Find out when you get four Batman creators in the same room.
On Saturday, September 21st, Barnes and Noble in New York’s Union Square, hosted an event to celebrate Batman Day. Hosted by DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan Didio, the panel consisted of writers Scott Synder, Peter J. Tomasi, James Tynion IV, and artist Brad Walker.
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Dan started off talking about how long Batman has been around and the staying power of his stories. He then moved on to Scott on how he’s been writing Batman for a decade. Scott talked about how personal Batman stories are. What was really interesting was how Scott is a huge fan of the horror genre and how he incorporates into his Batman stories. Thinking about it now, I can really see that horror element in Scott’s run. On a sadder note, the last issue of Batman: Last Knight on Earth, would be his last Batman story. But Scott is still sticking with DC Comics, so don’t totally fret.Dan then went on to talk to Peter, and how Peter also wrote the 80th anniversary for Superman as well. Dan asked how the anniversaries are the same and how they are different. Superman is a true hero and how, at the time, how he’s tied to his family. But with Batman, he wrote it from the villain’s point of view and what Batman means to them. The two characters are day and night, but Peter wanted to make sure that both new and old readers were represented in his story.
Dan then went on to announce that James would be the new writer on the Batman book (You can read the full announcement HERE). James did say, unlike his run on Detective which was a team book, this will be focusing on just Batman. He’s main have written about the characters around Batman, but never really Batman himself. James was trying not to spoil anything, especially with his boss sitting right there.
Dan then turned to Brad and talked about what was Brad’s first Batman story. Like most artist, always critical of his own past work. Brad then talked about his influences like Jim Aparo and Don Newton.
One of the most interesting things about this panel is when Dan asked them who was the most important supporting character in Batman. James said it was Gotham City and he’s right. It’s the city that really makes Batman.
This was a great panel with lots of insight and just a blast to get into each of these creator’s heads. Plus I’m really looking forward to see James on Batman.
Thanks to DC Comics for allowing me to attend this great event!