is Mister Freeze, who steps out from the shadows just long enough to zap Jean Paul Valley with his ice gun, and subsequently be bested by a simple sonic pulse bat-a-rang to the head. The fact the distraught doctor would want to use the sacred Shawl of Magdalene to resurrect his dead wife makes total sense. However, his defeat seems all too easily accomplished considering Fries was ranked as Imagine Games Network’s sixty-seventh best Comic Book Villain of All Time and has come close to defeating the cowled crime-fighter on numerous occasions.

Perhaps though, this book’s biggest indication that its writers were struggling for content lies in its ending which has Ty Templeton pencilling an all-too brief scene featuring the Joker. Following straight on from a bizarre scene where Valley and Wayne far too readily settle their differences over Azbats’ inclination to maim and kill, the Clown Prince of Crime’s cliff-hanger would appear to have been included purely as a cheap gimmick to ensure this publication’s audience return for another instalment of the ongoing series, rather than add anything to the dynamic duo’s actual adventure.

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #7 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 7, July 2020

IIntroducing the Knight of St. Dumas to the world of “Fox Kids” 1992 animated television series, Issue Seven of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” surely must have excited its readers upon its digital first release in July 2020. Indeed, its pulse-pounding opening is arguably flawless as Azrael interrupts the Caped Crusader’s latest pursuit of Catwoman in order to physically torture the female burglar for stealing the sacred Shawl of Magdalene; “I never kid. The loss of an eye should make you see that.”

Sadly however, Paul Dini and Alan Burnett’s script suddenly goes badly off the rails once Bruce Wayne’s alter ego has thwarted the “aggressive” vigilante’s plan and fights the sword-wielding maniac off with a ferocious bout of fisticuffs. True, the plot to “The Darker Knight” does lead to Gotham City’s protector teaming up with Jean-Paul Valley in an attempt to locate the whereabouts of the artefact at the Iceberg Lounge, but before the ‘dynamic duo’ set-off on their mission Batman disconcertingly has time to construct the psychologically conditioned killer the famous “Knightfall” Bat-suit.

This bizarre development genuinely smacks of the writers simply crowbarring “Azbats” armour into the comic’s continuity purely for the sake of it, without giving any convincing rhyme or reason as to why Valley would suddenly change out of his ‘classic’ costume. In fact, the notion that Alfred Pennyworth would manufacture the technologically-advanced outfit just so Jean-Paul could supposedly appear “more ally than enemy” to the Batman is as persuasive as the Penguin’s belief that a giant humanoid puffin named Mister Wing was going to best the Dark Knight and his “cousin” single-handedly.

Mercifully, Ty Templeton’s ability to seamlessly pencil both of Azrael’s costumes into the highly-stylised world of the cartoon show means that visually no harm is debatably done to the look of this comic book, even if it does appear a little odd to see two incarnations of the Caped Crusader stood shoulder-to-shoulder. The Canadian artist’s drawing of the aforementioned battle with the fiery assassin is undoubtedly the highlight of this publication, with Monica Kubina’s excellent colours, such as the blue hue to Selina Kyle’s face contrasting against the pink of Wayne’s cowled visage, genuinely imbuing all the combatants with a life of their own.

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #6 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 6, June 2020

Concluding their “Mentors” storyline with a distinctly fiery finale, Paul Dini and Alan Burnett’s narrative for Issue Six of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” must have caught a few of its readers somewhat off-guard when it was first published digitally in June 2020. For whilst the plot strongly tries to suggest that the titular character is haplessly walking into Slade Wilson’s well-devised trap to both kill the Dark Knight and take over the tutorage of the remaining Bat-Family members, it eventually becomes all too clear that it was the one-eyed assassin Deathstroke who was ultimately being played as the fool; “You mean you were playing possum? I thought I was saving you.”

Happily however, this revelation at the comic’s very end doesn’t stop the audience from positively willing the Caped Crusader to piece together the numerous clues beforehand, especially when the super-villain seemingly coerces Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego into blindly following him to Firefly's hideout. Warned about Batman’s destiny by their mysterious stalker, this book’s writers genuinely manage to instil a sense of trepidation concerning the well-being of Bill Finger’s co-creation into the likes of Robin and Batgirl, and resultantly there’s a palpable sense of desire created within the perusing bibliophile for the World’s Greatest Detective to deduct something is not quite right before he's cold-bloodedly murdered.

Enjoyably, the “producers of the original animated series” also perpetuate this pretence of the cowled crime-fighter apparently falling for Wilson’s lies by populating the publication’s concluding pages with plenty of thought balloons in which a supposedly ill-fated Batman finally begins to ‘smell a rat’. The Dark Knight’s assessment of Firefly requiring more explosives than those found “to bring down the dam”, as well as Garfield Lynns behaving more erratically than normal, quite wonderfully illustrates just how the hero’s increasing doubts as to the validity of Slade’s story are firmly taking root.

