Best of 2025 :: Published/Unpublished Comic Book Pin-Ups, Illustrations, Trading Cards

1st published Jim Lee Batman - Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #50 pin-up - IDW DC Legends Artifact Edition book cover

Owner: Daryl R
Artist: Jim Lee (All)

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Jim Lee DC Legends Artifact Edition book

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Artwork Details

Title:	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)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Pin Up
Views:	1,595
Likes on CAF:	44 45
Favorited on CAF:	1
Added to Site:	8/7/2025

Description

1992. 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!

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About the Owner

	Daryl R ( 7 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	June 2015
Last Login:	January 2026
Ebay Id:	vegascomicninja
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Premium Member Q&A Daryl's Classifieds Daryl's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About DarylR

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