Review: Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Mini Episodes 4-7

The wait is almost over and Ian and Steph sat down recently to chat about the Batman: Wayne Family Adventures mini episodes before season 4 starts!

Steph: Holy Moly Ian, WFA season 4 is right around the corner! Are you excited!!??
Ian: It’s coming! Very exciting, especially as I didn’t expect another season, honestly, with DC Go!
Steph: I’m excited, and to whet our appetites, Webtoons/DC is released 4 mini episodes leading up to the season 4 premier. So let’s talk about those. First is Mini Episode 4 – Snack Time, where Alfred goes around Wayne Manor and finds all the unapproved hidden snacks…man there’s a strict diet being a vigilante!
And of course Alfred benefits from finding all the snacks.

Ian: It makes me feel so much in my heart how much we miss Alfred in the main comics, as he’s such a great presence here in WFA.
The heart of the Batfamily
Steph: I agree. He’s really the anchor that keeps the whole family on the plane of human existence instead of being super heroes all the time.
Ian: I think it’s great that even though WFA clearly has worked out a pipeline with their artistic partners for the main seasons, they still work with Tobyfan for these mini episodes.
Steph: I was going to mention him later, but for most of these minis, I almost didn’t notice the artist change. His style has really improved and matured, as well as being a better imitator of Starbite’s style.
Ian: Indeed! I very much appreciate the smoothness he’s achieved!
Did any particular Batfamily member antics stick out in Snack Time to you?
Steph: Not per se, as they only really appear as a group at the beginning and the end, but I choose to believe it was Steph that left an open box of sour ropes under the floor boards.

Ian: Such libel! Steph would never be so careless!
I blame Dick!
Steph: I think it was only Tim, Steph, Cass, and Duke, so you’re limited on people to blame.
Ian: Well, fine. I suppose Steph may have accidentally created a bug attractant this ONE TIME!
Steph: Did you have a antic you liked?
Ian: Mostly just Alfred being a step ahead of everyone 😄
Steph: ❤️ In Episode 5 – Argument, the boys have a criminal tied up and forcing him to pick sides in a very inconsequential family debate…Is teal green or blue?

Ian: As a guy with VERY mild red green colorblindness, I wonder if the boys have some of that… 😄
Steph: Lol! I didn’t even think of that. That’s why they have so much emphasis or reds.
AND green!
I have to say, this one drove me a little crazy because they never explain WHY they’re fighting! What triggered the argument? Why is it so important? What did the tied up guy do?
So many questions. But that’s why I love the gag episodes.
Ian: I thought it was a BIT annoying that Steph wasn’t there, but she definitely wouldn’t be colorblind, and they do say they’re gonna ask the Batgirls at the end, so that’s fair.
Steph: True facts. A girl could have told them right away it was teal. The criminal was the only voice of reason in the room.
Then we had a, in my mind, pretty controversial story – Episode 6 – Principal’s Office, where Talia mows over the principal and Margie and gets Damian out of trouble for punching Margie’s son.
Ian: I’m of two minds about this one personally. So I agree with you that it’s controversial.
Steph: Where I’m sure Margie’s kid is just as charming as she is, violence isn’t the answer, and Talia definitely is enabling Damian. I will say, I loved the imagery with the different animals (especially the little robin) and Bruce being torn was pretty funny.

Ian: It was great seeing Talia again
and I’m pretty convinced we’re meant to understand that Margie’s kid is a bully
but Damian and Talia are also being bullies here
and that does not sit right with me
Steph: What do you think of the return of Margie?
Ian: I thought it was fun, but I didn’t realize it was her till the end, so I think a bit more signposting might have helped
Steph: Agree.
And finally, Episode 7 – Intimidation, staring Batman and Superman! As Bad Cop and Almost Bad Cop.
Ian: This one was just hilarious for sure
Loved the dynamic between Bruce and Clark
though it once again highlights for me how much we need a Kent Family Adventures
Steph: Oh, I agree! Have you ever seen the Justice League Action short – Good Cop, Bad Cop?
I was getting hints of that, and I’m glad this didn’t just copy that, though I did feel this one wasn’t as funny.

Ian: That sounds familiar, but I can’t think of it instantly – refresh my memory?
Steph: Batman and Superman question Deadshot, and Supes tries to be the Bat Cop and Batman is the nice one, bringing him coffee, donuts, smiling, and Deadshot is so freaked out that he caves.
Ian: oh, that’s right! I do think that was a bit funnier than this webtoon episode, but still quite enjoyed the Bruce and Clark!
Steph: I did too. This one focused more on the two encouraging each other, and they’re relationship.
And I will say, of the four, this was my least favorite art. I think it was mostly that Batman had a oddly lanky body shape, which threw me off.
He looked boxy too, sometimes
Ian: it definitely felt least visually interesting
Steph: That too. So, of the four, which was your favorite? Or should we rank them?
For me, it’s 5 – Argument, 4 – Snack Time, 7 – Intimidation, and then 6 – Principal’s Office
Ian: I’d say Snack Time first, then Intimidation, then Argument, lastly Principal’s Office
Steph: oooo, an upset, but I agree about Principal’s office.
Ian: to be fair, Snack Time is the only one where Steph actually shows up, so obviously it has to be my favorite
Steph: Lol. Of course.
So, are you excited about this season? What do you hope to see?
Ian: Well, I’m hoping for more of a balance between dark supervillain schemes and family hijinks
but also I really, really want the growth from last season to be important
Steph: I hope so too. And I wouldn’t mind if the villain arcs were shorter. Maybe 2 or 3 of them in a season.
Ian: indeed!
Steph: Well, this was fun, Ian! Can’t wait to chat about the next batch of stories!
Ian: Indeed! When the season of fourthness OFFICIALLY BEGINS!

Stephanie Mounce

Stephanie had watched Batman movies and shows since she was a little girl, but didn’t read comics until 2017 when she discovered Batman’s proposal to Catwoman. She discovered the TBU Comics Podcast and devoured the episodes. When the call went out to find a temporary co-host to fill Stella’s shoes, Steph wasted no time in volunteering. The rest, they say, is history and Steph has been a co-host of the podcast since May 2018. She has since also become a writer of sales numbers and Batman merch articles for The Batman Universe. When she isn’t reading TBU comics, Steph is practicing her new career, voice acting. She also enjoys watching anime, playing games, or living her best life with her husband and two cats.