Mark Russell and Michael Allred found acclaim for their historical take on the Man of Steel in Superman: Space Age. Now, the creators have reunited to do the same thing with the Dark Knight. Batman: Dark Age #1 presents a new take on the World’s Greatest Detective, pitting Bruce Wayne against a changing America.
Described as “an origin story like no other,” Batman: Dark Age shows how a young Bruce Wayne is shaped by a city in turmoil. Set against the backdrop of real world events, the Dark Knight struggles to save his home town from a prophesized doom and the madmen who threaten the social order. The series will also feature many of Gotham City’s most infamous rogues.
The cover and first five pages of Batman: Dark Age #1 can be viewed below.
How Batman: Dark Age Might Tackle Real History
The Eisner Award nominated Superman: Space Age was set from the 1960s to the 1980s. It opens with a young Clark Kent being spurred into action by the Kennedy assassination, and Lois Lane making her name reporting on the same. However, the series did not shy away from controversy, showing Lois joining the Freedom Riders to report on segregation.
Superman: Space Age explored Bruce Wayne’s life, setting him up as a business rival of military contractor Lex Luthor. The series also introduced other Justice League members alongside Superman and Batman. Wonder Woman, for instance, comes to Man’s World to avert the threat of nuclear war.
It is unclear if Batman: Dark Age will continue to utilize the full Justice League. It is possible it may focus on the Dark Knight above all else. However, it is clear from the preview pages that Mark Russell’s satiric scalpel is as sharp as ever, and Michael Allred remains a master of slapstick.
Batman: Dark Age #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on March 26, 2024.
