Writers: Paul Dini and Alan Burnett
Art: Ty Templeton and Monica Kubina (colorist)
Publisher: DC comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 14th, 2023
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THE DISPATCH
The Joker and his new partner, Straightman, are on the loose, and in Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #3, we learn more about who Straightman is. It’s interesting to see a new character like this be given backstory. He feels like a throwaway character, but we learn there’s more to him than meets the eye. This issue also gives us the new iteration of the Suicide Squad, otherwise known as Task Force X. Continuing off of their appearance on Justice League Unlimited, this version combines the roster from both their DCAU episode and the traditional comics’ lineup, with Amanda Waller leading the charge. Captain Boomerang and Deadshot are still in, but strangely the Clock King is absent, with no mention of what happened to him. Waller mentions Harley having been in the Squad, which suggests this story is set after the tie-in comic to the animated Batman and Harley Quinn movie. This issue also featured a villain who only had a one-time appearance on Batman: The Animated series and a cameo on Justice League Unlimited, as well as a mysterious new character.
ART
It was quite refreshing to see Ty Templeton back as artist again, after an extended absence from this series. He really knows how to capture the Bruce Timm animation style well. Monica Kubina really adds depth to the colors too, particularly the night sky. It was also a clever touch naming the theater Joker and Straightman were performing at after Simon Trent, whom BTAS fans may remember as the name of the actor who played the Gray Ghost, Bruce’s childhood hero, in the show. Perhaps this was done as a homage to the late Adam West, 60’s Batman actor who provided the voice of the Gray Ghost. They also did well by keeping certain characters shrouded in shadows until it’s revealed who they actually are, keeping readers guessing.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #3 is a good expansion upon DCAU lore, exploring new characters and further connecting Batman the animated series to the rest of the DC animated universe. It also explores new characters and brings back minor characters from the show. Beyond that, there is a new iteration of the Suicide Squad, no doubt to be explored more in future issues. Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #3 is must-read for fans of the classic DCAU version of Batman, especially those who are interested in seeing new characters added to the mythos.