Batman in the 80's before Crisis revamp

[Lazlo Panaflex]

I know there are some Bat-fans like me who read the early 80's comics and while some critics point out that Batman became like a father figure image during this period there were still plenty of good work coming out and Batman was always dark and brooding up until DKR.

And plenty of great artists like Don Newton, Gene Colan, Michael Golden, Trevor VonEden.

My favorite storyline from this decade would have to be when Dala and the Monk, two characters from early in Batman's comics reappear and turn Robin and Batman into vampires (no joke!), I know your probably laughing now but this was done seriously back then.

There were also various plotlines intertwined such as Rupert Thorne planting a crooked Mayor on Gotham to force Commisioner Gordon to retire and nosey reporter Viki Vale almost discovering Batman's identity, Jason Todd and Killer Croc were also introduced, and my favorite comic would have to be 'Tec 526 whereas Batman has to battle all his villians.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.526.gif

[souloffire]

Ahh! the 80's. It's all coming back to me. Nocturna, the Nightslayer, a blonde Jason Todd whose origin was almost the same as Dick Grayson, a Robin with shorts and pixie boots named Dick Grayson (well at least till 84') and the classic blue and grey Batman with the yellow oval. Great stuff.

Also for most of the decade a story would start in Batman and continue in Tec' or vise versa. Green Arrow had his own backup series in Tec'. Was that drawn by Trevor VonEden Laz?


I have to agree about the Monk/Dala/vampire storyline. I recomend that those Batman fans who have not read it to track down the issues. It would be nice if DC released in TTB, but I don't know if that would happen. If anyone's interested I'll dig out my Bat's and Tec' boxes to give the issue numbers.


By the way great thread Lazlo. Hope Thelma didn't take you're star.

[Ceb-Man]

I love those stories. Great artists and writers such as Gerry Conway, Gene Colan, Doug Moench, Tom Mandrake, Don Newton.... man!
The Monk/ Dala stories was good! They were last seen in 1939.The introduction of Killer Croc was awesome. Croc was the Bane in the 80's. He was a real threat. Dr. Death was reintroduced and who wasn't seen since 1939.
Jason Todd wasn't a whiney-box.
Rupert Thorne came back to Gotham City and got rid of Gordon for a while as commissioner and put his own in Peter Pauling and his own Mayor Hamilton Hill, who put in by Thorne.
Hugo Strange came back to fight Thorne and Batman. Nocturna was introduced. Black Mask was introduced as well.
The Bat Family actually got along.

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Also for most of the decade a story would start in Batman and continue in Tec' or vise versa. Green Arrow had his own backup series in Tec'. Was that drawn by Trevor VonEden Laz?

By the way great thread Lazlo. Hope Thelma didn't take you're star.
I'd have to dig through my boxes to check but I believe Paris Cullins or Shawn McManus would draw the strip, but early in '81 Batgirl and Catwoman would share back-up.

I got the Simpsons reference also but I think it was Selma, good work. :up:

[souloffire]

I'd have to dig through my boxes to check but I believe Paris Cullins or Shawn McManus would draw the strip, but early in '81 Batgirl and Catwoman would share back-up.

I got the Simpsons reference also but I think it was Selma, good work. :up:You might be right. I think VonEden drew the Green Arrow mini series in the 80's.

[souloffire]

We are both right. The Green Arrow backups started in Tec' 521 (with a terrific Green Arrow cover by the late Jim Aparo) with Trevor VonEden drawing the first two installments, then Irv Novick (who had a run on Batman in the mid and late 70's) did a couple untill Paris Cullins took over from there. Thank God my Detective box was the first one so I didn't have to dig so deep.

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Only Souloffire and Ceb-Man and myself seem to be the only Bat-fans from the 80's, anybody out there, uuhhhhhhhhhhhh WHERE'S THE BEEF?!

[Bat Attack]

I collect the Batman comics from the mid-late 80's/early 90's.

[souloffire]

Here's the Green Arrow cover from Detective 521.


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/Detective521.jpg

[souloffire]

Ok. The Dala/Monk/Vampire arc was contained in these issues. It started as a subplot in Detecive 515 then became the main story starting in Batman 349 then countinued in Batman 350, Tec' 517, Batman 351 then the aftermath was briefly in Tec' 518. Dala was in the comics leading up to this arc. This sound about right Laz?

