The Bat-Man: First Knight #1 p.40 - Mazzucchelli-esque!
Artist: Mike Perkins (All)
47 Comments - 912 Views - 37 Likes
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The Bat-Man: First Knight #1 p.40 - As Published
Artwork Details
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DescriptionWhen Mike began showing me scans of the first pages he had illustrated for this project, to say I was once again blown away so soon after having already felt that way about his previous work on The Swamp Thing, would be an understatement. So soon after producing the best work of his career, he once again topped himself.So when I realized how outstandingly high the quality of the work was and how large these original pages were(slightly larger than twice-up, at 16.5" x 21"), I knew I wasn't going to be able to afford to buy as many pages as I'd normally want to. At that point, I'd decided I would buy myself 3 pages from the series. One that featured a classic 1930's female with all the period hairstyle and clothing (I desperately wanted page 5 but Mike kept that one), one that featured Bat-Man and one that focused heavily on architecture and texture. That plan of mine ultimately got blown apart, but the last one of those page "wants" was filled by the acquisition of the page you see here, showing multiple images of Blackgate Prison, a beautiful building which actually exists in the town Mike Perkins lives in and actually WAS once a prison. Mike had decided to hold back quite a few pages from each of the three issues from this series and this was one of those, but since he was also already keeping page 5 and he had another page with a great shot of Blackgate Prison, he was kind enough to let me buy this one. I fell in love with the architectural design of Blackgate (The fictional name of the prison.) and how beautifully Mike depicted it in the first panel, and the grimy, old weathered stone it was made of can clearly be seen in the closeup of it in the 2nd panel. I was so taken by how nice the building was illustrated that it wasn't until I had been looking at the page for a while that I realized there were brief glimpses of Bat-Man and parts of his cape in silhouette in the first three panels! The final panel was another fabulous depiction of the prison walls, but with the added bonus of having a full figure, albeit tiny, image of The Bat-Man. But what struck me about most was that it immediately evoked a feeling of deja vu, as it has a look and feel of the version of Batman from David Mazzucchelli's Batman:Year One. The lighting techniques Mike used to show the prison spotlight casting The Bat-Man's shadow against the prison wall is absolutely exquisite. All of this is topped by a turbulent looking sky which adds to the page which is already dripping heavily in mood and atmosphere, a signature calling card in Perkins' work. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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John C 
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
This is the kind of place you want to curl up in and have a big bowl of cheese curds and gravy.
J. Lim
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
This is an amazing page that really sets the tone of the series- dark and mysterious. Mike's layouts and use of lighting really shines. Outstanding!
Steve Day Vich
Member Since 2007
2 - Posted on 8/6/2024
If there's a comic art texture category, this page wins hands down. Beautiful piece.
Heidjer Staecker
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Perkins really knows how to play with light. Amazing piece.
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
A well-chosen page. I'm a big fan of establishing shots in movies and comics because they can really serve as a storytelling aid more so than just a static (boring) device. Blackgate itself is incredibly well-rendered by Mike but those shots of Batman moving around the prison from multiple perspectives are just the cherry on top of the sundae.
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
It's fun to see flashes of the Bat before that amazing last panel which indeed evoques Mazzucchelli (that's what I thought too, seeing it first before reading your description ;)
(Welcome back on CAF btw and see you next year? ;p)
Jared Simmons
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
A great piece! What is magical about it is the subtlety of the Batman's inclusion. Giving weight and presence to Blackgate while still having the full Batman experience. The huge bat shadow is awesome and actually highlights the Batman drawing your eye to him. Artistically and visually a really interesting and engaging piece. Congrats!
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Fantastic page, stunning artwork from Mike! Batman moving through the shadows (and creating shadows of his own) around Blackgate, its an awesome scene - and for sure Mazzucchelli-esque like you titled it.
As Mike's rep I'm sure it must be tough to not want to buy more art for yourself as we've talked about before but it's good to see that you at least get to take a stab here and there when he has projects coming out after the collectors get a chance. I
absolutely loved his art on The Swamp Thing as you already know, and def am tempted by this artwork but have not had a chance to read the story yet, so I guess I put myself behind as far as desire to get art from it since I don't know the story yet.
