European comics often have trouble finding an audience in America. This is largely due to American comics being synonymous with superheroes like Batman and that audience being resistant to other genres. This is why Dylan Dog remains largely unknown in the US, despite Dark Horse Comics‘ English translations and a 2010 movie starring Brandon Routh. It is also why Batman/Dylan Dog #1 is likely to be the first exposure many have to the Italian comic book detective.
The History of Dylan Dog
Created in 1986 by writer Tiziano Sclavi and artist Claudio Villa, Dylan Dog was an immediate success for publisher Sergio Bonelli Editore. The comic centers around former police investigator Dylan Dog, who promotes himself as a “nightmare detective.” However, despite repeated encounters with supernatural creatures, Dylan remains a born skeptic. Indeed, he says most of his clients might benefit more from a psychiatrist than a detective.
Much like the Batman comics, Dylan Dog stories are defined by a mix of horrific imagery and surreal humor. Much of this is delivered by Dylan’s sidekick, Groucho – a Groucho Marx impersonator who regressed into his character. However, despite his joking manner (which balances Dylan’s dark moods), Groucho is an able sidekick. Dylan is also assisted by Inspector Bloch, his former supervisor and current contact at Scotland Yard.
Batman/Dylan Dog Blends Both Comics Perfectly
There is a danger in crossover comics of one character overshadowing the other. Batman/Dylan Dog avoids this by presenting a world where both characters have several shared points of reference. This highlights their similarities and the reasoning behind why Dylan Dog and Batman should share an adventure in the first place.
The action is set into motion by a letter, sent to The Joker by Dylan Dog’s archenemy, Doctor Xabaras. Joker recalls how he sought out the mad scientist Xabaras shortly after his transformation. However, rather than cure the Clown Prince of Crime, Xabaras “taught me to not only accept myself… but love myself.” For this reason, Joker accepts Xabaras invitation to travel to London to assist him with a new project. This prompts Batman to follow after, with Bruce Wayne arranging a meeting with Dylan Dog because of his history with Doctor Xabaras.
The script by Roberto Recchioni highlights the similarities of the two detectives, who instantly dislike one another. Dylan Dog loathes the idle rich, and is instantly suspicion of Wayne’s apparent interest in his archenemy. Conversely, Wayne sees Dog as a womanizing wastrel who cons sick people into believing they’re haunted. (It doesn’t help matters that Catwoman Selina Kyle is Dog’s latest love interest.)
The irony is that both detectives are right in thinking the other is hiding something. However, Wayne fails to realize that Dog pretends to be a conman to protect people from the existence of the supernatural. At the same time, Dog fails to detect a connection between Bruce Wayne and the Batman suddenly involving himself with his investigation into the laughing zombies in London’s sewers.
The Art of Batman/Dylan Dog
The art by Werther Dell’Edera perfectly suits both characters. The established character designs are instantly recognizable, with the more outlandish designs of Groucho and Joker being grounded by the dark setting. The color art by Gigi Cavenago proves equally essential in establishing the appropriate mood. The Gothic splendor of Batman pairs well visually with the dark horror of Dylan Dog. This helps meld the two series together just as well as the scripts’ equatting Groucho with Alfred the Butler or Inspector Bloch with Commissioner Gordon.
Batman/Dylan Dog #1 is a perfect introduction to one of Italy’s most popular comics. While this sort of crossover is an acquired taste, Batman and Dylan Dog are highly complementary characters. I believe this book will satisfy all but the most partisan of purists.
Grade: 4/5
Batman Dylan Dog #1 is now available online and at comic shops everywhere.
