The world of Gotham City and its caped crusaders extends far beyond just Batman himself. For dedicated fans and comic book enthusiasts, the Batman Family title represents a fascinating exploration of the wider Bat-universe, showcasing characters like Batgirl, Robin, and even supporting figures like Alfred and Commissioner Gordon. One particular issue, marking a departure from reprint compilations, delivered a collection of all-new stories, offering a fresh perspective on these beloved characters. Let’s delve into this landmark issue and explore what made it a noteworthy entry in the Batman comic legacy.
Batgirl and Robin in wedding attire on the cover of Batman Family comic book
This issue’s cover immediately grabs attention, presenting a somewhat peculiar yet undeniably fun image. Batgirl’s “wedding costume,” as described, might be considered less than flattering, yet it possesses a certain charm of its era. Conversely, Robin’s tuxedo-costume exudes a surprising elegance, perhaps a clever upgrade from his more traditional attire. This visual sets the stage for the intriguing narratives within, hinting at the romantic entanglements and unique situations the Batman Family comics were known for.
Batgirl and Robin looking at each other intimately in a panel from Batman Family comic
A central theme explored throughout the Batman Family series, and prominently featured in this issue, is the evolving relationship between Batgirl and Robin. Despite any age differences – a detail often overlooked in the comic book realm – the writers skillfully developed a romantic subplot between these two dynamic characters. This burgeoning romance would eventually solidify its place within the DC Universe, particularly after the CRISIS event, where both Batgirl and Robin became regular fixtures. This specific issue seemingly aimed to accelerate this romantic narrative, plunging readers directly into a pivotal moment in their relationship.
Robin holding a basketball in a comic panel, narrowly avoiding an assassination attempt
The lead story unfolds with an action-packed assassination attempt targeting Robin. While attending a basketball game at Hudson University as a special guest, Robin becomes the target of a hired killer. In a rather improbable yet classic comic book moment, the assassin’s bullet strikes the basketball Robin is holding, inadvertently saving the Boy Wonder’s life. Robin swiftly apprehends his attacker, uncovering a contract placed on him by the enigmatic Maze. Simultaneously, a mysterious figure communicates with a shadowy mastermind, expressing frustration over the failed assassination attempt, setting the stage for escalating danger.
Batgirl dodging a car in an underground parking garage, showcasing her acrobatic skills
Shifting to Washington D.C., Batgirl finds herself embroiled in her own perilous situation. While investigating suspicious individuals linked to information leaks from Congresswoman Gordon’s committees, Batgirl becomes the hunted. In a tense underground parking garage scene, she narrowly escapes being run down by her pursuers, relying on her exceptional acrobatic abilities to survive and neutralize the threat. Mirroring Robin’s predicament, the same mystery man contacts the Maze leader, lamenting the unsuccessful attempts on both Batgirl and Robin’s lives, demanding a more effective approach for the next attempt.
Robin and Batgirl seemingly entranced at their wedding ceremony surrounded by villains
In a bizarre turn of events, the underworld is summoned to an auditorium, lured by invitations to the wedding of Robin and Batgirl – invitations that ominously hint at a double execution to follow. Despite the questionable logic of staging a wedding for such a purpose, the auditorium is packed with armed criminals. Robin and Batgirl, seemingly under some kind of trance, appear to exchange vows. However, when the villains unleash their gunfire, the dynamic duo vanishes, revealing a trap door and turning the tables on their attackers, capturing everyone, including the Maze chief disguised as the wedding minister.
Batgirl explaining the staged wedding plot twist in Batman Family comic panel
The narrative, while undeniably action-packed, admittedly takes some liberties with logic. Batgirl, in a concluding page, attempts to clarify the convoluted plot. It’s revealed that Robin himself orchestrated the contract and the faux-wedding as an elaborate ruse. The explanation for the wedding staging remains flimsy, seemingly contrived to justify the cover image. Despite the plot holes, the storyline delivers on excitement and showcases the resourcefulness of the Batman Family heroes.
Man-Bat facing off against Snafu in a panel from Batman Family comic
Following the main story, the issue includes a pair of shorter features. The first is the debut of a recurring Man-Bat strip, brought to life by the dynamic artwork of newcomer Marshall Rogers. This series reimagines Man-Bat as a straightforward superhero, despite his monstrous appearance. This initial installment pits him against a villain named Snafu, whose sensory disorientation tactics are cleverly countered by Man-Bat’s own sonic sonar abilities. This added depth to the Batman Family roster, expanding beyond the core Gotham protectors.
Commissioner Gordon reacting in surprise to Alfred dressed as a burglar in Wayne Manor
The issue concludes with an unexpected team-up: Commissioner Gordon and Alfred! The pair are preparing a surprise birthday celebration for Bruce Wayne at Wayne Manor. To prevent Gordon from stumbling upon the Batcave entrance or the Bat-Hotline phone – a potential oversight in the planning – the resourceful Alfred employs his acting skills, feigning a burglary to divert Gordon from these sensitive areas. Interestingly, Batman himself is entirely absent throughout all three stories in this Batman Family issue. Readers drawn in by the Caped Crusader’s name on the cover might have been surprised, or perhaps disappointed, by his absence – a consequence of shifting from Batman reprints to original Batman Family content.
In conclusion, this issue of Batman Family offers a unique glimpse into the broader Bat-universe, highlighting the engaging dynamics between Batgirl and Robin, showcasing lesser-known heroes like Man-Bat, and even giving supporting characters like Alfred and Commissioner Gordon their time in the spotlight. While the main storyline might have its narrative quirks, the issue as a whole delivers classic comic book action and intrigue, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the Batman Family and the wider DC Comics universe.
