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DC Announces Digital-First “Batman ’89” and “Superman ’78” Series

By | February 16th, 2021
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Cover by Joe Quinones

DC Comics has announced two digital-first series based on their classic films: “Batman ‘89,” written by Sam Hamm with art by Joe Quinones, and “Superman ’78,” written by Robert Venditti with art by Wilfredo Torres. The first six issues of both series will be available on July 27, with the subsequent six issues rolling weekly afterwards, and then being released as six-issue series from August.

As the name implies, “Batman ‘89” will take place in the same timeline as Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film. Lending to the authenticity of the project is Hamm, who was the principle screenwriter of the film, and did story work for the 1992 sequel Batman Returns. The official DC synopsis teases the return of Catwoman (portrayed in Returns by Oscar-nominee Michelle Pfeiffer), and a new interpretation of Robin. It goes on to state that artist Quinones “has a vision for Harvey Dent/Two-Face that is as close to movie magic as a comic can get!”

Cover by Wilfredo Torres

The project was first pitched by Quinones and writer Kate Leth in 2015, but was turned down for unknown reasons. The new comic will debut ahead of Michael Keaton’s return to the role in The Flash movie, which is due to begin filming in April for a November 4, 2022 release.

Whereas “Batman ‘89” will tackle Burton’s interpretation of The Dark Knight, “Superman ’78” will explore the world of Richard Donner’s Superman (1978). “In ‘Superman ’78,’ bystanders are surprised and delighted by Superman’s abilities, and Lois Lane doesn’t (yet!) know that Clark Kent is secretly Superman,” the official synopsis reads. “The sheer thrill of seeing a man fly, leap, or stop a bullet will be reflected in this environment where Superman has just been introduced!“ Venditti joins the project after a successful run on DC’s “Hawkman.” Torres will be familiar to DC readers after his run on the similarly themed “Batman ‘66,” inspired by the classic television series starring Adam West and Burt Ward.


Chris Cole

Chris Cole lives in a tiny village built around a haunted prison. He is a writer, letterer, and occasional charity Dungeon Master. Follow his ramblings about comics and his TTRPG adventures on Twitter @CcoleWritings.

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