BRONZE AGE MINUTE: Detective Comics #407

DC; January 1971
Cover by Neal Adams

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.

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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”

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