Rebooted Batman titles get creative teams for September

 

In the first BATMAN #1 since 1930, New York Times bestselling writer Scott Snyder teams up with superstar artist Greg Capullo in his DC Comics debut! In the series, Bruce Wayne once again becomes the only character taking on the Batman name.

DC Comics’ flagship title is relaunched for the first time ever in DETECTIVE COMICS #1 by acclaimed writer/artist Tony Daniel. Marking the first time Batman will appear in a debut issue of Detective Comics, the series will find Bruce Wayne on the trail of a dangerous serial killer known only as the Gotham Ripper.

Source: DC Comics Blog

Batman editor, Mike Marts revealed more to IGN:

So let's get the primary concern out of the way first. "For the Batman titles, they will be accessible and won't be confusing to new readers or old readers alike," said Marts. "We are concentrating on story first and accessibility and bringing in new readers. We're not doing anything that will be pushing away either of those two groups." So while changes are definitely afoot, hopefully fans can determine for themselves from the information released today that many of these revamped titles are coming from a familiar place. It should be noted that a DC representative also confirmed that Grant Morrison will indeed be involved in the September relaunch, and an announcement will be coming later this week.

The first announcement to be revealed is a historic one to be sure; launching in September is Detective Comics #1 and, for the first time since 1940, Batman #1. This marks the first time that DC Comics has ever renumbered either title. Notably, Detective Comics is the book after which DC is named. For fans that have been enjoying the direction these titles have taken as of late, there's no need to worry.

On Batman #1 will be acclaimed scribe of (the current) Detective Comics and American Vampire, Scott Snyder. Joining him is artist Greg Capullo, in what will be his debut at DC after working on notable Image Comics titles like Spawn and Robert Kirkman's Haunt.

"We're making history in that this is the first time we've had a Batman #1 in many years. We're fortunate to have Greg Capullo on as artist and Scott Snyder – who is red hot after his work on Detective and American Vampire. With the two of these guys leading the charge, this book is going to be fantastic."

On Detective Comics #1 will be longtime Batman architect Tony Daniel handling both writing and art duties. DC's official text for Detective Comics #1 says, "Marking the first time Batman will appear in a debut issue of Detective Comics, the series will find Bruce Wayne on the trail of a dangerous serial killer known only as the Gotham Ripper."

"In both Batman and Detective, Bruce Wayne is going to be the main star as Batman," Marts confirmed. "Bruce Wayne will once again be the only character to be wearing the Batman costume."

What that means for the Batman of the past two years, Dick Grayson, is coming in an announcement later today, as is the fate of Batman Inc. However, keep in mind what was said above about DC not wanting to isolate longtime readers. In terms of the tone of each Bat-book, Marts said, "Each of the Batman titles is different in their own way. The different creative voices that we have on the Batman titles will have all of them feeling distinct and special. At the same time, all playing within the same sandbox, the same way that we have been. It's a shared world where a lot of the titles will interact with one another."

For fans of Damian Wayne as Robin, you'll be happy to hear that he'll be returning as the Boy Wonder in the pages of Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason's Batman and Robin #1. In the new volume of Batman and Robin, it will be Bruce and Damian Wayne parading as the titular characters, protecting Gotham City as father and son.

"This is the first time we're seeing Bruce Wayne and his son Damian acting as a team, together, as Batman and Robin. Previously, it had been just a father/son role or mentor and student, but this is the first time they are actually working together as a team," said Marts. "That's going to be very interesting because here you have a family dynamic of father and son who have the most unique relationship, and not the most perfect of relationships. That will provide for a lot of interesting stories."

David Finch's Batman: The Dark Knight will also be returning with a new #1, despite it only ever reaching two issues since its launch in November 2010. According to Marts, The Dark Knight is "a new #1 series" which DC's official text describes as "a twisted adventure that pulls Bruce Wayne deep into the halls of the famed Arkham Asylum, a jail for Gotham City's most dangerous and criminally deranged." Finch will once again be writing and illustrating, with some art assists from Jay Fabok. No word was given on whether or not Finch's original story would see completion.

We also touched briefly on DC Comics' digital initiative, and if it had any impact on his workload. "It's one extra step. It's something that we have to be much more aware of. The advantage of what we gain through the digital release makes it all worth it. It's actually an enjoyable step to add to our production process if it means that we reach that much more in the way of an audience."

"This whole undertaking has been such a joy on the editorial side and on the creative side," Marts reiterated. "I know that's going to spill over to the readers. It's amazing that we're all a part of this history making process. With #1s across the board and also going digital with everything. It's a big exciting time."

They also let this one slip out by mistake. Whoops! I guess barbara Gordon will be getting better. Shame, I thought she was a stronger character for fighting in the big leagues in spite of the disability.

Where does this leave Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake? Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain?

I don't know, but DC are holding back some Bat-titles. They must know that THAT is what fans want to find out.