DC Relaunches 'Batman' with Fresh #1 Issue, Updated Costume

DC Comics Unveils Major 2025 Plans for Batman, Superman, and Krypto

2025 promises a significant year for DC's Batman franchise. Following Chip Zdarsky's conclusion on Batman #157, Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush 2 storyline will launch in March. This sets the stage for a complete Batman relaunch with a new #1 issue, a fresh creative team, and a redesigned costume.

As announced at the ComicsPro event, Matt Fraction (Uncanny X-Men, The Invincible Iron Man) will take the reins as writer, collaborating with returning artist Jorge Jimenez. Jimenez and Fraction have created a new Batsuit, trading the familiar black and gray for a classic blue and gray aesthetic, and a new Batmobile. Fraction stated, "I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Batman. Jorge and I have a very superhero-forward take. We’ve got new characters, and old ones—good and bad."

Batman #1 is slated for a September 2025 release.

DC also revealed updates to their Superman line, continuing their "Summer of Superman" initiative. Supergirl is getting a new series and costume (designed by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau), penned and illustrated by Sophie Campbell (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). The series will see Kara Zor-El return to Midvale. Campbell commented on her inspiration, citing "stories and wild costumes from the 70’s, the 1984 Supergirl movie, and The CW show."

Supergirl #1 debuts May 14th.

Action Comics will feature a new creative team: Mark Waid (Justice League Unlimited) and Skylar Patridge. The series will focus on Clark Kent's teenage years in Smallville, exploring his early experiences with his powers. Waid explained, "I start with Clark as a 15-year-old, learning to be a superhero."

This arc begins with Action Comics #1087 in June.

Finally, Krypto will star in his own five-issue miniseries, Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton, as part of the DC All In initiative. Written by Ryan North (Fantastic Four) and illustrated by Mike Norton (Revival), the series will delve into Krypto's origin story. North emphasized the unique approach, stating, "Krypto doesn't talk, and we don't cheat by reading his thoughts."

Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1 arrives June 18th.

ComicsPro also revealed Marvel's summer relaunch of Captain America, written by Zdarsky and drawn by Valerio Schiti, and a preview of Godzilla's new interconnected comic universe.