Detective Comics No. 457 Cover by Dick Giordano
Mid 1970s Batman often gets overlooked. I wish it wouldn’t. I like the era as much as any other of Bat stories.
The classics may have had more spaces between them then, but the ones we did get are pretty special. Case in point, this issue contained “There is No Hope in Crime Alley” by Denny O’Neil, Dick Giordano, Terry Austin and Ben Oda. (Sorry, no colourist credit listed.) In 12 pages we get a deep dive into something very human about Batman.
This is the Batman I wish was still around. He’s not a rage monster. It’s not about him being the smartest guy in the room and being so very serious about it. He’s a man, a grown man, showing vulnerability and self awareness. These are the ‘mature’ comics I wish the big two would produce more of. Not only have I outgrown the need for omnipotent power fantasies, I think our culture as a whole has.
Colour by me.
As published.
Re-created original art by Bruce McCorkindale. Seriously, hire this guy if you want first-rate re-created original art.
Art made production ready.
New colour version.
Re-created trade dress added.
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