Responsible for adding even more menace to this comic’s proceedings are Ty Templeton’s awesome-looking pencils and Monica Kubina’s vivid colours. Indeed, the creative team’s layouts during Deathstoke’s confrontation with the Caped Crusader will arguably cause many within this periodical’s audience to actually hear the mercenary’s Hephasetus Sword sizzle as its effortlessly used to slash through concrete pillars, deflect bat-a-rangs and scythe through Batman’s back.

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #5 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 5, June 2020

Fans of Tim Drake’s incarnation of the Boy Wonder would surely have felt well-served by Paul Dini and Alan Burnett’s penmanship throughout Issue Five of “Batman: The Adventures Continue”, as the pair provide Robin with such characterful moments as the “skilled martial artist” being grounded by the Dark Knight for recklessly joining Deathstroke in an apparent attempt to ‘assassinate’ a deranged Garfield Lynns. Indeed, despite the boy’s evident bravery and keen detective skills this particular digital first publication delivers an enjoyable reminder to its audience as to just how much Batman’s protégé has yet to learn about the world of crime-fighting, and how young he actually is; “You have no idea what it’s like when he gets this way. I might as well be talking to a bear.”

Similarly as impressive is the writing duo’s handling of Firefly, who actually appears to be a genuine threat to the well-being of Drake’s costumed alter-ego, rather than ‘just a down-and-out film special effects expert armed with a flamethrower and jet-pack’. Agile in the air, clever enough to have dismantled the museum’s water sprinklers before launching his attack, and decidedly precise as to where his flames should land, this particular version of the felon is every bit the “sociopathic pyromaniac” a bibliophile would expect from a member of the Secret Society of Super-Villains.

Admittedly, the later revelation that Robin and Batman weren’t actually fighting Lynns inside the crook’s specialized outfit, but rather Deathstoke’s mysterious female associate, does come as something of a disappointment. However, the replacement makes perfect sense in this narrative’s wider context of ‘The Terminator’ setting Batman up for a lethal fall, and ties-in rather nicely towards the book’s end when it becomes apparent that a vengeful Lex Luthor is behind all of Slade’s shady shenanigans.

Ty Templeton and Monica Kubina also deserve a lot of credit for making this particular instalment to the “Mentors” storyline a visual triumph, particularly during the sequences set within Gotham City’s Entomology Pavilion. The intense heat caused by Firefly’s weaponry is physically palpable, so by the time poor Robin is pencilled literally dripping in sweat from the heat of the vividly orange flames about to engulf him, many suddenly parched readers were probably reaching into their refrigerators for a refreshingly cold drink or two…

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #4 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 4, May 2020

Firmly placing Robin at the centre of this comic book’s plot, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s narrative for Issue Four of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” must have thrilled long-time fans of the Boy Wonder by pairing Tim Drake up with Deathstroke in a stupendous confrontation with the “pyrotechnics expert turned super-stalker” Firefly. True, Garfield Lynns himself doesn’t actually make an appearance, except in flashback, until near the end of this digital first publication, but the presence of the “pyro-merc for hire” is palpably felt throughout this tale courtesy of the criminal launching a host of Asian giant hornets upon Slade Wilson and his new “back-up” at Gotham City’s Entomology Pavilion.

This shift in attention away from Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego really does read very well indeed, as it depicts just how quick thinking “the third character to assume the role of Batman's vigilante partner” can be when the situation requires it, as well as how skilled the young martial artist has become under the Dark Knight’s tutorage. Managing to sneak up upon ‘The Terminator’ to the point where “had you been an assassin, you would have had me dead to rights” is no easy feat, yet impressively Robin manages to later trump this achievement by being the one to save the pair from Firefly’s insect-infested ambush by using his brains, his cape and a handy fire extinguisher; “The foam makes them too heavy to fly.”

Delightfully however, this second instalment to “Mentors” doesn’t keep Batman in the shadows for the entirety of the comic, and delightfully pits the Caped Crusader against his old adversary the Mad Hatter, in an incredibly dynamic, though all-too brief, battle over some stolen new circuity for Jervis Tetch’s mind control devices. This action sequence is also noteworthy for progressing the title’s long-running theme of the Bat-Family being watched by a mysterious observer, and even goes as far as to show the costumed crime-fighter desperately trying to intercept the ‘spy’ after he catches sight of “the tiniest flicker of light” from a nearby rooftop.

Bringing all of these sense-shattering shenanigans to vivid life is Ty Templeton’s marvellous artwork and Monica Kubina’s colours. The layouts of Deathstroke’s forced entry into the enormously elaborate ‘bug museum’ and subsequent exploration of its vast displays are particularly well-drawn, with the Pavilion’s giant sculptures of both scorpions and praying mantis’ casting some highly atmospheric shadows across the corridors and cast.

