The writing is also well crafted, the character of Batgirl herself well written, though the plot and storyline may make any avid comic book reader yawn. There is nothing new or overly exciting being told in this issue.

Batgirl must hide her identity from her parents not because she risks them discovering her alter ego, but because she had promised them she would quit her career as a vigilante and has not been able to follow through with said promise. Sadly the character development of both Batgirl and Barbara Gordon, another heroin in the series, lacks polish and logic.

It is a stretch at best to see the leaps both characters have taken in attitude and motivation in their actions, making the series seem disjointed and choppy, as though the author didn’t take much care in making the story make sense.

The series is starting off rocky, but the footing is stable enough that it will delight and entertain those who don’t care to judge harshly.

In a controversial new storyline by Grant Morrison, Batman is killed by Simon Hurt who claims is Batman's dad. While everyone, who does not live under a rock, knows.

Batman's dad was supposedly killed when Bruce Wayne was but a child. But in this new story line, Simon Hurt claims that he simply faked his own death.

This of course opens up the storyline to a whole new level. The success of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight is definitely worth noting here because after the passing of Heath Ledger there has been plenty of discussion on whether any new foe would ever match the performance of Ledger.

With this new twist in the comic there is definitely a opening for the Batman movie franchise to do the same.

But don't worry Batman aficionados, while Bruce Wayne has passed away, Batman is promised to continue fighting.

While we have all been kept in the dark, no pun intended, there are rumors floating around that the next Batman will be either Dick Grayson, the original Robin, or current boy Wonder Tim Drake.

Or he will be fighting against the group. The exact story line is unclear, but what is clear is that the storyline will be popular. Batman, and the rest of the DC gang, is an incredibly franchise domestically, and the 99 is in the same boat internationally. In the Middle-Eastern world, the 99 comics sell over a million copies a year and are the inspiration for a television series.

Comics often reflect the state of the world, and this collaboration should be no exception. It will be interesting to see such prevalent symbols of American super strength teaming up with, or fighting against, symbols that represent Muslim strength. This international situation is often very complicated, and the comic book collaboration will be similarly provocative. The Dark Knight plus 99 Muslim values equals excitement.

Here's a wonderful black & white photo sent in to us from a Bat-Blog Reader named Michael who said he loved this old publicity photo of Chief O'Hara from the 1966 Batman TV Show reading Mad Magazine.

I have to agree, it's very cool!

The actor's name is Stafford Repp. While watching the show, as a little kid, I always liked his thick Irish accent.

Thanks Mike. The photo inspired me to hunt down my old issue of this classic magazine cover.

I show a picture of it next to yours & even made a Desktop Wallpaper for you to enjoy...Thanks again.

This Photo is Batman Desktop Wallpaper!

I mean, it's easy to do & it's kinda neat because while it does create "historical reference", it also helps to bring back memories for readers. Like, "Wow, I remember when comics were only 25 cents!" or, "Yeah, I always loved that certain bat-logo." Another thing people like is seeing a favorite artist again like Jim Aparo, Neal Adams, Carmine Infantino, Norm Breyfogle, etc... I asked my friend if he had any bat-memories & he told me this story.

"While sitting in the car my Dad went into a 7-11 store & bought me my VERY first comic book, a Batman comic. It was a story about a villain named The Wringer. I must have been about 5 or 6 years old. I remember the appeal the comic had on me because the story was sooo crazy. The villain got his name because he liked to wring necks, ha ha!" Well, ok, this cover is for you Dave! Thanks for sharing your tramatic childhood story.

The issue was Batman #278 from Aug 1976. I hope it's not too scary for ya, ha ha ( inside joke ). If any other readers have any nice stories to share about their Batman fandom then please leave a comment below, thanks.
Vintage 1970's BATMAN Comic Book Cover # 278
Gotham City Downtown