“Batman: Earth One” Hits in July – Comic Book Resources

Following its announcement in early January, DC Comics has released new details on “Batman: Earth One” written by Geoff Johns with art by Gary Frank. Announced in January with a general 2012 release date, the publisher via its blog The Source has revealed the full solicit information for the original graphic novel including a July 4 release date. While there weren’t many new details released by DC, the solicit did mention Bruce Wayne is on the hunt for his parents’ killer with his eyes set on the Mayor of Gotham City and Alfred Pennyworth may be attempting to “put an end to the Batman.”

“Gary and I are tackling Batman from the beginning, before he knows what he’s doing and with a very different ultimate goal in mind,” Johns told The Source in January. “He’s never left Gotham. And our Gotham and the people in it are very gray. Our heroes unlikely. Our villains hidden. Our story is only beginning with volume one.” Although he’s written numerous ongoing series for DC, “Batman: Earth One” marks Johns’ first original graphic novel. After the initial announcement of the “Earth One” graphic novels, Johns spoke with CBR News, mentioning Dick Grayson will play a role in “Batman: Earth One.”

Artist Gary Frank also expounded on how “Batman: Earth One” begins the evolution of Batman as a hero. “It’s essentially the first piece of the jigsaw,” the artist told The Source in January. “He’s not the Batman people know, but he might be one day. He’s certainly not yet a superhero. The fun is to watch him piece the persona together drawing on his experiences and the influences of those around him and, at this stage, the idea of becoming a ‘superhero’ hasn’t even entered his head.”

via “Batman: Earth One” Hits in July – Comic Book Resources.