EXCLUSIVE! The greatest Golden Age cover of them all…
DC in September will release a startling seven Facsimile Editions. A lot of them deserve their own spotlight, so make sure you check out the links at the bottom of this post. You will be so glad you did.
One of those issues is 1942’s Batman #11, boasting the Joker’s first cover appearance — pencilled by Fred Ray and inked by Jerry Robinson — a cover that just happens to be the greatest Golden Ager of them all.
It’s a long overdue addition to the Facsimile line — and one we’ve been banging on about for a long time.
Dig the solicitation info, which will be released by DC officially later Thursday.
BATMAN #11 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by BILL FINGER, HENRY BOLTINOFF, and EDMOND HAMILTON
Art by BOB KANE and HENRY BOLTINOFF
Cover by FRED RAY
Foil variant cover by FRED RAY ($9.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($7.99 US)
The Joker challenges Batman and Robin to thwart his next crimes by leaving cryptic clues in the local want ads, but these funny pages could end up meaning death for the Boy Wonder! Then the Penguin returns (along with some fowl felonious friends) to give Bruce Wayne a run for his money, but a crack shot and a killer hurricane may cause the Caped Crusader to cash in his chips! Plus, two more tales of crime and comeuppance courtesy of the Dynamic Duo!
$6.99 US | 64 pages
ON SALE 9/2/26
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Buncha thoughts:
— I’m dispensing with humility and claiming full credit for this one happening. (DC is free contradict me if I’m wrong.) Seriously, though, just in February we posted a column on Ray’s birthday that laid out a complete case for why this is an essential pick — including the seminal cover and the Joker and Penguin stories inside. It was not the first time I’d made the point, either. So, yay!
— The original has long been a grail item for me, but I don’t expect I’ll ever be able to afford one (see below), so this is a wonderful development. At least, I’ll get the issue in some format.
— Dang, this will look good in foil.
— Obligatory Price Comparison: You don’t often find unslabbed copies. A slabbed, 7.0-rated original recently sold on eBay for $19,500.
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MORE
— DC to Re-Release the BATMAN #251 Facsimile Edition — This Time With Foil and Sketch Variants. Click here.
— DC COMICS to Offer SEVEN Facsimile Editions in SEPTEMBER. Click here.
— 1960’s SUPERMAN #141: One of the Man of Steel’s Greatest to Be Released as a Facsimile Edition. Click here.
— DC to Salute JOE KUBERT’s CENTENNIAL With a Facsimile Edition and a Special Retrospective Issue. Click here.
— WATCHMEN: DC to Release All 12 Issues as Monthly FACSIMILE EDITIONS. Click here.
June 18, 2026
For the longest time I’ve not been buying the main ongoing Batman comics. But these facsimile reprints of the Batman classics I’m powerless to resist!
You got me again, DC! Well played! lol
June 18, 2026
Oh, my goodness! I can’t believe it. This one was at the top of my personal wish list. It is the oldest BATMAN in my collection. Thinking now I can sell it. Thank you, DC. 10 copies please!
June 18, 2026
@Buck –
Do you also get foil variants of these facsimile reprints?
I only get them for covers that I absolutely love. This definitely being one of them.
June 18, 2026
>>Do you also get foil variants of these facsimile reprints?
>>
Hey, Michael. I have for a few issues. To be honest, since all my buying is done online and not being able to see a “foil” in-person, I just didn’t understand the demand originally. But, based on recommendations of folks on this site (I believe it was Dan that really convinced me.) I gave it a try. I have since gotten some of the Golden Age (GA) issues as well as a few of the Treasuries too. They are sharp. I don’t think I need it for every issue. But, they are nice.
My plan for BATMAN #11 – is at a minimum – I will get (4) regular issues for my grandsons. I will get (2-3) for my faux spinner rack. And, I will most likely get the foil for my personal copy to retain on the collection’s shelf space.
This issue is just an emotional issue for me personally. It is my oldest spinner rack comic. It is the first GA I ever purchased (~$20 in early ’80s) and it a fine issue for the design, pencils and ink.
I was so over the moon this morning when I saw Dan’s post about it happening. There aren’t too many things left now on my must have list. I probably have I don’t know….maybe 13 left to dream about being re-printed.
June 19, 2026
@Dan –
Yeah, I definitely hear you on not buying every foil variant that comes out. I bought one of Batman #9 as well as ordered it for each of the JLA/Avengers facsimile issues.
I’m really happy that DC is finally giving us a facsimile of Batman #11. I’ve always loved the playing card motif. It has a very Alice In Wonderland vibe. A story near and dear to my heart. So I too will be buying a few copies of this one.
June 18, 2026
That is a sweet cover!!! Looking forward to more facsimile editions recommended by 13th Dimension! I’m sure DC is reading this site!
June 18, 2026
While not as iconic, I’d love to see facsimiles of issues 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10 just to fill in those gaps. Heck, why not issue 12 to make it an even dozen!