Batman Masterpieces

    (DC, 1998)
™ and © DC Comics

The Joker had escaped from Arkham Asylum once again and ominously the Bat-Signal remained unanswered for days. Then two policemen found Batman’s bullet-riddled cape and cowl at Pier 13. The conclusion is as dreadful as it is obvious: Batman is dead and the Joker killed him.

This book is an unusual item in the realm Batman publications. In 1996 DC, in conjunction with Fleer, released a Batman Master Series collectable card set. Rather than simply a series of scenes or character poses like other card sets, this series contained a narrative, albeit one that lent itself to pin-ups. Every member of the Batman universe: friends, allies, confidants and especially villains, are spotlighted with a card. This book collects all the cards printed sequentially and enlarged to 8 1/2 x 11 inches.

Four artists contributed to this story line with each undertaking a specific task in the narrative. Scott Hampton painted the scenes that advanced the plot. Carl Critchlow illustrated the cards in which the Joker interrupted the story with his introspective lunacy. Dermot Power painted the rogues gallery as Nightwing considered possible accomplices. And Duncan Fegredo illustrated the scenes of the Joker reflecting on how he probably killed Batman since he himself cannot recall it.

An interesting, behind-the-scenes aspect of this book is the inclusion of preliminary sketches and information that the artists used in determining the final product.

— George Haberberger
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Batman Masterpieces #1

January, 2002
Cover Price: $19.95
1 copy available for $16.00 		Doug Moench, Ruth MorrisonCarl Critchlow, Duncan Fegredo, Scott Hampton, Dermot Power, Ken Kelly, Vincent Di Fate, Joe DeVito, Nick Jainschigg, James Warhola, Romas