Gnatrat: The Dark Gnat Returns

    (Prelude, 1986)
™ and ©1986 Mark Martin

If you’ve read Frank Miller’s landmark ‘80s series Batman: The Dark Knight—and who hasn’t?—then you have a pretty good idea of the story in this admirably witty and well-drawn spoof. Here, it is 50 years after the retirement of the legendary vigilante crimefighter, the Gnatrat, but crime has not retired with him. In fact, thriving is the villainous Art Gang, determined to take control of the entire comic book industry. To fight these evil, shadowy figures, billionaire play-rat Boo Swain takes up the cowl and Gnatmobile once more. Not content to merely spoof The Dark Knight, though, the title also lampoons Miller’s other well-known works, including “Ronin” and his Daredevil “Born Again” series.

Everything from the artistic style to the panel layout and the dialogue is a dead-on parody of Miller’s work, with some perfect moments scattered throughout. Written and drawn by Mark Martin and published by Prelude Graphics.
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#1 (B&W)

July, 1986
Cover Price: $1.95
15 copies available from $0.99 		Mark MartinMark Martin