Review Detail

Batman Overdrive by Shea Fontana is a re-imagining of Batman’s origins. A young, pre-Batman Bruce Wayne is at the beginning of his vigilante lifestyle as he deals with his grief over the loss of both his parents. With the help of a few friends, Bruce begins remodeling his dad’s old car into what will become the Batmobile while he investigates his parents’ murders.

What I Liked:
I liked the style of the comics, the easy to read typeface, and engaging illustrations. The mystery surrounding the Waynes’ death drove the story, along with Bruce’s guilt and grief. I liked seeing Selina Kyle as a young kid before she becomes Catwoman. That was an interesting twist to the story, one that adds a bit of irony if you are familiar with the characters.

What Left Me Wanting:
I was not a fan of how Bruce treats Alfred. Maybe because I associate Alfred with a father-like figure who always looks out for and loves Bruce, but Bruce believes Alfred had something to do with his parents’ murder. It was an unfair leap, and one that distracted from the story for me.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, I liked Batman Overdrive. It’s not like any of the other Batman comics I’ve read so it definitely will stand out. While it is geared towards kids 7 and up, the darker undertones may scare younger readers. It is a fast-paced adventure for one of our favorite vigilantes, creating a whole new storyline for the Batman.