Solo (DC)

(DC, 2004-2006)
™ and © 2004 DC Comics, Inc.

Widely known for his collaborations with writer Jeph Loeb on their varied projects for DC, (Batman: The Long Halloween, Batman: Dark Victory and Superman for All Seasons) and Marvel, (Daredevil: Yellow, Spider-Man: Blue and The Hulk: Gray), Tim Sale displays his distinctive artistic techniques on a variety of stories in this showcase.

Although titled “Solo” Sale teams up with other writers on four of the six stories in this title with Jeph Loeb among them. “Date Knight” written by Darwyn Cooke, features Batman and Catwoman in a playful battle across Gotham City’s rooftops. “Christina” written by Sale, and rendered in a sepia-tone ink wash is a story of love and regret. “Young Love” written by Diana Schultz, is an homage to the Silver Age Supergirl, complete with a bright color palette indicative of the look of the 1960’s. The poignant ending is a direct contrast to that color scheme. “Prom Night” written by Jeph Loeb, evokes the heartland values instilled in Clark Kent by his adoptive parents and recalls the first chapter of “Superman for All Seasons.” “Low Card in the Hole,” written by Brian Azzarello, is a film noir crime story that is Sale’s forte. The final story in this book, “I Concentrate on You” also written by Sale, recalls the courtship of his parents.

— George Haberberger

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