Cruise, Grant :: Covers: Color/Painted

Batman Shadow Of The Bat #4

Artist: Brian Stelfreeze (Painter)

9 Comments - 445 Views - 15 Likes

Additional Images:

Another view

TPB Cover

Published cover

Stelfreeze signature

My copy from the 90's signed by Stelfreeze and Giordano

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Artwork Details

Title:	Batman Shadow Of The Bat #4
Artist:	Brian Stelfreeze (Painter)
Media Type:	Mixed Media
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	445
Likes on CAF:	15 16
Comments:	9
Added to Site:	4/12/2024
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Wow! Still a bit in shock that I was the last bidder standing on this one. There are very few comics in my collection that I’m fairly confident I remember what store I bought them from. I’m pretty sure I bought this issue off the stand at a pharmacy in the Crosscreek Mall in Greenwood, SC when I was 12. I’m also pretty sure I got it signed by Dick and Brian at my very first Heroes Con in 1993.

When I saw this coming to auction, I went rifling through my comics. I was unsure if that comic was among the hundreds I sold a couple years ago to clear out my daughter’s bedroom closet. Luckily, I kept a couple boxes of Spidey, Batman and X-Men to give away when kids came to visit. So it was still here. I love the sequential storytelling that happens with these four Last Arkham covers. From struggling with the Arkham orderlies on #1, to the Issue #2 image of Batman in chains, to #3 where Batman struggles to free himself and finally Issue #4 where we see him break the chains.

I know I bought this issue before I bought the polybagged first issue and don’t think I got another from the series until I started collecting all the books connected to the Knightfall event.
Brian only did 49 SOTB covers and they almost never come up for auction. I have often wondered where they all are. I lost out on one to Pat L that he nabbed on eBay back in 2021. Looks like 2015 is the last time HA had one. So unless they start hitting the market like the Preacher covers, I knew this could be my last chance for some time. Didn’t even realize it was used as the TPB cover until the auction was over.

HA description:
Brian Stelfreeze Batman: Shadow of the Bat #4 Cover Original Art (DC, 1992). Batman busts out of his chains in this powerful cover painting created in mixed media on heavyweight illustration board with an image area of 11.5" x 17". Signed by Stelfreeze in the lower right image area and bottom margin. Bottom left corner ding and top layer tear on the top edge; otherwise, in Excellent condition.

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About the Owner

	Grant C
Joined:	December 2015
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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NSN Collection
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 4/12/2024

Brian's covers on this series made me a fan of his art for life. His eye for color and boldness to go in that direction separate him from the pack,

Congrats on a fantastic addition.

Grant C
Member Since 2015

Posted on 4/16/2024

NSN Collection wrote:

Brian's covers on this series made me a fan of his art for life. His eye for color and boldness to go in that direction separate him from the pack,

Congrats on a fantastic addition.

Thanks so much! Totally agree, when it comes to painted covers, so few even in the same league.

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 4/12/2024

An early issue and with a Stelfreeze cover are a great combination as this launched out of the Batman 89 era to be remembered by a whole generation of comics buyers. It held great prestige to have a painted cover!

Grant C
Member Since 2015

1 - Posted on 4/16/2024

Marcus Wai wrote:

I was definitely in that Batman 89 generation of fans. Might never have walked into a comic book store if it wasn't for that movie.

Shelton Bryant
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 4/13/2024

Luv the Muscularity!!! Great Color and Detail!!!! Awesome Facial Expression!!!..........Congrats!!

Grant C
Member Since 2015

Posted on 4/16/2024

Shelton Bryant wrote:

Luv the Muscularity!!! Great Color and Detail!!!! Awesome Facial Expression!!!..........Congrats!!

Thanks Shelton!

ilia georgiev
Member Since 2006

1 - Posted on 4/13/2024

Stelfreeze's Batman covers on this run where vibrant and striking in the technique that he used. You knew who the artist was based on his distinctive work. This is a great cover. Congrats!

Grant C
Member Since 2015

Posted on 4/16/2024

ilia georgiev wrote:

Stelfreeze's Batman covers on this run where vibrant and striking in the technique that he used. You knew who the artist was based on his distinctive work. This is a great cover. Congrats!

Very much agree. Pretty certain it would be hard not to recognize a Stelfreeze painting if I saw it. Thanks!

Derek Crabbe
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 4/13/2024

Wowza!

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