DC Comics has partnered with The Folio Society to release a collection of classic Batman stories. The collection, titled DC: Batman, features 12 iconic Batman adventures from some of the best writers and artists in the industry. It includes Batman's debut in Detective Comics #27, as well as popular stories like The Killing Joke, Year One, and The Dark Knight Returns. The anthology also includes a replica of Batman #1, which introduced the characters Joker and Catwoman.
The 320-page deluxe edition was curated by longtime DC Editor-in-Chief Jenette Kahn and will be available for sale on February 20. The stories in DC: Batman showcase the evolution of the character over the decades, from the dutiful crimefighter of the 1940s to the darker and more complex version seen in recent years. The collection explores themes of duality, darkness, and the blurred lines between good and evil that have defined Batman's character.
DC: Batman aims to provide a back-to-basics approach for readers who may feel overwhelmed by the vast number of Batman comics available. The collection offers a comprehensive overview of Batman's history and showcases the work of legendary writers and artists such as Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Denny O'Neil, Neal Adams, Marshall Rogers, Frank Miller, Dave Mazzucchelli, Alan Moore, Brian Bolland, and Kelley Jones.
The Folio Society's Head of Editorial, James Rose, stated that Batman is an iconic character who has evolved to reflect the changing attitudes of the twentieth century. The selected stories in DC: Batman reveal the transformation of Batman from a dutiful crimefighter to a man consumed by darkness. The collection features a rogue's gallery of gothic villains, including The Joker, Two-Face, and Ra's al Ghul.
DC: Batman also includes an introduction by Jenette Kahn, who reflects on the enduring appeal of Batman and the impact the character had on her own life. She mentions how Batman's stories have explored themes of trauma, duality, and the fine line between sanity and madness. Kahn expresses her love for Batman and the opportunity to curate a deluxe edition of his adventures.
While DC: Batman includes pivotal stories from each decade of the twentieth century, there are many other exceptional Batman comics that could not be included due to size constraints. Kahn mentions Grant Morrison and Dave McKean's Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth as one of the standout stories that couldn't be included. She also highlights the significance of comics like 'The Joker's Journal' and 'The Rainbow Batman' in showcasing the ever-changing relationship between readers and stories.
DC: Batman offers fans and newcomers alike a chance to delve into the rich history of the Dark Knight and experience some of the most influential and groundbreaking Batman stories ever created.
