DC Comics announced at this week’s ComicsPro meeting that Hawkeye and Sex Criminals writer Matt Fraction will join Jorge Jiménez on Batman in the fall.
The title will launch with a new first issue in September, following the completion of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s Hush sequel.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Batman. It was the first comic I ever read,” said Fraction. “Jorge and I have a very superhero-forward kind of take on Batman. We’ve got a new Batmobile, we’ve got a new costume, we’ve got new characters, and we’ve got a lot of old ones too—good and bad; all the stuff that makes Batman the coolest character in comics. We want to celebrate it all.”
DC shared that Fraction and Jimenez, along with colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Clayton Cowles will tell “a series of connected but self-contained stories” when the title reboots.
“As a DC artist, I have to say this is something I’ve always dreamed of, and getting to do it alongside someone as amazing and talented as Matt is just incredible for me,” said Jiménez. “As for my work on Batman, the artistic side, I’ve poured years of hard work into this series. Over time, I’ve had to adapt to different styles and paces alongside James and Chip, learning and enjoying every step of the way. I’ve explored Gotham City from multiple angles, but more importantly, I’ve gradually built up more and more artistic tools that have led me to the current synthesis of my style.”
Here’s a look at some of Jiménez and Morey’s interiors from the first issue:
…as well as a character design sheet:
Look for the first issue to arrive sometime in September.