Batman and Superman Immortalised in Pewter by Sideshow Collectibles

If you like your superheroes – the ones you really care about from the stories that really mean the most to you – cast in granite for all prosperity then Sideshow Collectibles has the next best thing. Two models; Batman and Superman, from one of the most important superhero graphic novels of all time, have both been immortalized in pewter.

The graphic novel in question is Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, written and illustrated by Frank Miller. Bouncing between both DC and Marvel during the 80s, Miller was building a reputation as a serious-minded writer capable of creating dark, sometimes violent stories with a strong take on existing characters when, in 1986, he worked with editor Dick Giordano on a version of Batman that the world hadn’t seen before.

Miller said that he wanted to take the character back to his origins as someone who could properly, and justifiably, terrify criminals. By setting it in the future he had an excuse to depart from all things that Batman was at the time, whether that be through continuity, reader expectations, or social norms. So a new, darker, more violent version of Batman was born that still exists in some form to this day, in both comics and movies, such was the impact it had.

Not only did he depict an enduring version of Batman, but Miller told a story filled with social commentary. He also used panels and layouts in a way that few other creators were, aside from the likes of Alan Moore. Just like Moore’s Watchmen, DKR soon got the attention of serious literary critics outside of comics. Finally, a mainstream superhero comic had shown the world that it could be taken seriously as a work of art.

There was more because it also featured that famous face-off with Superman showing just how resourceful – and brave – Batman could be. It was an epic battle that Director Zack Snyder translated for the big screen at the earliest opportunity, still thrilling over thirty years later. The Batman Vs Superman movie even copied the armor Miller had designed to make Batman a lieral dark knight.

So it’s fitting that in these models, Batman is wearing this armor, and striking a pose that somehow makes him look more than a match for the most powerful superhero on the planet. Superman also looks like the version Miller drew, going big on the pants, the S, the body bulk, and that fantastic quiff.

On the reverse of each model is a little plaque that’s inscribed with not only the unique number (800 have been produced of each) but a summary of the plot to DKR. Then there are the color panels taken from the comics which are reminiscent of the television screens that feature in the book, but also make it look as if Batman and Superman have stepped directly from the pages of the comic.

Brought together they can either face each other to recreate the city-shattering stand-off – or they can be placed side-by-side, looking like the most formidable defenders of Earth.

Both Batman and Superman are available separately in either pewter or gold from Sideshow Collectibles

Images and press releases courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles, Royal Selangor, and DC Entertainment