Batman Gets an Updated Blue and Gray Costume, a New Batmobile, and More
Batman #1 cover art by Jorge Jiménez
DC today surprise-announced a new Batman #1 comic book, launching in September by the creative team of Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez.
“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.”
Batman #1 interior art by Jorge Jiménez and Tomeu Morey
DC’s new Batman #1 becomes only the fourth renumbering for DC’s Batman comic book series in the title’s 85-year history. Under Fraction and Jiménez, with colors by Tomeu Morey and lettering by Clayton Cowles, Batman will have a new blue and gray costume, a new Batmobile, and the series will usher in a new look for Gotham City.
Batman #1 interior art by Jorge Jiménez and Tomeu Morey
“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 he has 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.”
Batman #1 character designs by Jorge Jiménez
Fraction, Jimenez, Morey and Cowles will be telling a series of connected but self-contained stories when they begin their run in September. Every issue could be a new adventure, a new style, and a new challenge for the creative team to put in front of Batman. More details on September’s Batman #1 to be revealed soon.
