There’s so much amazing talent in the world of comics and superheroes—particularly in the realm of art and design. DC Direct prides itself on bringing these images to life and having direct from the source access to these incredible artists. The DC Designer Series statue line represents the best of this relationship and looks to recreate the work of visionary and beloved comic artists into detailed, beautifully sculpted collectible statues. One of the amazing things about the line this year is that most of the artists chosen were international. In this series of posts, we highlight some of these artists, discovering what motivates and inspires them to create the work they do.

One of DC’s most internationally renowned artists, Rafael Grampá has inspired many others through his stylized art and design…including the team at DC Direct, who have produced several statues based on his art.

This year, DC Direct is going bigger and bolder than ever before when it comes to Grampá’s work, releasing one of their largest DC Designer series statues based on his art. Inspired by his original design for a Batman: Black & White statue, the DC Designer Series: Batman by Rafael Grampá Statue is a 1:6-scale Designer Series piece that features Grampá’s sword-wielding design in full color for the first time. The larger size and vivid color palette unlock greater detail in Grampá’s statue, making for a phenomenal collectible that’s a must-have for any Batman fan.

“When an artist receives an invitation from DC Direct to turn his art into amazing statues, it’s like receiving a big prize. That is how I felt when I was invited to be a part of the Batman: Black & White series,” recalls Grampá. “But then when (Creative Director) Jim Fletcher asked me if I was interested in having a bigger and colored new version of my statue in the DC Designer Series, I said of course I was!”

Growing up in Brazil in the ’80s and ’90s, Grampá came of age reading Brazilian comic books for children. However, as he grew older, his tastes in comics broadened.

“I was very influenced by Angeli and Laerte and their punk and dirty humor magazines called Chiclete com Banana and Circo,” shares Grampá. “These were very definitive to what my taste for comics and art would be as an adult.”

Of course, Grampá was also a huge fan of superheroes, especially Frank Miller and The Dark Knight Returns. As he started drawing, Grampá blended that appreciation and love of superhero books with his diverse Brazilian influences to form his own distinct “samba punk” style, which he describes as the seed that turned into his art that we all know and love today.

Grampá has achieved so much over the course of his art career. Along with his work for DC, the artist has also created his own comics, like Mesmo Delivery and 5. The latter, an anthology title that Grampá created alongside other famed comic creators like Becky Cloonan, Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, won the 2008 Eisner Award, making Grampá, Moon and Bá the first Brazilian creators to ever win the award.

Considering Grampá’s acclaim, unique style and overall enthusiasm when it comes to his work, DC Direct was thrilled to be able to collaborate with Grampá again.

“The statue looks like a big titan,” he exclaims. “Powerful and full of little details and colors. My style is perfectly represented in the statue. I’m so, so proud of it. Thanks, Jim and DC Direct!”

Grampá’s statue is available now for purchase, so don’t miss your chance to own this gorgeous new collectible paying tribute to one of South America’s most beloved artists.
 

DC Designer Series: Batman by Rafael Grampa Statue by DC Direct is now available through comic shops, specialty stores and online retailers.

Amanda Levine writes about DC Direct, Young Adult comics, cosplay and the DC Universe in general for DCComics.com.