Batman: One Bad Day – Clayface #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and illustrated by Xermanico.
Issue #1 is available 21st February 2023 either directly from DC Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
All Basil Karlo ever wanted to be was an actor…no…one of the greatest actors there’s ever been. However, his life went off course when he became the shape-shifting monster known as Clayface. After years of doing battle with Batman in Gotham City and distancing himself from his dream, Clayface goes out west to Los Angeles. Creating a new identity, he pursues his dream of acting only to find that Gotham City isn’t the only place with an overwhelming sense of dread to it, and that he might not have what it takes to make it in the City of Angels. So he’ll reshape the city to fit his needs in a deadly pursuit of stardom.
Review
In this edition of the One Bad Day series we get to go behind the mind if another iconic villain, this time it’s Basil Karlo or Clayface as he’s better known. Having moved away from Gotham and the endless battles with Batman he ends up in Los Angeles with the glamour of Hollywood calling he believes now is the time to take his rightful place amongst the stars as the silver screens greatest ever actor, the thing is not everyone sees the same vision.
Clayface doesn’t see these barriers that are put up he can only see the end goal of taking over Hollywood at whatever cost. A unique story that tells the twisted but strangely endearing story of how one man will stop at nothing to achieve his dream, even if it means going on a murderous spree in the process.
Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly open up the character of Clayface in this special one shot and although you want to hate the shapeshifting monster the story is written in such a way that you can’t help but become endeared to his character and feel somewhat sorry for him as when you strip back all the horror underneath is just a man who wants to follow his dream. I found the writing to be somewhat hypnotic as the story unfolded I just couldn’t put the book down it grips you in a unique way where you just have to see what happens.
The illustrations of the book from Xermanico where at a high level as he depicted the shapeshifting monster in all his horrific glory and was able to show the slight warmth of the character which enables the reader to open up and get closer the the character himself.
Verdict
Another great issue from the One Bad Day series. Lanzing and Kelly’s story surprised me at how much enjoyed the unique way it built up the character up. You might certainly find it harder to dislike the character after this tragic story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
