Nearly 15 years ago, comic book writer David Lapham penned a 12-issue arc for Detective Comics entitled “City of Crime.” The Batman story was initially supposed to be drawn by artist Bill Sienkiewicz, who illustrated its first issue, Detective Comics #801.
When outside factors prevented Sienkiewicz from finishing the run, DC Comics and then Batman editor Bob Shreck decided to start the arc over with a new artist.
Now, Lapham has provided fans with a link to download the entirety of Sienkiewicz’ unpublished version of Detective Comics #801 for free. This PDF file includes 22 pages of artwork, two splash pages and some insight into Lapham’s creative process.
“[The artists who took over] were Roman Bachs and Nathan Massengill who drew the hell out of the book, and I’m super proud of the final product,” Lapham said. “This is just a look at an alternate path the book may have taken.”
To reach larger audiences, Lapham promoted the link on his Twitter page, prompting Sienkiewicz to reply: “So kind, my friend! We'll do something together again that WILL get published.”
The “City of Crime” arc began with Detective Comics #801 in February 2005 and concluded with #814 in February 2006.
SERIOUSLY!!! Not nearly enough people have gotten this absolutely FREE PDF of @sinKEVitch unpublished Batman story. 22 pages + 2 splash pages FREE! So, I'm posting the LINK here. RT this! You DO NOT have to sign up for our email list https://t.co/B0qBCu4Cix pic.twitter.com/h2C6CllQIp
— David Lapham (@DavidALapham) July 6, 2019
So kind, my friend! We’ll do something together again that WILL get published. https://t.co/CYgOeBcKjq
— Bill Sienkiewicz (@sinKEVitch) July 7, 2019