[Grim Goblin]

My favorite storyline from this decade would have to be when Dala and the Monk, two characters from early in Batman's comics reappear and turn Robin and Batman into vampires (no joke!), I know your probably laughing now but this was done seriously back then.

:eek: oh man !!! The very first Batman comic I ever read was the one when Batman was bitten. Good memories. :up:

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Ok. The Dala/Monk/Vampire arc was contained in these issues. It started as a subplot in Detecive 515 then became the main story starting in Batman 349 then countinued in Batman 350, Tec' 517, Batman 351 then the aftermath was briefly in Tec' 518. Dala was in the comics leading up to this arc. This sound about right Laz?
Yes.

[souloffire]

Here's a nice 80's logo.


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/batm.jpg

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Yeah that's the classic logo, here are a few covers which introuced Killer Croc and Jason Todd, and in Pre-Crisis it was Croc who killed the Todd's instead of Two-Face as it was changed in Post-Crisis.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.358.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.359.gif
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.525.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.526.gif

my favorite comic is 'Tec 526 which ended Gerry Conway's run and had fantastic artwork by Don Newton.

[souloffire]

Yeah that's the classic logo, here are a few covers which introuced Killer Croc and Jason Todd, and in Pre-Crisis it was Croc who killed the Todd's instead of Two-Face as it was changed in Post-Crisis.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.358.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.359.gif
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.525.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.526.gif

my favorite comic is 'Tec 526 which ended Gerry Conway's run and had fantastic artwork by Don Newton.Yeah Tec' 526 was a great issue. Love the part when Robin beats the crap out of two muscle bound freaks in the gym.

[CrimsonMist]

so, in post crisis, did they re-introduce Jason?

[Lazlo Panaflex]

so, in post crisis, did they re-introduce Jason?
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.408.gif
In Pre-Crisis Jason Todd and his family were circus acrobats, an origin similar to D1ck Grayson, the Crisis series changed the origin to make Jason a street punk and so in Batman #408 Jason is re-introduced as he's stealing the wheels off the Batmobile and Batman senses the anger within the kid and enrolls him to some juvenile school for runaway kids.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.410.gif
In Batman #410 Jason debuts as Robin on his first case against Two Face, at the end of this issue Jason discovers that his father was a henchman for Two Face and was subsequently killed by him.

[souloffire]

I remember the re-introduction Jason happened right after Year One. I liked what they did with Jason's origin but I was disapointed that Miller and Mazzucchelli run only lasted 4 issues.

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Also in Pre-Crisis Alfred Pennyworth seemed to hava a daughter named Julia Remarque, she supposedly wanted to make the moves on Bruce but I'm missing a few issues so I don't know what became of her.

Did she ever show up in current continuity?

[souloffire]

You wanna talk about Batman before the revamp well this series gives the whole pre-crisis history of Batman.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat3.jpg
It's a three issue series by Len Wein and John Byrne called "The Untold Legend of Batman". Loved the series as a kid but some of the pre-crisis history seems a little goofy now. Still a great read if your interested in the pre-crisis history.

[MaskedManJRK]

You wanna talk about Batman before the revamp well this series gives the whole pre-crisis history of Batman.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat3.jpg
It's a three issue series by Len Wein and John Byrne called "The Untold Legend of Batman". Loved the series as a kid but some of the pre-crisis history seems a little goofy now. Still a great read if your interested in the pre-crisis history.

I found/read that in my school library a while back. Pretty cool stuff. :up:

One story from that time I found interesting:

Don't remember the name, but it's collected in the Batman in the 80s TPB.

In it, it is the anniversery of Batman's parent's death. Batman is stopped by the Phantom Stranger, who gives Batman a very interesting gift: He has found an alternate demension, where Bruce was still a young child and his parents are still alive, just days before they're shot. Batman and Robin (who busted in at one point) follow Phantom Stranger into a portal and go into the other demension.

As soon as they get there, the two split up. Batman starts searching around for Joe Chill, while Robin goes to Gotham's library to check things out. On Robin's end, he sees that there's nothing about Krypton/Superman, or any of the other superheroes in their world. This makes Robin wonder, "Is letting Bruce stop the killer here worth the possibility of letting this reality not have any heroes?"

Meanwhile, Batman is kicking ass and taking names. He starts beating around, looking for Joe Chill. He meets a young Jim Gordon, who eventually agrees with him and helps to bring down Chill.

