Miller and Mazzucchelli’s classic story will run again — weekly…
For the last few months, DC has been having a field day with its Facsimile Editions, going hard into the Golden Age and diving for deep cuts.
In December, however, they’re releasing a four-issue weekly set featuring one of modern comics’ greatest stories — 1986-87’s Batman: Year One, by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. (Not just that, another hugely popular Facsimile Edition will hit the racks the same month. Click here for the lowdown.)
Dig the official solicitation info, released by DC on Friday:
Before Batman became synonymous with striking fear into the hearts of cowardly and superstitious criminals, there was just Bruce Wayne, an orphaned millionaire who was Gotham City’s prodigal son by day and an angry vigilante by night. Despite his best efforts, Bruce knows that his nightly patrols have very little effect in making a difference in a city that has forgotten what justice is. In order to inspire real change, he will need to become something more than a man… he will need to become a symbol.
Bruce isn’t the only crusader trying to clean up the streets. Lieutenant James Gordon is a good cop who’s tired of the corruption that has infiltrated every aspect of Gotham, including the GCPD. Together, these two might stand a chance of restoring some sense of order in Gotham City—if the mob or dirty cops don’t take them out first!
From Frank Miller (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) and David Mazzucchelli (Daredevil) comes one of the most revered storylines in the Batman mythos, “Year One,” presented in these facsimile re-creations with the original printing colors and period-correct ads.
BATMAN #404 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by FRANK MILLER
Art and cover by DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI
Foil variant cover by DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI ($5.99 US)
Blank sketch variant
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/5/23
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BATMAN #405 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by FRANK MILLER
Art and cover by DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI
Foil variant cover by DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI ($5.99 US)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 12/12/23
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BATMAN #406 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by FRANK MILLER
Art and cover by DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI
Foil variant cover by DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI ($5.99 US)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 12/19/23
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BATMAN #407 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by FRANK MILLER
Art and cover by DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI
Foil variant cover by DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI ($5.99 US)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 12/26/23
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A few thoughts:
— This is the first time DC has done a multi-issue Facsimile Edition release like this. Marvel has done it a few times, including this year’s Death of Gwen Stacy Amazing Spider-Man issues and the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past installments.
— DC answered one of my biggest questions in the solicitation blurb: This story’s coloring has changed a number of times and not always for the better. This run will feature the original Richmond Lewis colors.
— I’m not going for the foil covers, but you can sign me up right now for Part 1’s sketch variant.
— Obligatory Price Comparison: You can get this story in just about every format available, including next year’s, high-end Artist’s Edition from DC and IDW. But what are the original issues going for these days? Let’s take a look! An unslabbed, high-grade set of four recently sold on eBay for $95.
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MORE
— 1980’s NEW TEEN TITANS #1 to Get Facsimile Edition Release. Click here.
— Dig JERRY ORDWAY’s Brilliant Golden Age GREEN LANTERN Homage Cover. Click here.
