At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, DC’s “Gotham City” panel pulled back Bat-Mythos’ wildest corner curtains, making one thing clear.
Matt Fraction’s Batman is a love letter to Gotham (and Batmobile)
Batman writer Matt Fraction kicked off the panel and described the hated crusade as a “universal LEGO” where every story can build. He brings a bold new energy to Batman #1, and Jorge Zimenez recalls the story of “One Dawn,” a tone that evokes art, a throwback in blue and ashes costumes, and a tone that evokes his Hawkeye run. Fraction’s Gotham is a fractured map of gang territory inspired by an old NYC transit design book, with militarized GCPD under the control of vandalism Savage.
Ah, and Fraction’s favorite gadget? “What if there was a billionaire who built a cool car?” he said with a loud applause. Batmobiles have gained a lot of love.
Snyder, Dragotta, and Dwj are flexed in the absolute universe
The Absolute Batman team, Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta and Daniel Warren Johnson, delivered the panel’s most indifferent energy. Snyder joked about Bruce being “nude and naked in Arkham.” DWJ called his absolute Batman annual “Batman beats white nationalists,” and Dragotta insisted that “you have to start with Hulk proportions.”
DWJ also teased that he was “angry and will come up in the next 30 pages.”
Snyder promised a deep, unsettling new take on Bane, who believes that “war belongs to God.” In this world, poison lifts the mind as much as the body. Oh, and the absolute Catwoman is coming.
Cover of Daniel Warren Johnson’s annual issue!
Courtesy DC Comics
Jurgens brings Batman to life in 1939: Second Night
Dan Jurgens introduced Bat Man: Second Night, a set noir story in 1939. The scarecrow tactics are inspired by FDR, with artist Mike Perkins ensuring visuals taking the time to the car.
“This doesn’t unplug the Batman,” Jurgens said. “Only in the worst case scenario he’ll go out in the evening.”
Kyle Higgins becomes space with the immortal legend Batman
Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom are launching Immortal Legends Batman, the No. 6 Elseworlds series set in the distant future where humanity conquered the stars. Think of the Western vibe, Tokyo talent and Riddler, unlike anything you’ve seen before.
“Our Gotham City is not a city,” Higgins said. “It’s the world,” he teased a major formal experiment. “We’re trying to push the boundaries of the comic book for 2025.”
Dan Mora offers character designs and covers to raise a great cheer from the crowd.
From the naked Batman and the universe’s Else World to the militarized GCPD and Shark-like Killer Crocs, DC’s Gotham City Panels were more than just a showcase, they were flex. And, as Snyder said, “He’s hot.”
Highlight date:
Absolute Batman Annual #1 Drop October 29th
Batman #1 by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez will hit September 3rd
Immortal Legend Batman (August 27) and Bat-Man: Second Knight (September 17) will soon be appearing
Stay tuned for more coverage from SDCC 2025!
