Curt Swan draws Batman grappling with a spotty Martian dude!
Panel 1 — The depth of field here sells the idea that Batman has been following the trail of the downed spaceship in one panel. Batman crouches but still comes off as confident. Note that we’re seeing the action from the perspective of the Martian that appears in the next panel; the perspective of this panel sets up the appearance of the Martian in the next one.
Panel 2 — Batman’s positioning in the frame sells his vulnerability to attack…
Panel 3 — …which is very vividly evoked in this panel; I have no doubt, as a reader, that this is what this attack would look like. Batman’s reaction to pain is expressed by Batman’s hands; he is surprised by the pain but he tolerates it. Added Swanderful extra: Martian manbutt sighting!
Panel 4 — OMG. The composition of the Martian’s body here is exquisite. Not sure where the Martian got that rock from as it’s not set up by the previous panels but the way their legs interlock and the Martian’s arm is posed, it’s clear that the Martian wants to break it against Bats’ head.
Panel 5 — Really great rendering of Bats’ cowl and cape to sell the simultaneous action of the karate chop and arm grappling. The Martian feels the pain!
Panel 6 — Batman’s body transitions from fight alertness to empathy and care. Fantastic. Martian in repose is still a babe.
Panel 7 — This facial expression sells both the pain and the anger of the character. Awesome.
From World’s Finest 245.
