By d. emerson eddy — No new comics were sent out physically this week, with Diamond essentially shutting down for the foreseeable future until things start getting back to normal. How long that may last, we don't know. To coincide with that, nearly all publishers have taken a similar approach to their digital releases. Even with the slim pickings, there was a selection of some great stuff in Finger Guns #2, Sera & The Royal Stars #7, Sabrina: Something Wicked #1, and Ash & Thorn #1. It was nice to at least see something new, even though it reinforced the idea that we live in uncertain times. Though I do suggest checking them out, it didn't quite feel right to me to focus on something that also has a print edition that isn't necessarily easy to get right now, so thankfully there was a digital first release that can be considered comfort food, Batman: The Adventures Continue #1.

This first issue from Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Ty Templeton, Monica Kubina, and Joshua Reed basically drops us into the Batman: The Animated Series/Batman Adventures world as if we never left. Between them, Burnett and Dini easily have over a hundred credits working on the animated arm of Batman's adventures, as well as due experience in the comics. Templeton's name is practically synonymous with adapting the animated style to the comics. It's truly old home week for an animated Batman fan with this series. And, damn, is it a joy.

As Batman works his way through an encounter with Bane, followed by a theft at Wayne Enterprises by a giant robot, and a fundraiser attended by Lex Luthor, you can virtually hear Kevin Conroy and Clancy Brown's voices through Burnett & Dini's dialogue. Templeton's art, with Kubina's colors, perfectly capturing the tone and atmosphere of the animated series for a comics audience. Reed rounding out the team with his lettering work, nicely incorporating the convention of Batman's grey narration boxes.

Though, I should say, you don't need to have any affinity or nostalgia wrapped up in the cartoons or the previous comics in order to enjoy this. It's still a fun, engaging start to a Batman story suitable for pretty much anyone to take their minds away from the darkness around them, at least for a little while.

Overall, Batman: The Adventures Continue #1 is a very welcome addition to the animated canon from Burnett, Dini, Templeton,Kubina, and Reed. It captures the essence of what's come before and begins a new adventure from some of the series' original architects. Well worth a look.

Batman: The Adventures Continue #1
Writers: Alan Burnett & Paul Dini
Artist: Ty Templeton
Colorist: Monica Kubina
Letterer: Joshua Reed
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $0.99

d. emerson eddy is a student and writer of things. He fell in love with comics during Moore, Bissette, & Totleben's run on Swamp Thing and it has been a torrid affair ever since. His madness typically manifests itself on Twitter @93418.