The sequel to the much-celebrated Elseworlds series, Gotham by Gaslight, brings back Batman’s 19th-century-inspired costume in its second installment. This Victorian-themed Batsuit, which first debuted 35 years ago, is a nostalgic treat for long-time fans due to its faithful recreation from the original source material.
Leandro Fernández’s recreation of Batman’s Gotham by Gaslight costume stands out for its accurate homage to Mike Mignola’s original design, maintaining the essence of the original while adding a fresh artistic touch.
A Glimpse into Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #2
Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernández’s work on Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #2 continues the legacy of the beloved series that first captivated readers in 1989. This iteration reimagines the Dark Knight in the 19th century, originally pitting him against the notorious Jack the Ripper.
However, the sequel shifts the narrative, focusing instead on a conflict with the League of Shadows, involving mysterious artifacts and relics. Despite this change in storyline, Batman's steampunk-inspired costume remains a constant, adding to the series' unique appeal.
The Iconic Batsuit Makes a Comeback
While Batman made a notable appearance in the first issue of Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age, it’s in issue #2 that fans get a full reintroduction to his iconic Victorian costume. Variant covers for the series, featuring artists like Riley Rossmo, Denys Cowan, Francesco Mattina, and Felipe Massafera, provide detailed views of this unique Batsuit, making it clear why it stands out among Bruce Wayne’s many costumes.
This Gotham by Gaslight Batsuit features a stylistic greatcoat with exaggerated collars and a 'shoulder cape,' inspired by military attire from the Napoleonic Wars that later influenced civilian fashion. These greatcoats were designed to protect undergarments like Batman’s buttoned vest and trousers from the elements. Their popularity declined with the advent of automobiles and material shortages during the World Wars, adding historical significance to Batman's Victorian look.
Artistic Excellence
Leandro Fernández’s recreation of Batman’s Gotham by Gaslight costume is noteworthy for its loyalty to Mike Mignola’s original design. While the core elements of the costume remain unchanged, Fernández adds a modern artistic flair. His depiction captures Mignola’s signature style of shadowy and subtly lit artwork, which was a defining feature of the original series. This meticulous attention to detail makes Fernández’s portrayal a standout in the Gotham by Gaslight era.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #2 will be available on July 10, 2024, from DC Comics!
Batman
One of DC's most iconic heroes, Batman is the alter ego of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Shaped by the tragedy of his parents' murder, Bruce dedicates his life to mastering martial arts, detective skills, and tactical prowess. As Batman, he recruits a family of allies and sidekicks to help him fight crime and protect Gotham City as its dark knight.
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