DC Comics Presents: Batman #1 Review

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Reviewer: John Babos
Batman created by Bob Kane

A hallmark of Julius Schwartz‘s editorial vision was his ability to conceive imaginative covers to serve as springboards for writers in need of story ideas.

For the DC COMICS PRESENTS Specials, classic Schwartz “concept covers” inspire new stories from some of comics’ greatest creators. For this issue’s cover, artist Adam Hughes pays tribute to the cover of BATMAN #183… by Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella. ( — from the inside cover)


Opening Story Title: Batman of Two Worlds
Written by: Geoff Johns
Penciled by: Carmine Infantino
Inked by: Joe Giella
Colored by: Sno Cone
Lettered by: Kurt Hathaway
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Joan Hilty
Publisher: DC Comics

Inspired by the issue’s cover, the opening story involves a campy Batman and Robin TV show (sound familiar?) that turns into a “real-life” episode of Law & Order (or Columbo.. a nod to the *ahem* older readers out there like me) with Batman playing lead detective in pursuit of the truth behind an on-set murder.

Geoff Johns crafts an intriguing mystery involving one of Batman’s longest serving Rogues. When the TV Robin is killed, the prime suspect is the show’s lead…. Batman!

The “real” Dark Knight descends on the set and follows the suspect to prison. Batman interrogating Batman. Quite surreal!

The story ends in a fashion typical of Silver Age storytelling.

Johns’ proves once again that he “gets” DC’s stable of characters. His portrayal of Batman hints at a sensitivity and compassion, particularly when it comes to Robin, as well as the more overt “determined detective” persona.

His portrayal of the conflicted nature and yearning of the Rogue at the center of this story is quite moving.

The artistic duo of penciler Carmine Infantino and inker Joe Giella (the actual cover artists of the Silver Age Schwartz concept cover that inspired this tribute issue) return to comics to pay tribute to their friend and colleague Julius Schwartz.

Infantino and Giella’s collaboration captures their Silver Age “feel”. Readers also get a Silver Age vs. Modern Age comparison of the Dynamic Duo. The TV team is very much based on the Silver Age Batman and Robin with the “actual” heroes firmly in their 2004 skin.

The story is quite a roller coaster ride with twists and turns and illustrated by legends. Its a light story that captures the feel of the Silver Age. Due to that, I’m not sure if younger readers will get-into it. It is a very Batman Adventures type animated tale – something you’d see on your Saturday morning cartoons. There’s not much depth to the story (although there is in the characterization), but its a well-illustrated and a deliberate emulation of the Silver Age mood.

Score – Opening Story: 7.0


Concluding Story Title: The Ratings War
Written by: Len Wein
Penciled and inked by: Andy Kuhn
Colored by: Bill Crabtree
Lettered by: Kurt Hathaway
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Joan Hilty
Publisher: DC Comics

The story is inspired by the cover as well and is very-much rooted in 2004 – from the story to the stylized art.

Whereas writer Geoff Johns deliberately crafted a tale in the opening story that is very-much an innocent Silver Age tale, veteran scribe Len Wein delivers a ripped-from-reality tale in the second story of this tribute. This story may actually be more accessible for today’s more sophisticated reader.

A reality TV producer is filming the actual exploits of Batman and Robin foiling Gotham’s Rogues – from the Scarecrow to Mr. Freeze to Scarface and the Ventriloquist to the Killer Moth to the Riddler and (a pre-Hush arc) Two-Face.

Batman is upset that his mystique is being unraveled as people get used to seeing him on TV. He’s also concerned about how the TV show’s producer know where and when to have his crew be to film his exploits. That’s the mystery that Len Wein weaves so well with a payoff that is quite satisfying.

This story proves that Len Wein is still on the top of his game!

Artist Andy Kuhn delivers dynamic pencils and inks with his moody and stylized work. Its reminiscent of Mike Mignola, but not as dark. This artist should be on a Bat-book regularly!

The story is paced well and Kuhn really knows how to make Batman look energized. The facial expressions of the book’s characters are quite expressive and convey the intended emotion.

Overall, this was the better of the book’s two tales story-wise

Score – Concluding Story: 8.5


Final Thoughts

The book ends with the two-page obituary by sci-fi writing legend Harlan Ellison with Schwartz biographer Brian M. Thomsen. It’s a fitting tribute and well worth the read.

All eight of the Schwartz tribute issues will have this touching obit included.

So, the final score of this issue, factoring in the ranking of both tales, averages out to 7.75, which we’ll round up to an 8.0.

A well done tribute all around with new and veteran creators together toasting an industry forefather.

John is a long-time pop culture fan, comics historian, and blogger. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief at Comics Nexus. Prior to being EIC he has produced several column series including DEMYTHIFY, NEAR MINT MEMORIES and the ONE FAN'S TRIALS at the Nexus plus a stint at Bleeding Cool producing the COMICS REALISM column. As BabosScribe, John is active on his twitter account, his facebook page, his instagram feed and welcomes any and all feedback. Bring it on!