DC Comics to Relaunch Batman With New #1 Issue and New 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 will launch in March. This sets the stage for a complete Batman relaunch, featuring a new #1 issue, writer, and costume.

As announced at the ComicsPro event, Matt Fraction (known for Uncanny X-Men and The Invincible Iron Man) will take the reins as writer, collaborating with returning artist Jorge Jimenez. This new era will introduce a redesigned Batsuit—a vintage-inspired blue and gray design—and a new Batmobile.

"I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Batman," Fraction shared. "Jorge and I are taking a very superhero-centric approach. We have a new Batmobile, costume, characters, and familiar faces—both heroes and villains. We aim to celebrate everything that makes Batman iconic."

Batman #1 is slated for a September 2025 release.

DC also revealed updates on its Superman titles, extending its "Summer of Superman" initiative. Supergirl will receive a new series and costume (designed by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau), written and illustrated by Sophie Campbell (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). This series will bring Kara back to Midvale.

"Working on graphic novels has been my focus, so this feels like a return to my storytelling roots," Campbell commented. "My inspiration for Kara draws from classic stories, the 1984 film, and the CW show."

Supergirl #1 debuts on May 14.

Action Comics will feature a new creative team: Mark Waid (Justice League Unlimited) and artist Skylar Patridge. The series will focus on Clark Kent's teenage years in Smallville, exploring his early experiences with his powers.

"The story begins with 15-year-old Clark learning to be a superhero," Waid explained. "Skylar and I are modernizing Smallville, retaining its rustic charm while updating its visual representation."

Waid and Patridge's run 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 deeper into Krypto's origin story.

"Krypto's origin has always been somewhat superficial," North noted. "This series will showcase the struggles of a lost dog on a strange planet."

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

ComicsPro also revealed Marvel's Captain America relaunch this summer, with Zdarsky writing and Valerio Schiti illustrating.