Batman: Gotham Adventures by Ty Templeton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Gotham Adventures is the third comic book series based on Batman: The Animated Series (following Batman Adventures and Batman and Robin Adventures.) This book collects Issues 1-6 of that series.

Issue 1: “With a Price on His Head:” The double length opener finds everyone in the city is gunning for the Joker as the father of one of his victims has put a $50 million price on the Joker’s head, leading to a public safety problem and Batman forced to hide the Joker: the one place the Joker will be safe: The Batcave. Overall, a bang up first issue that manages plenty of action, a bit of comedy, and a great moment of truth. Grade: A
Issue 2: “Lucky Day:” Two-face takes over a TV studio where one lucky winner is going to walk away a millionaire, though if Two-face has anything to say about it, he won’t walk away at all. The story tries to offer additional insight into Two-faces past, but it seems forced, as does the ending. Not a bad story, but a bit flawed. Grade: B-
Issue 3: “Just Another Day,”: A sequel to “I’ve Got Batman in My Basement,” with a Batman obsessed kid with Batman in his belfry. A little monotonous at the beginning, but had a very cute ending. Grade: B
Issue 4: “Claws,” Batman’s relationship with Cat-woman was not as friendly in the New Animated series as it was in Batman: TAS. This is the story of how their relationship changed. A solid character piece. Grade: B+
Issue 5: “Polar Opposites,” Mister Freeze is stuck as only a head but is given access to his body suit to pursue Grant Walker as part of a rescue attempt for one of Bruce Wayne’s scientists, accompanied by Night Wing and Batgirl. Why he even cares is a mystery that’s answered only at the end. Okay, but not all that engaging. Grade: B-
Issue 6: “Last Chance,” In a previous Batman series, Boston Brand appeared but didn’t die and become Deadman (the paranormal with the ability to take over the bodies of others. Instead, he became a gymnast who went by the name of Deadman and wore the costume because you always want to dress the part if you might want to become an avenging spirit of justice. Brand dies and hunts his killer. The story is lackluster with little for Batman to do and Deadman is pretty much brought to a complete end and the story feels dull and pointless. Grade: D+

Except for the last comic, the stories in the book are good reads with the first issue being a truly solid start. Overall, a good beginning with a few ups and downs.





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