To make sure, Batman and Robin case the Waynes. While Batman's practically pried to the vision of seeing his parents alive again, Robin is focused on the fact that this version of Bruce...well...he's a spoiled brat. Does stopping the tragedy that would make up this young boy's life make him a drivenless ditz?

Eventually, Joe's organization gets another man to hit the Waynes, and when the Waynes go out to see a movie...

The killer moves in, while Batman and Robin watch on. Batman immietely rushes in. Robin poses a serious question, should he do anything? Eventually, he decides that a life is still a life, and leaps in for assistence.

Before the gunman could fire a round, Batman is there, taking the would-be-killer down, screaming that it won't happen again.

When it's all over with, Batman and Robin are sucked back into their world, and Phantom Stranger leaves politely.

Then, there's a two page epiloge. In the other reality, we see young Bruce Wayne training. We see his parents looking on, noting how them getting mugged made him more driven and respectfull.

A Batman is slowly growing, not out of tragedy, but out of awe of the "bat" he saw save him and his parents life, and wants to follow its example by saving others.

[Rambo, John J]

I found/read that in my school library a while back. Pretty cool stuff. :up:

One story from that time I found interesting:

Don't remember the name, but it's collected in the Batman in the 80s TPB.

In it, it is the anniversery of Batman's parent's death. Batman is stopped by the Phantom Stranger, who gives Batman a very interesting gift: He has found an alternate demension, where Bruce was still a young child and his parents are still alive, just days before they're shot. Batman and Robin (who busted in at one point) follow Phantom Stranger into a portal and go into the other demension.

As soon as they get there, the two split up. Batman starts searching around for Joe Chill, while Robin goes to Gotham's library to check things out. On Robin's end, he sees that there's nothing about Krypton/Superman, or any of the other superheroes in their world. This makes Robin wonder, "Is letting Bruce stop the killer here worth the possibility of letting this reality not have any heroes?"

Meanwhile, Batman is kicking ass and taking names. He starts beating around, looking for Joe Chill. He meets a young Jim Gordon, who eventually agrees with him and helps to bring down Chill.

To make sure, Batman and Robin case the Waynes. While Batman's practically pried to the vision of seeing his parents alive again, Robin is focused on the fact that this version of Bruce...well...he's a spoiled brat. Does stopping the tragedy that would make up this young boy's life make him a drivenless ditz?

Eventually, Joe's organization gets another man to hit the Waynes, and when the Waynes go out to see a movie...

The killer moves in, while Batman and Robin watch on. Batman immietely rushes in. Robin poses a serious question, should he do anything? Eventually, he decides that a life is still a life, and leaps in for assistence.

Before the gunman could fire a round, Batman is there, taking the would-be-killer down, screaming that it won't happen again.

When it's all over with, Batman and Robin are sucked back into their world, and Phantom Stranger leaves politely.

Then, there's a two page epiloge. In the other reality, we see young Bruce Wayne training. We see his parents looking on, noting how them getting mugged made him more driven and respectfull.

A Batman is slowly growing, not out of tragedy, but out of awe of the "bat" he saw save him and his parents life, and wants to follow its example by saving others.

Excellent story. Collected in the 'Batman: Illustrated by Neal Adams' collection. Some other great stories in there too.

[souloffire]

I read you're post and said, damn I know this story. Well after looking in two boxes I found it. The story was in Detective 500. Like you said great story.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/Detective500.jpg

[Lazlo Panaflex]

This here story by Mike W. Barr and Michael Golden is really good, starts out that James Gordon has a death warrant because back when he was a rookie he shot a criminal who's son now as an adult calls himself the Wraith and to top it off the event happened the very same that the Waynes were murdered, and so Batman must deal with a villina who's almost his opposite, kick ass story with cool Michael Golden artwork.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/07718010264.1.GIF

[Spare-Flair]

I love the Untold Legend of the Batman. It was released in paperback form in wide distribution back in the early 90s which probably confused kids. The art was simply the best, rarely has Batman Art reached similar heights in my opinion. It's just fantastic.

As for Batman's origins, did the whole Joe Chill/Lew Moxin storyline survive Crisis? I've read all every issue up to the mid-90s and I never heard another whisper of his early origins besides some in Untold Legends of the Dark Knight. I stopped reading the comics when the artists got extremely wierd. I can't recall their names but there was that guy who drew everybody like they were super-deformed little children, Batman looked like a fat kid with big eyes, it just wasn't believable in any form whatsoever. Then there was that guy who drew Batman like a monster with an ugly face and chin (well, all humans looked wierd) and with ridiculously long Bat-ears.

