The Batcave is under attack by Cybernauts!
That is the extent of what happens this issue. In fact, that is pretty much all that happens this issue, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a great time.
The last installment was fine, though a bit lackluster. It was more of the same that we’ve seen so far, and while what we’ve been given is great comics, it was just missing that intangible hook that made it great. Serviceable? Yes. Memorable? Not especially.
Truthfully, there isn’t much to talk about this week as its so lean, but what’s here is great fun. Edginton, as always, brings grade-A dialogue to the proceedings, perfectly capturing the voices and personalities of each of the characters. Batman even quotes a Latin phrase, and of course Robin knows what it translates to, adding to the ridiculous and amazing idea that this Caped Crusader is truly prepared for any situation.
The battle with the Cybernauts is actually pretty exciting with quite a few clever uses of some Batgadgets, and the extended scuffle may be one of the better things Smith and Broome have illustrated so far.
The colors are spare, but the action is fluid, the degree of movement is always clear, and there are a few great sight gags thrown in for good measure.
While it doesn’t last long, I will say that the brief distrust between the Dynamic Duo and their British associates was an interesting development. For a series that’s usually played pretty straight, that tension, however brief, added an interesting dynamic to their partnership.
Then they go and wreck a bunch of robots with spray cans. I love this book.
We’re nearing the halfway point of the series and have yet to meet the true villain, but Edginton is rolling out bits of information at a deliberate pace that keeps the mystery intriguing. I’m hoping for some more narrative depth in the future, but every now and then a lightweight, action-packed installment is just what we need.
And really, any inclusion of an oblivious Aunt Harriet is gold.
Recommended if:
- You like Batman ’66.
- You like Steed and Peel.
- You want to learn some Latin.
Overall: Slight, but highly enjoyable, this installment is just plain fun and puts the story back on track. The dialogue is snappy as ever, almost lifted from an old script from the series, and the extended fight is rendered incredibly well. A perfect mix of the straight-faced Batman and the British charm of agents Steed and Peel.
SCORE: 8/10
