Batman: Shadow of the Bat #49B (DC Comics 1996)

Own a critical piece of 1990s Batman lore with Batman: Shadow of the Bat #49B, the Brian Stelfreeze painted cover variant from DC Comics' 1996 Contagion crossover. This comic functions as Part 7 of the 11-part mega-event, delivering the high-stakes "Angel of Death" chapter where Gotham faces its most severe biological threat.

Contagion Story: The Vaccine War

Scripted by Alan Grant with interior art by Vince Giarrano and Ray McCarthy, the narrative escalates as a deadly plague ravages the city. Amidst the panic, Poison Ivy exploits the disaster, attempting to auction the vaccine to the highest bidder rather than help the dying population. Batman must navigate the gridlocked, infected streets to confront Ivy where the plague hits hardest, aiming to reclaim the cure and stop her profiteering from human suffering.

Collector-Specific Packaging

The #49B designation identifies this copy as the Brian Stelfreeze painted cover edition. Stelfreeze's hand-painted artwork provides a unique visual interpretation of the issue, distinguishing it from the standard retail print while capturing the grim tone of Grant's pandemic storyline. This variation is sought after by completists and enthusiasts of 90s variant covers.

• Crossover Integration: Continues the "Contagion" saga as the seventh entry in an 11-issue sequence.
• Variant Cover: Features exclusive painted artwork by Brian Stelfreeze.
• Interior Team: Written by Alan Grant; illustrated by Vince Giarrano and Ray McCarthy.
• Book Specifications: 32 pages printed in Full Color.
• Publication Info: Released by DC Comics in 1996. Original Cover Price: $1.95.