I'm sorry, but for me, Byrne's Batman art from the early 80s was the pinnacle of the series in sofar as art and aesthetics. I just love the intense detail and simply good classic art basics in terms of character proportions and realism. Stylized American comic/cartoon art is where everything seemed to veer in the late 90s and I just couldn't stand it whatsoever.

[Bat Attack]

I love to read the "Bat-Signals" pages at the end of each issue. It's cool to see what opinions Bat-fans had then.

[souloffire]

This here story by Mike W. Barr and Michael Golden is really good, starts out that James Gordon has a death warrant because back when he was a rookie he shot a criminal who's son now as an adult calls himself the Wraith and to top it off the event happened the very same that the Waynes were murdered, and so Batman must deal with a villina who's almost his opposite, kick ass story with cool Michael Golden artwork.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/07718010264.1.GIFI have this but don't remember it that well. Guess I'll have too read it again.

[Lazlo Panaflex]

I stopped reading the comics when the artists got extremely wierd. I can't recall their names but there was that guy who drew everybody like they were super-deformed little children, Batman looked like a fat kid with big eyes, it just wasn't believable in any form whatsoever. Then there was that guy who drew Batman like a monster with an ugly face and chin (well, all humans looked wierd) and with ridiculously long Bat-ears.


That would probably be Kelly Jones, I stopped reading Batman in the 90's also becasue of this guy, his faces and anatomy were terrible and Batman looked like a scarecrow at times.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.528.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.530.gif
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.551.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.552.gif

[souloffire]

Anyone have this series? It reprints the classic Englehart/Rogers run from Detective comics like the Laughing Fish and the Thorne/Hugo Strange arc.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs3.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs4.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs5.jpg

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Anyone have this series? It reprints the classic Englehart/Rogers run from Detective comics like the Laughing Fish and the Thorne/Hugo Strange arc.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs3.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs4.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs5.jpg
I have all those issues plus the TPB's that reprinted a few of the stories such as
Strange Apparitions
Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told
Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told

[souloffire]

I have all those issues plus the TPB's that reprinted a few of the stories such as
Strange Apparitions
Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told
Greatest Joker Stories Ever ToldThese issuses are probably some of the greatest Batman stories of all-time. I'm glad DC keeps reprinting them in different trades so the younger generations get to experience them.

[souloffire]

Here's a nice pic of pre-crisis Batman & Robin.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat79.jpg

[kit1982]

Anyone have this series? It reprints the classic Englehart/Rogers run from Detective comics like the Laughing Fish and the Thorne/Hugo Strange arc.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs3.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs4.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs5.jpg


Woah those covers are sweet, will have to look around for those issues. I first got into Batman reading my cousins old comics from the early 80's, i know its a cliche but hell they don't make them like they used to.

[souloffire]

Woah those covers are sweet, will have to look around for those issues. I first got into Batman reading my cousins old comics from the early 80's, i know its a cliche but hell they don't make them like they used to.You can say that again.

[Lazlo Panaflex]

I searched on the web for some Don Newton who did the ultimate Batman in my opinion.
http://www.donnewton.com/images/batman305_1.jpg
http://www.donnewton.com/images/batman305_2.jpg
http://www.donnewton.com/images/det480.jpg

[souloffire]

Yeah Don Newton was damn good. I remember when he died. Must have been around 83' or 84'.

[souloffire]

Here's some more of Don's work.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/obit.gif
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/newtonbat356pencilcover.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/det511_22.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/det511_21.jpg

[Mr. Socko]

I love the old campy Batman comics that my dad bought in the 50s and 60s.

I still go back and read them every now and then.

[Mr. Socko]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Detective140.JPG

Looks exactly like Frank Gorshin...actually vice cersa.

[boywondernerdDC]

hahah blonde jason todd....ahhh how wonderful

[souloffire]

hahah blonde jason todd....ahhh how wonderfulHere's some pics.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/jt2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/jt1.jpg

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Souloffire how are you able to scan comic panels, do you need certain software or can you get a cheapy from Radioshack?

[ToddIsDead]

You just scan them and then crop them. Ofcourse you need a scanner, and some kind of picture editing software. Ms Paint will do.

[Lazlo Panaflex]

You just scan them and then crop them. Ofcourse you need a scanner, and some kind of picture editing software. Ms Paint will do.

