Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 Chapter #1 Review

Nazis...I Hate These Guys

Written by: Marc Andreyko and Jeff Parker
Art by: David Hahn, Karl Kesel, Madpencil and Wes Abbott
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: November 23, 2016

A couple things seem to be tailored made for each other and because of that, are just meant to be. Peanut Butter and Jelly, NFL Football and betting and whatever the voodoo is that makes up those delicious All Dressed potato chips I crave fortnightly.  Another one of those is Batman '66 and Wonder Woman '77.  Don't let the eras confuse you, this is a match made in heaven and if you were a young kid watching these shows, you'd agree.  So, when DC Comics announced this book, I shook my head "yes" and waited to see just how awesome it was going to be.  Well, now that it's here, I can finally tell you.


The issue begins with a little Eartha Kitt Catwoman action and it's a cold opener with her stealing a book as well as her clients necklace.  Of course, Batman and Robin show up and when the smoke clears, we find out that said client was Talia Al Ghul (and her father) and the book was important enough to have a personal alarm going straight to the Batcave itself.  Too bad Talia got away with it!

I have been a huge supporter of the Batman '66 book, but one of it's problems was trying to stick a bit too close to the original property.  Putting the Al Ghuls and the League of Assassins in this issue makes it feel fresh and so much bigger.  I loved it!

After a quick visit to the Batcave, we get a flashback showing Bruce's first meeting with Talia.  It was when they were kids and surprise...it involved the very book that Catwoman was stealing. I guess that should be big enough, but it was also the first time that Bruce came in contact with Wonder Woman and that makes it awesome!

It all takes place at a Wayne Foundation benefit and I think that Thomas should look over his guest list a little closer.  Why?  Because by the end of the scene we get a clash between the League of Assassins and some Nazis over the books (yes, there are two) that both lost at auction.

The issue ends with Diana Prince slipping away to change into something a little more comfortable awesome while young Bruce and Talia look on.  It really was a fun setup for next issue and leaves you wanting more.

This was a very quick read.  It's understandable that this would be mostly setup as the biggest obstacle to start this series is to come up with a reasonable reason for the two properties to come together.  Marc Andreyko and Jeff Parker do just that.  I'm not going to get out my scientific calendar and try to figure out if the timing of this book is spot on because it felt right to me.  That's what this first chapter is all about...the feeling and it made me feel all good inside.  Kudos to DC for getting the writers of each of the books in question.

David Hahn and the whole art team kick butt as well.  Everything looked great and while the Batman side of things was more featured, I loved what we saw of Diana and can't wait to see her in costume.

Bits and Pieces:

With all the crossovers the Batman '66 has seen, this one is already near the top of the list.  It just feels right and while this issue is all setup, I liked it a lot.  The story, characters and art all come together to make an enjoyable time that has me wanting more.  That's what the opener of a series is supposed to do, right?

8.5/10