Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Bat-Wockk!
Summary
Released in 2019 to mark Batman's 80th anniversary, Bat-Wockk! reimagines the superhero mid-kick in an exaggerated pop-comic register. This screen print was issued in an edition of 45, placing it among Mr. Brainwash's more contained comic-book releases from that year.
Why It Matters
The 80th anniversary of Batman's 1939 debut made 2019 a natural moment for a tribute, and Mr. Brainwash's comic series leaned into that pop-culture calendar. The dynamic action pose and onomatopoeic title nod directly to the campy Adam West-era Batman aesthetic while filtering it through MBW's layered, graffiti-adjacent style.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 45 is meaningfully tighter than the artist's 100-count valentine and giclee runs, giving Bat-Wockk! a scarcity edge. It belongs to a broader comic-book series that includes Spider-Man and Aquaman, so completist collectors often pursue these as a set. The instantly readable subject makes it an accessible entry point.
Historical Context
Batman has anchored DC Comics since 1939 and has been reinterpreted by countless artists across eight decades. Mr. Brainwash's comic-hero series taps the same nostalgia economy that fueled pop art's original embrace of comics in the 1960s, updating it for a market where superhero IP dominates mainstream culture.
FAQ
Why was this print released?
It was created to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Batman, whose first appearance dates to 1939.
What is the edition size?
Bat-Wockk! is a screen print in an edition of 45.
Is it part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to Mr. Brainwash's comic-book inspired series alongside works such as Spider-Man and Aquaman.
What does the pose depict?
Batman is shown mid-action kick, rendered larger than life in pop-art form.
About the Artist
Mr. Brainwash is the pseudonym of Thierry Guetta, a French-born, Los Angeles-based street artist who rose to prominence through Banksy's 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. Originally a videographer who filmed street artists including Shepard Fairey and Banksy, Guetta reinvented himself as an artist, staging his ambitious 2008 debut show "Life Is Beautiful" in Los Angeles. His work draws heavily on pop-art appropriation, remixing icons such as Warhol, Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, and spray-paint splatters. He has produced album art and large-scale exhibitions across the U.S. and Europe.
Collecting Mr Brainwash at Gauntlet Gallery
What Mr. Brainwash prints should I buy first?
Start with hand-finished screenprints and stencil works from his named exhibitions, where each impression is signed, numbered, and often uniquely embellished with spray-paint or stamps. Smaller editions and show-related pieces from "Life Is Beautiful" and later gallery runs are the most recognizable entry points. At Gauntlet Gallery we prioritize pieces with clean condition and complete signing.
How is authenticity documented?
Gauntlet Gallery sells Mr. Brainwash works with documented studio provenance and the artist's own signature, numbering, and thumbprint or stamp where present. We photograph the exact piece you receive, including signature and edition details, so what you verify is what ships.
What drives value?
Value is driven by edition size, whether the piece is hand-embellished versus a flat print, subject popularity, condition, and provenance tied to a documented exhibition. Signed, low-numbered, and uniquely finished impressions command the strongest premiums.