Convention - Comic Con France 2024: Jim Lee Celebrates 85 Years of Batman with Passion and Expertise

By Mulder, Paris, Porte de Versailles, Hall 7, 30 march 2024

In the vibrant confines of Comic Con France 2024, a particularly eagerly-awaited panel captivated the crowds: Jim Lee talks about 85 years of Batman. Moderated by Terry Ltam, this session saw Jim Lee, DC Comics creative director and world-renowned artist, share his thoughts and expertise on the Dark Knight, an iconic pop culture character who has cast his shadow over the world of comics for 85 years.

Jim Lee kicked off the panel with a look back at the history of Batman, highlighting the character's evolution since his first appearance in Detective Comics in 1939. With obvious passion, Lee traced the different eras that have shaped Batman, from fighting crime in the dark alleys of Gotham City to his internal conflicts as Bruce Wayne. He highlighted how Batman has remained relevant, adapting his methods and ethos to reflect changes in society.

As a major contributor to the Batman universe himself, Jim Lee shared personal anecdotes about his work, including iconic story arcs such as Batman: Hush. Lee explained his artistic vision in portraying Batman, stressing the importance of reconciling the character's darkness and complexity with the need to make him accessible to new generations of fans.

Moderator Terry Ltam brilliantly steered the discussion to cover a variety of topics, from Lee's artistic technique to his inspirations. The Q&A session allowed the audience to dive even deeper into Batman's psyche, tackling questions about the challenges of keeping the character interesting after so many years, as well as future plans for the Dark Knight.

Jim Lee and Terry Ltam also discussed Batman's massive cultural impact, noting how the character has transcended media from comics to film and TV screens, becoming a globally recognized symbol of justice. Lee emphasized Batman's importance as a cultural icon, able to unite people around universal values such as determination, justice and resilience.

Jim Lee's 85 Years of Batman panel at Comic Con France 2024 was a vibrant tribute to the Dark Knight, offering fans a fascinating dive into the Batman universe through the eyes of one of its most influential artists. Between profound reflections and captivating anecdotes, Jim Lee confirmed that, even after 85 years, Batman continues to capture the collective imagination, proving that some heroes, whatever their age, never go out of fashion.

With renowned guests such as Ian McDiarmid, Kevin Eastman, Robert Englund, Natalia Tena, and Anthony Daniels, Comic Con France attendees had the unique opportunity to meet their idols through signing sessions and panels. The event also offered a wide range of workshops, enabling fans to deepen their knowledge and skills in various fields related to their passions. The geek market, meanwhile, offered a veritable Alibaba's cave for collectors and lovers of rarities. This first day not only fulfilled the expectations of the participants, but also laid the foundations for a second day full of promise, promising even more discoveries and memorable moments.

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page  : https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBjKPP

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville