Set Description:
The Batman run of 400s has probably the most diverse range of covers of any set. Starting in the mid-late 80s, the 401 cover of Magpie is one that was my favourite as a young kid roaming my local comic store. After my re-entry into the hobby, as soon as I saw the cover, the memories came rushing back and I knew which run I was going to go for. After looking up the Registry and seeing the top sets and the covers I realised that I had made the right choice.
From the Year One Mazuchelli covers to the Batman ‘New Adventures’ in the 410s, there are some great storylines, artists and range of books. After that there is specs like ‘Ten Nights of the Beast’, Todd Macfarlane cover, not to mention ‘A Death in the Family’ and it is obvious that this run is historic.
Year 3, Lonely Place of Dying, The Many Deaths of the Batman- it was a great time for story arcs, more mature stories and great covers. From the fantastic Joker covers of 450 and 451 to the Scarecrow and range of villains that littered the early 90s all building up to Knightfall, and Batman’s back-breaking, this set covers everything for true Batman and comic fans.
Artists like John Byrne, Jim Aparo, Frank Miller, Todd Macfarlane, Mike Mignola, George Perez, Breyfogle to Kelley Jones’ great take on the cowl, show every variation of 80s and 90s Batman.
As I noted, it was 401 that grabbed my eye 30 years apart, and while this run is not like Detective Comics 500-600 (with its low print runs) it still has those great covers, keys and issues that can still provide the challenge for the collector but with the availability that does not make it virtually impossible to go for a complete run. Having said that, I’m taking it slow- looking for 9.8, white pages and a set that I would love to see with all covers up on a wall some day.
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