Batman 3-D (1990)

Written and Drawn by John Byrne

 

    The 1990’s was a distressing time for comics. The rise of the young Image artists with their aggressively grim and dark characters like Spawn and Youngblood. Marvel struggling to stay relevant with a ridiculous assortment of gimmicks, such as holographic and glow in the dark covers, while most of their best talent quietly left for rival DC Comics. The worst was by far DC, who took part in the gimmickry and was still being outsold by both Marvel and Image. The big 2 had become the big 3 with DC taking home the bronze. This is one of those gimmicks.

    I would describe the story but there really isn’t much of one. A simple murder mystery with the Joker, Penguin, Two Face and the Riddler as the suspects. Nothing that hasn’t been done a million times before and in a lot of cases it was done better. The book also has Batman pin ups by some of the best artists of the time, and a classic 1940s Batman and Robin story all of which are in awesome looking 3-D. The real reason to buy the book is seeing John Byrne’s classic artwork in 3-D. His artwork is solid, and holds up with the rest of his body of work. It’s really just an excuse to draw exciting sequences that will look good in 3-D.

    Speaking of the elephant in the room, it’s time to ask how is the 3-D? To be honest… it’s shockingly good. Scenes where Batman is trapped underwater or fights the Riddler through a factory of giant typewriters and bowling pins really lend themselves to 3-D. But ultimately it comes down to is, are you getting your money’s worth? Back in 1990 this book sold for $10. I know that 3-D effects are expensive, and the pair of Batman themed 3-D glasses are cool and all, but I don’t think it’s worth it. I only got the book because I was morbidly curious and found it on eBay for about $3. Batman 3-D, its fun for a laugh but not for a purchase. Not for $10 anyway.