Popular Batman hero/villain Man-Bat got his own short-lived series (it lasted only two issues). Man-Bat creators Frank Robbins & Neal Adams were no longer at DC by the time Man-Bat was awarded his own title, so the writing and art chores--for the first issue only--fell to writer Gerry (Spider-Man, TV's Law and Order) Conway and artist Steve (Creeper) Ditko. Ditko was superbly inked by Al (Firestorm) Milgrom in this issue.
 |
| Man-Bat #2 by Pasko, Marcus, Villamonte & Aparo! |
 |
| Ditko comes out with a mysterious Batman! |
 |
| Ditko's dynamic Man-Bat! |
They gave Man-Bat an even more Gothic style than Frank (Invaders) Robbins and Neal (Deadman) Adams' version, complete with castles and evil sorcerers. It was a fun first issue, worth the price of admission just to get to see Steve Ditko draw Batman--how often does that happen? Not to mention how mysterious looking Batman is! And how about that fantastic Jim Aparo cover!
"Beware the Eye of Baron Tyme"
Baron Tyme takes control of Francine and forces her to kill. Man-Bat tracks him to his lair and the Baron is apparently killed during the struggle.
Cool trivia note: Ditko did get to draw the villain, Baron Tyme, about four years later when Tyme battled the Demon in Detective Comics #483-485!
Possible alteration on Batman's face by Joe Kubert
Article recapping Man-Bat's history and appearances.
 |
| Love the expressions Ditko gives to his characters! |
The second and final issue of Man-Bat featured Marty Pasko writing with Pablo (Kobra) Marcus & Ricardo Villamonte handling art. I do enjoy Pablo Marcus, especially on his Kobra & Master of Kung Fu (inks on Paul Gulacy pencils.) Jim Aparo sported a cool cover.
 |
| Still comes out to the right & wrong Ditko expresses so well! |
Thank You!
 |
| Lovely panel! |
 |
| Still one of my favorite Ditko pieces! |
Man-Bat #1 is a lot of fun. I was very disappointed when #2 changed creative teams, if I remember right.
ReplyDelete