Gene Ha Designed An Adam West/Dark Knight Returns Mash-Up To Benefit Charity

Batman has gone through countless different iterations over the years, both in live action and on the pages of DC Comics. But one new piece of art combines two of the most iconic renditions of the character in a rather fantastic way.

Gene Ha, best known for illustrating series such as The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix and Top 10, recently shared a Batman mash-up quite unlike anything fans have seen before. It combines a memorable page from The Dark Knight Returns with the likeness of many people’s quintessential Batman, Adam West.

With West’s beloved adaptation of the character traditionally seen as rather campy, the juxtaposition of him alongside the “the rain on my chest is a baptism” line from Frank Miller‘s 1986 comic is certainly unique. The rendition even adapts the characters in the smaller panels – such as The Dark Knight Returns‘ Robin, Carrie Kelly – into the 1960s style best associated with West’s Batman.

According to Ha, the piece itself was inspired by West’s passing earlier this year.

“The artwork is an homage to Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns. Adam West‘s passing brought to mind Miller’s Batman declaring that he feels born again. The likeness is of Adam West circa 2016.”

“He had an amazing run,” Ha said of West on his Instagram page, “and carried hope and joy with him through the darkest periods of his life.”

The original artwork was recently put up for sale on eBay, with Ha promising to donate 10% of the sales to the Hero Initiative, a charity which helps aging comic creators in need.

Unfortunately, the piece has since been sold, but the demand for the piece has inspired Ha to turn it into a print. So if you want a chance to add this special Batman mash-up to your collection, you should definitely keep your eyes peeled.