On The Cheap: The Intro Of Ra's Al-Ghul In The Neal Adams Sale

This week, Comixology has launched a sale featuring the work of the legendary Neal Adams, and let's be real here: the odds are pretty good that you're already well aware of the man and his work. Whether it's his classic adventure stories of the '70s, or his more recent, mind-boggling miniseries, Neal Adams has had a hand in producing some of the most memorable comics of the past five decades.

So you'll forgive me if you have this one already, but I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that you can grab one of my all-time favorite stories today for under two dollars: Batman #243 and #244, in which Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams introduce the world to Ra's al-Ghul and Talia, and build to one of the single greatest pages in the history of the Caped Crusader.

That, my friends, is 100% of my jam.

Even before they get around to shirtless swordfighting, though, it's a great story. As much as they're credited with reviving some of the darker aspects of the character in stories like "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge," O'Neil and Adams as a team were very fond of getting out of Gotham City, too. Their Batman was a world-traveling adventurer who combined aspects of superheroics with the globetrotting action of James Bond, and Ra's, with his intimidating presence and pulp sensibilities, was the perfect arch-nemesis for that version of Batman. A global crimefighter requires global crimes, after all, and as the leader of the League of Assassins, Ra's certainly fits the bill.

One thing to watch out for in the sale, though: Unlike the images above, the versions that are on Comixology have Adams's more recent recoloring, so depending on your feelings about that process, it's worth checking out the preview pages before you buy. Also, if you're planning to go deep into the sale, keep in mind that there are quite a few issues that have Adams doing the covers, but not the interiors. Batman #236, for instance, was actually drawn by Irv Novick, and while it's pretty great, it's definitely a different style than you're going to expect if you're going in thinking that it's Neal Adams.

That one where Batman teams up with the Flash and the Flash literally runs to the sun, though? He drew 100% of that one, folks.

Check Out A Gallery Of The Best Neal Adams Covers