Josh Simmons Batman – Free (until we receive a cease & desist)

While I really loved Grant Morrison’s latest issue of BATMAN, I’m pleased that another artist is doing another interesting take on the character. Local creator Josh Simmons (Happy, The White Rhinoceros, House) dropped this on my desk today, a handmade 16 page comic with an awesome spooky silkscreened cover, and the curious title ‘BATMAN’. The item has a mysterious context. There’s something subversive about its existence even before you open the red/black/silver cover.

This weirdo seems closer to the drunken sociopath Frank Miller is trying to portray in his irreverent All Star series (which is so terrible it’s terrific). Unhealthy, hermetic, paranoid, losing touch with reality… I imagine anyone who’s ever liked Batman even a little will be a little saddened to see their hero at such a low point. Sorta like Chester Brown doing Batman.

Watch in horror as your favorite hero beats up a poor homeless person for no reason. Marvel at his sadistic new Bat-Gadget. Question the morality of his “Final Solution”. I’ve got about 6 copies left, and they’re free for the taking while supplies last (or until we get a cease and desist).

Click on links above to preview some of Josh’s other work.