Scott Wade’s Japanese Batman is Painted Using Woodblock Pa
Akihiko Tse — October 17, 2013 — Art & Design
References: swadeart.cghub & designtaxi
Artist Scott Wade transforms the Dark Knight into a ninja using traditional woodblock prints to re-imagine the Japanese Batman during the ‘Sengoku’ era.
The illustrations are done by using a genre of woodblock prints and paintings produced between the 17th and 20th centuries, and depicts Batman, Commissioner Gordon and Doctor Fries (Mr. Freeze) as traditional oriental characters. The Japanese Batman is shown rappelling down with a rope with a large black cape, a scythe and a black mask that covers his face that comes with bat ear-shaped mask.
Commissioner Gordon is illustrated as striking a bat-adorned taiko drum, while Doctor Fries is a haunted figure with pale white skin, red goggles and a ghost dressed in an all-white kimono—his wife Norah—following him. Wade’s reconstructions of the North American Batman characters are an intriguing twist to the superhero mold and their depictions in different cultures.
The illustrations are done by using a genre of woodblock prints and paintings produced between the 17th and 20th centuries, and depicts Batman, Commissioner Gordon and Doctor Fries (Mr. Freeze) as traditional oriental characters. The Japanese Batman is shown rappelling down with a rope with a large black cape, a scythe and a black mask that covers his face that comes with bat ear-shaped mask.
Commissioner Gordon is illustrated as striking a bat-adorned taiko drum, while Doctor Fries is a haunted figure with pale white skin, red goggles and a ghost dressed in an all-white kimono—his wife Norah—following him. Wade’s reconstructions of the North American Batman characters are an intriguing twist to the superhero mold and their depictions in different cultures.
Trend Themes
1. Reimagined Superheroes - Expanding the traditional superhero mold to incorporate different cultures through reimagined illustrations.
2. Woodblock Print Art - Exploring the use and application of woodblock prints in modern art and design.
3. Cultural Representation in Fiction - Using fiction and pop culture to showcase cultural diversity and representation in media.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Opportunities for artists and designers to experiment with traditional techniques and incorporate them into modern works.
2. Entertainment - Potential for incorporating cultural representation and diversity in existing and upcoming superhero franchises.
3. Tourism - Incorporation of traditional art and cultural representation to attract tourists and showcase local culture.
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