*scratches head, picks ears and smells finger*
oh why didn't you say so?

[souloffire]

Souloffire how are you able to scan comic panels, do you need certain software or can you get a cheapy from Radioshack?I found these on google actually, but what ToddIsDead said works too.

[Cobblepot]

Here's the Green Arrow cover from Detective 521.


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/Detective521.jpg

I love Aparo's work during the eighties, his work on Brave and the bold was his best work.
I miss it :(.
I miss the old days, real artists like Adams, Breyfogle, Cowan we need them back on the bat.

[Cobblepot]

Anyone have this series? It reprints the classic Englehart/Rogers run from Detective comics like the Laughing Fish and the Thorne/Hugo Strange arc.




http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bs4.jpg


I own this book, wanting to get the rest. But is damn well impossible to find.

[souloffire]

I own this book, wanting to get the rest. But is damn well impossible to find.I was lucky to get the series when it first came out. It's not that well known but I'm sure you could get the series on Ebay.

[theMan-Bat]

I own this book, wanting to get the rest. But is damn well impossible to find.

Just get this:
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1269_400x600.jpg
It's the whole Steve Engleheart/Marshall Rogers run plus Clayface by Len Wein and Marshall Rogers all in one book.

[theMan-Bat]

That would probably be Kelly Jones, I stopped reading Batman in the 90's also becasue of this guy, his faces and anatomy were terrible and Batman looked like a scarecrow at times.


I am the opposite. I came back to the mainstream Batman title because of Kelley Jones. I love his classic style and Batman actually looked like "a creature of the night. Black. Terrible." As Batman wanted to look. I was already into Kelley Jones from his Deadman series, Swamp Thing, Sandman Dream Country and Seasons of Mist. Then the Batman vampire trilogy. When Kelley Jones became the artist on the mainstream title in 1995 with Doug Moench, I came back. I had not gotten the mainstream Batman title regularly since 1986. The last issue was Batman #400 by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz.
http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/comics101/images/2004/jan28/sinkychapter.jpg
I've not bothered to buy the mainstream Batman title since the awesome Doug Moench/Kelley Jones 1995-1998 run.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.517.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.532.gif
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.523.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.524.gif

[theMan-Bat]

My favourite from the early 80's is Batman Annual #8 (1982) by Mike W. Barr and Trevor Von Eeden. Trevor Von Eeden actually had Batman's cape and cowl black rather then blue. Batman actually used the Batplane. I love the Batplane.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/07358763540.8.GIF
http://www.vladimirfiks.com/comicart/originalart/bits/Von%20Eeden.jpg

[theMan-Bat]

Batman Special "The Player on the Other Side" (1984) by Mike W. Barr and Michael Golden is very good.
The best Michael Golden Batman is in the Batman Family issues #18-20 (1978) written by Denny O'Neil, David V Reed and Bob Rozakis.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/themanbat/batmanfamilygolden.jpg
http://www.photontorpedoes.com/gallery_photon/d/314-2/BatmanSpecial20.jpg

[theMan-Bat]

Gene Colan had done Tomb of Dracula and brought his own horror style to Batman and even turned Batman into a vampire in Batman #350 and 351 (1982) written by Gerry Conway.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.350.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.351.gif
Of course Kelley Jones and Doug Moench went much further with Batman as a vampire in the very graphic Vampire Trilogy: Red Rain, Bloodstorm and Crimson Mist. I see the Conway/Colan issues in a mysterious Christopher Lee 60's Hammer horror film kind of way. The Moench/Jones books are a mix of 30's gothic horror and modern graphic gore. Gerry Conway returned Dr. Death in Batman #345 and Detective #512 (1982).
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.345.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.512.gif
Gene Colan with Klaus Jason's inks created a fairly shadowy horrorish mood.
http://www.geocities.com/soho/study/4273/saga/grt_bm_3b.jpg
The best Catwoman story in my opinion is "Never Scratch a Cat" Batman #355 (1983) by Gerry Conway and Don Newton.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.355.gif
Detective #519 (1983) is a good issue by Gerry Conway and Don Newton where the Batplane is actually used.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.519.gif

[souloffire]

I am the opposite. I came back to the mainstream Batman title because of Kelley Jones. I love his classic style and Batman actually looked like "a creature of the night. Black. Terrible." As Batman wanted to look. I was already into Kelley Jones from his Deadman series, Swamp Thing, Sandman Dream Country and Seasons of Mist. Then the Batman vampire trilogy. When Kelley Jones became the artist on the mainstream title in 1995 with Doug Moench, I came back. I had not gotten the mainstream Batman title regularly since 1986. The last issue was Batman #400 by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz.
http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/comics101/images/2004/jan28/sinkychapter.jpg
I've not bothered to buy the mainstream Batman title since the awesome Doug Moench/Kelley Jones 1995-1998 run.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.517.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.532.gif
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.523.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.524.gifI LOVE Bill Sienkiewicz's art. Freakin' great.

