The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Small Miracles

The Cartoon Network series Baman: The Brave and the Bold was the perfect comic book series. Many hated the show for being too silly and as a superhero cartoon, it probably was a little too hokey. But it was a flawless show for comic book fans, especially those of Golden and Silver Age DC Comics. Just like the classic Silver Age Comic 'The Brave and the Bold' each episode had Batman teaming up with another hero or team for a fun caper. Actually, he'd team-up twice per episode, first during the opening teaser scene and then for the rest of the show with different character. So it was like getting two episodes in one.

The comic book followed the formula exactly and this collection of issues was a shining example of the exceptional work being done at DC to bring the animated series to as much life as the print medium can. Here, the Caped Crusader races with the Flash, practices escape artistry with Mister Miracle, and learns the true meaning of Hanukah with Ragman.

    There were three notable issues in this collection. Here's a rundown of my favorite tales in descending order:

3: A typical week in Batman's life has the Dark Knight fighting a different menace daily while teaming with a vast array of heroes throughout the DCU.

2: With Batman in a coma, the Phantom Stranger assembles a collection of Robins past and present in hopes of saving the heroes life.

1:  In the final issue, Batmite falls in love with Batgirl and along with Batman, the trio takes a historic look at the history of DC romance.

   It's very fitting that Batmite appeared in the final issue of the series as he was the last character to team up with Batman in the final episode of the series. Though I just loved that episode and this issue in question was such a treat- it's very bittersweet seeing the end of Brave and the Bold. I really enjoyed both series and think it was a travesty for it to end. (Hopefully it will one day make a revival like Teen Titans Go! has done recently.)

    Lastly, I want to speak about the books in general. I said that this volume was a collection of issues of the series. Actually, it's a collection of two series. DC published 'Batman: the Brave and the Bold' and then for some reason they cancelled it and published 'The All-New Batman: the Brave and the Bold.' 'Small Miracles' collects issues from both volumes. I have no idea why DC decided to cancel the first title and then replace it with another. But it does make for some confusion when you are trying to collect all of the issues related to this classic series.

   Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.