Member Since September 2008
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Paul Smith --- Batman Commission, Cover Quality, 2018

Location: Collection
Artist: Paul Smith (All)

Location: Collection
Title: Paul Smith --- Batman Commission, Cover Quality, 2018
Artist: Paul Smith (All)
Media Type: Pen and Ink
Art Type: Commission
For Sale Status: NFS
Views: 258
Likes on CAF: 17
Comments: 9
Added to Site: 10/1/2025

Did Neal Adams create the “Batman perched on a building gargoyle” trope?

In my mind’s eye, I was a positive I had seen a golden age illustration of the caped crusader on a stone carving --- but when I scanned through the Batman and Detective covers through the decades, two early bronze age beauties were the fearliest examples I could find: Batman 221 in May 1970, Detective 411 in May 1971, both by Neal. I guess he liked it enough the first time to revisit it exactly a year later.

Of course, since then, it’s been done countless times --- including this 2018 commission from the great Paul Smith.

And maybe because I’ve seen the image so many different times, I’ve convinced myself it existed earlier.

If someone has reference on earlier piece of Batman gargoyle art, I’d love to see it.

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Member Since: September 2008
Last Login: April 2026
Country: UNITED STATES
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Rick W Member Since 2017

Posted On 10/1/2025

Cool pose, any way the wind blows!

Kavi H Member Since 2018

Posted On 10/1/2025

Awesome cover quality commission with an iconic pose and background, love the Bat Symbol in the sky here too!

Marcus Wai Member Since 2005

Posted On 10/1/2025

Smith owns it and makes it his way. A piece that very well could have been used for the Shsdow of the Bat title if it was done back in the 90's.

Ruben DaCollector Member Since 2008

Posted On 10/1/2025

I don't know how early on Batman was first depicted standing or perched on a gargoyle, but I, too, would have figured it had been far earlier than 1970. Of course, it MAY have happened far earlier in a story, if not on a cover. Smith's Batman is really great. It would've been nice to have seen him draw at least one Batman tale during his career.

Duke Fleed Member Since 2013

Posted On 10/1/2025

Love the classy stylings!

Nick - Barry - Matt - Hal - Namor Member Since 2015

Posted On 10/2/2025

Beautiful!

Toni S Member Since 2019

Posted On 10/2/2025

Such a very beautiful Batman's image!!!

Chris Snorek Member Since 2009

Posted On 10/2/2025

This is magnificent. Perfect visual balance.

gene o Member Since 2018

Posted On 10/25/2025

Another knock-out by Smitty. Amazing use of blacks and skyline perspective.

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Paul Smith --- Batman Commission, Cover Quality, 2018

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