The Brave and the Bold #161

The Brave and the Bold issue 161, published by DC Comics in April 1980, is part of a long-running anthology series that famously paired disparate characters for team-up adventures. During this period of the series, the book acted as a primary vehicle for Batman, pairing the Caped Crusader with a rotating guest star in stories often penned by Bob Haney. The issue features a team-up between Batman and the Jonah Hex, a classic Western anti-hero, representing the DC editorial trend of blending genres like superheroes and gritty Westerns to appeal to a broad readership.

The artwork for this issue was provided by Jim Aparo, a definitive artist for the Batman character during the 1970s and 1980s. Aparo was known for his clear, kinetic storytelling style and his ability to render both dark urban settings and rugged Western landscapes with equal detail. His work on this issue was consistent with the established house style at DC during the Bronze Age, focusing on dynamic layouts and accessible, character-driven narratives that helped maintain the series' popularity throughout his long tenure on the title.