Batman: Arkham City comic book series announced

In May 2011, a six-issue mini-series of comics will bridge the story gap between Batman: Arkham Asylum and the upcoming Batman: Arkham City. The comic series is written by Batman: The Animated Series writer Paul Dini (who also penned both Arkham games) and drawn by Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City concept artist Carlos D’anda. The comic mini-series will also be titled Batman: Arkham city.

Batman: Arkham City picks up one year after the original game, where former Arkham Warden turned newly elected Mayor of Gotham City Quincy Sharp has decided to close down the infamous institution. In its stead, he establishes “Arkham City,” the new maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds.  Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, inmates can roam free and do whatever they want as long as they don’t try to escape. To run this urban prison, Sharp has appointed Dr. Hugo Strange, a man who knows that Bruce Wayne is Batman.

Each issue of the comic mini-series will be available digitally worldwide for US$2.99 (±R22) each. These releases will alternate with eight-page digital-first interludes that will expand on the story included in the miniseries. These digital stories will focus on The Dark Knight’s many enemies as they vie for power in this new city within a city. Each eight-page digital-first interlude will be available for US$0 .99 (±R7.20), releasing in between issues of the mini-series, and will later be included in print in the Batman: Arkham City, collected edition.

“The digital first stories offer a unique incentive for fans to experience interesting and exciting stories beyond the pages in the printed comic,” said Jim Lee, DC Comics Co-Publisher, “The additional pages will serve as interludes within the regular issues and won’t be necessary to follow the main story of the mini-series. Fans will also be able to read these interludes in print later, when we publish the collected edition.”

Comic book collectors are tipped to keep an eye out for the issue #1 variant cover, utilising in-game graphics. Batman: Arkham City will double-ship in its first month, with issues #1 & #2 landing in May. Issue #1 cover is below.

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