Robb Ghag reviews Batman Black and White #2…
“The Eisner Award-winning series continues with a second amazing issue! Don’t miss new takes on the Dark Knight from legendary creators including Rafael Grampá, Dan DiDio and J.G. Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Jeff Lemire and Alex Niño, and Michael Uslan and Dave Bullock! Plus, a cover by the amazing Jim Steranko!”
If you remember the last few incarnations of the Batman: Black and White series, you may recall few and far between were great stories, and fewer still were incredibly drawn, or illustrated.
I can safely say that this one issue brings back some of the great Batman Black and White stories and illustrations, easily in the past decade. It’s easy to see why once you see who has contributed to the issue: Dan DiDio, J.G. Jones, Rafael Grampa, Rafael Albuquerque, Jeff Lemire, Alex Nino, Michael Uslan and Dave Bullock, some of the most notable names in comics over the past 20 years.
I confess I wasn’t a huge fan of the cover, despite the fact it’s drawn from Jim Steranko. Quite frankly, this is more of a personal choice. I know dozens of people who think it looks amazing, given the complete black and white sketch approach, not to mention the stylistic choices Steranko has made.
The stories and artwork are what absolutely set this issue apart from the majority of its predecessors. I can easily see any one of these stories transformed into their own mini series, or given the popularity of some of the artists, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these interpretations become Batman Black and White statues.
I would strongly recommend this issue for any Batman fans out there, but even more so if you are a fan of the Black and White.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.
Originally published October 11, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
