Batman: Manbat Cover/Poster Prelim

For me, John's unique depiction of Batsy (as a macabre, almost demonic figure, possesing an apparently living 'membrane' of a cape) was the groundbreaking iteration of the character that really reignited my passion for comics after a haitus of some thirty years. I'd long hoped to be able to obtain something from that period of his work and I think this A3 landscape format, pen-and-ink work is as good a showcase as I can hope for (given my risibly meagre budget).

This is evidently a prelim for the cover of the first edition (of the three-issue Prestige Elseworlds series of 1995), the resultant image also featuring in a rather splendid poster released at the same time.

Purchased a year or so back from the inimitable, genial and ever-engaging Mike Burkey (of Romitaman fame) when the original, outwardly successful bidder in a Dueling Dealers episode evidently failed to subsequently come through with the cash.

Their loss.