[theMan-Bat]

I LOVE Bill Sienkiewicz's art. Freakin' great.

Yeah, it's to bad he only did that one issue of Batman in 1986. Bill Sienkiewicz wrote, drew and inked "Bent Twigs" in Batman Black And White #3 (1996). He drew the modern parts of DC1st: Batgirl/Joker #1 (02). Bill Sienkiewicz has done a few Batman covers.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.719.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/24038627564.775.gif

[batmaluco]

I am the opposite. I came back to the mainstream Batman title because of Kelley Jones. I love his classic style and Batman actually looked like "a creature of the night. Black. Terrible." As Batman wanted to look. I was already into Kelley Jones from his Deadman series, Swamp Thing, Sandman Dream Country and Seasons of Mist. Then the Batman vampire trilogy. When Kelley Jones became the artist on the mainstream title in 1995 with Doug Moench, I came back. I had not gotten the mainstream Batman title regularly since 1986. The last issue was Batman #400 by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz.
http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/comics101/images/2004/jan28/sinkychapter.jpg
I've not bothered to buy the mainstream Batman title since the awesome Doug Moench/Kelley Jones 1995-1998 run.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.517.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.532.gif
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.523.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.524.gif
The same thing happened with me. I wasn't reading the regular Batman comics for some time as well and was brought back to Bats because I loved his works.
And Batman #400 had a really great team, so many talented artists. :up:

[Lazlo Panaflex]

My favourite from the early 80's is Batman Annual #8 (1982) by Mike W. Barr and Trevor Von Eeden. Trevor Von Eeden actually had Batman's cape and cowl black rather then blue. Batman actually used the Batplane. I love the Batplane.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/07358763540.8.GIF
I have this book too, very creepy and the batplane looks cool.

[Kurosawa]

My favourite from the early 80's is Batman Annual #8 (1982) by Mike W. Barr and Trevor Von Eeden. Trevor Von Eeden actually had Batman's cape and cowl black rather then blue. Batman actually used the Batplane. I love the Batplane.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/07358763540.8.GIF
http://www.vladimirfiks.com/comicart/originalart/bits/Von%20Eeden.jpg

Von Eeden was a very good and underrated artist. His stuff had class. He did a Green Arrow mini around that time that was really great.

And Done Newton...can't say enough great stuff about him. Awesome Batman artist, and his drew some beautiful Marvel Family stuff as well.

[souloffire]

Here's the GA mini.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/ga1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/ga2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/ga3.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/ga4.jpg

[Kurosawa]

Here's the GA mini.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/ga1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/ga2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/ga3.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/ga4.jpg

GA is awesome. One of my fave DC heroes.

[Brian Braddock]

This here story by Mike W. Barr and Michael Golden is really good, starts out that James Gordon has a death warrant because back when he was a rookie he shot a criminal who's son now as an adult calls himself the Wraith and to top it off the event happened the very same that the Waynes were murdered, and so Batman must deal with a villina who's almost his opposite, kick ass story with cool Michael Golden artwork.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/07718010264.1.GIF

Yup. This one was a classic. The Golden artwork rocked!!

Maybe it was because I was a kid and all, but dont the comics from this era seem alot more , i dunno, 'fun' ?

What a great thread. :up:

[souloffire]

Maybe it was because I was a kid and all, but dont the comics from this era seem alot more , i dunno, 'fun' ?

What a great thread. :up:I agree. It seems that today everything has to be some big earth shattering, status quo changing event, which would be fine once and a while, but Marvel and DC seem to have several of these "events" one right after the other. I also miss the look of the comics from back then. The paper, the coloring, the smell, etc. But those "Jason Todd and Bucky are dead days" are long gone.

[Lazlo Panaflex]

It's takes me at least 20 minutes reading those old comics, whereas today I'll read any All-Star Batman in 2 minutes and that takes the fun out of it.

