Batman '66 Meets The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 Review

Where we’re going, we don’t need Bat computers

Story and Art by: Lee Allred, Michael Allred, Laura Allred
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Cover: Michael and Laura Allred
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 19, 2017
Review by: Ryan Douglas

I haven't paid any attention to the ‘66 titles up until now. But this particular title got my attention, based on the creative team behind the scene, working their magic. That alone gave me a reason to finally give this series a go. Even the pairing on the two teams, makes the possibilities endless of wacky adventures to take our characters on. I turned off my modern comic reading eyes to visit a time of the past, going in with a open mind and remembering things could get bonkers….

Disguised as teens, Legion has traveled to the 20th century to visit Wayne Manor, seeking out the “greatest superhero” Dick Grayson. They may be disappointed in the outcome. But thanks to Saturn warping Alfred’s mind, they're able to walk right into the Batcave, almost giving Batman a heart attack. After an introduction between the two teams, the two plots form. Batman and Robin split up to go off with members of Legion to tackle the villain in each century, making for a couple of unlikely team ups. The third act brings the two teams back together in Gotham for the final showdown. When Legion unveils their secret weapon, Batman and Robin are there to ring in the bap, pow, and donk! Saving the 20th and 30th century from evil-doers.

I’m glad I read this, it was a nice break from the more in depth storytelling in my current reads. With no knowledge about the Legion going in, I didn’t feel like the F'n new guy to the party. The issue had everything I would’ve expected in the title. Plenty of chuckles, fun Batman ‘66 callbacks, easter eggs and a funny approach to experimenting with this unlikely team up. The book doesn’t lose focus of paying respects to everything that came before. While updating the dialogue adding their own flavor.

Why wouldn’t they have the Allred’s doing the art for this book? Their style harkens to psychedelic pop art, that fits the era of these characters perfectly. I can’t say I would’ve picked up this issue if the Allred’s weren’t doing the interiors. DC, have the Allred’s do all the interior art for the ‘66 books and I’ll read them for that fact alone.

That being said, I can’t say it’s something I’ll ever want to revisit. But I’m glad to finally enter the ‘66 verse. It’s just not something I'll continue.

Bits and Pieces:

Don’t pass on this particular issue of the series, it’s worth giving a chance to take a trip back to memory lane. There’s a fun story here with action, classic twists and villains calling out their own dumb wits.

8.0/10