FIRST LOOK: Keaton and Reeve return as Batman ’89 and Superman ’78 in new comic sequels

While I just reported (here) how The Flash’s failure spelled doom for the future of Micheal Keaton’s Batman on the big screen, however, on the drawn and printed page it seems it’s a very different story, indeed.

Following on from the success of 2021’s Batman ’89 and Superman ’78’s limited-run comics series, it looks like we’re getting more of Keaton’s Dark Knight and Reeve’s Man of Steel this November!

Kevin Smith: If The Flash succeeded, a Keaton-led Batman Beyond movie was coming

Continuing on the story from the iconic Batman and Superman movies, the two original series were big hits for DC and it’s exciting to know they’re continuing the story.

Look, full disclosure, while I loved the idea of the first Batman ’89 series – Keaton back, Robin introduced, Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face at last (Yes, I know about the LEGO Batman Movie) but I felt the story, written by Batman and Batman Returns’ Sam Hamm, who is back again for this series, was rather poor… but it doesnt’ at all sidline my excitement for this new release.

I’ve not read my Hardback of Superman ’78 yet, but I’ve heard nothing but good things and it’s on my must-read list.

Artist Joe Quinones teased a look at Batman’s new armour and the debut of that universe’s Scarecrow (below) and it looks great.

Glad to see the positive response to the #BATMAN89 announcement today — Here’s a teensy look at some new designs for the book: Batman and Dr Crane pic.twitter.com/VKrvB74RZ1

— Joe Quinones (@Joe_Quinones) August 18, 2023

I’m also hearing that the series will feature Harley Quinn but rather than be the girlfriend of the now-dead Joker (Jack Nicholson in the first movie), this version of Harley may be his daughter!

UPDATE: Check out the cool new look for Batgirl:

A closer look at BATGIRL ‘89 from the upcoming #Batman89 pic.twitter.com/Z9Kk6u66kR

— Joe Quinones (@Joe_Quinones) September 22, 2023

Check out the various covers from each book’s first release in the galleries below along with details on the story below:

Batman ’89: Echoes #1:

 

BATMAN ’89: ECHOES #1
Written by SAM HAMM
Art and cover by JOE QUINONES
Variant cover by RILEY ROSSMO
1:25 variant cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
1:50 variant cover by BALDEMAR RIVAS
Blank sketch variant
McFarlane Action Figure variant
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 11/28/23

You wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts! After Harvey Dent’s crusade against Gotham and Batman, the Caped Crusader has disappeared without a trace. In his place, ordinary citizens have taken to the streets to root out crime. As innocents get hurt, the question on everyone’s mind is the same: Where is Batman? Sam Hamm, screenwriter of the 1989 Batman movie, and Joe Quinones reunite for another tale in Gotham!

Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #1

SUPERMAN ’78: THE METAL CURTAIN #1
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art and cover by GAVIN GUIDRY
Variant cover by WILFREDO TORRES
1:25 variant cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
1:50 variant cover by ADRIAN GUTIERREZ
Blank sketch variant
McFarlane Action Figure variant
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 11/7/23

When the planet Krypton exploded, its last son was rocketed across the cosmos and came to settle in a small town in Kansas. But what else came with him, and what if a piece of his home landed somewhere we never knew about? As Superman has become a symbol of strength and pride for America, the Soviet Union looks to crush that image with a creation of their own, built by their own might and forged by their own power! Robert Venditti returns to the Man of Steel with new artist Gavin Guidry!
Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #1 will hit comic shops and digital retailers on November 7, followed by Batman ’89: Echoes #1 on November 28.

First look at Harvey Bullock and Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face (yes!) in the upcoming Batman ’89 comic

Source: Comicbook