Batman by Klaus Janson

"This was supposed to be a head sketch?!"

Klaus Janson is a legendary artist, art teacher and a household name in the comic book (art) hobby. With over 50 years of being active in the business, he is an encyclopedia of knowledge and has worked on all of the most beloved characters and stories. Him coming to my local show in Belgium was a big deal.

I had seen Klaus before, but always at shows where there were other names that I desperately wanted something from. Always thinking: "I'll see Klaus again". At Lake Como 2022, I did get a Daredevil, but I "saved" my Batman idea for a bigger piece.

For this commission, I knew what I wanted. Or rather, what I did not want. I know it's blasphemous, but "The Dark Knight Returns" version of Batman was never my favorite. Don't get me wrong: I love the story, but that particular costume or version is far from my favorite iteration of Batman.

When his pre-show commission list opened up, I quite easily got a slot and asked for a "Batman in the rain, but not the Dark Knight Returns version". I commissioned him for a head shot option - which was clear from the example art in the listing.

I visited him Saturday morning at the show - with (of course) a bunch of books. Out of the pile of omnibuses and Absolutes I had brought for him, I pulled out a "DC Comics Inking Guide". An older handbook that Klaus wrote and illustrated. He smiled.

I'm a huge fan for those kind of guidebooks, learning the craft and understanding the theory of it all. I love getting into the creative process and "getting" why certain artists make certain choices. This book is excellent for that, but it has been out of print for many years.

Klaus was surprised and immediately asked me if I had read it. Of course I had, and we spoke about the book. He "quizzed" me a bit. Then we spoke about his trip; he asked me about my private life; about what I did for a living and if I was happy in life. Klaus had time and made the best of that time, opening up to a conversation that went beyond regular fanboy-ism.

Then he showed me my commission and it was time to fanboy again. My jaw dropped to the floor. "This was supposed to be a head shot?!". I came around for a picture and he said he absolutely loved working on this one and got carried away with it.

When he gave me the commission, he told me that this was a "really great one" and you could almost see a twinke in his eye. Or was that me?

Time to wrap up. I mentioned that DC Comics Inking Guidebook for a reason. And there is a link to be drawn to this 9x12 commission. There are so many interesting choices made here by Klaus, and different techniques on display.

A perfect companion piece to a memorable conversation. Thank you, Klaus. I won't forget this.