The larger size is both awesome and a bit of a challenge to store too but hoping I still can at least see some of this art in person someday after I get around to reading the book. Congrats Ruben!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
There is a sense in which buildings, drawn well and in context, can represent some of the most beautiful artwork in our hobby. To give another example, I used to go for DWJ's artwork in a similar vein in his various series and then discovered (when I was outfoxed by someone with faster fingers) that I was not the only one (I had foolishly assumed that most would go for other pieces at Felix's traditionally frenetic art drops). To return to this piece, it is marvellous in every aspect - and with a figure of the Bat-Man casting his shadow over an already shadowy structure (in both physical form as well as spirit) to boot. Many congratulations on a fabulous piece of Mike Perkins artwork!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Yeah wow, you don't see any evidence of Batman at all at first, because you're so blown away by the amazing architectural detail, but then the he starts to pop out all over ... but still so subtle. Mike Perkins somehow manages to keep topping himself. Congrats on this amazing page -- Can't wait to see the others you grab!
Michael Kirton
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Congrats Ruben this is absolutely remarkable. There is no question Mike reached a new level on this title.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
2 - Posted on 8/6/2024
We will remember this First Knight forever
After all the wash fades to grey
And Blackgate inked on page
And we will remember this First Knight together
We'll recall the brick that was laid
All the foolish dreams of the dead
Of the Knight we met
Got Jurgens in mind, have I seen you somewhere?
You're filling up Bats with a strange intrigue
I rivet my glance to Shrewsbury prison
I got that Perkins who’s love for Mazzucchelli
Tell me again, what's your decision?
Your first impression of Mike’s illustrations
And this night shall be the First Knight (this night shall be the First Knight)
And First Knights were made for love
I can taste the action in the air tonight
Hearts are poundin' as the art ignites
And this night shall be remembered (this Knight shall be remembered)
Long after the comic's gone
And we'll reminisce on Bat wings we had
And we'll fall in love again
Lance Suarez
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
beautiful beautiful piece of art Ruben. Congrats to you my friend.
Brian Norton
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
boy mike really knows how to draw a building. that first panel is amazing! I wonder if he was ever interested in designing buildings before he ever became a comic artist. that last panel shows that you don't have to see a giant splash of the hero to get the magnitude of what he represents. Batman is the smallest thing on this page but it carries the biggest impact with his iconic Bat shadow against the building
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
That's the kind of darkness I like in any Batman page. Congrats.
Miki Annamanthadoo
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Really great page and that last panel with the Shadow of the Bat!
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
I love the pacing and atmosphere Mike created on this page and that last panel should be a promo image for this series.
David Kwock
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Fantastic moody piece. Absolutely love that bottom right panel! Major congrats!
Carl’s Collection
Member Since 2018
2 - Posted on 8/6/2024
This is the type of modern piece where it's a gift to see the page without the word balloons. It's a wonderful story for sure, but man oh man, just look at this page!! The mood, the architecture, the textures, Batman and the cast shadow! Just so much to love here!! The eye doesn't know where to land & that's the sign of a beautifully crafted page!
Jason Ladwig
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Awesome page. A master class in texture and lighting.
André .
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
This whole page is just insanely good with the inks, but that last panel with the bat shadow... amazing!
M L
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL! I'm sorry the whole plan didn't work out, but by golly, this page is worth any 3. Talk about Wall Power! Stunning.
Derek Crabbe
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
"Batman! IN EVERY--SINGLE--PANEL!" is how I can hear someone selling this page. ;)
But seriously, great moody page that certainly fits the bill (for your architecture mandate). I also enjoyed reading the first issue of this. Reminds me I need to check out the other issues.
Neon Dragon
Member Since 2017
2 - Posted on 8/7/2024
The architecture, darkness and somber mood of this work is perfect for Perkins' magical, otherwordly talent. As a hard-core Batman-iac, I am definitely not fond of his protrayal of Batman with the long ears in other pages, but Perkins once again, has shown that his style is immediately recognizable, and his dramatic inking looks like a photo out of Ansel Adams portfolio. Great one, Ruben!
