1st published Jim Lee Batman - Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #50 pin-up - IDW DC Legends Artifact Edition book cover
Artist: Jim Lee (All)
51 Comments - 1,259 Views - 41 Likes
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published pin-up
Jim Lee DC Legends Artifact Edition book
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Description1992. The year that Jim Lee finished his iconic run on X-Men and also left Marvel to become a founding father of Image. During this prime era, he found the time to pencil and ink his first ever Batman for publication.I love the fact that this pin-up was done on a Marvel Comics art board labeled X-Men #6 (released in January of 1992). That adds to the history and the "cool factor" for me. When Jim did this Batman he was either still working on his X-Men run (which ended with #11) and/or he was already working on WildC.A.T.S. As for the style of the art, many have been quick to point out that it seems to have a heavy Frank Miller influence. This is not surprising since Jim went through a period in 1992 and 1993 where he was using heavy inks and his Deathblow art was undoubtedly influenced by Miller's Sin City. This particular illustration is the one and only time Jim ever did this version of Batman. Never again did he return to such a beefy, bulky Batman with such a chiseled jaw line and unmistakable chest logo. Even the heavy inks and use of negative space were not repeated once Jim returned to the character 4 years later. The second time Jim was published on Batman was in 1996 in Batman Black and White #1 where we saw a dramatic style change to a sleeker version inked by Scott Williams which included Jim's signature cross-hatching. Jim's evolution on Batman continued in 2002-2003 when he became the Batman artist on the 12 issue "Hush" story arc (Batman 608-619). Speaking of Hush... do you recognize the gargoyle from the iconic Batman #608 cover? That gargoyle looks to be the same gargoyle Jim first drew on this 1992 pin-up. Nice callback. 2018. This piece was used as the cover to the IDW Jim Lee DC Legends Artifact Edition book. Also published as a full page in the book. This piece is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of my collection and I am thrilled to have it. For many of us, Jim Lee is "THE" Batman artist, and I think it's safe to say that he is definitely the modern-day artist most people associate with the character. I'm still a bit in shock that I am able to be the custodian of this one. Thanks Jason! Social/Sharing |
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The Game Curator
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Congrats! Seems like you managed to acquire your grail :)
Daryl R 
Member Since 2015
Posted on 8/7/2025
The Game Curator wrote:
Congrats! Seems like you managed to acquire your grail :)
I don't like to use the term "grail" since there is so much incredible art out there, but this one is a pretty major accomplishment for my collection
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
So awesome! He would do Deathblow in the same manner in tribute to Miller, but you knew he wanted a Batman run in that style even back then.
Daryl R
Member Since 2015
2 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Marcus Wai wrote:
So awesome! He would do Deathblow in the same manner in tribute to Miller, but you knew he wanted a Batman run in that style even back then.
Apparently Jim Lee and Todd McFarlane both met with DC and tried to get a Batman run in 1992 and Jim used this piece to try to land the job. Rob Liefeld tried to get a run on Teen Titans. Rob talked about it on his podcast Robservations on the episode "The DC Detour!" (October 9, 2020). Rob talks about this specific pin-up extensively (at the 38 minute mark) and features the image on his Robservations website.
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Whoa!!! Jim Lee's first published Batman piece/pin-up is as historic as it gets for "modern" DC/Batman art! I love this image because (like you pointed out) it reminds of the classic Batman #608 2nd print cover, almost like a prototype for that 10 whole years earlier! Except the style is so much more FM influenced than any other version Jim would do, amazing. Huge congrats brother!
Jason D'Ambrosio
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Wow!! This is amazing! And they say crime doesn't pay??? The question is who... congrats!
Gregg and Amanda Spatz
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
An awesome Grail pickup, that has so much history behind it. ! Congrats!
Carl Choi
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
AzBats Brother. Truly a Gem and belongs in your collection. Can't wait to see it framed and on your wall! Congrats!
Comic Art Channel
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Insanely nice piece that I'm happy to see in your collection. Totally stunning.
Daryl R
Member Since 2015
Posted on 8/7/2025
Comic Art Channel wrote:
Insanely nice piece that I'm happy to see in your collection. Totally stunning.
Thanks Jason. Much appreciated! 🙏
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
That’s crazy cool piece and moment from Jim Lee’s career. Love the touches of inspiration from FM and extra story with the Marvel board with X-Men on it.
Eranga Devasurendra
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Jaw on floor. This is a Mt. Rushmore style pickup, dude. The image itself is crazy good but the history behind it is so incredible. HUGE CONGRATS!
Daryl R
Member Since 2015
Posted on 8/14/2025
Eranga Devasurendra wrote:
Jaw on floor. This is a Mt. Rushmore style pickup, dude. The image itself is crazy good but the history behind it is so incredible. HUGE CONGRATS!
Thanks brother! Ultimate combo of art and history for me!
