Back in October, during New York Comic Con, Dynamite Entertainment announced that Brian Buccellato, co-writer and colorist of THE FLASH and creator and writer of FOSTER, would be writing a new BLACK BAT series. We've been waiting for more details and they have finally been revealed.
BLACK BAT #1 is set for a May 2013 release. It will reinvent the classic masked vigilante (that may or may not have preceded BATMAN). Joining Buccellato will be interior artist Ronan Cliquet (GREEN HORNET, THE SHADOW SPECIAL and some Marvel books). The series will also see covers drawn by superstars such as J. Scott Campbell, Joe Benitez, Ardian Syaf, Billy Tan, and in his Dynamite cover artwork debut, award-winning artist Marcos Martin! That's a pretty dang impressive list.
Who is Black Bat? He's a classic pulp hero from the 1930s. In this series, Tony Quinn is a "brash" defense attorney for the mob who has no problems compromising his ethics for financial gain. When he refuses to cross a line and commit a murder, he is tortured and blinded by his gangster employers. He's given a chance to make amends when he happens to meet with a covert agency. This leads him to gaining the dark mantle the Black Bat. He is now determined to right the wrongs of his past.
Buccellato said the following on the addition of Ronan Cliquet to the series:
I couldn't be more excited to have Ronan Cliquet on board. He is bringing a gritty, almost noir inked style that is perfect for the tone of this street-level superhero book.
It should also be noted that Buccellato himself came up with Black Bat's new design. Also, the Marcos Martin cover will be a 'subscription only variant.'
We finally have the perfect interior artist, five amazing cover artists, and a firm release date for the first issue. It's all coming together! This book has been a year in the making, so it's an incredible thrill to see it come to life as the covers and art start to come in.
BLACK BAT #1 is on sale in May. Be sure to let your local comic shop know you're interested and that they need to order the series for you.
Sounds like it's time for Brian to come on the podcast once again.
Check out the other covers:
Here's an early look at the interiors:
