On the whole, a very readable and entertaining issue. Batman investigates a series of gimmick crimes, figures things out, and catches the bad guys, done-in-one. In other words, a classic Batman comic that could easily have slipped into the publishing lineup in the mid-70s-to-Crisis period.
No need to rehash Paul Dini or J.H.Williams' accomplishments. Williams is probably a little too dark here (probably the colorist's fault). Dini's glaring fault is Robin's two brief appearances, in which Batman makes clear that Robin is not a partner, junior or otherwise; he is an annoyance. This is not the Batman & Robin I want to read about. Obviously, the mid-70s-to-Crisis period that is the model for this story was solo Batman.
Basically, and unsurprisingly, and hence barely worthy of mention, this issue was a Batman Adventures story but in modern art style, which is the best of both worlds. It is recommended for fans of Bronze Age Batman, mildly recommended for superhero readers in general, with a whisker shaved off for mishandling Robin.
Posted by Greg at July 10, 2006 1:37 PM