Jeffrey Wedding
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Where do you level up from here? Screen worn Adam West Bat-briefs signed by him with a Bob Kane remarque?
S Riz
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
This one found its way to the right batcave! Congrats 😎
Alex Garcia
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Damn Daryl, every piece you've posted have been gems. Great pick-up!
J. Lim
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Absolutely ICONIC! Great pick up on one of the quintessal Batman artists doing a bang up rendition of the Dark Knightd. Masive congrats!!
Dave W
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Awesome addition - such a great piece of comics history at a major pivot point in Jim Lee's career. The use of a Marvel/X-men board is a huge boon in my eyes as well. I find this type of thing to be very cool also. Congrats on landing a true gem, and a true foundation piece in your collection.
Daryl R
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 8/14/2025
Dave W wrote:
Awesome addition - such a great piece of comics history at a major pivot point in Jim Lee's career. The use of a Marvel/X-men board is a huge boon in my eyes as well. I find this type of thing to be very cool also. Congrats on landing a true gem, and a true foundation piece in your collection.
Thanks Dave! Yeah that Marvel art board with "X-Men 6" written on it really does add to the history and appeal of this piece for me!
VZA Victor
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
What a fantastic addition to your collection. I feel like this was used as one of the limited edition covers for an Artist's Edition as well. I could be mistaken, though.
Daryl R
Member Since 2015
Posted on 8/7/2025
VZA Victor wrote:
What a fantastic addition to your collection. I feel like this was used as one of the limited edition covers for an Artist's Edition as well. I could be mistaken, though.
You are correct Victor! This image was used as the cover for the IDW Jim Lee DC Legends Artifact Edition book in 2018.
Rob R
Member Since 2019
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
I can't think of a piece that better exemplifies the transition of comic art from the 80's to the 90's. Absolutely extraordinary piece.
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Great piece of Mr Lee's history, congrats on this Bat beauty!
Chuck Arnold
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
Wow, this is a real beauty. Incredible. I've always loved this, and Lee's first published Batman....great great piece.
Vik V
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 8/7/2025
HELL YEEEAAAAAH!!!! Daryl, that's the perfect Jim Lee Batman for your collection. Congrats
Carlo M
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/8/2025
This is basically the blueprint for all the J Lee Batman that followed. So much talent and it shows here where Jim ventured a bit outside his comfort zone. Outsanding piece (and this comes from a Marvel-only-guy like myself!)
Tyler T
Member Since 2020
2 - Posted on 8/8/2025
It's a fantastic image to begin with, but the fact that it is the first published is huge. His take on Bats is just as great as you would hope. I also love that it came from that same time frame as X-Men. Adds another layer to a special piece. Great to see you get this legendary pin up!
Daryl R
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 8/14/2025
Tyler T wrote:
It's a fantastic image to begin with, but the fact that it is the first published is huge. His take on Bats is just as great as you would hope. I also love that it came from that same time frame as X-Men. Adds another layer to a special piece. Great to see you get this legendary pin up!
Yeah lots of crazy things were going on with comics back in '92. While Jim Lee was on fire with X-Men nobody knew he was seeking an exit from Marvel and employment with DC. Meanwhile, DC already had the Knightfall storyline planned out and artists assigned so it was a difficult time for Lee and McFarlane to audition for work on Batman since a consistent house style was needed across all the titles. Lee and the gang later decided to start Image instead so it took another decade until Lee was finally able to land a gig drawing Batman.
Chris Snorek
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/8/2025
This belongs in a museum! Absolutely nuts that you own it. Really happy for you.
Alberto Gonzalez
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/9/2025
Pretty cool page.... for DC that is!!! In all seriousness, HUGE congrats on such an amazing historic piece!!! This is epic!!!!!
alessandro gentili
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/10/2025
Everyone sees a masterpiece (and it is!!). I see talent, genius, vision and... what could have been and wasn't. What a shame!
J. Sid
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/11/2025
I love this era of inking for Jim's work. Great piece.
Billy Hynes
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 8/15/2025
I can't be envious as owning this is beyond any possiblity for me. So congratulations. I bought LotDK at the time when I was 17 or so.I copied this line for line while on a holiday with my family and ended up rendering in gold and silver marker as I happened to have those with me.
While it's a nod to Miller/Janson, I think it's also the best Batman he's ever done. I love Williams's inks but there's a stiffness to it all that takes me out the work mostly.
So glad to have it in the Artiface Edition.
Congrats again.
Alex N
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/18/2025
Man Daryl, such a great piece. His style here is reminiscent of the art style he adapted for Deathblow. Almost Miller-inspired.
TBH, it's so much better than his modern day Batman art, which I find very stiff and lifeless. Congrats, man!
Phill R
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 8/18/2025
I don't think anyone would argue this is a Lee Grail. Incredible piece Daryl!!
Mario Losada
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/20/2025
What a wonderful new addition to your gallery!
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