There’s one thing magical concerning the world of Tim Burton’s Batman. For a complete era of followers, Michael Keaton was the Darkish Knight. Batman and Batman Returns had been comedian e book film blockbusters throughout an period the place superheroes weren’t a big presence on the silver display screen. Certain, these films had their points (Batman blowing up a circus strongman), however they had been enjoyable comedian e book movies. Alas, we are able to’t return to the late Eighties or early Nineties, and even when we may, Barry Allen has proven us why time-travel is a nasty thought. However nonetheless, it’s enjoyable to revisit Batman and Batman Returns, even when we’ll by no means see that world once more. At the very least till now.
Batman ’89 is a must-read restricted sequence for anybody who’s a fan of the Darkish Knight’s first two movies and needs there have been extra. All six chapters have now been launched in print and the primary 4 points are additionally out there to learn on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
If I’m being sincere with you, whereas I like the Michael Keaton Batman movies, I wasn’t initially bought on this idea. I cynically assumed this is able to be one other Batman story with just a few particulars altered to put it within the Burton universe—a sequel in identify solely. Seems I couldn’t have been extra fallacious. Batman ’89 completely recaptures the sensation you get watching the Keaton movies. It is a story that might have solely been advised on this nook of the multiverse.
Batman ’89 captures all of the delicate nuances of the Burton universe. Bruce Wayne’s dialogue completely syncs up with the nervous speech patterns Michael Keaton utilized in his efficiency. Alfred carries the identical dignified and witty vitality we noticed from the late Michael Gough. This isn’t an deserted Batman comedian script illustrated to appear like it takes place within the Burton universe. There’s a particular sample and pacing within the dialogue that matches what we noticed within the films.
This could come as no shock because the sequence is scripted by Sam Hamm. The legendary screenwriter co-wrote the screenplay for Batman and helped develop the story for Batman Returns. His story right here presents origins for each Two-Face and Robin, in addition to the tense reunion between Batman and Catwoman that we’ve all been pining for because the finish of Returns.
Additionally, I do know we’ve had loads of Two-Face origins, together with the latest Batman: The Lengthy Halloween movie duology, however this one is totally different. This one options Billy Dee Williams’ tackle Harvey Dent.
Let me begin off by saying that I liked 1995’s Batman Endlessly and I believe Tommy Lee Jones did an amazing job as Two-Face. That being stated, after I would rewatch the 1989 Batman movie, I couldn’t assist however marvel what it could have been prefer to see Billy Dee Williams tackle Harvey’s darkish flip. Batman ’89 provides readers simply that—a completely realized Two-Face origin story constructed off of Williams’ portrayal…and it’s superbly tragic. I received’t give away all the main points, however I can promise that it takes a a lot totally different path than earlier Two-Face origin tales.
I loved Two-Face appearing as a Robin Hood for Gotham’s impoverished communities. Whether or not deliberate or not, that could be a forgotten character trait that dates again to Two-Face’s authentic origin in Detective Comics #66. I additionally liked the thought of police officer Barbara Gordon as Harvey Dent’s fiancée. Is it comedian e book correct? Completely not, nevertheless it’s the kind of change we might’ve seen in an early Nineties comedian e book movie. Delicate touches like that assist make this sequence really feel like an adaptation of an actual movie that Tim Burton may have directed.
We additionally get the subsequent chapter in Bruce and Selina’s love story and let’s face it, this alone is well worth the value of admission. After the just-this-side-of-PG-13 chemistry between the 2 Batman Returns leads and Michele Pfeiffer’s slinky, sultry flip in that iconic costume, you’d have a tough time scripting a return to this world with out coping with the fallout from the top of Burton’s second movie. This restricted sequence provides us the reunion between Batman and Catwoman we’ve been wanting, fulfilling a want we’ve all had since 1992. And for those who’re questioning, sure, we do discover out the actual cause Selina gave that cat to Bruce on the finish of the film.
Hamm additionally provides us a brand new model of Robin. Famously, the Boy Surprise was virtually included in 1989’s Batman and 1992’s Batman Returns alike and this restricted sequence reveals us what that might’ve regarded like. Drake Winston just isn’t fairly Tim Drake or Jason Todd, however a singular particular person who borrows some traits from each boys. He’s additionally drawn to look a bit like Marlon Wayans circa 1992, an actor who was thought of for Robin in Batman Returns.
The Gotham of Batman and Batman Returns had a singular really feel to it. It wasn’t the trendy marvel we visited in Christopher Nolan’s Darkish Knight trilogy or the decaying city sprawl of 2022’s The Batman. It was artwork deco, however wasn’t fairly as operatic because the Gotham we noticed in Batman Endlessly or Batman and Robin. Tim Burton’s Gotham had a particular ambiance, and artist Joe Quinones completely captures it together with his pencils.
Every part about this seems like a 3rd Tim Burton Batman movie that has been just lately unearthed after being in some way misplaced to time. The ultimate confrontation between Batman, Two-Face and Catwoman is paced and structured in a method that can take you immediately again to that earlier period. As you’re turning the pages, you possibly can virtually hear Danny Elfman’s soundtrack in your head.
I used to be initially uncertain about Batman ’89, nevertheless it turned out to be every part I wished and extra. Should you skilled Batmania in 1989, then this comedian is a enjoyable method to return in time and recapture that feeling. Should you weren’t alive in 1989, however nonetheless love the Michael Keaton movies, this restricted sequence may have you smiling ear to ear. Order a pizza, seize a soda and fake you’re having a Blockbuster night time, as a result of Batman ’89 is a traditional cinematic expertise channeled into a comic book e book.
Batman ’89 by Sam Hamm, Joe Quinones and Leonardo Ito is now full and out there in all places in print and digitally. The primary 4 points can be learn on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE. Search for the ultimate two points to be added within the months forward.
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, films and comics for DCComics.com, is an everyday contributor to the Sofa Membership and writes our month-to-month Batman column, “Gotham Gazette.” Observe him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed on this column are solely these of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and don’t essentially mirror these of DC Leisure or Warner Bros.
