The Dark Knight Returns #1 Cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley
Artists: Frank Miller (Penciller) , Lynn Varley (Colorist)
82 Comments - 2,382 Views - 81 Likes
Artwork Details
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DescriptionBelieve me, I was itching to post this cover the day I bought it. But I also knew I would be doing a Felix Comic Art podcast at San Diego Comic-Con with my friend Felix Lu and decided I would rather save the scoop for him. Now that his latest podcast has been available for a few days, here ya go!You can also listen to the podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/2p88s7xp ... look at the auction page here: ha.com/7274*91074 ... and/or check out or download the entire 52-page printed catalog here: https://tinyurl.com/cjnum8fy Enjoy! Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Michael Diaz 
Member Since 2010
2 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Nice. If you like that sort of thing. GOOD GOD THAT IS EPIC!!!
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
2 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Not bad, for a silhouette and a lightning effect. Lol. Well, it is comics history. When I consider superhero covers I think of this, Superman 1 and X-men 133. Not a bad group to be in.
Jared Simmons
Member Since 2004
2 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Take away the artistic merit of the piece and you still have an extremely historic, pivotal piece that has been repeatedly copied and parodied since it was first debuted due to its importance and eye catching imagery. It is a wonderful get. Congrats!
Seamus O
Member Since 2007
3 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Thanks for posting. CAF is a nice one stop internet museum for the world to see great art. I wish more gallery owners would post their gems. No matter what I personally feel about Heritage's business practices, I did appreciate how forthcoming you were on the interview.
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
2 - Posted on 8/13/2022
That is a spectacular adddition to your collection, Jim. Important, iconic and beautifully rendered. Congratulations on adding another museum piece!
Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009
2 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Ground-breaking book, earth-shattering cover and historic piece...best of the best. Super congrats Jim!
Ed M.
Member Since 2017
2 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Congrats! A piece of comic art history! Thank you for sharing it here.
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
2 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Simple and iconic.. really drove the imagination when it came out and still fabulous today!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
2 - Posted on 8/13/2022
As collectors (especially in this hobby), it's obviously a lot easier to want something than to actually get it. Even for someone of your stature. Most of us would say that the percentage falls somewhere on the disappointing side of half the time. Personally, I'm not aware of a single person walking around in this hobby who can say that he's gotten every piece he has ever gone after. That's just not how it works. So it means a lot to any collector, when they can celebrate any kind of triumph. Whether it's some small personal piece of nostalgia, or a majestic and iconic piece of comic history like this. Enjoy this for as long as you can, and congratulations. Hopefully this will inspire all collectors as to what's possible, even if the odds are against you. Happy collecting everyone!
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
E DLS wrote:
As collectors (especially in this hobby), it's obviously a lot easier to want something than to actually get it. Even for someone of your stature. Most of us would say that the percentage falls somewhere on the disappointing side of half the time. Personally, I'm not aware of a single person walking around in this hobby who can say that he's gotten every piece he has ever gone after. That's just not how it works. So it means a lot to any collector, when they can celebrate any kind of triumph. Whether it's some small personal piece of nostalgia, or a majestic and iconic piece of comic history like this. Enjoy this for as long as you can, and congratulations. Hopefully this will inspire all collectors as to what's possible, even if the odds are against you. Happy collecting everyone!
We aren't all millionaires, Eric. We can all however dream. I dream of all the guys who own the stolen Bolland Dredd artwork dying , or having to sell and me having oodles of cash at the time and them all landing on my doorstep. Dream, dream, dream...Dream, dream, dream.. I also dreamed of a better book than the Brian Bolland apex edition. Back to the fabulous Miller piece. Still my number one comic book of all time.
Raymond Bryan
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
And we have a winner!! Seen this in person and just love it.. One of the historical artifacts of the hobby! Congrats!!!
Felix Lu
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Jim, when you look at this...do you see Batman from behind? Or is he facing the viewer? ("The Dress" of the comic art hobby!)
Thanks for the scoop! Looking forward to Part 3!