Steve . M
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Congratulations! Love the contrast in the brick details with the cast spotlights, love the dropped shadows of the prison bars and reflections off the glass on prison window. Then you get that extra bonus of Batman.... You've certainly checked many boxes
Alberto Gonzalez
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
What a fantastic page by Mike! I always loved the way he draws buildings and backgrounds, but he's definitely taken it to the next level here... Add that to a super-fun page layout, and then how he shows the cape/wings in every panel.... Awesome!!!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Reminiscent of the opening sequence to Hilarious House of Frightenstein. Just missing some Vincent Price
Lee P
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/8/2024
I like how the cape is present in all panels as if The Batman is too quick to see his entire figure. The photo realistic building is amazing and that shadow panel just tops it all off. Congrats!
Bob Kopman
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/8/2024
I see what you mean about Mazz-esque. That figure in the final panel really invokes Mazz. Beautiful page. I see more every time I look at it.
Michael Weigant
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/10/2024
I would love to see the size of this page in person from what you told us Ruben ! Sounds like an awesome score for your gallery,many congrats !
Matt Kennedy
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/10/2024
Perkins has been absolutely slaying lately.
Great pick-up!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/12/2024
Those aren't printed stats?! A true labor of love from Mike, no doubt. Talk about setting a SCENE. What an establishing shot, then Mike just keeps it movin' in the rest of the panels...and the mini Batman at the end? Love that he's that small as it communicates even more the grandeur of the scene that Mike has set here for us! Big congrats, Ruben!
West Stephan
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/15/2024
Love all the detail you get on this piece! Incredible!
NSN Collection
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/16/2024
An AMAZING page for so many reason.
Mike Perkins isn't an artist I was familiar with until his SWAMP THING run. And noe THIS! Now it's a name I will never forget!
Hart R.
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/21/2024
Oh yeah the Bat Singal page! I dig it.
His style is ok-ish... :D...Heheheh!
Bill J
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/5/2024
Fascinating page! It's so interesting the way Mike drew this page with four large panels that seem to be focused solely on the architecture of Blackgate Prison. I love how it's only when you study the panels closely that you begin to notice the subtle hints that Batman is here. And even when he is fully revealed in the final panel, he is dran quite small with only his shadow against the side of the prison looming large. I love reveals like this one that give the reader a chance to discover for themselves what's going on. What a fabulous page from the always surprising Mike Perkins!
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 9/19/2024
Rubén!! In "comic book terms", I don't know that I've ever seen a cooler depiction of Batman (sorry, The Bat-Man) as a thing of mist and shadow, ever elusive and invisible. But from an artistic design and execution standpoint, this is quite possibly my very favorite page from the three-issue artistic high-water mark that was "First Knight". Harnessing all the momentum he had built up during Swamp Thing (sorry, The Swamp Thing), he was able to channel that into a very significant level-up, treating us all to period-specific, photorealistic architecture, gorgeous (and hideous!) people, and workhorses of cars. His incredible use of shadow and moody, noirish lighting has always been a huge part of his best work, but it feels like it was all just practice leading up to this point. The prison stands like a fortress here, imposing and impenetrable, degassing pain, regret, and sorrow into the night sky. And Mike has sculpted that night sky in such a way that it not only sets the emotional timbre of the upcoming scene, but you also never lose sight of The Bat-Man as he executes his infiltration. (The sky even appears to give an exultant cheer in the last panel, to celebrate Bruce's accomplishment and cap off the hero moment. Gorgeous work!) Mike's ability to unerringly produce these photorealistic settings, to so consistently and accurately capture the reference he takes, is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
And, yeah, a total nod to Mazzuchelli here, just as previous pages featured unmistakably Neal Adams moments, and unmistakably Bernie Wrightson moments, etc., etc. Mike's enthusiasm for (and investment into) this project is beyond question! Seeing this page in person must -truly- be a sensational experience.
This tale leaned into the time period to add a gritty, more street-level feel to the mystery, and this series was a gorgeous page-after-page reminder that Mike is at the very peak of his powers, on a very elite list of folks able to produce work of this caliber, consistency, and scale. My -most- sincere congratulations on landing this incredible page, Rubén! What an incredible beauty!
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 12/11/2024
The building detail and shadow work is fantastic. It took me a second to realize that the bat shadow was from the tiny figure at the bottom, which I happen to think is so great!
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