Batman: The Adventures Continue #1: I Am Still The Night

Twenty-one years after the series ended, the very reason a whole generation of kids became comic readers is back. That’s right, I’m talking about Batman: The Animated Series. DC takes us back with Batman: The Adventures Continue #1, a digital-first title that gives us more stories from the 2^nd most awesome Batman cartoon (sorry, I’m a Filmation guy). And who better to take us back to that place we love so much than original series writers, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini. In this first issue, Dini does something I absolutely love – NO INTRO!!! First, it’s Batman, no origin story needed and it’s already been told in that universe. Second, that show has been in reruns since it aired and more recently has moved to a few different streaming platforms. I have yet to meet a person that hasn’t seen it. Dini and Burnett jump right in and gets things going with a Batman story that’s told in the classic BTAS style. They don’t really have any restraints, so there’s a couple of things in there that were nice surprises. They’re spot-on with the characterizations (mostly because they practically created them) and it’s very nice to revisit some old friends. The story is crisp and equal parts action and mystery. If I did have a complaint, it would be that this issue is very much a “first” issue. The majority of it is set-up and very little resolution.

Let’s welcome artist Ty Templeton back to the animated universe! He was one of the best artists on the comic book stories based on the animated series in the past, and he hasn’t lost a single step. His art takes a little getting used to for me this time around because the book is drawn in a widescreen style for the digital version, I know it’ll be modified for the physical release. It’s actually just the formatting that takes getting used to, not the art. Templeton takes on the animated style of the later episodes in the series, where Batman is a little thinner with a taller cowl. The backgrounds really popped for me this issue, they look like they’re straight from the series.

Whether you’re a new fan or someone getting reacquainted with the universe you love, you should definitely take time to buy and read this issue, you’re really going to like it. And wash your hands.