Batman and Robin Adventures, Lost Years

Batman and Robin Adventures 21-25

This is not a title that’s conducive to binge reading.  Like the tv show it emulates, there’s absolutely no continuity from issue to issue, and unless the stories are top notch, they can get stale and repetitive really quickly.  These stories aren’t stale, but they don’t stimulate either. Three things stood out to me across these five issues, and two of them are art related:

I mentioned the Vargas comparison a few days ago.  It goes from inspired-by to straight up homage on the cover of issue 21.  (I just spent way too much time looking for the best Vargas reference.)

I love the design for the Batwing.  

Issue 25 - Ty Templeton writes a great inner monologue for Batman as he falls from eighteen thousand feet.  Objectively, it’s nothing more than a narration of his actions, but it’s an awesome bit of insight into his frame of mind as he faces what should be certain death.  When coupled with Batman’s amazing feats of physical strength and dexterity, it creates one of the best action sequences in the run.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: No

Rating: Fine

Batman Adventures: Lost Years 1-5

Continuity!  Character growth!  What a breath of fresh air after 60+ issues of not having any.  (Minus that three-parter where Batman lost his memory and the couple of issues where Batgirl gained some experience.)  

The series fills in the three years between animated series, which allows Dick Grayson to transition into Nightwing, going on a journey of education and personal discovery similar to Bruce when he first trained to become Batman.  Tim Drake and Barbara Gordon join the Bat Family as well. There’s actual change, and that makes this a welcome addition.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: No

Rating: Fine