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Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #1
- Writer:
- Alan Burnett, Paul Dini
- Artist:
- Jordan Gibson
- Letterer:
- Josh Reed
- Cover Artist:
- Kevin Nowlan
- Publisher:
- DC
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-01-10
- Colorist:
- Monica Kubina
One of the greatest adaptations of the Dark Knight is back for another season of comic book capers. Written by Alan Burnett and Paul Dini, drawn by Jordan Gibson, colored by Monica Kubina, and lettered by Josh Reed, Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #1 is a continuation of the world introduced by Batman: The Animated Series. The two previous volumes set a high bar and were received positively by fans. Luckily, this new installment lives up to expectations and weaves a fun, thrilling new adventure.
The issue introduces an incarcerated hitman, Oscar Delgado, known simply as Muscle. Delgado worked as an assassin for Esther Valestra, one of the big cheeses in Gotham City's crime world. Yet, there's a fear that Delgado could squeal on his previous employer, so there are several attempts on his life. Batman even had to save the hitman from Killer Croc's clutches. Due to the constant fear of attacks, Delgado is encouraged by the authorities to provide key information on Valestra in exchange for a reduced sentence and a move to a more secure facility. The prison's chaplain believes he can convince Delgado to take the offer, but Batman isn't so sure.
Burnett and Dini don't miss a beat in Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #1. From the setup to the plot twist and eventual resolution here, this is a Batman: The Animated Series story through and through. It's also another reminder of how the show's writers managed to elevate new and lesser-known characters through great storytelling and humanizing characterizations of villains. After reading "Muscle Out," there's a desire to find out more about the mysterious Muscle and to see him in future issues. Remarkably, this is all achieved in a single issue.
Gibson is no stranger to the series, having drawn an issue in the previous season. The artist's approach feels right at home alongside Ty Templeton and Rick Burchett's work in the series. In this type of book, there's an established style and expectation, and Gibson shows respect for the source material and a high level of understanding to nail the subtle nuances of the "Dark Deco" style. The opening page of the issue begins with Delgado staring pensively (with narration, of course). He proceeds to shave, then wipes the mirror to suddenly spot Killer Croc behind him. Gibson's pacing and use of space are as effective and entertaining as the show ever was.
At this point, it's difficult to imagine anyone else but Kubina coloring Batman: The Adventures Continue. The colorist has a clear understanding of the series' tone, choosing the right set of colors for the right moments. Whether it's the shadowy hues she uses for the serious scenes or the warmer contrasts that accompany the action, Kubina enhances the panels with the appropriate emotional balance. Similarly, Reed's lettering stays true to The Batman Adventures from the 1990s, keeping in line with the style of the era.
Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #1 is another fantastic addition to the comic book revival of one of the most popular iterations of the Dark Knight. It takes fans back to a glorious time in the character's history, and this tale feels like it could be a newly discovered lost episode of the show. With the first issue of the new season setting such a high bar, it's exciting to think about what the creators have planned.