DC Comics Universe and Batman #54 Spoilers follows.
Writer Tom King Is Joined By Iconic Artist Matt Wagner On A Batman / Nightwing Father/Son Focussed Issue, But His Son Colorist Brennan Wagner Was Fired From The Issue!
The book is noteable not just because Matt Wagner is drawing it, but because – as noted above – his Brennan, an established industry colorist, was supposed to color the book. He was fired late in the process and replaced by one of DC’s in-house artists to ensure the book had a coloring style similar the book’s previous issues. It would have been nice for DC to have a father-son art team on a book focusing on the father-son dynamic between Batman and Nightwing who was the first Robin. It is believed that Brennan Wagner will still get paid for his work on the book.
The last update from Matt Wagner on this appears to be from August 14, 2018 where he notes:
- Hey gang…here’s a follow-up to the whole Batman #54 debacle. I’d just like to add…at this point none of the DC higher-ups responsible for this decision and controversy have made any effort to reach out to either Brennan or myself; no phone call, no apology and no attempt at any real reconciliation. So basically…still bullshit.
It is worth noting that both writer Tom King and Batman Group Editor Jamie S. Rich liked Brennan’s coloring work and pushed for it to remain in the book to no avail. Matt Wagner’s initial statement on the matter is below:
- Needless to say, I thought Brennan was doing a fantastic job and think this is a terribly shoddy way to treat not only him—this would’ve been his first full-length job for them—but also me, one of their longtime and supposedly respected creators. Regrettably, I’m now sorry I ever agreed to this gig in the first place…because this is just f-cking bullshit.
It is believed that DC Entertainment . DC Comics Publisher Dan DiDio made the decision to replace Brennan Wagner on the book’s colors.
The preview for Batman #54 is not available at press time, but we do have the solicitation.
- Batman #54
(W) Tom King (A/CA) Matt Wagner
Dick Grayson-the original Robin-gets to spend some quality time fighting crime with his mentor for the first time since Batman popped the question to Catwoman. It’s a walk down memory lane as Bruce Wayne helps Dick get over the loss of his high-flying acrobat parents, which in turn led to his crime-fighting career. Guest artist Matt Wagner (Mage, TRINITY) jumps on board for this special issue!
In Shops: Sep 05, 2018
SRP: $3.99
A promising issue with unfortunate backroom issues.
