Theatre: DC Comics artist Jim Lee reveals the secrets behind new Batman live tour

Nov 12 2010 by Roz Laws, Birmingham Mail

JIM Lee does not hesitate when asked to reveal the identity of his personal superhero.

“That’s my wife,” he says, in a telling and touching answer.

“We have seven children and she’s at home looking after them all by herself.”

By night, Jim is a dedicated family man. But by day he adopts his other identity – as the man who brings Batman to life on the pages of DC Comic books.

Jim is world-renowned as the artist who re-energised the Batman brand with his distinctive style.

Now his artwork forms the basis of a new global arena tour, Batman Live, that kicks off in Britain next summer and includes Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena.

It’s set to be a visually stunning show featuring the Caped Crusader plus all our favourite characters – his trusty sidekick Robin, butler Alfred and villains including The Joker, The Riddler, Catwoman, Poison Ivy and The Penguin.

It will feature stunts, pyrotechnics, illusions, video screen sequences and even high-flying circus acts.

Miniature helicopters will buzz over the audience’s heads, while The Joker will try to make his escape in a life-size hot air balloon and the Dark Knight will race around in his Batmobile. There will be humour and a few scares, though it’s a family show for everyone from the age of six upwards.

The tour was launched in New York, aka Gotham City, at the headquarters of DC Comics.

There Jim told the Birmingham Mail: “I’ve designed Batman sneakers and postage stamps, but I think it’s awesome to use the character in a live arena show.

“Batman is really just a regular guy like us, but worth $1 billion and with really cool gadgets!

“To see him live in person will be a fantastic experience.

“He has a unique silhouette with the flowing cape that lends itself to a theatrical production. He will kick ass in person.”