Sonu Kumar :: Batman

The Batman By Eduardo Risso

Artist: Eduardo Risso (All)

10 Comments - 462 Views - 16 Likes

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Artwork Details

Title:	The Batman By Eduardo Risso
Artist:	Eduardo Risso (All)
Media Type:	Ink Wash
Art Type:	Commission
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	462
Likes on CAF:	16 17
Comments:	10
Added to Site:	4/28/2024
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Within a day of receipt of my last Risso commission, I reached out to his son to get back on the wait-list. The last time my number came up, It was roughly three years after committing. I figured I would get the process started and use NYCC to get my Risso commission"fix". So when I impatiently reached out to Nico around Christmas time to see where I was on the wait-list, I was disappointed to find out that Eduardo was only going to be making one U.S appearance this year, Planet Comicon in Kansas City. I was number 33 on his wait-list, so the odds of getting anything this year were slim to none. Nico really couldn't commit to what their plans were in 2025, so it was now or never...Nico sent me over the current rates (which hadn't changed since I last commissioned him) and I committed to his list, knowing full well I wasn't going to make it to KC.

As the weeks went on, I debated on what I was going to commission. I knew it would be a batman themed piece, but that's about all I had. I was also going back and forth on the size between an A3 and an A4. I spent some time going through CAF, and copies of Batman: Broken City and Flashpoint Batman looking for inspiration. I didn't want the traditional Batman VS a villain, I wanted something that would play to Eduardo's strengths, something that would exemplify his mastery over the craft. I emailed Nico, describing what I wanted. A commission set in the Gotham universe with the focus being on the city. Batman to be included, maybe some snow or rain, but the primary focus being "heavy inks and negative space". I decided to go with the A3 size...my friend Jared's echoing sentiment "you'll regret that you went with the smaller size" repeating in my mind.

As it got closer to the event, I started reaching out to a few friends to see who was going to the convention and if they would be able to pick up my commission. I got some "no's", some "maybes", and thought maybe I'd have to make a trip there to pick it up in person. I'm not sure why I didn't reach out to my buddy Jared first... he's a big fan of Risso's art, has tons of commissioned/published work from him, and was the one that got me to read the Azarello/Risso run of Batman. Anyway, he was getting his own Risso commission (of course) and happily obliged to pick up mine as well.

I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Theres alot to unpack here. Ive mentioned this before but Ill mention it here again. Risso’s art is heavily influenced by noir cinema, and his work features stark, moody visuals often depicting dark storylines. One of the most distinctive elements of Risso’s art (and what I think makes him a modern master) is his use of shadows, which often play a key role in setting the mood and atmosphere of a scene. His characters are often silhouetted against dark, inky backgrounds, and his use of shadows often creates a feeling of unease and tension. I'll start with the composition. The perspective of the peice draws the eye to look up and focus on Batman perched above. Look at how cleverly Risso uses the negative space here. The absence of ink in the alley...the light from the snow and sky... it penetrates the darkness of the city. Even though Batman doesn't take up much real-estate on the commission, he's still the focus. Dark and moody against the sky. The shadow of the caped crusader himself...looks more monster than human. I love the attention to detail in the brickwork. We start with light colored bricks near the top of the building that turn into darker bricks caused by the overpass's shadow. And Eduardo's just warming up...the inks are so deep here, it visually makes the "snow" feel extra bright. The stark contrasts between the footprints and surrounding snow tell its' own story. Risso uses white paint to add snow against the dark buildings . I love the bumpy texture it adds. If you look at the at the entrance of the club, the snow on the grate is painted on with texture, mimicking clumps of snow. These minimal details are loud and speak volumes.

The evening of the event, Jared sent me a picture with the caption "quintessential Risso" and I'd have to agree. The craft, the composition, the narrative...Risso was firing on all cylinders with this one. I'm bias, but I think this was one of the stronger commissions from Risso's KC batch. Thank you Jared for picking this one up for me. For those that haven't seen it yet. I implore you to go to Jared's CAF and look at his recent Zorro commission from Risso which I think takes "best in class" from this batch. Now to patiently wait for my number to come-up on Eduardo's commission list.

Side note: Not sure where "The Cavern Club" is from. A brief google search tells me its a club in Liverpool UK where they shot some scenes from the 2022 Batman movie.

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About the Owner

	Sonu Kumar Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	November 2018
Last Login:	September 2025
Ebay Id:	Sonukumar21
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Sonu's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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VZA Victor
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 4/28/2024

It's always cool to see fans get commissions that play to the artist's strengths. Deep shadows, interesting negative space, and heavy emphasis on the environment. Great ask and perfect execution by Risso. Congrats!

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

2 - Posted on 4/28/2024

The Cavern Club is where the Beatles were discovered. Can't go wrong when Risso plays with light and dark.

Jared Michalski
Member Since 2004

2 - Posted on 4/28/2024

Happy I could help get this in your hands. Although you left my favorite part of this story out of your writeup... the word for word text exchange that led to said help.

SONU: Do you know anyone going to KCCC? Hmmmmm
JARED: Yeah. Me.
SONU: No you aren't.
JARED: Yes. I really am. Got my Risso commission arranged and everything.
SONU: No you aren't.

You should know by now I never kid when Risso is involved. LOL

F M
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 4/29/2024

Great moody piece by Risso

Steve . M
Member Since 2017

2 - Posted on 4/29/2024

Very strong piece. Even as a thumbnail this piece shines. A mark of a great design. Congratulations.

You got by with a little help from your friend 😂

Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006

1 - Posted on 4/29/2024

This is just incredibly good.

Joseba Herrero
Member Since 2009

1 - Posted on 4/29/2024

Fantastic composition. Beautiful Batman piece.

Tangled Web Art
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 4/30/2024

Great choice for a commission by Eduardo Risso! And he nailed it too!

Mike Rice
Member Since 2003

1 - Posted on 5/1/2024

I love pieces where the city is the main character. Risso nailed this one.

Joe A
Member Since 2019

1 - Posted on 5/1/2024

Iconic image. Congrats!

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