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #3 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 3, May 2020

Providing an intriguing insight into the Bat-Family triad of Batman, Robin and Batgirl, as well as an excellent guest appearance by Matt Hagen’s gigantic, shape-shifting alter-ego Clayface, this opening instalment to “Mentors” certainly must have impressed its audience upon its digital release in May 2020. For whilst Issue Three of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” contains plenty of crime-fighting shenanigans familiar to those fans of “Fox Kids” 1992 animated television series, it also weaves a fascinating sub-plot involving Deathstroke throughout its proceedings.

Indeed, having vanquished the mud-like former-movie star, courtesy of a “fast-acting sedative” which’ll keep the super-villain asleep for six hours, Slade Wilson’s colourfully costumed presence is felt in every subsequent scene, including a delightfully humorous breakfast set in Wayne Manor’s kitchen, where the billionaire inadvertently brings his two excited partners-in-training down to earth with a verbal bump following the praise Deathstroke has previously heaped upon them; “Don’t put too much stock in his compliments… Men of Wilson’s ilk are visible only when they need to be.”

Equally as enthralling, alongside an all-too brief aerial battle high over Midtown between Batgirl and “the rogue daredevil Roxy Rocket”, is this comic’s ongoing theme of the Caped Crusader being spied upon by a mysterious man with a white streak running through his dark hair. Spotted by Slade, when the nefarious mercenary is busy trying to smooth-talk Batgirl into joining him in a “bigger theatre for a woman with your talents”, it enticingly seems clear that the binocular-carrying rogue is playing some patiently long game with the Dark Knight and his adolescent entourage.

Very much adding to this fine blend of nostalgic Nineties story-telling with a much larger “DC Comics” cast, are Ty Templeton’s layouts, which really manage to capture the “film noir aesthetics” allure of the broadcast show’s outsourced cartoon studios. Wilson’s look and dynamic posturing, particularly at the end of this book when he’s practising against a plethora of target dummies, genuinely looks as if he’s been taken straight off a South Korean film reel produced by “Dong Yang Animation”, and arguably fits in seamlessly with the much more well-established drawings of Bruce Wayne’s inner circle.

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

Batman: The Adventures Continue #2 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE No. 2, April 2020

Hurling its audience straight into the aftermath of Lex Luthor catching the Dark Knight rummaging through the super-villain’s secret scientific laboratory in Gotham City, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s script to Chapter Two of “Batman: The Adventures Continue” must have delighted the vast majority of its readers with its fast-paced fisticuffs and surprise conclusion. In fact, the revelation as to what became of Superman following his battle on the far side of the moon with Brainiac genuinely must have caused a few bibliophiles to drop their jaws in amazement.

To begin with however, Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego must first escape the hydraulically-enhanced clutches of Metropolis’ “expert engineer”, and considering that the Caped Crusader only “has about ten seconds of consciousness left” before the evil mastermind crushes his neck with his exo-suit, things look as bleak as they ever have for the crimefighter’s survival. Enjoyably though, the narrative for “Hardware” shows Batman as the consummate quick-thinker, rather just a hero who resolves his problems with punches, and whilst his utilisation of Brainiac’s severed head is arguably a little contrived, the resultant effect of witnessing Luthor being blasted halfway across an airport is very gratifying.

Just as satisfying is the writing pair’s decision to have Alfred Pennyworth unknowingly spot the flaw in Lex’s invulnerable giant robot, as opposed to the world’s greatest detective figuring it all out on his lonesome. The butler’s observation that the automaton “even has room for a co-pilot” immediately unlocks the key in Wayne’s mind as to the mighty machine’s fatal weakness. But again, the bibliophile is kept completely in the shade, if not deliberately wrong-footed, by Batman’s somewhat surreal Obi-Wan Kenobi impersonation of “That’s no cockpit. That’s a battery.”

Making this delicious collaborative confection even sweeter is Ty Templeton’s artwork, which perfectly replicates both the look and feel of the "Batman: The Animated Series”. The Caped Crusader’s subsequent sky-battle against a seemingly fearful Luthor whilst wearing his heavily armoured Bat-Bot suit is as pulse-pounding as the damage it causes to Lex’s aeroplane is severe, and doubtless took many perusing this “digital first” comic book back to their time watching “Fox Kids” in 1992; “On my way my friend. Faster than a speeding bullet.”

Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Pencils & Inks: Ty Templeton, and Colors: Monica Kubina

Batman: The Adventures Continue #1 - DC Comics

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.

Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini, Pencils & Inks: Ty Templeton, and Colors: Monica Kubina