Robin Relics: "Comic Shop News" Issue #179

This installment of "Robin Relics" brings you Issue #179 of Comic Shop News (the comic shop newspaper). Some great content here... We get a history of the Robin character, an explanation as to why Batman needs a sidekick, a look inside the new Robin costume, and even a little blurb about Tim Burton picking the suit!





























Also included in this issue is this brief snippet about Entertainment Tonight running a story on the new Robin. I vividly remember watching this segment when it aired. If anyone happens to have a copy of this, PLEASE e-mail me at james@1989batman.com as I would LOVE to see it again!



As a side note... I just want to point out that the Kenner Batman Returns Robin figure looks VERY similar to the Robin art used in this article (drawn by Tom Lyle). Many folks have speculated for years that the head sculpt used on that figure was an early take on Marlon Wayans (who was originally set to play Robin in Batman Returns) due to the box-style haircut. I have never held much stock in that idea. I always felt the hair was just a result of Kenner trying to translate Robin's high, spiky hair to plastic while being limited to what they could pull off in the manufacturing process. This comparison of the art with that head sculpt shows that Kenner's effort is indeed a VERY close match to Lyle's interpretation...

Special Feature: "Man Of Mystery" Michael Keaton As Bruce Wayne Portrait By Dennis Baptiste

"Bruce... Wayne, n'est-ce pas?"

"Most of the time."

An absolutely incredible piece called "Man of Mystery" from my friend Dennis Baptiste! To check out more of his outstanding work, head over to his instagram HERE or at Facebook HERE.

Special Feature: DC Comics 1991 Batman Style Guide

While not exactly Burton Batman related, I felt this 1991 DC Comics Batman Style Guide (much like the Batman Animated Style Guides) made a fitting addition to the site. Batman '89 was quite influential on the look and feel of Batman comics, so seeing what DC deemed as the definitive licensed look for the character in a post-Burton Batman world is pretty interesting (at least in my opinion). Enjoy!

Special Feature: Batman Returns/ Batman The Animated Series LCA Entertainment 1992 Licensing Booklet

1992 was a great year to be a Batman fan... Batman Returns hit theaters, Batman The Animated Series ruled television, and Batman merchandise dominated stores. Today's post gives a great reference for just how prevalent Batman items were back in '92. The licensing firm LCA Entertainment created this large pamphlet (10" x 13.5") to get retailers pumped up for Batman items coming from the bevy of companies listed. "Don't Be Left Out In The Cold... Are You Ready For 1992?"

Special Feature: The New Batman Adventures Style Guide Part 5- Vehicles & Gadgets

Part 5 of the "The New Batman Adventures" Style Guide (click HERE for Part 1 and the backstory on these guides) is devoted to the various modes of transportation and tools of the trade used by the characters of Gotham City... Enjoy!





















Want to see more? Well, click HERE to go back to Part 4.