Author Archives: I.M. Baytor

COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (11 July 2022)

Posted on July 11, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

In the turn toward the 1970s, Batman comics grew moodier, with more realistic designs and a less campy feel than the stuff coming out in the previous decades. Creators like Denny O’Neil, Neal Adams, and Frank Robbins clearly sought distance … Continue reading →

Posted in COVERS OF BATMAN COMICS | Tagged Anthony Tollin, covers, David V. Reed, David Vern, Dick Giordano, Ernie Chan, Gaspar Saladino, Jim Aparo, John Workman, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Neal Adams, Tatjana Wood, Tom Mandrake | Leave a comment

COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (4 July 2022)

Posted on July 3, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

A reminder that (violent) comic book covers can be awesome…

Posted in GLIMPSES INTO THE PAST | Tagged Authentic Police Cases, Ben Oda, Bernard Baily, Bill Elder, Black Cat, Charles Biro, covers, Crime Does Not Pay, Foxhole, Frontline Combat, Gaspar Saladino, Jack Davis, Jack Kirby, Joe Kubert, John Severin, Johnny Craig, Lee Elias, Marie Severin, Matt Baker, Mister Mystery, Murder Incorporated, Tales from the Crypt, Tomahawk, Vault of Horror | Leave a comment

COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (27 June 2022)

Posted on June 27, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

This week’s reminder that comics can be awesome is a tribute to Alex Ross’ stunning painted covers – and extraordinary character designs – for Astro City, which beautifully project the series’ magical blend of mundane life and superheroics:

Posted in AWESOME COVERS | Tagged Alex Ross, Astro City, covers, John Roshell | Leave a comment

Taking a break… (June 2022)

Posted on June 22, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

It’s not just Commissioner Gordon who hates Wednesdays… Life outside Gotham Calling has been extremely hectic and something has got to give, so the blog is going on yet another hiatus. I have a bunch of semi-drafted posts lined up … Continue reading →

Posted in GOTHAM INTERLUDES | Tagged Adrienne Roy, Batman's personality, Doug Moench, Jim Aparo | Leave a comment

COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (20 June 2022)

Posted on June 20, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

This week’s reminder that comics can be awesome is a tribute to packed, wonderfully busy covers:

Posted in AWESOME COVERS | Tagged Al Hartley, Alan Davis, Alex Schomburg, Alex Toth, All Select Comics, Black Hood, Boy Comics, Charles Biro, covers, Dan Zolnerowich, Ever Meulen, Excalibur, Fight Comics, Frank Miller, Gray Morrow, Jack Kirby, JLA, Joe Simon, Justice League of America, Kevin Maguire, Lone Wolf and Cub, Lynn Varley, Paul Neary, Raw, Rich Buckler, Spy Cases, Stan Goldberg, Strange World of Your Dreams | Leave a comment

Tim Sale (1956-2022)

Posted on June 17, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

First Neal Adams, now Tim Sale. I’ve been meaning to write about Tim Sale’s muscular, stylized artwork for quite a while, but I haven’t gotten around to it and today won’t be the day… But I will say that I … Continue reading →

Posted in ART OF BATMAN COMICS | Tagged covers, Tim Sale | Leave a comment

If you like Fargo…

Posted on June 16, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

The film. Not the show. It’s easy to see why Fargo (1996) became the Coen brothers’ most acclaimed picture. The devastating story of a frustrated car salesman (an unnervingly anxious William H. Macy) who hires a couple of thugs to … Continue reading →

Posted in HARDBOILED CRIME | Tagged Coen brothers, David Lapham, Maria Lapham, movies, noir, Sam Raimi, Stray Bullets | Leave a comment

COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (13 June 2022)

Posted on June 13, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

This week’s reminder that comics can be awesome is a tribute to the magnificently bizarre creatures Bob Brown drew on the covers of the original Challengers of the Unknown: (This last one is actually by the great Joe Kubert, but the … Continue reading →

Posted in GLIMPSES INTO THE PAST | Tagged Bob Brown, Challengers of the Unknown, covers, Gaspar Saladino, Ira Schnapp, Jack Adler, Joe Kubert, Silver Age | Leave a comment

Anatomy of World’s Finest Comics #191

Posted on June 9, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

When it comes to superhero comics – and Batman stories in particular – there tends to be a division among fans between those who privilege more lighthearted fantasy and those who favor grim-and-gritty aesthetics or narratives with literary affectations. I … Continue reading →

Posted in SUPER POWERS | Tagged Cary Bates, Curt Swan, Krypton, Mike Esposito, Mort Weisinger, politics, Ross Andru, Silver Age, World's Finest | Leave a comment

COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (6 June 2022)

Posted on June 6, 2022 by I.M. Baytor

A kickass reminder that comic book covers can awesome:

Posted in AWESOME COVERS | Tagged Aaron Campbell, Al Williamson, Alan Weiss, Battle, Bill Sienkiewicz, Bob Layton, Carlos Ezquerra, Conan, covers, Criminals on the Run, Dark Red, Frazer Irving, Ghost Rider, Hawkworld, Headline Comics, John Buscema, John Cassone, L.B. Cole, Mark Pusateri, Ninjak, Stephen Hickman, Steve Ellis, Timothy Truman, Todd Klein, Wolverine, Xombi | Leave a comment