Review: Batman Silver Age Vol. 1

Synopsis:

Bam, Zap, Pow! The Adam West Batman TV series changed the face of Batman for the ’60’s. It was now mod, hip and everyone did the Bat-tusi. For the first time, Batman comics outsold Superman comics and the nature of the comic book changed to accommodate this incredibly popular show. The Joker was drawn to look more like Ceasar Romero. In fact, for a long time, the Joker hadn’t even been in the comics and it was the TV show that revived the character. The Joker was brought back to Newspapers thanks to the success of the show and now IDW has brought back these thrilling strips for us to relive this dynamic era.

The Creative Team:

Whitney Ellsworth at first was not considered to be the man to bring Batman to the newspapers. He moved to Hollywood in the 1950’s to work on the Adventures of Superman TV series and he was on the wrong side of the country. But he had a flair for what needed to be done and these newspaper strips emulated the TV series much better than the monthly comics did and it was also the newspaper stories that brought back Alfred, who had been killed off in an earlier comic book (In a time when most comic characters who died usually stayed dead. Perhaps it was the return of Alfred that sparked the killing off and returning from the dead trope in most superhero comics.) Ellsworth brings the sensibility of the TV series to these syndicated series “To the Bat-poles, Dick.” to which Master Grayson responds “Holy fireman Bruce, you bet!” Then you can almost hear the TV theme song na –na –na–na–na—na–na–na-na-na Batman! as the Dynamic Duo leap into action. These syndicated stories were quick and to the point and were an easy read on purpose. For the reader who didn’t have time to invest into long drawn out tales of suspense. Great stuff includes the corny over the top narration reminiscent of the TV show and the tight composition of these quick tales. Written to entertain without a lot of character depth. What brings us back to these strips are the cheesy one-liners and campy situations that our heroes got into each week.

Sheldon Moldoff’s style suits these syndicated stories to a tee. It’s fun to watch the characters thrown into exaggerated situations and watch as Moldoff gets them out of said situations with a reach into Batman’s utility belt. Which seems to hold everything but the kitchen sink.  The nature of newspaper strips would seemingly make it difficult for an artist to get much across with the limitations of the tight panels. But Moldoff does an expert job with as little as he’s been given to work with. Highlights include seeing the characters drawn to look more like the actors from the TV series and the action situations our protagonists and antagonists slip in and out of with the greatest of ease!

In Conclusion:

Once again IDW brings back some fond memories and brings us great literature that most of us may have forgotten existed. The Batman has never been the same as when he took on these costumed clowns that should be easy for the Gotham police department to spot with their eyes closed, but somehow always need Batman and Robin, two other costumed clowns that don these costumes with the greatest of ease. I had so much fun I wish I could review each and every story. But, alas, I don’t have the bat-time so, just trust me, they’re worth the read. ****1/2 (9.3 rating)

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Writer – Whitney Ellsworth
Art – Sheldon Moldoff
Colors -  Sol Harrison, Eddie Eisenberg
Letters -  Milt Snapinn
Publisher – IDW/DC

Author Profile

Kevin Given

Kevin Given has studied with “ Longridge Writers Group ” and “ Writer’s Boot Camp ” a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the “ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter ” franchise which includes novels and comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of “ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter ” # 1 and “ Files of Karl Vincent ” # 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series “ Dracula Rising ” (working title) and developing “ Foul Blood ” into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given

Latest entries

• Comic BooksNovember 3, 2020REVIEW: Bram Stoker’s Dracula Starring Bela Lugosi
• Comics, Let's Talk!October 30, 2020Comics, Let’s Talk!: Ghost and Mr. Chicken
• Comics, Let's Talk!October 29, 2020Comics, Let’s Talk!: Trick or Treat
• Comics, Let's Talk!October 21, 2020Comics, Let’s Talk: Halloween: John Carpenter V Rob Zombie