Long live the Bat: Here’s how DC Comics is celebrating 80 years of Batman

To mark 80 years since the Dark Knight debuted in 1939, DC Comics has announced two new anniversary books about Batman to be released this March.

DC Comics is celebrating two Batman landmarks this March – 80 years ago Batman made his debut inn Detective Comics No. 27, and now that same series is set to publish a milestone issue. To commemorate this dual anniversary, DC has released Detective Comics: 80 Years of Batman The Deluxe Edition (out in stores this week) and will release a 96-page oversize collector’s edition of Detective Comics No. 1000 on March 27, 2019, featuring short stories from the crème de la crème of DC’s talent.

Detective Comics No. 1000 (Credit: DC Comics)

DC recently announced its full all-star line-up of authors and artists for Detective Comics No. 1000, including Peter J. Tomasi and Doug Mahnke, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, Kevin Smith and Jim Lee, Paul Dini, Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs and John Kalisz, Warren Ellis and Becky Cloonan, Denny O’Neil and Steve Epting, Christopher Priest and Neal Adams, Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, Geoff Johns and Kelley Jones, James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez, and Tom King, Tony Daniel and Joëlle Jones.

There is a shocking absence of women writers for this historic issue, though it’s great to see some female artists, especially Cloonan, the first woman to draw Batman, making their mark on a historic year for the Dark Knight.

As per the press release shared by DC Comics, DC Publisher Dan DiDio was quoted as saying:

"“Following in the footsteps of the blockbuster Action Comics #1000, Detective Comics #1000 is going to be a must-have for every kind of Batman fan. Everyone we asked to be a part of this monumental issue immediately said yes and we can’t wait for fans to get their hands on the comic book.”"

The short stories comprise a range of subject matter and characters, with the central theme being Batman’s ongoing crusade against crime and injustice in his city, Gotham. A new version of the Arkham Knight character will debut on page, as will a sequel to “There Is No Hope in Crime Alley.” Two stories will be set in Bruce Wayne’s future, while others will re-introduce characters from Batman’s past – such as Dick Grayson, and Gotham’s villains. There is plenty more for fans to enjoy once the issue is out at the end of March.

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Alongside the stories, which encompass Batman’s past, present and future, Detective Comics No. 1000 will also feature additional art from Mikel Janín and Amanda Conner and a two-page spread from Jason Fabok, which will depict the current Bat-verse comprising the Bat-family heroes as well his rogues gallery of villains. Detective Comics No. 1000 will also feature retailer exclusive variant covers showcasing the Caped Crusader’s decades-long history.

Batman has become one of the world’s most popular comic book characters around the globe, spawning live-action and animation films, television shows, merchandise, as well as being a launching pad for a number of fan-favorite characters like Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Batwoman, Catwoman, Two-Face, the Joker, and more. The two exclusive anniversary specials will kick off a year-long tribute to Batman’s legacy in DC Comics.