DC Comics is returning to the worlds of Superman: The Movie and Tim Burton’s Batman. The publisher has announced two new digital-first series, Superman ’78 and Batman ’89. These books will be set in the world of the landmark superhero movies.
Writer Rob Venditti and artist Wilfredo Torres have been tapped for Superman ’78, while screenwriter Sam Hamm and artist Joe Quinones will bring readers into Batman ’89. Both book will arrive digitally in July before being collected in print editions.
Superman ’78 and Batman ’89 will debut with six digital chapters of each new series on July 27, followed by new chapters of each comic book for the six weeks that immediately follow. The twelve chapters of each new series will also be published as six printed comics between August and October and as hardcover collections in October (Batman ’89) and November (Superman ’78).
DC released the following description of Batman ‘89.
“In the new Batman ’89 comic, Hamm and Quinones will help usher in the return of Selina Kyle/Catwoman and will debut a new Robin! Plus, Quinones has a vision for Harvey Dent/Two-Face that is as close to movie magic as a comic can get!”
The following description of Superman ‘78 was released as well.
“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 sheer thrill of seeing a man fly, leap, or stop a bullet will be reflected in this environment where Superman has just been introduced! Inspired by Donner’s classic, timeless style of superhero storytelling, in Superman ’78 Venditti and Torres will show fans that a man can truly fly.”
Superman: The Movie, directed by Richard Donner, was the first true superhero movie blockbuster. It is still widely regarded as one of the great superhero movies of all time. Christopher Reeve played the Man of Steel in the adaptation. Three sequels were released in the following years.
Tim Burton’s Batman, meanwhile, hit theaters in 1989. It was an instant, smash hit, breaking box office records at the time. It was also one of the most profitable movies, in terms of merchandise, ever released at that time. Michael Keaton returned to the role for Batman Returns in 1992, which was also directed by Burton. Keaton will be reprising the role once more in The Flash movie, which recently bega filming.
Superman ‘78 and Batman ‘89 will arrive digitally on July 27.
What do you think? Are you excited that DC is returning to these universes? Will you be reading these books? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
