From CBR · Jason Wiese · · 1m
Batman's New Reboot Era Begins
Batman: Shadow of the Bat launches Dec 31, 2026, in DC's Absolute Universe.
In brief
Batman: Shadow of the Bat launches Dec 31, 2026, in DC's Absolute Universe. Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1 releases Dec 31, 2026, continuing DC's Absolute Universe after winning 2026 Eisner Award. Originally reported by CBR.
New Batman Story Announced
DC Comics announced Batman: Shadow of the Bat as a new comic book series in the Absolute Universe.
“it is already looking to be one of the most visually striking batman stories”
Javier Rodriguez and Deniz Camp Team Up
Artist Javier Rodriguez reteams with writer Deniz Camp for Batman: Shadow of the Bat.
“in the twelfth and final issue of the eisner award-winning absolute martian manhunter”
Absolute Universe Continuity
Batman: Shadow of the Bat exists in the same continuity as Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez's main timeline.
“camp has also confirmed that batman shadow of the bat exists in the same continuity as matt fraction and jorge jimenez's main timeline”
Joker Chemical Explosion Plot
The story involves an explosion at an abandoned ACE Chemical Factory causing city-wide chemical cloud.
“it involves an explosion at an abandoned ace chemical factory that causes the entire city to be encased in a cloud of the same chemicals that drove the joker insane”
Absolute Justice Crossover
Deniz Camp returns for Absolute Justice crossover event launching April 2027.
“he is returning to the absolute universe for the long-awaited crossover event absolute justice”
Eisner Award Winners
Rodriguez and Camp won 2026 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series and Best Penciller/Inker.
“the unique reinterpretation of joseph samachson and joe certa's iconic creation earned the duo the two thousand twenty-six eisner award for best limited series”
Release Date Confirmed
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1 releases December 31, 2026.
“batman shadow of the bat number one hits the shelves on dec thirty-one two thousand twenty-six”
The takeaway
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1 releases Dec 31, 2026, continuing DC's Absolute Universe after winning 2026 Eisner Award.
