DC Comics ramps up into this fall’s Batman #1 with a series of variant cover reveals

DC Comics is renumbering its flagship Batman book for the fourth time, and you better believe there’ll be some variant covers.

The Bat is back

It’s kind of hard to believe that this fall’s Batman #1 will be just the fourth renumbering in the 85 year history of the book. First published in April of 1940, Batman has somehow escaped the modern phenomenon of repeated renumbering.

Here we are though, with that fourth such happening, and about to see Batman #1 hit stands this September 3rd. When it does, it’ll bring with it a revamp that’ll see the Dark Knight fall back to his classic blue and gray color scheme (albeit with a new emblem). That’s not all though, as the book will debut a fresh Batmobile for the hero to cruise Gotham in, as well as a few new characters who’ll be joining the existing crew.

Going one step further, the series will also bring in a new angle. According to the press release, Batman #1 will mark a trend of what’ll be mostly self-contained stories. Each month will bring a new tale, so while each will (obviously) be connected in some ways, there won’t be any big arcs for now.

Leading the way will be writer Matt Fraction, artist and Batman alum Jorge Jiménez, colorist Tomeu Morey, and letterer Clayton Cowles.

Fraction, Jiménez, Morey, and Cowles will craft a series of connected but self-contained stories beginning with Batman #1 in September, ensuring that every issue offers a new adventure, a fresh storytelling style, and a unique challenge for Batman to face. With each installment, readers can expect a thrilling surprise, reflecting the dynamic vision of the creative team. Batman #1 debuts on September 3, 2025, available in print and digitally from participating comic book retailers everywhere.

DC Comics press release

Batman #1 arrives on stands this September 3rd for $4.99 USD. Along with the standard version, there’ll also be a Jorge Jiménez foil variant on stands for $7.99 USD. That’s not all though, as DC is making the most out of the happening, and there’ll be plentiful special editions out there for longtime Bat-fans to pick up.

Of variants, blind bags, and a Giant-Sized special edition

Batman #1‘s launch being as big as it is for DC Comics, you’d best believe that there are some special variants attached. And yes, we mean aside from the foil edition mentioned above. This won’t be your run of the mill cover onslaught either, as DC has announced both cardstock variants, as well as “Blind as a Bat” editions.

Along with “Bat-Symbol” and blank variant covers for Batman #1, the cardstock covers will include work from “Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri and Arif Prianto, J. Scott Campbell, Frank Quitely, Gabriele Dell’Otto, Julian Totino Tedesco, Andy Kubert (1:25 incentive variant), and David Aja (1:50 incentive variant)”, according to DC. Additionally, fans can keep an eye out for a “DC Showcase” wraparound variant too, by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau”. That one will run $24.99 USD.

Ready for more? Well, that’s good, because launch day also brings the Giant-Size Special Edition of Batman #1. Shipping with a monster “11” x 17″ art board trim size format”, the edition will be available in both standard (cardstock) main cover for $14.99 US, and what DC is saying will be an “open-to-order foil variant for $19.99 US”. Both of those will feature the work of Jorge Jiménez. Oh, and those Blind as a Bat editions? Those are exactly what they hint at, meaning that each one will be blind polybagged.

If you’re new to this, that’s to mean that you won’t be able to see which one of the following special covers will be inside before you buy. So yeah, if you’re a looking to get them all, you might have to engage in a little trial and error.

The Blind as a Bat editions will be priced in at $9.99 USD, with a killer lineup of talent providing the visual for each illustration. And did we mention that Batman #1’s Blind as a Bat covers will all be foiled? Just a little extra kick for your buck.

Each bagged edition will include a random cover from one of the following stars:

• David Aja
• J. Scott Campbell
• Gabriele Dell’Otto
• Jorge Jiménez
• Andy Kubert
• Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
• Jim Lee
• Frank Quitely
• Marc Silvestri
• Julian Totino Tedesco

Quotes? We’ve got quotes

Finally, DC included a few select quotes from the creative team on Batman #1. So if you’re eagerly awaiting the comic’s debut, read on for some additional hype.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Batman. It was the first comic I ever read,” said Fraction. “Jorge and I have a very superhero-forward kind of take on Batman. We’ve got a new Batmobile, we’ve got a new costume, we’ve got new characters, and we’ve got a lot of old ones too—good and bad; all the stuff that makes Batman the coolest character in comics. We want to celebrate it all.”

“As a DC artist, I have to say this is something I’ve always dreamed of, and getting to do it alongside someone as amazing and talented as Matt is just incredible for me,” said Jiménez. “As for my work on Batman, the artistic side, I’ve poured years of hard work into this series. Over time, I’ve had to adapt to different styles and paces alongside James and Chip, learning and enjoying every step of the way. I’ve explored Gotham City from multiple angles, but more importantly, I’ve gradually built up more and more artistic tools that have led me to the current synthesis of my style.”

“For this new chapter, we’re crafting a revamped aesthetic, bringing back Batman’s blue suit in a definitive way,” said Jiménez. “It’s a small shift meant to feel both classic and fresh, subtly evolving while staying true to the original design we’ve used in recent years. At the same time, I’m working on Gotham City’s visual identity, giving it a fresh approach that sets it apart from my previous takes. I’m aiming for a slight pop influence, something that subtly nods to classic stories while keeping the dark and ominous feel of contemporary Batman.”

“Part of the reason Batman has lasted as long and has resonated as loudly as a character is that he’s incredibly resilient,” said Fraction. “He can be all kinds of things to all different people all at the same time — whether that’s in the comics or in animation or in movies.”

DC Comics press release