Author Archives: I.M. Baytor

On Todd Phillips’ Joker

Posted on October 11, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

It turns out the most satisfying way to appreciate Todd Phillips’ Joker was to almost forget that it was a Joker movie. Taken as a DCU entry, the project didn’t particularly appeal to me: a Joker origin story (when the … Continue reading →

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

Posted on October 4, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

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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COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (October 2019)

Posted on October 1, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

The Valiant #4 Red Mass for Mars #4 Quantum and Woody Must Die! #4

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New Gotham Calling Manifesto

Posted on September 23, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

With over eight decades of material to delve into, the world of Batman comics is a gift that keeps on giving. From vampire film stars to old-school cops putting up with costumed crooks, from idiosyncratic creators to interesting artistic choices, … Continue reading →

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Yep, it’s another 50 kicks in the head

Posted on September 16, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

Yesterday was Gotham Calling’s fifth anniversary. I tend to celebrate these by paying tribute to Batman’s longstanding tradition of noisily kicking his opponents in the head (and mostly having a pretty good time doing it), a tradition that often involves … Continue reading →

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Alternative Batmen

Posted on September 11, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

          The Dark Knight and his supporting cast have become so deeply familiar to comic book readers – and to consumers of pop culture in general – that sometimes the mere gesture of recontextualizing their imagery is enough to generate … Continue reading →

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COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (September 2019)

Posted on September 5, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

Just in case you were wondering if comics can be awesome… The Shadow: In the Coils of Leviathan #4 Magnus: Robot Fighter (v5) #8 James Bond: The Body #3

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Taking a break… (August 2019)

Posted on August 13, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

The Batman Adventures #1

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10 luscious Poison Ivy covers

Posted on August 9, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

An extreme embodiment of the femme fatale trope (because her kisses make her literally irresistible and she uses her manipulative powers to commit crimes), Poison Ivy may feel like a somewhat outdated and problematic character in light of current gender … Continue reading →

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COMICS CAN BE AWESOME (August 2019)

Posted on August 6, 2019 by I.M. Baytor

Your August reminder that comics can be awesome… GrimJack #67 Spawn #6 Ivar, Timewalker #9

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