It’s that time again folks – your chance to peek into the future of the Dark Knight. A future which is pretty bright, actually. What’s in store? Well, we’ve given you a sense of it over the last few weeks: BATMAN INC., THE DARK KNIGHT, BATMAN AND ROBIN, BATWOMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS will be launching or sporting new creative teams this month. Click below for the specifics and a ton of new art.

BATMAN, INC. #1

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

1:200 Sketch variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Grant Morrison continues his earth-shattering run on the Batman titles with this exciting, new ongoing series! Featuring art by the remarkable Yanick Paquette (SEVEN SOLDIERS: BULLETEER), BATMAN, INC. marks the next stage of evolution for The Dark Knight. This can’t-miss series will star not just Bruce Wayne as Batman, but also a huge number of guest-stars! Don’t miss out on this all-new start to a stunning direction for Batman!

Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

1:200 Sketch variant cover by DAVID FINCH

Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best – Scott Williams – on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone’s must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne’s childhood friends…and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman’s life!

Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATWOMAN #0

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III & W. HADEN BLACKMAN

Art by J.H. WILLIAMS III and AMY REEDER with RICHARD FRIEND

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:10 Variant cover by AMY REEDER

“I suspect that Batwoman is socialite Kate Kane. I intend to prove it beyond a shadow. I need to know if she can be trusted, what her motivations are. I’m going undercover.” – Batman: Mission Log Entry 2756

Featuring a unique story composition that combines the art of Eisner Award-winner J.H. Williams III (DETECTIVE COMICS, PROMETHEA) and Amy Reeder (MADAME XANADU), this special #0 issue acts as a new introduction into the life of Batwoman! Things pick up roughly where the BATWOMAN: ELEGY HC left off, and this issue acts as a primer for the upcoming new series featuring multiple award-winning creators!

Retailers please note: This issue ships with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN #704

Written by TONY DANIEL

Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

Welcome back Tony Daniel as regular writer/artist on BATMAN!

When an aging but wealthy technology developer comes to Gotham with his beautiful daughter, it turns out he’s in search of a joint project with WayneTech. DNA tracking is the name of his game, and there are others interested in his proposal. But when the developer goes missing, Batman finds that his tracks stop in the city’s violent Chinatown neighborhood, where a new deadly Triad gang has taken root. Guest-starring I-Ching!

On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DETECTIVE COMICS #871

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by JOCK

Co-feature art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Up-and-coming writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and acclaimed artist Jock (THE LOSERS) make their debut as the new ONGOING creative team of DETECTIVE COMICS!

In “The Black Mirror” part 1 of 3, a series of brutal murders pushes Batman’s detective skills to the limit and forces him to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils.

Plus, in the start of a COMMISSIONER GORDON second feature also written by Scott Snyder, when a figure from the past returns to Gotham, Jim Gordon must face some of his darkest demons. Featuring art by Francesco Francavilla (GARRISON).

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN & ROBIN #17

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MARK IRWIN

Cover by PATRICK GLEASON

1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA

From the pages of the best-selling BRIGHTEST DAY and GREEN LANTERN CORPS comes the new regular creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason! Kicking off the action is “Dark Knight, White Knight” part 1 of 3, as Bruce Wayne returns from the dead, and Gotham City finds itself locked in the grip of chaos! Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne come face-to-face with what could possibly be the strangest Bat Villain yet. Who is the White Knight, and why is he hell-bent on making Gotham City into Heaven on Earth?

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

KNIGHT & SQUIRE #2

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art by JIMMY BROXTON

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHAEL LACOMBE

In this second issue, our trusty heroes venture into rural England – or as they know it, home. But when someone starts using dangerous dark magic, they spring into action only to face a surprising and unassuming enemy. Can they take down a powerful magical enemy and still make it home for supper?

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 2 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

BATMAN/CATWOMAN: FOLLOW THE MONEY #1

Written by HOWARD CHAYKIN

Art and cover by HOWARD CHAYKIN

The Cavalier – that’s the Z-lister with the swords, right? So how’d he manage to frame Catwoman for a run of burglaries? And how on Earth did he manage the more spectacular crime of cleaning out the Wayne Enterprises pension fund and framing Bruce Wayne for the deed? However impressive he may appear to be, The Cavalier will quickly learn that frame-ups like that cut both ways, as both Batman and Catwoman begin tracking the Gotham City villain in this stand-alone one-shot from comics legend Howard Chaykin!

