Guest Artist Announced for BATMAN #18

Comic fans aren't to fond when a comic gets a guest artist. Often it just turns the series in a different direction and you wonder how that issue will fit into the trade when it's released (at least I think about that stuff). Sometimes guest artists can be a good thing as it allows a different person to give their interpretation to the character or the writer might adapt the story to better suit their artistic talents.

I can speak for most people in saying an issue of BATMAN without Greg Capullo is hard to swallow. But we have seen a brilliantly executed issue when Becky Cloonan jumped on for issue #12. Now the time has come for another guest artist for issue #18.

Our friends over at IGN Comics have announced that Andy Kubert will be working on the issue along with Sandra Hope on inks. The issue will also feature a back-up by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV with art by Alex Maleev.

The issue is also featuring the return of Harper Row and an "unspeakable tragedy." There's no rest for Batman when Scott Snyder is around. Here's the official synopsis:

BATMAN #18

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art by ANDY KUBERT and SANDRA HOPE

Backup story art by ALEX MALEEV

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale March 13 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Welcome guest-artists Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope!
• In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, Batman is in danger of losing his humanity!
• Fan-favorite character Harper Row returns — will she be able to pull Batman back from the brink?

Thanks to ccraft1994 for the tip.

awesome. i loved his work on Batman previously.

I cant wait for this! But idk how I feel about Harper being a voice of reasoning for Batman...

I'm most excited to see Alex Maleev in the back up.

Whoa my user name on CV article! Im famous :)

I'm excited to see Harper Row again.

Kinda hoping she becomes part of the batfamily soon.

Andy Kubert, f### yeah! I love the way he draws Batman, shame that it's only one issue.

@oliviac: Probably as his new butler, sorry alf..

@ccraft: Yes, the punk girl is going to be the new butler. Makes sense.

Stop talking to me. We're in the same room. :I

Maleev! Stoked!

when did Harper Row become a fan favorite?

Wait a minute, comic fans don't like guest artist issues? Wow, clearly I've been out of the loop, I always loved them and think they can make a nice break from things and they usually go out of their way to get a top notch artist. I don't know how I missed Becky Cloonan doing Batman though, I'm going to have to catch up, she's one of my favorite artists!

well if they're going to replace Capullo for an issue then at least it's with Kubert

Kubert and Maleev? Awesome!

Andy Kubert? Yes please!

@kid Apollo: Idk, I hope she doesnt become a new member of the bat family.. But thts what Scott seems to be going with this..

I don't know any of Andy Kubert's stuff... Or at least I don't know him by name if I've seen it, though. As long as the art is good, though, I'll be happy.

@kid Apollo said:

when did Harper Row become a fan favorite?

She's a fav to a certain part of the population. (Hint: her brother.) Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I'm assuming this is when Harper Row gets introduced as the new Robin.

Is that picture above a sample of andy's art? I dont know who he is either. Is he an artist for dc or another company?

Cool. He's a good artist.

Excellent news! I loved his previous work on Batman and his work in general. Issue 18 is going to be a gorgeous read!

Nice, I love seeing everyones version of the new 52 Bats, as I personally think its the best looking Batsuit ever. I was already assuming that the events of Death of the Family would leave him more distant and single minded than he already was, and it pretty much says as much there. I love it when Bruce goes into his little dark place, criminals are gonna be wetting themselves.

Yay! i love Kubert's Batman.

" • Fan-favorite character Harper Row returns — will she be able to pull Batman back from the brink?"

Who decided she was a fan favorite ? That aside, Kubert's art is always enjoyable.

@G_Money_Christmas said:

I don't know any of Andy Kubert's stuff... Or at least I don't know him by name if I've seen it, though. As long as the art is good, though, I'll be happy.

He's the son of Joe Kubert and brother of Adam Kubert (both also comic book artists). He's done work with both Marvel and DC but maybe most famously did the art on Grant's "Batman and Son" and "Time and the Batman." Also recently guested on Action Comics #5 and Action Comics #6, substituting for Rags Morales.

Awesome!

This kind of looks like Wolverine without his claws....

I think what Batman needs is a mother-figure in his life. Someone who is there to kiss his boo-boos. And show him what it means to care.

I'm thinking that Harper is going to fill that role for him. Alfred likes when Bruce figures things out on his own and he suggests things to him, but he doesn't go out of his way to show Bruce affection.

I would love for Harper to fill that role for him. It would be pretty great. Someone to tell Bruce that he means something even when he is in a deep dark pit psychologically.

Yay. I think Capullo is grossly overrated. Scratchy art which takes me out of the scene almost every time.

@G_Money_Christmas: He worked on Grant Morrison's Batman and Son story arc. Which was really good.

My Graphic Novels list, Kubert is on 13 - 17 If your interested :)

http://www.comicvine.com/myvine/ccraft/my-graphic-novels/75-42244/

RIP Alfred

Enough with being a guest artist Andy, you're work is too good for being a guest. DC, if you read this, get this man on a book!

I see harper as an oracle type character myself.

I like, I like

PLTRGY13

Give jock a title to illustrate

<---HUGE fan of Andy/Adam Kubert!! They're amazing artists.

You had me completely at Kubert...by default his art makes this already freaking awesome even if Snyder wasn't writing it!

Damian is going to die, bank on it.

I love the way Kubert draws bats. Also Hope on inks? That's one solid combo there, can't wait.

@hazmat103 said:

awesome. i loved his work on Batman previously.