James Halperin
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Felix Lu wrote:
Jim, when you look at this...do you see Batman from behind? Or is he facing the viewer? ("The Dress" of the comic art hobby!)
Thanks for the scoop! Looking forward to Part 3!
Hey Felix, great seeing you at Comic-Con! It had been way too long.
Filling the blanks of the silhouette in my head, I imagine Batman looking straight down. Curious what you think?
It was my pleasure, and I enthusiastically anticipate Part 3. :)
Felix Lu
Member Since 2005
Posted on 8/13/2022
James Halperin wrote:
Hey Felix, great seeing you at Comic-Con! It had been way too long.
Filling the blanks of the silhouette in my head, I imagine Batman looking straight down. Curious what you think?
It was my pleasure, and I enthusiastically anticipate Part 3. :)
Yes, he's looking down...but I'm seeing the back of his head, with his right arm pointing downward...as opposed to straight-on, and his left arm...
It's "The Dress" all over again!
James Halperin
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Felix Lu wrote:
Yes, he's looking down...but I'm seeing the back of his head, with his right arm pointing downward...as opposed to straight-on, and his left arm...
It's "The Dress" all over again!
To me, it's his left arm outstretched pointing downward, and I'm looking at the right side of his head.
To each imagination, its own interpretation :)
Scott Williams
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
James Halperin wrote:
To me, it's his left arm outstretched pointing downward, and I'm looking at the right side of his head.
To each imagination, its own interpretation :)
I gotta go with Felix on this, roughly side ways back of head, right arm stretched forward. The rendition works well imagining it from the front as you see it Jim, but I think then you would HAVE to see Batmans left ear (to the viewers right) in that orientation. EITHER WAY, it's an ANMAZING piece of history you've got there!
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
2 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Scott Williams wrote:
I gotta go with Felix on this, roughly side ways back of head, right arm stretched forward. The rendition works well imagining it from the front as you see it Jim, but I think then you would HAVE to see Batmans left ear (to the viewers right) in that orientation. EITHER WAY, it's an ANMAZING piece of history you've got there!
Theres an even funnier interpretation. Its not Batman at all. Its somebody throwing a cutout through the sky.
James Halperin
Member Since 2007
Posted on 9/5/2022
James Halperin wrote:
To me, it's his left arm outstretched pointing downward, and I'm looking at the right side of his head.
To each imagination, its own interpretation :)
Felix, DC licensed this statue, apparently: https://www.sideshow.com/collectibles/dc-comics-batman-the-dark-knight-returns-sideshow-collectibles-300805
Seems closer to my version with left arm outstretched, but I have no idea whether they consulted with Frank Miller. I'll ask him next time I get the chance (unless you beat me to it!).
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Cuh-razy cool cover !!! Batman riding the lightning. This is a pure classic, plain and simple. Major congrats!
Timothy Finney
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Congratulations. It is one of the singularly most recognizable images in pop culture history.
Brent S
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
There are no words to describe how truly epic and historic this piece is...huge congrats, and great podcast with Felix!
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
Best comic of all time (you heard it here first) and what an iconic image this is!
James S
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/13/2022
I'm glad it's on CAF and part of the community, vs. buried in a black hole collection!
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
I always love hearing you on the podcast. Great cover for a great collection!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Best of CAF 2022. Wash, Rinse, Repost. 2023, 2024, 2025...
It legitimately was a bolt of lighting to the comics industry that shocked every long time creator and every aspiring creator that came after to change the course of their storytelling in comics, movies, TV, etc.
Vartan Dadian
Member Since 2012
Posted on 8/14/2022
Marcus Wai wrote:
Best of CAF 2022. Wash, Rinse, Repost. 2023, 2024, 2025...
It legitimately was a bolt of lighting to the comics industry that shocked every long time creator and every aspiring creator that came after to change the course of their storytelling in comics, movies, TV, etc.
Sounds a lot like Tatis Jr...
Monty B
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Such an iconic piece...major congrats on acquiring this!!!
Carlo M
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
I am not a DC guy but I have to pay my dues to a masterpiece of comic history and American pop culture.
