Batman One Bad Day-Clayface: “No Notes”

Clayface attempts to take over the Hollywood scene! But this struggling actor just can’t shake having a “bad day.”

Creative Team

Jackson Lanzing (Writer), Collin Kelly (Writer), Xermanico (Artist/Cover Artist), Romulo Fajardo Jr. (Colorist),
Tom Napolitano (Letterer)

Marie Javins (Editor in Chief), Dave Wielgosz (Editor), Jessica Berbey (Assistant Editor), Darran Robinson (Designer)

Publisher: DC Comics

“No Notes”

Batman One Bad Day-Clayface written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly takes readers on an adventure and a life lesson. This story opens up to panel after panel of multiple people having conversations with Basil Karlo (Clayface). Don’t be too alarmed or overwhelmed during these opening pages, because it does feel like a lot is happening. Once you make it through those first couple pages, things thin out, while the plot thickens.

For those who may not know, Basil was a decent theater actor, till an accident turned him into the creature named “Clayface.” This story has Basil out of Gotham City and now residing in Los Angeles. Working hard to chase his dreams of being a big-time actor in Hollywood. Which is easy for some, but in Basil’s case, still a struggle. Things finally take a turn when he has an audition for a role in an upcoming production. Just as fast things turn around for Basil, they quickly turn for the worst.

Basil makes some very sketchy decisions and takes the form of the individual who got the part he deemed his. Basil has what he calls “vision” for how this film he is now a part of should be shot. This causes problems with the director and production team. His “bad day” got worse, with his termination. But he is “dead” set on being a part of this film and will see it come to fruition because it hits so close to home. Basil takes the likeness of the studio manager who informs him that the movie is no longer being made. This is when a “jaw dropping” moment comes. The reveal of the movie name… “A Killing Joke…”

After obtaining the image and likeness of what comes out to nine individuals, Basil has everything that he has ever wished to gain. Status, money and respect. That is till Bruce Wayne (Batman) arrives to Los Angeles on business from Gotham City. You can imagine the response Basil has when seeing Bruce. Unexpected events take place, and Basil has a “meltdown” causing him to reveal his true form… Clayface. Bruce also makes a costume change and intervenes. A small battle ensues, and Batman captures Clayface to return him to Arkham Asylum in Gotham City.

Art of Batman One Bad Day-Clayface

The artwork by Xermanico is astonishing. Throughout the panels you see such defined line work mixed with attention to detail. Scenes that have an “up-beat” feel to them are surrounded with bright colors. And when we see Basil transform into Clayface we get more rugged lines and darker supporting colors and shading. Such an amazing job!

Thoughts of Batman One Bad Day-Clayface

Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly really did a phenomenal job bringing this character to a place that some people may relate. In terms of ever wanting something so bad that it hurts, and you feel you deserve what you want. The “script” dialogue is such a beautiful touch adding to the essence to the story.

Clayface makes a chilling statement to Batman. “I’m everyone… I’m anyone…” To which Batman responds, “Which means, you’re no one…” Basil wants so badly to be “the leading man.” He wants to have recognition, love and appreciation. He wanted all of the fruits that came with being a celebrity, so much that he did not care who he harmed along the way. Batman clarified to Basil that is you’re not your own person, then you essentially are no one…

I recommend reading this story! It is so smooth that the sixty-four pages just flew by. I would also like to encourage you to pick up this entire “One Bad Day” series. It is an astonishing collection of some of Batman’s rogues (not Joker) that do not seem to get enough attention.

Grade: 8.9/10

Batman One Bad Day Series

Previous “One Bad Day” Review: Batman One Bad Day-Catwoman

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