Todd Klein is probably the closest thing to a superstar letterer as comics has ever had, and his blog is generally chock-full of measured and interesting thoughts on design, comics, and the industry thereof - all from one of comicdom's more calm, professional, and longstanding artists. (That is, if you can get past some pretty murderous-on-the-eyes design in the main site. Iron E.)
Just recently he completed a 5-part analysis of Batman logos from throughout the lengthy publishing history of Batman comics; and it's a great read whether you're in it for the nostalgia or some brief insight from a hell of a design guy.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
It's neat spotting whereabouts you may have first come into reading Batman comics (or when you subsequently dropped out of reading them), with this logography somehow a more clear picture of Batman's modern history than I'm accustomed to seeing.
I have to say, however reluctantly, that the recent Hush-era logo is a big favorite. Very sharp.
Despite the aforementioned face-melting navigation and background design issues, Klein's site is a real gem for the comics curious. There's a whole great section that serves as a fairly comprehensive (if light) review of his own work across the entire America's Best Comics line (individual sections accessible on the right), with a great sub-section on his layouts for JH Williams' covers on Promethea.
Check it out. Chances are you'll find something pretty interesting. |
