Tag Archives: Frank Robbins

3 opening splashes by Frank Robbins

Gotham Calling started out as a blog specifically about Batman comics and, every once in a while, I enjoy going back to its origins. So, here is a post about three amazing title splash pages from the 1970s – an … Continue reading

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On Blackgate Penitentiary

Prison stories are basically their own genre, what with the dangerous, claustrophobic environment, the parallel rules of life in a world of outlaws, full of both comradery and suspicion, and the occasional trope of elaborate escape plots (which are kind … Continue reading

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COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (25 October 2021)

With Halloween just around the corner, this is usually the time of the year to share some thoughts about horror… When it comes to cinema and television, one of the most vibrant trends in recent years has been labelled Prestige … Continue reading

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Batman movies without Batman – part 1

The Dark Knight has starred in over a dozen theatrical films – plus a string of direct-to-video projects – and, in fact, his filmography has become a fascinating object in its own right. Not only are there extremely disparate takes … Continue reading

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Spotlight on Denny O’Neil’s and Mike Kaluta’s The Shadow

Like I mentioned in the blog’s latest manifesto, Gotham Calling is no longer focusing primarily on Batman comics, but that doesn’t mean we’re moving too far way… For instance, this week we’ll have a look at another DC comic featuring … Continue reading

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The despicable pre-Crisis Man-Bat

Man-Bat isn’t one of the most inspired concepts in Batman comics. Taking to the extreme the notion that great villains are an inversion of the heroes, Man-Bat’s name is a literal reversal of Batman’s… As for his origin, it’s just … Continue reading

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My ideal deluxe omnibus volume – part 1

A couple of months ago, I listed a bunch of comics I assume every Batman fan will come across, sooner or later. With that out of the way, let us move on to some of my personal favorites – i.e. … Continue reading

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Scars of Vietnam in Gotham City

As an embodiment of changing fads and obsessions of US pop culture, Batman’s adventures could hardly stay immune to the social impact of the Vietnam War. And while the Caped Crusader’s TV incarnation could initially be seen advertising war bonds, … Continue reading

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13 Batman ghost stories

Because I’m super original, I’m devoting the whole month of October to horror… What can I say, I can’t get enough of gothic comics, especially when they involve Batman battling some restless spirit or a freaky ancient curse! One of … Continue reading

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Spotlight on The Shadow

Every once in a while, I like to shift gears and spotlight comics or films set outside Gotham City that Batman fans should nevertheless enjoy because they are close to the mood of the world of the Dark Knight. Once … Continue reading

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