The main reason I scanned this panel was to get it large enough for me to make sure they were actually shaking hands.
So I received for Christmas the slipcased oversized-hardcover edition of JLA/Avengers by Kurt Busiek and George Perez, giving me a change to revisit this fun intercompany crossover series and enjoy the crazily-overstuffed pages of art. And while there are lots of momentous events in the story that get the most attention, like Superman wielding Thor’s hammer, or the Avengers fighting Starro…I think one of my favorite moments is this brief meeting between Batman and the ever-lovin’, blue-eyed Thing:
Batman’s “uh…okay, sure” look makes it for me.
To see this panel in context, Bully the Little Stuffed Bull has the full page, presented as part of his 2009 365 Days with Ben Grimm series.
Thanks for the link, Mike! And yes, that’s a wonderful moment. I’ve admired JLA/Avengers for not only fitting in a bunch of great big battles between and teaming the two teams, but also for quieter character moments (Batman and Captain America’s non-fight, the despair of the Avengers and JLA at seeing the worst parts of their futures) as well.
As everybody always says, Perez draws great rubble, but I like it best when he can put a heart in it that rubble–and those big blue eyes that makes The Thing the idols of millions.
I love that scene, too – it’s great how a character like Ben just sort of bowls over the taciturn Batman with his natural charisma. That’s why he’s the ever-loving blue-eyed idol of millions and Batman isn’t, after all.