Amir E
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Congrats Jim. This cover is very special. Thanks so much for sharing with the community!
Best,
D. J. Peters
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Unbelievable! Thank you so much in sharing this fantastic piece of art!
James Halperin
Member Since 2007
Posted on 8/14/2022
wrote:
Well Heritages confirmation process caused my bank to suspend my credit card twice as they thought the small amounts charged on the card were fraudsters testing the card. They may need to improve your companies profile on this side of the pond. I gave up trying to confirm my card. Whats the point when the process gets it suspended?
Peter, Would you mind emailing me (jim@ha.com) using your Heritage email address (or include your customer number) and I'll check it out? I didn't even know we had a process like that. :o Thanks!
Jeremy Radisich
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Particularly after listening to Jim on Felix's podcast, I'm certain that this piece has ended up in the loving and appropriately reverent collection it was meant for. Well done!
Tom Coker
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Jim, I was not surprised to learn this monumental comic cover landed in your amazing collection. Congrats on another superb addition to a truly museum quality collection.
Stephen F
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Probably one of the most iconic image in comics. So simple, yet so powerful. Congrats Jim. As my grandmother used to say: "Ya done good!"
Jonathan Mueller
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
I truly expected this to dwarf the recent record price that the first Spider-Man symbiote costume appearance set. It seemed on track to do just that; but I was really surprised when it finally went live and there were barely any additional bids, and while it's kinda hard to call the end price on this a "deal", I honestly feel like it was, all things considered. So congrats on a relative "deal" on an amazingly historic piece from what I consider the greatest Batman story ever told.
J L
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
It's truly an iconic cover and it fits perfectly in your world class collection Jim!!!!
Daniel Evan
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/14/2022
Congrats Jim! Wonderful image added to a tremendous collection.
JN 80
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
Such an iconic piece in bat lore. Huge congrats and thanks for sharing
Eric Wenger
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
There are grails, and then there are grails of grails. Just iconic piece of history.
Sideshow Bob
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
While we all see the moment in time captured on this gorgeous cover, you get to relive the moment when you realized you won this grail of grails. Congrats Jim!
Patrick Carlos
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
Congratulations. What an amazing piece of art!
Chris Puckelwartz
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
Huge congrats Jim! Appreciate you posting it for others to enjoy :)
Sean Clarke
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
I only ever saw this as Batman with his back to the viewer and it never occured to me that we can flip the direction via an anaomaly of perception. Glad to discover that the art didn't end up with Martin Shkreli or some hedge fund bro.
Thanks for sharing!
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
There's nothing left to say other than CONGRATULATIONS, Jim!
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
1 iconic cover.
660 views in 48 hours.
64 comments.
43 Likes.
And not one "If you ever thinking of letting this one go let me know!"
Congrats on adding another historical piece to your collection, Jim.
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
Posted on 8/16/2022
John Espinoza wrote:
1 iconic cover.
660 views in 48 hours.
64 comments.
43 Likes.
And not one "If you ever thinking of letting this one go let me know!"
Congrats on adding another historical piece to your collection, Jim.
If he gets a really, really (Tom Parker bad and no Elvis cash cow to hand to bail him out) bad gambling habit he might.
Rick W
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
And just like that, Batman would never be the same again.
Congrats Jim!
Marc Pecorella
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/15/2022
How much better can your art collection get???? Well, you just displayed that answer! Beautiful and historic---congrats Jim!
Olivier D
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/16/2022
This cover could not have found a better collection to be loved at its true value, another jewel in your sidereal collection, toutes mes félicitations Jim!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/18/2022
Whew! C-L-A-S-S-I-C. One of the most iconic images in the history of comic-dom! I mean, there it is. Congrats!
Keith Becker
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/19/2022
Congratulations Jim! Epic aquisition for your wonderful collection!
Mark Levy
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/21/2022
Nothing new to add but heck, I have to comment on this museum piece.
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 8/31/2022
Wow! Absolutely great piece of comic history! Beautiful and iconic! Huge congrats and great seeing on here.
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