And it was cool having ink print on my fingers from reading old comics.

[souloffire]

I know what you mean.

[Brian Braddock]

ditto. :(

[souloffire]

Here's a nice 80's shot. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/batbook2.jpg

[theMan-Bat]

Looks like Jim Aparo's art.

[Brian Braddock]

Here's a nice 80's shot. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/batbook2.jpg


Ahh, those where the days! I think it's because I was a kid then, but comics just seemed more fun (?)

[Lazlo Panaflex]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.402.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.403.2ND.PRINT.gif
In these Batman issues 402 and 403 right before the Year One arc, tells the tale of a wannabe vigilante type who uses Batman's methods, word gets out to Gordon that some looney dressed as Batman is going out killing the criminals and so Batman does his best to bring him down, it's been a while since I've read it so my memory ain't so good.

There is a funny bit in which the fake Batman somehow finds the Batcave and steals the Batmobile, the real Batman then informs Gordon about the stolen Batcar and so Gordon sarcastically replies "You didn't leave it at a no parking zone did you?"

[The Dark Guybrush]

this thread is great!

[Brian Braddock]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.402.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.403.2ND.PRINT.gif
In these Batman issues 402 and 403 right before the Year One arc, tells the tale of a wannabe vigilante type who uses Batman's methods, word gets out to Gordon that some looney dressed as Batman is going out killing the criminals and so Batman does his best to bring him down, it's been a while since I've read it so my memory ain't so good.

There is a funny bit in which the fake Batman somehow finds the Batcave and steals the Batmobile, the real Batman then informs Gordon about the stolen Batcar and so Gordon sarcastically replies "You didn't leave it at a no parking zone did you?"


Oh man. I Vaguely remember this - looks like i'll have to go on ebay to get them.!

[Lazlo Panaflex]

I found this article that talks about the early 80's Batman tales with writer Gerry Conway and artists Don Newton and Gene Colan, now THIS is the stuff I grew up reading and sure brings back memories.

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Study/4273/saga/bat_thorne.html

[MaskedManJRK]

I am the opposite. I came back to the mainstream Batman title because of Kelley Jones. I love his classic style and Batman actually looked like "a creature of the night. Black. Terrible." As Batman wanted to look. I was already into Kelley Jones from his Deadman series, Swamp Thing, Sandman Dream Country and Seasons of Mist. Then the Batman vampire trilogy. When Kelley Jones became the artist on the mainstream title in 1995 with Doug Moench, I came back. I had not gotten the mainstream Batman title regularly since 1986. The last issue was Batman #400 by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz.
http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/comics101/images/2004/jan28/sinkychapter.jpg
I've not bothered to buy the mainstream Batman title since the awesome Doug Moench/Kelley Jones 1995-1998 run.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.517.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.532.gif
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.523.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/07206180254.524.gif

I agree and disagree with you.

Sienkiewicz is fantastic--loved his work on The Cult and his B&W story. Jones, on the other hand, is, to be perfectly frank, f**king terrible.

The difference is this:

Sienkiewicz looks frightening. Jones looks hilarious.
Sienkiewicz looks like a creature of the night. Jones looks like a clown on his day off.

[The Empire Ape]

PreCrisis Batman >>>>>> Post-Crisis Batman
heck, pre-crisis dc >>>>>>>>>> post-crisis dc

[hulkamania85]

You wanna talk about Batman before the revamp well this series gives the whole pre-crisis history of Batman.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/bat3.jpg
It's a three issue series by Len Wein and John Byrne called "The Untold Legend of Batman". Loved the series as a kid but some of the pre-crisis history seems a little goofy now. Still a great read if your interested in the pre-crisis history.

I used to have Part 2 of this series. It came with a cassette tape too. I ended up losing it though. :(

[kez1984]

I searched on the web for some Don Newton who did the ultimate Batman in my opinion.
http://www.donnewton.com/images/batman305_1.jpg
http://www.donnewton.com/images/batman305_2.jpg
http://www.donnewton.com/images/det480.jpg

The black and white drawings are impressive.

[Lobster Charlie]

What a great thread. The late 70's through late 80's were my favorite time with comics, especially the early/mid '80's. The artwork, IMO, was just so much stronger. Michael Golden, John Byrne, Neal Adams, and Walter Simonson are among my favorite comic artists of all time!

