This cover concept presented a lot of challenges, but I was willing to put the work into bringing out what I felt would be some eye-catching imagery. Etched in mixed media, I wanted to tap into the essence of the Bat-family legacy by showing a changing of the guard in the background. Behind the current Batman and Robin is a hung painting of the classic Dynamic Duo, probably acquired and hung up by the late Alfred J. Pennyworth. A friend of mine likes the job I did on the frame, but what I'm proud of is the homage to a Dick Sprang Batman and Robin image I drew on for reference for its composition. The figures are in my style. It's also the first time I've drawn both the Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne versions of Robin. To distinguish the painting from the main characters in the foreground, I outlined the painting in soft lead Prismacolor black as opposed to Micron inks. I also tapped into my love of Batman: The Animated Series and threw in a red moonlit sky and used similar BTAS animated details on Batman himself. I didn't want to draw the entire image because I wanted the title and surrounding area to stand out. But I still gave Sprang his flowers by putting his name in behind Damian's head. I also borrowed the belt buckle design on the actual Batman from Jim Lee; it looked so intricate and burgle-proof that I had to include it in my version of Batman. The only regret I have is not realizing Damian had gotten rid of the hood from his uniform before this series started, but it still looks striking, no? I'm extremely proud of the end result and look forward to tackling another Batman cover down the line. For those interested, this cover is to be for sale in the "Art for Sale" gallery in 24 hours. Those who are interested are free to message me.
