The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Volume 1 by Sholly Fisch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book collects Issues 1-6 of the All New Brave and the Bold, the second comic book series based on Batman: the Brave and the Bold. Here's an issue by issue rundown:

"The Bottle of the Planets:" This book features Superman and Batman teaming up to solve crime in the Bottled City of Kandor. Crime in the bottled city is pretty rare. It's not a great Superman/Batman story, but it's okay even with a dumb title. Grade: B-

"The Holiday Feeling" has Billy Batson showing up in Gotham city on Christmas only to find that Psycho Pirate has been driving the city haywire with emotions and Batman's in a deep depression and it's up to Captain Marvel (Shazam) to snap him out of it. This is a nice tribute to what Captain Marvel traditionally represented in comics and sees a nice cameo by the Marvel family who then disappear so Batman can go take care of the villain on his own. This wasn't a great story but compared to the other Christmas specials Brave and the Bold has done, this was actually pretty good. Grade: B

"Mirror, Mirror" This story was a blast. Batman and the Flash battle the Mirror Master and Mad Hatter and get stuck in an Alice and Wonderland world in what's a beautifully fun story. Grade: A

"The Bride and the Bold": Under the influence of powerful Greek spirits and an enchantment Batman and Wonder Woman get engaged, and villains crash the wedding. The result is a madcap scene reminiscent of Sue Storm and Reed Richards wedding in Fantastic Annual #3. Grade: A-

"Man-Hunted": An alien comes seeking Batman and Guy Gardener's help. He's being pursued by the robotic manhunter cops. Batman wants to find out if the fugitive is innocent, while Guy wants to smash the Manhunter robots. Everyone gets what they want in a really enjoyable romp. Grade: B+

"Now You See Me"-An issue that had a few annoying parts as the Martian Manhunter turns to Batman to teach him detective skills because the Martian Manhunter says he's too dependent on telepathy. I really don't get why writers (this one included) decide they have to make the Manhunter weaker to make Batman look more awesome. Still, the story has a certain silver age flavor to it as the Nartian Manhunter challenges Batman to teach skills by finding the Manhunter who can change forms. There's a nice twist at the end. Grade: B-

Overall, despite a few bumps in the road, this collection succeeds in producing Batman comics that are kid-friendly and make heroes accessible. Unlike some later and earlier collections, it doesn't make stupid stories, but tells tales that parents can enjoy with their kids. An excellent read.



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