Batman Tales Of The Batcave and DC Comics Super-Villains

Writer Michael Dahl and artist Luciano Vecchio have turned out a wonderful new series of illustrated kids books based on the heroes and villains of DC Comics.

 

Written so kids can easily follow along and comprehend the stories are packed full of action, valuable lessons and humor.  Capstone/Stone Arch Books has every reason to be proud of these delightful and fun new books that use exciting adventure stories to encourage kids to read and write.

Luciano Vecchio’s art reminds me of the classic Warner Bros. animated DC Comics kids’ shows such as Batman, Superman, Justice League, etc. 

His style captures the look and feel of longtime DC Comics animation artist Bruce Timm.  The characters are very streamline, the layouts clean and uncluttered and the coloring is bright and solid and complement the inks.

Michael Dahl successfully emulates writer/producer Paul Dini’s writing style and yet adds a unique touch all of his own.

Currently eight Batman Tales Of The Batcave are available with more to come.  They include:

The Clown Prince Of Cards starring the diabolical clown of crime the Joker recounts how the giant Joker Card that resides in the Batcave came to be.

All of the Batman Tales Of The Batcave books explore the various artifacts that decorate the many rooms of the Batcave.

In The Crushing Coin readers discover the reason the giant Lincoln Penny stands as one of the predominate display pieces in the Batcave representing a near death encounter with Two-Face.

Just where did the Giant Dinosaur statue come from? Could the Riddler have anything to do with it?  Find out in Dino Death-Trap.

The Jaguar’s Jewel can only be attributed to the ultimate cat burglar Catwoman. 

Harley Quinn provides the giant top hat in Harley Quinn’s Hat trick.  It a topper!

The Villainous Venus Flytrap almost makes a meal out of Batman and Robin, courtesy of Poison Ivy.

Mr. Freeze chills out with The Frozen Zone Freeze Ray as he tries to put Batman and Robin on ice-permanently!

Is that rain outside? Whatever they do Batman and Robin certainly don’t want to use The Penguin’s Power Parasol.  That pesky fowl fiend is out to rob some very special items and only the Dynamic Duo can stop him

What fun stories! I felt as if I were watching some classic Batman animated cartoons in print.

Each book includes a glossary, questions for discussion and a Q & A section encouraging kids to write about each adventure.  What a great way to stimulate and motivate kids to read, write and use their cognitive skills.  Teachers take note!

In Black Manta And The Octopus Army, written by Jane Mason and illustrated by Luciano Vecchio, Aquaman takes on his arch nemesis Black Manta in a thrilling tale of conquest, crime and chaos.  Part of the DC Comics Super-Villain line of books it also includes a glossary discussion questions and writing prompts.

This book is sure to be a big hit with kids as the new Aquaman movie is now hitting movie theaters.

Also part of the DC Comics Super-Villains book lineup is Captain Cold And The Blizzard Battle that pits the frozen felon against the Scarlett Speedster-the Flash, written by Scott Sooneborn with illustrations by Shawn McManus and Lee Loughridge.

Teaming up with other Flash Rogue’s, Captain Cold devises a super-flu to thwart the Flash.  Can the Flash stop him before he contracts the deadly flu?

All of the books reviewed offer a great to encourage kids to read, write and use their critical thinking skills.