ONE-SHOT • On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

BATMAN: ODYSSEY #5

Written by NEAL ADAMS

Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

1:25 Black and white variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

Batman knows his Odyssey must happen soon before he loses himself, but Deadman invades The Dark Knight’s world and only sees the inevitable crash and burn of his old friend. Should Deadman add to Batman’s “crash” – or hold off and give the Caped Crusader a few last moments of relative peace? This is Deadman we’re talking about – of course he’s going to step in!

Oh, and there’s one more thorn in Batman’s side – in this issue, The Joker arrives!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 5 of 13 • 40 pg, FC $3.99 US

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #17

Written by PAUL DINI

Co-feature written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Co-feature art by TBD

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

With Bruce Wayne soon to return to Gotham City, the secret past lives of his parents Thomas and Martha have come back to haunt the family legacy! What bizarre experience in their past is connected to the horrible plan that Tommy Elliot has set in motion? Find out here in part 2 of the 5-part sequel to the best-selling “Heart of Hush”!

Plus, don’t miss the start of a new Ragman co- feature, written by Fabian Nicieza (RED ROBIN)! This 5-part story finds Rory Regan starting a new job at the city morgue as his tenement neighborhood is threatened by the Mayor’s “renewal plan” and Firefly, an arsonist who might be on the city payroll!

On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #17

Written by PETER CALLOWAY

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

Catwoman’s been kidnapped, and now Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn must team up with Talia al Ghul and Zatanna to free her before she gives up her most valuable secret – a secret that will force Talia to desperate measures!

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATGIRL #15

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

It’s a new year and a new look for Batgirl as superstar artist Dustin Nguyen (DETECTIVE COMICS) joins the creative team! The unsinkable Stephanie Brown’s second semester at Gotham U. starts like any other – new classes, new allies, a vigilante stalker – everything a gal could want! But what Gotham City’s Batgirl isn’t prepared for is the arrival of the mysterious “Order of the Scythe.” Who are they, and why have they set their sights on her? “The Lesson” begins here!

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BIRDS OF PREY #6

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ALVIN LEE

Cover by ALINA URUSOV

Dinah Lance struggles to clear herself of murder charges, leaving Huntress and Lady Blackhawk in Thailand to face the invincible Shiva without the aid of the Black Canary! And a major moment occurs in the lives of Hawk and Dove!

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

AZRAEL #14

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by CLIFF RICHARDS

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

Azrael returns to Gotham City! Now he must decide whether to continue his mission alone or accept the mysterious invitation to join the ranks of Batman, Inc.!

On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

OUTSIDERS #34

Written by DAN DIDIO

Art by KEITH GIFFEN

Cover by PHILIP TAN

Geo-Force goes on the offensive and leads Markovia’s army into battle, only to come face-to-face with the male Amazon known as The Olympian. Meanwhile, after narrowly escaping death at the hands of Simon Stagg, secrets are revealed as Freight Train leads Metamorpho and Owlman across the northern border into Canada in search of their missing teammate, Black Lightning.

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN BEYOND #6

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by RYAN BENJAMIN & JOHN STANISCI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Hush is about to take care of Batman’s Super-Villain problem forever – so why is Terry risking everything to stop him? Maybe it’s the “scorched Earth” plan Hush hopes to unleash to complete his mission! It’s the earthshaking conclusion to our first trip back to Neo-Gotham – better hope it’s not the last!

On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 6 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

RED HOOD: LOST DAYS #6

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art by JEREMY HAUN

Cover by BILLY TUCCI

In this series finale, Jason Todd takes his final steps to becoming the Red Hood, and his last lessons are about to be learned. Confronting Talia al Ghul and meeting a new player who’s calling himself Hush are the tip of the iceberg as Jason readies himself to confront the one who “made this all possible” – The Joker. Witness the end of the beginning right here!

On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 6 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

RED ROBIN #17

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

How does the return of Bruce Wayne and the beginning of Batman, Inc. work into Red Robin’s plan to initiate an international stranglehold on crime? If Batman approves of everything Red Robin has set in motion, what will he do when his protégé decides to release the gang-leader-and-maybe-undercover-cop Lynx from prison? And guess which surprise guest star you’ll see when Red Robin takes a quick trip to Hong Kong!

