"Netflix and Tea Time!" Renee Montoya commission by Michael Lark (2016)

Commission by Michael Lark, 9" x 12" Bristol board.

After reading Gotham Central years ago, and then rereading it again recently after reading Rucka & Lark's incredible Lazarus, I knew I had to track down Mr. Michael Lark for a commission. Though he wasn't taking them at Big Wow 2014 (though he certainly was very friendly), I managed to find Mr. Lark years later through SplashPageArt. So that was nice!

Initially, it was tough to figure out what to ask for-- something modern from Lazarus? maybe something out of the ordinary?-- but I quickly realized there really was no better choice than Detective Renee Montoya, who broods almost as much as Batman does.

And boy, did Mr. Lark come through. I don't really have anything that I can say about this piece that it doesn't already show in spades. I asked for Detective Montoya during downtime-- maybe cleaning her gun or something-- and Mr. Lark came through with a brilliant "Netflix and Tea Time!" piece. I love the little details, like the "Gotham" magazine on the coffee table and the kitschy pillows. But of course, it's wonderful to see Renee Montoya in Mr. Lark's pen and ink once again.

Special thanks to Mark Hay over at SplashPageArt, who kept me updated every step up the way and put up with my probably annoying e-mails. Sorry about that, Mark!