2 out of 5

I guess I figured this was going to happen, but I was curious.

As part of DC’s “YOUniverse” – a good concept, an okay name, sort of an iffy implementation – where new titles are supposedly being determined by what YOU (gasp – me?) want, we have wrapped back around to one of those brief points that the Big Two continually cycle through where some unique series have the chance to make their play.  Thus Bat-Mite gets the chance for a starring role.  But, unfortunately, as is true for a lot of these unique series, the pitch is fun – and generally spurs an inventive first issue – but then subsequent issues feel like back-pedaling while we remember that we’re still part of larger editorial churn.  It’s not like it’s super noticeable in Bat-Mite, as it’s supposed to just be a silly book, but whereas the first issue has an odd edge to it, with the lead playing within current continuity, the followup shifts purely to yuks, with no stakes, and no sense of impact upon anything outside of the pages of the series.  This obviously affects the overall interest level of the read, but it also undermines the humor, which starts feeling piled on top to cover up a lack of story.  Corin Howell’s art strikes a nice blend between comical and Archie-lite realism, but it also suffers in book 2 when Hawkman jumps into the picture and so Bat-Mite is no longer the sole visual juxtaposition for out-of-the-ordinary characters.  Mike Atiyeh’s soft color blends are a highlight throughout, however.

Jurgens can be a funny guy, but like a lot of funny mainstream DC / Marvel dudes, the humor seems to work best when it has to be creatively funneled through a framework (issue 1) as opposed to just let loose (issue 2).