Batman: Year One has long been regarded as a must-read story for any Caped Crusader fan, and if you’re looking to rediscover that classic tale from a new perspective, then you won’t want to miss out on the upcoming release of Batman’s rookie year in Gotham. Batman: Year One Artist’s Edition will be released on July 16, and you can save on this release with a preorder at Amazon, where it has been discounted to $135 (normally $150).
What makes this particular version so special? This edition is an oversized collection of the four-issue story, reprinted on high-grade paper the same size as the original artwork submitted by David Mazzucchelli to DC Comics in 1986. This allows for the original artwork to be replicated faithfully and it includes a new introduction by Mazzucchelli. This edition includes all the covers, interiors, and layouts supervised by designer Chip Kidd, making it the definitive Year One edition.
If you’re itching to read this seminal Dark Knight story right now, you can pick up a regular Batman: Year One graphic novel for around $10. If you’d prefer to relax in front of your TV, the animated Year One film does a solid job in adapting the story and is available on Blu-ray for $19.
If you’ve read the story, then you’ll know just how fantastic Mazzucchelli’s art is, perfectly complementing the gritty saga written by Frank Miller. Batman isn’t the only DC Comics character getting this deluxe treatment, as fans can also pick up Neal Adams’ DC Classics Artist’s Edition later this year, a collection that showcases classic Neal Adams art from the ’60s and ’70s.
Then there’s the Jim Lee DC Legends Artist’s Edition gathering up 25 years of work from the legendary artist and for Marvel fans, the first six issues of the acclaimed Black Widow series by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee is also being given a royal makeover in the Black Widow Artist’s Edition release.
Fans of the Tomorrow Knight should also check out a 25th-anniversary release of the original Batman Beyond comic books published back when the animated series first aired on TV.