And I agree with those that feel comics were more fun back then. It's amazing how much story and art they managed to cram into every issue, for such a low price. Now we get better paper, fancy coloring and stylish art with very little story at times.

Maybe I'm just an old man, but I truly believe comics were better back when I was a kid.

[Brian Braddock]

We must be of the same mindset, Lobster.

Maybe it's the Star Wars factor - it's funny how we hold things from our childhood up on a pedestal.

[Cobblepot]

I've read most off these stories, when I was a kid. But most of 'em didn't really stuck. The Untold Legend however did, and I still recommend it to newcomers. I think it's still the only story that tells about Alfred's history in the resistance.

Man-Bat was also a frequent visitor and the TAS show has a lot of "tributes" to many of this era's issues.

I can't wait to buy these stories anew collected in some Archive editions!

[souloffire]

I've read most off these stories, when I was a kid. But most of 'em didn't really stuck. The Untold Legend however did, and I still recommend it to newcomers. I think it's still the only story that tells about Alfred's history in the resistance.

Man-Bat was also a frequent visitor and the TAS show has a lot of "tributes" to many of this era's issues.

I can't wait to buy these stories anew collected in some Archive editions!
There's a great story about Alfred in the resistance that was in Tec' 501 and 502. I think those were the issues, I have to dig out the Tec' box and double check.

[signalman]

Most of my All-Time Favorite Batman Stories are from this time period.

Batman #321. The Joker's Birthday Party.
Detective #503 Six Days of the Scarecrow.
Brave & Bold #182 Batman team with the Earth-2 Robin.
Brave & Bold #197 Earth-2 Batman falls in Love with Catwoman.

[souloffire]

There's a great story about Alfred in the resistance that was in Tec' 501 and 502. I think those were the issues, I have to dig out the Tec' box and double check.I was right about the numbers. Here's the covers.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/501-1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/thatkev23/502-1.jpg

[Cobblepot]

^ooh I don't have those.

I'm wanting to complete my Tec run from #500 and Batman from #300.


Brave & Bold #197 Earth-2 Batman falls in Love with Catwoman.
Was this the one drawn by Robbins?

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Brave & Bold #197 Earth-2 Batman falls in Love with Catwoman.
Was this the one drawn by Robbins?
I know I have it because it was reprinted in the Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told (1988), I think Joe Staton did the artwork.

[Arkady Rossovich]

I wonder..did any of the 80's Batman logic fit into Batman:The Animates Series?It came out in 1992,so did it have any refrences or feelings from it?Did any writers or artists see B:TAS?

[The Empire Ape]

I wonder..did any of the 80's Batman logic fit into Batman:The Animates Series?It came out in 1992,so did it have any refrences or feelings from it?Did any writers or artists see B:TAS?

i don't know what you mean, but BTAS is pure 70s/80s.

[Cobblepot]

I know I have it because it was reprinted in the Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told (1988), I think Joe Staton did the artwork.

That's what I ment Joe Staton! Did you know that that's the story where Alex Ross got his inspiration for this picture:

http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/12.02.99/gifs/batman-9948.jpg

[Lazlo Panaflex]

i don't know what you mean, but BTAS is pure 70s/80s.
I think what Jourmugand means is that if any of the writers on BTAS took inspiration from the 70's stories, well looking at Laughing Fish, Rupert Thorne and Man-Bat seems to point to that theory.

That's what I ment Joe Staton! Did you know that that's the story where Alex Ross got his inspiration for this picture:
You mean if that story is what inspired Alex Ross or which story inspired his drawing?

[The Empire Ape]

I think what Jourmugand means is that if any of the writers on BTAS took inspiration from the 70's stories, well looking at Laughing Fish, Rupert Thorne and Man-Bat seems to point to that theory.



the whole portrayal of Batman does it, too. BTAS has a little bit of a visual Burton-Batman-vibe, but in the end it's an adaption of the 70s/80s Batman. I'm glad they kept Frank Miller's version out. Well, and when the show was made the psychoparanoid Batman was not dominating the comics.

[souloffire]

^ooh I don't have those.

I'm wanting to complete my Tec run from #500 and Batman from #300.


Brave & Bold #197 Earth-2 Batman falls in Love with Catwoman.
Was this the one drawn by Robbins?The Tec run will be cheaper to complete than the Batman run. I can't belive how expensive the 80's Batman issues have become. Glad I got em' when they came out.