Batman #418, page 6 (1987) - Ten Nights Of The Beast Part 2

So, today is my birthday (please hold your applause) and I figured what better time to post my first comic art update for the year. But this isn't just any update. This one harkens back to the earliest beginnings of my days as a comic geek.

When I first got seriously into comics, one of the first issues I bought off the spinner rack was Batman #417, which just happened to be the opening chapter to the classic (and somewhat controversial) "Ten Nights Of The Beast" storyline. It has Batman facing a foe every bit as good at the game as he is (maybe even better). Filled with intrigue, international conspiracy, action, and drama, that one would expect of any story set during the Cold War, it's everything any fan of Batman (or good comics, in general) could want.

This specific page comes from the second part of that incredible story. Unfortunately, there's no Batman on it. And while there is also no images of the KGBeast proper, his presence is most assuredly felt. In this scene, The Beast has poisoned and killed a room full of people, just to get one target. Thereby showing just how great and ruthless a threat the Dark Knight is up against. The smooth and crisp line work of Jim Aparo is on full display here. The way he brings out lots of great facial expressions on this page, really puts forth the dramatic edge of the scene. You can almost feel the shock and tension Jim Gordon does, as this all goes down. It has all the great punch one might expect in an old-time spy-thriller tale. It's little wonder why he is considered by many to be the premiere Batman artist of the Bronze and Copper Ages. Teamed with the sharp and intelligent script of Jim Starlin, this is a team that would be hard for anyone to beat, be it now or then.

Getting a great page of comic art, from a classic story, is always an enjoyable thing. But to get one that harkens back to the nostalgic start of your love of comics, that makes it something a little more special. And it can only feel even more so, when you get it on your birthday. A very "Happy Birthday to me," indeed!