Review: Go Visit Mike Perkins And His ‘The Batman: First Knight’ Art Exhibition In Shrewsbury

When I started blogging about comics, it was to cover events that weren’t just happening in London. To shine a spotlight on the active comic book convention scene and other events associated with comics. So, this past Saturday, I took the train. to visit a very sunny Shrewsbury — a beautiful market town in Shropshire — to check out artist Mike Perkins ‘Dana-Dana-Dana Batman’ Exhibition. An exhibition of choice pages from his two The Batman: First Knight Black Label series’.

Tucked away in one of the many narrow sidelanes of Shrewsbury town centre, this modest exhibition launched on Thursday, 11th June, with over 70 guests attending the opening evening. And, as I was told by Mike himself, who is in residency while the exhibition continues this week (Monday 15th June – Wednesday 17th June, 11am – 3pm, and Thursday morning, 18th June), that was quite the crowd, fitted like sardines into this small venue.

As you can see, he has quite the selection on show, as well as the chance to pick up a limited edition print (only 50, and they were going fast when I visited), as well as a selection of hardback copies — and single issues — of The Batman: First Knight, series one and two. With copies including an original sketch, like the one I grabbed, available too.

 

If you’ve seen my interview with Mike, discussing the first series, then you will know he has used quite a lot of local historical buildings in both series, as well as taking inspiration from a few friends, whom he has included in this comic. So, it would make sense that this exhibition is taking place in the town that inspired the Gothic architecture of Gotham City. If you do decide to go, I would highly recommend you make a day of it, as I did. It’s a beautiful town with buildings clearly centuries old.

The art on show is spectacular. You can see every brushstroke, the grey washes and more, and even with it being a relatively small show, I spent ages poring over each piece, and talking with visitors. Fans of Mike, as well as some faces from his past, including one school friend he hadn’t seen in over 25 years, just before he moved to Florida! As a result, this exhibition is not just a love letter to Shrewsbury, but a heart-warming show with friends, fans and family all in attendance.

If you are around, then I do recommend dropping by. As I said, Mike will be present throughout this coming week, drawing at his drawing board, so you will not only get to see some pretty outstanding and dynamic art, but also get to see the man in action. Who knows, you might even get a scoop on whatever he may be illustrating next. Here’s hoping it’s a third volume of The Batman: The First Knight.

Dana Dana Dana Batman Art Exhibition is on until Thursday, 18th June at Swan Hill Studios, Shrewsbury.