Batman ’66 Meets The Green Hornet #1

By Kevin Smith, Ralph Garman, Ty Templeton, & Tony Avina

Batman ’66 has stayed true to what it’s representing since the launch of the series, and it continues to excel at what it does, when Batman officially meets the Green Hornet in this issue. DC and Dynamite have partnered to bring readers a brand new story that combines two of their respective companies’ most popular characters. Our heroes are forced to form an uneasy alliance when faced with a new villain, General Gumm, a wacky, colorful foe that would have integrated nicely into the original TV series. The chemistry between the costumed heroes is matched by their alter-egos, Bruce Wayne and Britt Reid, who the writers establish, has a history of trying to “one-up” the other. It’s an interesting take on both characters and one that adds to the overall banter between the two duos, creating yet another challenge they’ll both have to overcome by the end of this story arc.

The combined effort of the writers and artists has created a very familiar universe where the Batman of 1966 can exist comfortably. The look and “sound” matches that of the original TV show perfectly. Down to the character designs of Templeton, and the dialogue by Smith and Garman, each character looks and feels exactly as they should, including characters like Alfred and Chief O’Hara whom the creators take the time to accurately replicate. Avina’s colors are simple but go hand in hand with Templeton’s simple art that captures the look of the characters. The colors create the illusion that this comic was actually released in the 60’s, which only adds to the replication of the show.

This series is certainly for anyone who enjoyed the campy/classic style of the TV series, but it can also appeal to younger readers who may not be interested in the plot-heavy story lines that a lot of modern comics. However, if a 20 year-old who has only seen the 1966 movie and reruns of the series enjoys it, than anyone can. Also, the motion-comic features added to some of DC’s digital comics (including this one) are great for the overall experience of the read. As a comic that is ultimately based on a television series, a comic that literally has motion to it is a great idea and one that only accentuates the likeness of the show.

As two characters that have a lot in common, the combination of Batman and Green Hornet works great. The fact that they are both crime fighters that had television series, that they both have trusty wards, or sidekicks, and the fact that they both have appealing back stories adds to the number of stories that can be told between the two of them. In the end, this issue is awarded a 4-star, mostly because of its simplistic story and simple, old-fashioned art, which can still be appealing to most, but it is a definite 5-star to any devoted fan of the original series looking for further adventures of their favorite crime fighter. Batman and Green Hornet are characters that blend together nicely and provide a lot of potential for many stories involving their unlikely alliance. Hopefully we see more of the two of them together, but can they survive the cliffhanger we left them in at the end of this issue? Find out next month, same Bat-Time, same Bat-… you get it.