DC has announced its official plans for Batman Day 2026, headlined by the upcoming one-shot comic book Batman of Two Worlds, which places the mainstream DC Universe Batman and the modern Absolute Batman side by side. According to announcements from Comic-Con International: San Diego 2026, the issue arrives at participating comic shops worldwide on September 19, 2026, priced at $2.99.
The Creative Teams Behind Batman of Two Worlds
According to DC’s official solicitation details, the $2.99 one-shot features two distinct, all-new stories that connect through a single underlying theme.
The main DC Universe Batman story is written by Matt Fraction with art by Javi Fernández, colors by Tomeu Morey, and letters by Clayton Cowles. Meanwhile, the Absolute Batman story is written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Derington, colors by Frank Martin, and letters by Tom Napolitano. The issue features a cover designed by Jorge Jiménez, Nick Dragotta, and Frank Martin.
Matt Fraction emphasized the contrast in how each version of the character tackles the same obstacle. "At the heart of it, it’s really simple. One problem, two solutions," Fraction said. "Each version of Batman has his own way of working and his own solution to that problem."
DC has stressed that the two characters will not physically cross paths or meet within this specific one-shot issue. Instead, the publication serves as a parallel comparison of two unique interpretations of Bruce Wayne confronting the same mystery in their respective universes. During a closed-door retailer presentation reported by Popverse, a DC representative confirmed that the issue will be exclusive to comic shops, meaning it will not launch digitally on day one or head to big-box retailers.
Batman Day 2026 Giveaways and Hardcover Releases
Beyond the Batman of Two Worlds one-shot, participating comic book shops around the world will distribute four distinct paper Batman masks drawn by artist Ryan Sook. According to Cosmic Book News, the masks feature different artistic eras: Batman in the style of Jorge Jiménez, Absolute Batman in the style of Nick Dragotta, Hush Batman in the style of Jim Lee, and The Dark Knight Returns Batman in the style of Frank Miller. Local store activities, such as signings and cosplay contests, vary by location.
DC is also rolling out five major hardcover books for the September 19 event:
- Batman Vol. 1: Daylight ($29.99) by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez, featuring a new Batman Day cover by Jiménez.
- Batman ’89 ($29.99) by Sam Hamm and Joe Quinones, featuring an exclusive dust jacket with 1989 film artwork and a digital movie code.
- Batman: H2SH Volume One ($29.99) by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, publishing day-and-date internationally in countries including Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Finland.
- Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Deluxe Edition ($44.99) by Frank Miller, featuring a new Raymond Swanland cover and a digital code for the animated adaptations.
- Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham – The Deluxe Edition ($34.99) by Rafael Grampá.
On the digital front, DC Universe Infinite is offering free-to-read selections, including Absolute Batman issues #1 through #3 and the complete Batman: Wayne Family Adventures series in DC’s vertical-scrolling DC GO! format. Additionally, DCUI is partnering with WB Games to offer a Comic Rack Batcave Prop in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight for users who connect their accounts, alongside a 30-day free trial of the DCUI Ultra Monthly plan for the event.
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