Description

Batman # 497 Newsstand Edition

Date: July, 1993

Creative Team: Jim Aparo (Artist), Doug Moench (Writer), Dick Giordano (Inker), Dennis O’Neil (Editor)

Condition Notes: Mid-Grade condition with Coverwear.

About: Batman # 497 was first published in both “Collector’s Edition” (with Black half-jacket cover) and in a much limited release as a “Newsstand Edition” (without the black jacket). Both these editions have a white Bat-Symbol in the title block. The “Newsstand Edition” is distinguished with the date “July 13, 1993” in the UPC box.

Batman # 497 saw several printing that interchanged yellow and red in the Bat-Symbol and Title block. All of these later printings were limited in their release and have become quite collectable today.

Story Notes: This is the 11th part of the 19 part Knightfall storyline, which saw Batman crippled by the villain Bane and replaced by the anti-hero, Azrael. This issue is the climax of the story where a tired run, down Bruce Wayne fights Bane in the Batcave and has his spine shattered beyond repair. The storyline mimics the Death of Superman storyline, as Bane, a brand new villain, emerges and quickly takes down the Batman despite his many older foes. The Knightfall story was a major reference point for the third Batman film, Dark Knight Rises (2012). This storyline also saw the end of Jim Aparo’s long run as vetaren Batman artist.

This comic was released as part of a major revitalization campaign by DC comics in the 90’s which saw all of their major superheroes replaced over the course of two years. Among these storylines included the Death of Superman, Emerald Twilight (Hal Jordan becomes a Parrallax), Wonder Woman replaced by Artemis, the Death of Green Arrow, and Aquaman loosing his hand.