Initially, my passion for comic books revolved around the characters alone. However, my perspective transformed after reading a particular Batman comic that enlightened me about the intricate art form of comics and the subtle techniques utilized by creators to guide the reader’s gaze across the page.
This learning experience was catalyzed by the first volume of Batman: Black & White, specifically Walter Simonson’s story titled “Legend,” which originally appeared in issue #2. The plot revolves around a mother narrating a bedtime story about Batman—a legendary figure from the past who once safeguarded Gotham City.
The story’s futuristic backdrop serves as an engaging exploration, but the true impact came from the final page. As the mother expresses her hope for Batman’s return while gazing out her window, Simonson unveils a transformed Gotham—a dismal representation of a fascist regime.
The Genius of Walt Simonson’s Artistry
Unveiling the Final Page of “Legend”
The revelation of Gotham’s shift into a militarized authority is striking, but what genuinely resonates is Simonson’s masterful execution of this twist. Commencing in the top-left section of the page, he uses a trio of horizontal panels that gradually pull the viewer away from the woman’s apartment. Instead of a fourth panel, a stylized fist symbol—likely emblematic of the oppressive regime—is artfully connected to a sweeping image below, illustrating the oppressive police state.
This experience was akin to discovering the secret behind a magician’s trick; I began to grasp the nuances of how comic book artists can deftly manipulate the reader’s focus from one panel to the next.
Another Example: Simonson’s “Manhunter”
Exploring “Detective Comics”#437-443
To further illustrate the innovative techniques employed by comic book creators to guide the reader’s journey, let’s turn our attention to another classic by Walt Simonson: Manhunter. This story, a collaboration with writer Archie Goodwin, was serialized as a back-up feature in Detective Comics #437-443. It revitalizes Golden Age hero Paul Kirk, who is manipulated by a nefarious organization called the Council, training him to become a lethal assassin rivaled by his own moral compass.
In the fourth chapter of this narrative, Manhunter and Interpol agent Christine St. Clair come under siege by Damon Nostrand—a double agent for the Council. In a spectacular display of creativity, Manhunter dispatches Nostrand’s vehicle by slicing through its fuel tank while skillfully evading an attack. He then sets a fiery trap by igniting the gasoline trail left behind.
Celebrating Walt Simonson’s Legacy
Recognizing a Master Storyteller
Reading Walt Simonson’s original Batman: Black & White story profoundly shifted my approach to comics. I transitioned from being a passive consumer to an engaged reader, examining the medium with a critical lens. While many enjoy comics for sheer entertainment, thanks to influential artists like Simonson, I’ve learned to appreciate the rich layers of storytelling and artistry within these illustrated narratives.
Ultimately, I encourage others to delve deeper into the work of Walt Simonson and appreciate why he holds a revered place among the great storytellers in comic book history.