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #50

Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM

Art by JERRY BINGHAM with MARK FARMER

Cover by JERRY BINGHAM

Presenting an extra-sized issue featuring the return of artist Jerry Bingham (BATMAN: SON OF THE DEMON) to The Dark Knight’s world for the first time in more than 20 years!

In “Super-Powers” part 1 of 5, we flash back to an adventure starring a younger, more maverick Batman as he faces a foe who had once tangled with the Justice League of America in the Orient!

As an added bonus, you’ll also get a lost tale of the JLA featuring their first encounter with a villain from afar – the very same creature Batman tangles with in “Super-Powers”! You dare not miss: “The Case of the Vampire from Outer Space”!

On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

This month, writer Judd Winick and artist Pablo Raimondi joined forces to reveal the origins of the Red Hood in RED HOOD: THE LOST DAYS, a six-issue mini-series that spotlights an angry young man's transformation into one of Batman's deadliest foes.

The series will ship its first two issues in anticipation of the arrival of BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD DVD arriving in stores. The DVD, the next entry in the popular ongoing series of DC UNIVERSE Animated Original PG-13 Movies, hits July 27 from Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation and showcases Batman confronting new enemies, old foes and painful memories as a powerful vigilante with a penchant for violence comes to Gotham to stake his claim on the city.

And leading up to the release of the DVD, we’ve got an exclusive look at UNDER THE RED HOOD, right here on The Source. So, click below for the expanded image. And have a great weekend!

Happy Friday, Source gang. As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve been taking a moment to spotlight the stellar work of Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Philip Tan timed to the release of BATMAN AND ROBIN: BATMAN REBORN. Well, we’ve saved two more posts for you to close out the week. First up, Grant and company discuss the process behind designing Batman and Robin. Come back later for a look at Quitely’s take on the collection of new characters that cropped up in the first six issues of the series.

THE DESIGNS

BATMAN & ROBIN

The new Batman and Robin first appeared in a flash-forward scene at the beginning of BATMAN #681, but artist Tony Daniel was asked to draw them in silhouette so as not to reveal any potential costume changes before they'd been approved. I'd suggested some major revisions, including a yellow bat symbol in a black circle - the reverse of the traditional chest shield - and a yellow and gray Robin outfit, derived from the uniform of the Earth-2 Robin from the 1960s.

Frank Quitely added his own touches, such as longer boots for Batman and a more articulated, plated hood, but in the end all of these redesigns were regarded as being too "off-model" for the characters and we settled on something a little more familiar.

THE BATMOBILE

We didn't want our global warming/recession-era Batmobile to resemble the chrome-piped, gas-guzzling, Techno-Deco road leviathans of the past, so the Batmobile of 2009 was created to be compact and curvy. As you can see from Frank's sketches, the new Batmobile comes fully equipped with hydraulic suspension, which enables it to assume various driving configurations.

The idea for the flying Batmobile in BATMAN AND ROBIN was suggested by this beautiful and exuberant Alex Ross sketch, done as a potential BATMAN cover in 2007.

THE RED HOOD AND SCARLET

The Red Hood is a venerable Bat-villain name. In 1951 The Hood was introduced as a mystery villain dressed in a tuxedo, a red cape and a red, reflective, pill-shaped dome helmet. The story revealed the unlucky man beneath the Red Hood to be a petty criminal who promptly fell into a vat of chemicals, only to emerge, vastly more famous, as Batman's arch-enemy The Joker. The same story was, of course, woven into the flashback plotline of THE KILLING JOKE.

When a new version of the Red Hood appeared in Judd Winick's "Under the Hood," he was revealed to be the presumed-deceased second Robin, Jason Todd. A leather jacket and jeans replaced the dapper formal wear of the original, while the new red hood itself resembled a motorcycle helmet rather than a crimson bell jar.

We decided that Jason's second attempt at anchoring the Red Hood identity in the public consciousness would be more self-consciously super-heroic - cape, tights, secret HQ, the lot. In his latest effort to get noticed, the former Boy Wonder would imitate more blatantly the basic look and M.O. of Batman, his mentor. The weird pill helmet and cape were brought back as a nod to the original design.

The brief for Scarlet was simple - an ersatz female Robin whose beautiful young face was hidden beneath a shriveled mask of horror.