BATMAN #400 AT 40: 13 Great Things About the 1986 Caped Crusader Classic
AN ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL… By JASON CZERNICH June 17 marks 40 years since DC published one of the greatest Caped Crusader issues ever, Batman #400. I consider it to be quite possibly the best anniversary issue ever made — even rivaling Justice League of America #200. Speaking of which, I would not mind seeing Batman #400 in a treasury-size facsimile edition like the one that we’re getting for JLA #200. Are you listening DC? Here are 13 REASONS this spectacular Batman outing is worthy of the Masked Manhunter: — 1. The Cover. There’s no question about it, this cover is iconic and has appeared on T-shirts and as a statue in the years since. It’s even reproduced on the back cover of Batman #400 itself, without the copy from the front — so you can fully appreciate this magnificent painted image in all its glory. The artist was even represented inside the issue as well… — 2. Bill Sienkiewicz. His expressive art style was a revelation to me in 1986. I had never seen anything like it. And what a way to first experience his work — in painted form, AND interior pencils/inks! But, Sienkiewicz wasn’t the only top-flight artistic talent in this book. — 3. All the Artists. This extra-size extravaganza had a murderer’s row of the talent of the day, some of whom were illustrating Batman for the very first time. John Byrne, Steve Lightle, Art Adams, Terry Austin, Joe Kubert, Andy Kubert, Rick Leonardi, Brian Bolland and many others brought their A-game to this landmark issue. Even the late, great George Pérez got to illustrate a chapter where he gave us… — 4. Batman Villains Galore! Pérez got the pleasure of employing his specialty of drawing crowd scenes by illustrating the biggest gathering of Batman villains I have ever seen. Batman #400 is worth it for Pérez’s contribution alone. — 5. Stephen King’s Intro. What could possibly be cooler in 1986 than having the hottest novelist of the day tell you why Batman was his favorite superhero and singing the praises of that’s year’s Dark Knight Returns? — 6. The Supporting Cast. Batman’s pre-Crisis supporting cast even played a role in the story. We got to see the Bronze Age versions of Commissioner Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth, Harvey Bullock, Catwoman, Jason Todd, Vicki Vale, and Julia Pennyworth for...
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