Batman '66

*Starred Review* Among the plethora of Batman titles, this stands unique. Ostensibly an adaptation of the high-camp 1960s television series, much beloved and reviled, it balances a meticulous re-creation of the show's phantasmagorical aesthetic and whimsical tone with a more expansive scope in both plot and action to create a deeper, more exciting read. And, with an unabashedly heroic crime fighter and bright, lively images far afield from Gotham's shadows, it's ideal for younger readers, particularly those not quite ready for the more intense, horror-tinged arcs typical of current Batman stories. Much credit goes to Parker, who writes exceedingly clever stories that call on Batman backstory, even as his dialogue uncannily mimics the cadences of actor Adam West's TV delivery. The array of artists all offer stylistic brio, but particular kudos must go to Case's brilliant use of light and color, capturing the pop art quality of the show like no other. Filled with familiar and unfamiliar characters alike, what might feel like an inconsistent Batman for those married to the darker version will prove a treat both for old-time fans and younger readers looking to graduate to a more grown-up comic book. And with nine whizbang stories within, there's more than usual to love.--Karp, Jesse Copyright 2014 Booklist

It can be argued that, by playing things completely straight, the 1960s Adam West/Burt Ward Batman TV show (finally due for release on home video later this year) exposed superhero stories or at least the kind that the Comics Code of the day allowed as ridiculous, and thereby set back public acceptance of comics as a valid and valuable art form for many years. It can also be argued that the show was a lot of fun. This series does a fine job of reviving the show's heroic and comical spirit, aided by use of the actors' likenesses, including Frank Gorshin (the Riddler), Burgess Meredith (the Penguin), and both Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt as Catwoman. It's a contemporary "meta" take, decorated with pop-art effects and full of in-jokes relating to the show, its era, and other Batman stories. There's not quite as much "Biff! Pow!" and "Holy halitosis!" as one might expect, and a Joker story falls flat but Bat-gadgetry is on display, and when Egghead (Vincent Price) calls his eggshell-helmeted henchmen "my Eggmen," all is forgiven. VERDICT A lot of fun. S.R. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.