DC Comics is going all out for Batman’s 80th anniversary. Via ComicBook.com, the publisher has shared new details about the upcoming 1000th issue of Detective Comics, the series that introduced the world to the Dark Knight in 1939. Much like this year’s Action Comics #1000, the expanded issue will adopt an anthology format and contain multiple new stories. To tell these stories, DC has recruited a stacked lineup of writers and artists.
There are a number of well-known creative teams that are all but guaranteed to raise excitement for the issue. Among the standout pairings are Kevin Smith and Jim Lee; Brian Michael Bendis and his Daredevil collaborator Alex Maleev; Warren Ellis and Becky Cloonan; Batman: The Animated Series producer Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen; Geoff Johns and Kelley Jones; Tom King, Tony Daniel, and Joëlle Jones; and James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez.
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Additionally, a few Batman legends are tagging along for the ride. Denny O’Neil is penning a sequel to his 1976 Detective Comics story, “There’s No Home in Crime Alley.” Steve Epting will illustrate that segment. Artist Neil Adams, often credited with redefining the caped crusader alongside O’Neil, will draw a story written by Christopher Priest. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, whose Batman series was one of the best-reviewed titles in DC’s New 52 relaunch, will also re-team for their own contribution to the issue.
One of the book’s most noteworthy inclusions is Arkham Knight, who made his first appearance in the 2015 video game Batman: Arkham Knight. The character will finally make his comics debut in a story written by Peter J. Tomasi and illustrated by Doug Mahnke. In the game, Arkham Knight was revealed to be former Robin and Red Hood Jason Todd. However, since Todd is currently operating under the name Outlaw in the comics universe, it’s unlikely that he’ll be donning the armored suit in this issue.
Detective Comics #1000 hits comic store shelves on March 27, 2019. You can check out the book’s take on Arkham Knight below, then tell us what you think in the comment section!
