As with most superheroes who have stood the test of time, each era tends to get the version of Batman it needs (or deserves). Most recently, for example, we experienced a “dark,” conflicted Batman. And while the psychological realism of that incarnation certainly added some welcome depth to the character, the Dark Knight was noticeably less fun than many of his predecessors. So it’s something of a relief to see comic-book artist Francesco Francavilla give Batman and his various villains a ’70s B-movie makeover in a series called Batman 1972 (spotted via Design Taxi). Click through to see Francavilla’s pulpy posters — Catwoman is especially delightful — and follow him on Tumblr to keep up with his pop culture-obsessed illustrations.
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla
Image credit: Francesco Francavilla