Batman #349 Splash Art by Gene Colan - The Monk and Dala
Artists: Gene Colan (Penciller) , Alfredo Alcala (Inker)
7 Comments - 376 Views - 14 Likes
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Detective Comics #31 Cover
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DescriptionIf I were to ask you, "Who was Batman's very first costumed super-villain? Would you know?" No, it was not the Joker, nor the Penguin. It was not the sultry Catwoman, Two-face or the Riddler. Some may say that it was the dastardly Doctor Death, who first squared-off against The Bat-Man (as has name was originally spelled) way, way back in Batman's first two-part story (written by Gardner Fox) in Detective Comics #29-30 (July-August, 1939), but that would be incorrect as well, since Doctor Death has the distinction of being Batman's first "name" villain, but he was not actually a costumed super-villain. We must look back to Bob Kane's and Gardner Fox's most masterful, second two-part saga in Detective Comics #31-32 (September-October, 1939), which introduced the diabolical Monk to the Batman mythos to discover our true and terrifying answer. It is quite ironic that a great many Bat-aficionados consider the unforgettable cover to Detective Comics #31 as the single greatest and most famous Batman cover of all-time, and yet, have no idea who the enigmatic crimson cloaked figure ascending to his lone remote castle is on the lower left of the image. As Gardner Fox writes on the cover to introduce this climatic clash between Good and evil, "Powerful and Awesome, the mysterious Batman again appears to oppose the evil forces of a terrifying Master of Crime known as The Monk!" Gardner's and Bob's original storyline would be the only appearance of the Monk - a super-powered formidable foe who was both werewolf and vampire combined - and his dark and deadly assistant Dala for more than 40 years, until Gerry Conway decided to resurrect them for a stunningly sensational 7-part saga, which ran in Detective Comics #511, #515 and #517, as well as crossing over into Batman #346, 349, 350 and 351 (February - September, 1982). The beautifully statuesque and sexually charged Dala was reintroduced in Detective Comics #511, that exquisitely illustrated by the late, great Don Newton, with the remaining issues being handled by veteran artist, Gene "the Dean" Colan, who was perhaps chosen to draw this darkly gothic tale because of his masterful work on Tomb of Dracula for Marvel Comics (April, 1972-August, 1979). Conway had written many of the Tomb of Dracula stories. This was an excellent updated version of the original tale and its intriguing characters and proved to be every bit as tantalizing, complex and dramatic epic clash between good and evil as Gardner and Bob’s first foray 43 years before.Original artwork for Batman #349 (DC, 1982), page 13 by Gene Colan (pencils) and Alfredo Alcala (inks). For the chilling tale, "Blood Sport," in which the Teen-Wonder Robin, waking from unconsciousness after being knocked-out cold by the Monk, finds himself a captive of his former love interest Dala, tied up to a chair in some spooky old mansion, right out of a Universal horror movie, in upper-state New York. The disconcerting fact that Dala knows his secret identity is a secondary concern, only to his immediate captivity, as he contemplates how to free himself from this unsettling predicament. Robin starts a fire via the nearby oil lamp and breaks free of his bonds, just as Dala and her brother the Monk crash through the heavy wooden doors to finally unveil themselves as "Incarnate Horror" - voracious, bloodsucking vampires! This spectacular splash page represents the BIG REVEAL for this epic saga, for, at last, the real malevolent Master of Crime steps forth from the darkness as the masterful manipulator of these darkly clandestine events. Terrified beyond comprehension, the young Robin looks upon this nefarious duo and screams in horror, "DALA! My GOD!" However, it is not The LORD who advances upon Robin, but two undead devils. Batman #349 marks the first full appearance of The (new) Monk since his debut in the original Golden-Age saga, with a brief cameo shot of him hooded in the shadows in Detective Comics #515, gorgeously illustrated by Don Newton. The new Monk and Dala were given their very own origin backgrounds by Conway in this epic storyline. This deadly undead duo proved to be formidable foes, even succeeding in transforming both Batman and Robin into fearful salivating, blood-thirsty vampires, who very nearly lost their immortal souls in this epic engagement. Thank God that Heaven intervened, as they were eventually cured through the timely intercession and Godly council of the saintly Father Green, via complete blood transfusions. Father Green could even be considered a modern-day take off of Dracula’s arch-enemy, Professor Abraham Van Helsing. Not only does the Monk go down in history as Batman's very first costumed super-villain, but has likewise proven to be one of his most powerful and deadly arch-enemies, nearly slaying the Dark Knight Detective on a myriad of their encounters. Social/Sharing |
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Brent S 
Member Since 2016
Posted on 8/7/2024
I absolutely love Colan's work and this is a perfect example of why. Beautiful splash by both he and Alcala as well as a great history of Batman supervillains.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
Posted on 8/8/2024
It's gothic horror mystery that ruled the day for the supernatural thrills and chills in pulps that gave birth to Batman, now revived here by Colan and Alcala for these standout issues!
My NAME IS LEGION
Member Since 2004
Posted on 8/8/2024
Awesome Tomb of Dracula Splash by Colan!!!!!!!!
hey, waitaminute....
Matt Kennedy
Member Since 2014
Posted on 8/9/2024
Hot damn! Arguably the best Batman page without Batman on it –or damn close to it.
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