Today: Favorite Batman writer?
With over 70 years of Batman stories, it takes a LOT to stand out. Many cite Bill Finger's initial run on the character for founding the basis of who he really is. Others point to Dennis O'Neill for making the character dark again in the 1970s. Some would say Grant Morrison in more recent years delivered one of the authoritative Batman epics. Currently, even Scott Snyder is having a fantastic beginning on what's sure to be a fantastic run. And all of these would be more than valid selections. If I were to make a top 5, all of those guys would most likely be on there. But one's guy's vision stands out to me among all others.
Jeph Loeb has worked on a variety of heroes for both Marvel and DC. Batman, however, is what he will always be remembered for. And rightly so. Batman: The Long Halloween, a collaboration between him and artist Tim Sale, is one of the best Batman graphic novels, not to mention graphic novels period. His thrilling mystery, perfectly plotted and structured, alone could put him on this list. But it doesn't end there.
Hush, an arc he worked on with the peerless Jim Lee, was the #1 seller for eleven of the twelve weeks of its publication. And for good reason. It's mysterious new character and extraordinary use of Batman's supporting cast and rogues gallery left fans wanting more and more every week. It also offered a number of great character moments for Batman that hadn't quite been approached before.
Superman/Batman was another great Batman offering by Loeb, even though he was half of the book. This gave the writer a unique chance to delve into Batman's opinions of the Man of Steel, while also letting Superman give his opinions on the Dark Knight. Plus, the original stories were just great anyways and Batman had plenty to do here.
Ultimately, I think the selection of Jeph Loeb is entirely personal. He was writing these last two examples I gave right at the times I was seriously getting into comics. His flair for mystery and love for the character only nurtured that of myself. I then went back and read Long Halloween and couldn't have been more impressed. Bravo to you Loeb. Although he's currently at Marvel, I'd love to see him come back and work on some more DC titles.
Next time: Favorite Batman pairing?
No comments:
Post a Comment