Detective Comics #407
Published and © by DC, January 1971
Title: “Marriage: Impossible”
Synopsis: Batman interrupts the marriage of Man-Bat and girlfriend Francine Lee – but a startling surprise awaits!
Writer: Frank Robbins
Penciler: Neal Adams
Inker: Dick Giordano
Review: First, the obvious: Neal Adams is a fantastic Batman artist, and his Man-Bat is similarly striking. But this story is a stinker. Why is Batman beating the hell out of consenting adults who just want to get married? Sure, the couple has issues, but Batman comes off as a jerk.
•••
Title: “One of Our Landmarks Is Missing!”
Synopsis: Batgirl tries to escape an explosive trap in time to save a local landmark from an illegal demolition.
Writer: Frank Robbins
Penciler: Gil Kane
Inker: Vince Colletta
Review: Vince Colletta’s not-so-subtle inks overpower Gil Kane’s pencils, but the art is still decent. The hipster dialogue? Not so much.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Neal Adams and Gil Kane are a dynamic duo of artists.
Not-so-cool factor: Does Vince Colletta’s inking look good over anyone?
Notable: First appearance of She-Bat. … Also includes a two-page Superman promo titled “A New Year Brings a New Beginning for Superman 1971.” … The “Batman’s Hot Line” letters page includes an LoC from future Batman writer Alan Brennert and comic-book historian Arlen Schumer.
Character quotable: “I can’t buy this way of fighting the establishment! We gotta do it – non-violent!” – Shelley Simms, “love child”
Editor’s note: This review was written Feb. 20, 2022.
