Booknote: Batman '66, Volume 1

Naturally, in reviewing this new presentation of the 1960s Batman, let us set the mood. Yes, I did find the later theme intro with Batgirl in it:





Now on with the review:

Jeff Parker, Batman '66, Volume 1. New York: DC Comics, 2014. ISBN: 978-1-4012-4721-8. 

This was quite the nostalgia trip for me, and if you watched the 1960s show as a kid (or you watched it as a kid at heart), it will be quite the trip for you as well. Something that always amuses me about the 1960s television show is Batman's extreme politeness, like he must be the lost child of Emily Post. Also, the show had light humor, and it was relatively safe to watch. Overall, the show has a campy charm to it, and Jeff Parker's stories along with the various artists in this collection capture that charm. They took me right back to my childhood.

The volume contains nine stories, and they feature a good selection of Batman's villains. As in the show, we get more than one Catwoman (as we know, different actresses portrayed the villainess). Personally while Julie Newmar was nice, as a young lad Earth Kitt was the Catwoman for me. They are both featured here in different stories. The stories do vary in length. Some are quick adventures, and others are a bit more lengthy and developed, taking over a couple of chapters. They are quick reads and good clean reading fun.

The art is very colorful, and though we get different artists, the style and feel does remain consistent. The only thing that bothered me a bit was some of the colors. Apparently, a story or two were meant to be read with 3D glasses; either that, or they wanted to emulate that style. No 3D glasses came with the book. I honestly wish they had not done that as it took a bit away from the reading experience. Aside from that, the stories overall were well drawn and colored.

Overall, this was a volume that I enjoyed and that brought back some happy memories. It was nice and clean fun. Though it is the 1960s show Batman, do note you will find a few small nods to our present time. Have fun finding them. This is a volume I recommend for all ages, and it is definitely a good addition to any library.

I am giving it the full 5 out of 5 stars.