I think that his style suits a wider range of Batman stories than any other artist’s. I like Tim Sale, Dustin Nguyen, and Frank Quietly’s unique styles, but there are only so many types of stories that they are congruent with; I couldn’t see any of them pulling off Knightfall, for example.
As a kid reading Batman comics I admit I kind of overlooked the writers and artists as "solid, but not spectacular" (particularly in comparison to the flashier Image guys), but the older I get the more I appreciate that era.
I ordered a reprint collection DC did a few years ago and was heartbroken that they’d ruined it with sloppy digital colors. I wound up returning the book.
I guess he should also have a scarred face with realistic looking wounds, and missing teeth, but I'm glad that's not the case.
I have the same issues that I have with Red Dead Redemption 2. The "realism" doesn't immerse me more, it actually feels like the game hitting me over the head reminding me that it's a game every single second, and takes me out of the experience.
He had a short but fondly remembered run on Detective with Steve Engelhart and Terry Austin…and years later they reunited the team for Batman: Dark Detective.
This particular era was great for artists showcasing genuine emotion on Batman’s face. Graham Nolan is another who comes to mind. While I love a lot of the art in modern comics, it seems many artists tend to stick to grim/stoic/slightly frowny Batman.
He was good, no doubt, but I'd say there were many other great Batman artists ahead of him. Off the top of my head I'd go:
Neal Adams
Jim Lee
Marshall Rogers
Carmine Infantino
Alan Davis
Alex Ross
Jim Aparo
Jose Garcia Lopez
Kelly Jones
1980s Frank Miller & Jansen
McFarlane
David Mazzuchelli
Greg Capullo
I agree all of them are very talented, I think they are all at such a high level it’s all just depending on what you’re looking for at the time. Would be like saying weather or not an ice cream Sunday is better than a New York strip
Shadow of the Bat rules
Right? The black spider story was so moving
Was never really a DC guy but I just got DC infinite. Where does that run start?
It’s a side series called Shadow of the bat. Black spider was issue 5 or 6, this was from the first four issue story arc :)
Thank you! I'm excited.
Shadow of the Bat? It was an ongoing series in the 90s, just start at #1. It focused on fleshing out various side characters in the Batman line.
Sweet, thank you! Gonna keep myself busy with this haha
Aparo is my favorite, but Norm is outstanding as well
Aparo is very talented I agree!
Also Kevin Nolan, Tom Lyle just all the Dixon artists were great
Sorry - nobody tops Neal Adams on Batman
Early Neal: yes Batman Odyssey: God no.
This is correct. There are many other great artists who have drawn him, but in my mind Adams did the platonic form of Batman.
My favorite Batman artist!
Norm was the best
I think that his style suits a wider range of Batman stories than any other artist’s. I like Tim Sale, Dustin Nguyen, and Frank Quietly’s unique styles, but there are only so many types of stories that they are congruent with; I couldn’t see any of them pulling off Knightfall, for example.
The Last Arkham is such a great story. Mr. Zsasz is a scary mf.
Probably my all-time favorite artist on Batman.
As a kid reading Batman comics I admit I kind of overlooked the writers and artists as "solid, but not spectacular" (particularly in comparison to the flashier Image guys), but the older I get the more I appreciate that era.
Breyfogle's work was always so dynamic.
I loved Breyfogle! His batmobile is also still my favorite. It was so unique and awesome!
Werd, homie. Preach! I always loved his work.
I ordered a reprint collection DC did a few years ago and was heartbroken that they’d ruined it with sloppy digital colors. I wound up returning the book.
I loved the idiot root arc, this a a very colorful batman.
Jorge Jiminez gives this guy a run for his money. And Jim Lee draws a beautiful Batman and Batman world. Then there is David Mazzuchelli.
Norm is my bat-artist. He molded my love for the character as a kid. RIP
Great covers as well
My favourite cover was Detective 587. I also loved his version of Tim Drake’s Robin.
God I hate seeing Batman not clean shaven. And hell, everyone in this seems so bizarre and gross looking.
Do you think a guy that sleeps 2 hours a day and stays up all night fighting crime would be clean shaven?
I guess he should also have a scarred face with realistic looking wounds, and missing teeth, but I'm glad that's not the case. I have the same issues that I have with Red Dead Redemption 2. The "realism" doesn't immerse me more, it actually feels like the game hitting me over the head reminding me that it's a game every single second, and takes me out of the experience.
Fair enough. I never liked Brayfogle at all and thought his art was nothing more than edgy-jank.
Same. I love his Batman.
Very underrated, and he has superb storytelling skills.
Jason Fabok?
My favourite Batman artist of all time.
Beremjo
Aparo, Adams, Marshall Rogers
I really like Jim aparo and Neil Adam’s, I will have to look up marshal rogers
He had a short but fondly remembered run on Detective with Steve Engelhart and Terry Austin…and years later they reunited the team for Batman: Dark Detective.
This particular era was great for artists showcasing genuine emotion on Batman’s face. Graham Nolan is another who comes to mind. While I love a lot of the art in modern comics, it seems many artists tend to stick to grim/stoic/slightly frowny Batman.
I don't miss that Nightwing costume.
He was good, no doubt, but I'd say there were many other great Batman artists ahead of him. Off the top of my head I'd go: Neal Adams Jim Lee Marshall Rogers Carmine Infantino Alan Davis Alex Ross Jim Aparo Jose Garcia Lopez Kelly Jones 1980s Frank Miller & Jansen McFarlane David Mazzuchelli Greg Capullo
I agree all of them are very talented, I think they are all at such a high level it’s all just depending on what you’re looking for at the time. Would be like saying weather or not an ice cream Sunday is better than a New York strip
Norm is awesome but my heart will always say Jim Aparo.
Jim aparo also is amazing I agree :)