Batman '66 #39 Review

Written by: Tom Peyer
Art by: Dave Bullock
Cover Price: $1.99
Release Date: July 23, 2014

The Sheriff of Crime

Batman '66 doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't.  It's campy fun with quick stories made to put a smile on the reader's face.  There's something to be said for that.  For the most part, it is clear that the creative teams involved love the source material and are having a ball telling their stories to fans who feel the same.  Add Tom Peyer to that list.  On the surface, this weeks issue is the usual fun, but if you look deeper, it's a great homage as well.  It's an issue working on a couple levels at once, but is it good?  Let's find out.

Someone has stolen hi-tech crime fighting equipment from the Gotham City Police Department.  To add insult to injury, it was right under Batman and Robin's collective nose.  They did leave a calling card on the scene, an arrow.  The Archer, of course!  But why would the would be Robin Hood steal from the police?  The Dynamic Duo figure it out, but it still may be too late.



Like I said, this is a fun one-shot story filled with Olde English, funny dialogue and ridiculous (in a good way) action.  However, if you scratch the surface it is so much more.  This issue really pays homage to the Archers two episode appearance in the Batman '66 series.  Peyer does a good job of twisting and turning the plot, but certain things remain.  I haven't seen the episodes "Shoot a Crooked Arrow" or "Walk the Straight and Narrow" in quite some time, but recognized the influence right away.  Especially the Jousting which is even better utilized here.  I just wish we got some Alfred doing his thing.  That would have been icing on the cake.

I wish I could say I was more a fan of Dave Bullocks art, but sadly I wasn't.  The Archer and his Merry Men look fine, but I didn't like his Batman and Robin and hated his Commissioner Gordon.  It wasn't enough to spoil the issue, but It certainly didn't hold up it's part of the bargain.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman '66 #39 is a fun little one shot story that is a great homage to the Archer.  Tom Peyer either loves the character or did his homework, because he nails the spirit of the original by giving the reader a nice little twist on his TV appearance.  The best compliment I can give Peyer is that after reading this issue I really want to watch The Archer's two Batman '66 episodes.  Good job and Recommended.

8.0/10