The late artist was born 107 years ago…
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UPDATED 4/11/23: Hey, folks! We have a fun new 13 COVERS feature on Irv Novick over here. But it’s been a few years since I first ran this tribute — 2020 as it happens — and I just wanted to share it again. Love Irv Novick. Dig it. — Dan
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In a lot of ways it’s unfair to compare artists. Everyone has their own style, their own approach to their work. And it either works for you, the reader, or it doesn’t.
The most impartial way to describe the late Irv Novick — who was born April 11, 1916 — is “workmanlike.” He doesn’t dazzle and as one of the main Batman artists of the Bronze Age, he’s typically overshadowed by Neal Adams, Marshall Rogers and Jim Aparo, to name a few.
But so what? He’s one of my all-time faves because he just happened to draw some of my favorite stories ever. And that counts for a whole helluva lot. Irv Novick’s linework and lithe Batman were staples of my youth and his stories — whether paired with Denny O’Neil, Len Wein, Marv Wolfman or anyone else — resonate with me now just as they did then.
Thing is, except for a relatively short period in the late ’60s, Novick wasn’t assigned cover work on Batman (or Detective).
Last year, we highlighted 13 of those Silver Age covers. (Click here.) This year, instead of a 13 COVERS birthday salute, we bring you 13 SPLASH PAGES — from some of the greatest stories I’ve ever read:
Batman #315
Batman #313
Batman #334
Batman #242
Batman #332
Batman #317
Batman #333
Batman #266
Batman #316
Batman #335
Batman #323
Batman #324
Batman #260
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MORE
— 13 COVERS: An IRV NOVICK Celebration: 2019 Edition. Click here.
— THE LAZARUS AFFAIR: The Best BATMAN Story Never Collected by DC — UNTIL NOW. Click here.
