Dan Quintana's Absolute Batman Sketch Smashes Records with $18,500 Sale

A single sketch on a blank Absolute Batman #18 cover just sold for an astonishing $18,500, likely setting a new record for the format. This eye-popping figure was hit during a Knight of Comics' Whatnot livestream, proving just how red-hot the market for unique comic art has become.

The artist behind the record-breaking piece is Dan Quintana, a Los Angeles-based illustrator known for his atmospheric, often eerie figurative work. Quintana is a self-taught talent whose distinctive style, honed through murals and commercial projects, has made him incredibly in-demand. Comic creators making a career out of bespoke sketch covers is a growing trend, but Quintana's price tag is a significant leap.

This sale also highlights the immense popularity of DC's new Absolute Universe. Spearheaded by Scott Snyder, this initiative reboots beloved characters like Batman in a vein similar to Marvel's Ultimate Universe. Absolute Batman is the crown jewel, consistently topping sales charts and moving over half a million copies for its most recent issue. Quintana’s sought-after art has undoubtedly played a role in driving that success. This record-shattering sale isn't just about a sketch; it's a testament to a thriving comic art scene and a wildly successful new era for DC Comics.