Written by (See Below)
Art by (See Below)
Cover Art by Howard Porter & Hi-Fi
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics in 2019, this compilation leads off with two new stories. Inspired by Batman: The Animated Series, a pair of reprints from Batman Adventures # 18 (1999) and Batman Adventures # 31 (2000) comprise this one-shot’s second half.
- “Harbor Invasion.” Writer: Jeff Parker & Art by: Scott Kolins; Hi-Fi; & A Larger World Studios’ Troy Peteri. Batman & Robin (Damian Wayne) must thwart King Shark’s vengeful attack on a gala for Gotham’s Aquatic Center research facility. Aquaman & Mera make a brief cameo.
- “Arkham Asylum Escape.” Writer: Jeff Parker & Art by: Scott Koblish; Wil Quintana; & A Larger World Studios’ Troy Peteri. It’s double-feature night for a tired Batman & Nightwing, as they must recapture a monstrous Clayface after already nabbing the Joker and his goons.
- “Like A Bat Outta Gotham.” Writer: Scott Peterson & Art by: Craig Rousseau; Terry Beatty; Lee Loughridge; & Tim Harkins. Once more the Man-Bat, Kirk Langstrom’s rampaging vandalism of Gotham labs leads a suspicious Batman & Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) to investigate the fate of Langstrom’s missing spouse.
- “Madness & Chaos.” Writer: Ty Templeton & Art by: Terry Beatty; Zylonol; & Tim Harkins. The Joker desperately wants public credit upon unleashing a massive Gotham City blackout. With help from Nightwing & Batgirl (Barbara Gordon), Batman and Robin (Tim Drake) must protect the panic-stricken public.
REVIEW:
Clearly meant for kids, this issue is an undemanding dose of Bat-fun. It’s noteworthy that Damian Wayne’s Robin is even deliberately likable in “Harbor Invasion,” which is at odds with his snarky persona. All three writers put in a solid effort, though the Batman Adventures reprints provide a bit more sophistication.
For instance, the last scene of “Madness & Chaos” is an amusing little gem. More specifically, these reprints aren’t merely toy ads and appear consistent with Batman: The Animated Series continuity. As for the visuals, it’s not surprising that the newer stories, especially the underwater scenes of “Harbor Invasion,” stand out more.
Despite a potentially hefty cover price, Batman: The Caped Crusader 100-Page Giant # 1 won’t likely disappoint Bat-fans – that is, ages 10 and under.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
