DC Comics adds a new Batman miniseries to their lineup by superstar artist Rafael Grampá titled Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham. The DC Black Label series launches into comic shops on September 16, 2023. The story features a twisted vision of both the Dark Knight and the city of Gotham to life in a tale that reaches its icy black tendrils into the deepest and darkest corners of human nature to leave you gasping for breath—and begging for more. Given how extraordinary Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child was, we’re in for a treat.
“When his origin was introduced in Batman #1 in the 1940s, Bruce Wayne swore revenge by the spirits of his murdered parents and—driven by his belief in an omen—became Batman,” said Grampá. “For me, this subtle aspect of Bruce’s belief system has always been the fundamental core of Batman, and through that lens I recognized this untold story. Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham explores ‘who he is and why he came to be.’ It makes my dream of bringing my own interpretation of Batman to life a reality as I delve into the darkest corners of his essence. I sincerely hope readers enjoy the ride.”
So what’s Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham about?
In a Gotham City where every day feels darker and more irredeemable than the last, Batman makes a definitive choice—to kill off the Bruce Wayne identity for good and embrace the cape and cowl full-time. But though he knows the streets of Gotham, Batman will soon come to find that he hardly knows himself. A serial killer is on the loose, and while the murder victims seem random at first, every clue draws Batman closer to the terrifying truth—that they are all connected, not just to each other, but to him as well. When an all-new rogues gallery of utterly depraved villains begins to emerge from the depths of the city, Batman will have to contend with the very nature of evil—including that which lurks in the darkest corners of his own heart—to face what is coming for the city he has sworn to protect.
Jim Lee will be providing a variant cover (featuring colors by series colorist Matheus Lopes), with additional variants from comic book icon and Golden Child collaborator Frank Miller and renowned Batman artist David Finch. A black-and-white version of Lee’s cover will be available as a 1-in-25 “ratio” variant, along with a 1-in-50 variant cover by Priscilla Petraites (Chariot, Rat Queens), a 1-in-100 variant cover from Paul Pope (Batman: Year 100), and a 1-in-250 black-and-white variant cover by Miller, also based on his cover art. Visit your local comic book shop for availability and preordering details.
Check out a few of the covers below.
Check out an unlettered preview below.
For more on this news, read the official press release below.
From his creator-owned series Mesmo Delivery to titles like BRZRKR and Kick-Ass to his work on DC titles such as Wonder Woman, Action Comics, and Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child, artist Rafael Grampá’s dynamic art style has earned him legions of fans worldwide. This September, the award-winning artist adds to his impressive pedigree with Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham, a new DC Black Label (Ages 17+) limited series.
Available just in time for Batman Day (Saturday, September 16), Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham brings Grampá’s twisted vision of both the Dark Knight and the city of Gotham to life in a tale that reaches its icy black tendrils into the deepest and darkest corners of human nature to leave you gasping for breath—and begging for more!
“When his origin was introduced in Batman #1 in the 1940s, Bruce Wayne swore revenge by the spirits of his murdered parents and—driven by his belief in an omen—became Batman,” said Grampá. “For me, this subtle aspect of Bruce’s belief system has always been the fundamental core of Batman, and through that lens I recognized this untold story. Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham explores ‘who he is and why he came to be.’ It makes my dream of bringing my own interpretation of Batman to life a reality as I delve into the darkest corners of his essence. I sincerely hope readers enjoy the ride.”
In a Gotham City where every day feels darker and more irredeemable than the last, Batman makes a definitive choice—to kill off the Bruce Wayne identity for good and embrace the cape and cowl full-time. But though he knows the streets of Gotham, Batman will soon come to find that he hardly knows himself. A serial killer is on the loose, and while the murder victims seem random at first, every clue draws Batman closer to the terrifying truth—that they are all connected, not just to each other, but to him as well. When an all-new rogues gallery of utterly depraved villains begins to emerge from the depths of the city, Batman will have to contend with the very nature of evil—including that which lurks in the darkest corners of his own heart—to face what is coming for the city he has sworn to protect.
In addition to Grampá’s breathtaking cover and interior art, a who’s who of comic book luminaries lend their talents to this debut issue in the form of some incredible variant covers.
Fan-favorite artist Jim Lee will be providing a variant cover (featuring colors by series colorist Matheus Lopes), with additional variants from comic book icon and Golden Child collaborator Frank Miller and renowned Batman artist David Finch. A black-and-white version of Lee’s cover will be available as a 1-in-25 “ratio” variant, along with a 1-in-50 variant cover by Priscilla Petraites (Chariot, Rat Queens), a 1-in-100 variant cover from Paul Pope (Batman: Year 100), and a 1-in-250 black-and-white variant cover by Miller, also based on his cover art. Visit your local comic book shop for availability and preordering details.
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1 will also be available (at participating retailers) in a “noir” version, showcasing the complete first issue (art and letters) of the story in vivid black and white.
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1 and Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham Noir Edition #1 arrive in comic book shops and participating digital retailers September 16, and the series is recommended for readers ages 17+. For the latest information on this series and the World’s Greatest Super Heroes, visit the official DC website at www.dc.com, and follow @DCOfficial and @thedcnation on social media. The DC UNIVERSE INFINITE digital subscription service (DCUI) contains an incredible selection of DC stories featuring Batman, and from DC’s Black Label imprint; for more information and a free trial, visit the website at www.dcuniverseinfinite.com. DCUI is not available in all countries and is not intended for children.
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