Written by Michael Reaves & Kelley Puckett.
Art by Mike Parobeck; Rick Burchett; Rick Taylor; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft.
Cover Art by Rick Burchett & Mike Parobeck.
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics for June 1994, this sequel to Batman: The Animated Series’ Season 2 episode: “Tyger Tyger” is entitled “House of Dorian.” Upon escaping Arkham Asylum, wicked geneticist Dr. Emile Dorian abducts his former colleague, Dr. Kirk Langstrom, to do his mind-controlled bidding as Man-Bat. Meanwhile, a desperate werewolf seeking to end his curse makes a bargain with the mutated cat-man, Tygrus. With Tygrus trading access to Dorian’s present whereabouts, he in return seeks to reunite with his beloved Catwoman.
Having abducted both Batman and Selina “Catwoman” Kyle, Dorian’s crazed experiments are interrupted by Tygrus and later the werewolf. Batman & Selina must then try to survive an explosive three-way showdown between Man-Bat, the werewolf, and Tygrus, with Dorian as the apparent ‘prize.’
Note: The werewolf is not verbally identified, but it is evidently Anthony Romulus. This character appeared in the animated “Moon of the Wolf,” which is the episode immediately after “Tyger Tyger.”
REVIEW:
Accompanied by the art team’s likable visuals, Michael Reaves and Kelley Puckett’s story makes for a terrific read. The sole caveat is reducing Selina Kyle (resembling actress Michelle Pfeiffer) into an obligatory damsel-in-distress.
Had Selina actively impacted the climax’s outcome (even with just a subtle gesture or a sly fighting move — i.e. tripping Dorian at the right moment), the plotting would have been more satisfying. Still, including a finish worthy of Universal’s classic monster movies, The Batman Adventures # 21 offers an ideal option for any Bat-aficionado’s comics collection.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a two-page letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
