10 Reasons Why New 52 Batman Was The Best Ever
2. Greg Capullo's Pencils
Greg Capullo is justifiably the new superstar of comic book artists. Capullo hits that sought-after sweet spot between realism and stylization. On the realistic side, he’s got nuanced acting chops. His faces are intense, emotive, and individualized.
And when it comes to the punch-up, his action is clean and precise. (What kind of lived experience is the very tough-seeming Capullo drawing from here? Was he a real-life brawler like Jack Kirby?) Capping off his fully realized world, Capullo’s attention to detail makes every page worth scrutinizing and rewards rereading.
When it comes to the dialed-up style required by superheroes, he’s equally skilled. His layouts are kinetic and easy to follow. (This in a time when more free-flowing page compositions, with barely distinguishable “panels,” are in vogue.) Capullo’s traditional paneling does wonders to keep momentum going through Snyder’s scripts.
Finally, Capullo leads the pack in character design. He’s shown us a punk purple-gloved Batman. He’s shown us a faceless Joker. His slender Jim Gordon Batman costume is truly astonishing, recalling the visual impact of Batman Beyond. And he made owls scarier than ever.