Summary

• Zdarsky and Jiménez kick off a new Batman arc, "The Dying City," after the Absolute Power event.
• "The Dying City" introduces a new character, Commander Star, and an unexpected role for the Riddler.
• The new arc aims to be a perfect entry point for new readers, starting with Batman #153 on October 2nd, 2024.

Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jiménez are ready to unleash a new chapter of Batman, primed for readers new and old alike. Batman is currently coming out of his last arc, where he disposed of his dark counterpart Zur-En-Arrh (along with disposing of fan complaints about Batman). Now, he has his hands full of Amanda Waller's schemes during the line-wide Absolute Power event.

Once Absolute Power is over, DC Comics will be going "All In" on a new era of DC, featuring new storylines for its ongoing titles that will be ideal for new readers. For Batman, issues #153-154 by Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jiménez, and Carmine Di Giandomenico will mark the start of the "Dying City" storyline, which will ship twice monthly in October. Batman #153's main cover by Jorge Jiménez can be viewed directly below, along with further information about the new story.

Along with an "unexpected" role for the classic Gotham villain, the Riddler, one of the things that "The Dying City" promises is a new character in the form of Commander Star, which could make this new arc a perfect introduction for new readers.

DC's Next Batman Arc Will Introduce a Brand New Superhero

What Do We Know About Commander Star?

Zdarsky and Jiménez's Batman run officially began in 2022, beginning with Batman #125. In the time since, Zdarsky's run (with various artists) has introduced celebrated a landmark issue for Batman, and the return of Zur-En-Arrh for a climactic final battle in his most lethal tech suit yet. Now, Zdarsky embarks on the next chapter in his exploration of the Dark Knight and the Bat-Family.

A new superhero in Commander Star is on the horizon, set to hit Gotham City with the beginning of this new arc.

There's a lot that this summary seems to offer in just a brief synopsis, all while still hinting at an enticing mystery. A familiar villain, the Riddler (who was last seen receiving an interesting offer from Bruce's old mentor that could finally make him Joker's equal), will reach some sort of turning point, while another familiar Gothamite is expected to die. Meanwhile, a new superhero in Commander Star is on the horizon, set to hit Gotham City with the beginning of this new arc. Little else is known and even less has been hinted about who Commander Star is and what brings him to Gotham.

How This New Batman Story Could Be the Perfect Introduction for Fans

New Mysteries Mean a Clean Slate

As enjoyable as Zdarsky's previous Batman arcs have been, they all demand the reader to at least be somewhat familiar with what came before it to truly understand the complex happenings of each storyline. While this storytelling has been rewarding for old readers, it's not very inviting to new readers. "The Dying City" will be a must-read for new fans, as the slate is wiped completely clean. Especially in the midst of a new DC era, this new arc exists to invite new readers into the fray. Now is the best time to be a new Batman fan.

Batman #153 is available October 2nd, 2024, and Batman #154 is available October 16th, 2024, both from DC Comics.