Batman Day 2017 - A Black and White Aesthetic

Since today is Batman Day, I decided to pick up some back issues at my local comic shop (Thanks Coliseum of Comics).  So while we're in the spirit of the Caped Crusader's 78th anniversary, I thought to share another collection I tend to obsess over:  Batman Black and White Statues
 

Inspired by the anthology mini series produced in the 90's, these statues capture the artistic vision of comic book masters.  While most are different depictions of Batman, a few sculptures show diverse stylizations of his Family and Rogues Gallery.  Starting in 2005, I can remember buying my first-ever eBay item - A Batman Black & White statue inspired by Brian Bolland.  Since then, my completist mentality has purchased almost every statue produced over the last 12 years. 

Besides Kim Jung Gi (which I hope to find soon), here are some pictures of all the released statues (I believe there's 79 in total).  With no foreseeable end in sight, DC keeps announcing more and more fascinating designs including John Romita Jr. and Becky Cloonan.  So as long as DC Collectibles continues to "cast" and "forge" these iconic statues, I'll continue to collect!

Frank Miller, Jim Lee, Darwyn Cooke, Jock, David Mazzucchelli, Brian Bolland, Neal Adams

Tim Sale, Simon Bisley, Greg Capullo, Alex Ross, Frank Quitely, Jae Lee, Dick Sprang, Jim Aparo

Francis Manapul, Ethan Van Sciver, Sam Keith, Gotham Knight Series, Arkham Series

Joe Kubert, Bob Kane, Jim Lee, Dustin Nguyen

Carlos D'Anda, Neal Adams, Kelley Jones, Steve Rude, Brian Bolland

Kelley Jones, Lee Bermejo, Michael Allred, Mike Mignola, Ivan Reis, Gary Frank, Dustin Nguyen

Sean Murphy, Matt Wagner, George Perez, Bruce Timm, Cliff Chiang, Eduardo Risso, Tony Millionaire

Tony Daniel, Paul Pope, Nicola Scott, Sean Galloway, Andy Kubert, Carlos D'Anda

Ed McGuinness, Sergio Aragones, Patrick Gleason, Bryan Hitch, Michael Turner

 

Frank Miller, Jim Lee, Greg Capullo, Lee Bermejo, Brian Bolland, Dick Sprang, Paul Dini, Bruce Timm

Rafael Grampa, Jime Lee, David Finch, Rafael Albuquerque

 

Norm Breyfogle, Carmine Infantino, Cameron Stewart, Jason Fabok

Steve Rude, Marshall Rogers, Dave Johnson

Tarantino Comics - Issue 48

Once again I'm sorry for the hiatus, but at least the time void wasn't near as long.  Maybe one day I'll get back into the habit of writing.  But for now, I hope you enjoy today's issue - Tarantino Comics #48 illustrated by Kaymonstar at MegaCon 2014.

Reservoir Dogs has a lot of things going for it - It's an unconventional caper with a funky soundtrack, cool dialogue, and flashbacks mixed with ultraviolence.  In addition to all things awesome, Tarantino conjured up some great performances (especially for a first film).  For instance, the audience welcomes the paternal bond created between Mr. White and Mr. Orange.  As "Lawrence" defends the honor of his fallen "son," Tarantino really amps up the tension between the experienced Mr. White, the quirky Mr. Pink, and the terrifying Mr. Blonde.  However, once Mr. White discovers he's been duped for the entire film, we feel his heart drop as he raises a gun to the head of his dying "partner."

This emotional blow to the gut is beautifully depicted by Kaymonstar.  Even with cartoony flourishes, I empathize with the tears dripping down Mr. White's face.  Even if I had no knowledge of Reservoir Dogs (which is impossible within any Earth of the Multiverse), this image is more than enough to entice a grab off the old spinner rack.

Unfortunately I cannot find an "official" website for Kaymonstar on the internet.  However, if you see her at a show, I highly suggest you checkout her work.  I've commissioned her in the past and all her pieces turned out pretty rad (ranging from Batman and Daredevil to Super Grover).

Tarantino Comics - Issue 47

Wow - It's been over a year since I last posted (since the theatrical release of The Hateful Eight to be exact).  I don't watch as many movies as I used to, but I have a backlog of films I eventually want to get caught up on.  However, my love for comic books has been reignited so I'm super excited for Heroes Con next week.  I went to MegaCon earlier this year (only for a day), but I was disappointed - Unfortunately the show has become too media and Anime driven.   At least Heroes Con is still an comic convention, so I'm looking forward to getting some awesome sketches with back issue diving in between (in particular, I'm searching for old issues of Batman, Daredevil, and 70's Marvel titles).

Anyways, let me present an issue illustrated 3 years ago - Tarantino Comics #47 illustrated by Neil Posis at MegaCon 2014.

Featured on this cover, we see O-Ren Ishii from Kill Bill.  Neil portrayed the deadly assassin posing as an iconic comic book cover image.  I love Neil's artistic vision to maintain the "EC Comics Banner", but allowed it to flow into frame with blood - a great representation of the iconic splatter seen in the Crazy 88 battle inspired by Lady Snowblood.

If you want to see more of Neil's work, check out his blog:  http://raynirart.blogspot.com/ . Not only does he draw beautiful comic art, but he illustrates a decent amount of movie icons as well.