PRESENTING
ROGUES OF THE DARK KNIGHT - COLLECTION TWO:
THE GOTHAM TIM BURTON ERA ROGUES
THE GOTHAM TIM BURTON ERA ROGUES
The ROGUES OF THE DARK KNIGHT are a series of collections of illustrations I've been creating based on the mythic villains in the Batman universe. It's no secret that I am a huge Batman fan, going all the way back to childhood. I thought it would be fun to create a series of illustrations that captures my excitement and enthusiasm for the Caped Crusader and company, that has grown over the years as the Batman mythos has evolved.
My next big interaction with the Dark Knight of Gotham was through the theatrical release of Batman, which was directed by Tim Burton and landed in theaters in the summer of 1989. This version of the Batman universe was totally different than the television universe from the 60's. These characters and the overall tone of the movie felt more mythic and cinematic. It was mature, dark and foreboding, while still maintaining an air of silliness and cartoonish fun. Tim Burton was already well-known for making wacky, gothic films like Beetlejuice and Pee-wee's Big Adventure. The combination of Tim Burton's movie aesthetic, and the talented acting of Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson created the perfect formula for building this franchise.
This version of the Batman universe continued for three more movies and switched directors (Joel Schumacher helmed Batman Forever and Batman and Robin). Also both Val Kilmer and George Clooney took turns playing the Dark Knight during this run. But to me, Michael Keaton will always be "the Batman" for this era.
Recently, it's been rumored in the entertainment industry that Michael Keaton is in talks to put on the cape and cowl again and become Batman for the upcoming DCEU Flash movie with Ezra Miller. As a long-time fan of both Keaton and the Batman Universe, I'm really hoping that this actually happens (but they also have to promise to hire Danny Elfman to write the movie score).
This collection is another attempt to give others a chance to see and feel what I experienced when I first saw the movie that became another major inspiration for my artistic life going forward. Once again, hopefully you will find something inspirational
and enjoyable from these as well.
and enjoyable from these as well.
This colorful collection was created like the previous one, completely inside Adobe Illustrator. And this collection also consists of eight of "Gotham 89's" most fearsome
(and ridiculous) fiends.
(and ridiculous) fiends.
The example below shows a glimpse of the vector line work that went into each of these portrait illustrations.
Jack Napier, a.k.a. the Joker, perfectly played by Jack Nicholson.
Oswald Cobblepot, a.k.a. the Penguin, played by Danny DeVito.
Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman, played by Michelle Pfeiffer.
Harvey Dent, a.k.a. Two-Face, played by Tommy Lee Jones.
Edward Nygma, a.k.a. the Riddler, flawlessly played by Jim Carrey.
Dr. Victor Fries, a.k.a. Mr. Freeze, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Dr. Pamela Isley, a.k.a. Poison Ivy, played by Uma Thurman.
Bane, the backbreaker, played by Jeep Swenson.
Follow the link below to see Collection 01 - The Gotham 60's T.V. Rogues: