Favourite Fan Arts

Azrael · Thu, 14 Jun 2012, 12:09

(adding this in January 2014)

In a very reflective mood ever since last Christmas ('13).

One of the fun things when it comes to Batman fandom was finding awesome fanarts, sharing them with others. One look at the galleries, and it's obvious that it's very hard to choose the "best". Some show obviously better craftsmanship but, ultimately, it's very subjective.

There aren't any "best" IMO, just a few that resonate more than others, so this is a list of some favourites of mine.

Batman and Catwomen by daekazu

Do fanarts work like movies, i.e. do they transport you back in time, when you first saw them? Christmas 2012, the 20th anniversary of Batman Returns, and the year the last Batman film by Nolan was released. An amazing tribute to two great cinematic Knights.

ARTIST PAGE

Smile by Razzex

A tribute to classic screen Jokers, drawn in anime style (a-la Gotham Knight), given equal focus. One might have disagreements about Hammill being represented by his Arkham and not B:TAS incarnation, but it's a great piece.

ARTIST PAGE

Dark Knight: Black Hearts by Andy Brase

Brilliant linework which recalls classical etchings by the likes of Piranesi and Dore. A nice mix of elements from the comics and the Tim Burton films, it would be great if there was an entire graphic novel illustrated in this style.

Further proof that some of the best superhero pictures are made by artists not specializing in the genre.

ARTIST PAGE

Batman 89 by xenomorph71

A time machine, not only because according to the artist it was drawn back in 1989 (with traditional techniques, colour pencils) but because it has "80s" written all over it.

This could be artwork featured in magazines like 2000 AD and Heavy Metal, it reminds me of Simon Bisley's comment:
"[Batman] has to be heavy metal if we're talking in musical terms, hasn't it?" (Comics Scene # 26, May 1992)

ARTIST PAGE

Batman Vs. Shark by Andrew Zubko

The sheer absurdity, mixed with pro-level skill. Batman underwater, fighting a shark, using a Sith lightsaber. You can't read this aloud and not feel weird.

A homage/parody not only to the (in)famous shark scene from the Adam West movie, but to classic covers by the likes of Boris Vallejo, Joe Chiodo or Bob Larkin from Savage Sword of Conan, where the swashbuckling hero is at impossible odds, fighting a big underwater creature.

ARTIST PAGE

Batman by klaatu81

Keaton's Batman standing in the rain, grim determination on his face. This picture could be from the comic adaptation of a deleted scene.

It's too bad Burton's films didn't have any scenes set in a stormy night. As cliche as it may sound, it always works well with the kind of atmosphere Batman is about.

Well, Batman Begins fixed this with the Det. Flass interrogation scene.

ARTIST PAGE

The Dark Knight Trilogy by Alexander Stojanov

Everyone who loves movies loves the work of Drew Struzan. These digital artworks are beautifully composed and painted, a great tribute to the artist, and Nolan's trilogy.

ARTIST PAGE

Batman Begins in 1972 by Mike Collins

Comics from the 70s were a major source of inspiration for Batman Begins, so this "cover" is quite fitting.

This was a commission for SFX magazine, but it should be the official cover of the comic adaptation!

Also, I always loved artworks that mix the modern with the vintage.

ARTIST PAGE

The Joker by MikkeSWE

Artist's description:
"Two great actors, one badass villian"

An awesome tribute. A minor nitpick would be that instead of two identical cards, one of them could be styled after the classic 1939 one.

ARTIST PAGE

MUSIC