Comic readers of the past decade or two know that DC Comics are not strangers to change. Usually prefaced by a universe-changing event, the DC Comics line up has been rebooted, renamed, redesigned, and everything else under the sun, time and time again. This has not always been for the worse, however, as DC Comics execs have always stated their reasoning and usually make it a point to prove their loyalty to hardcore fans.
This summer brings a new change to the DC lineup as DC Rebirth starts soliciting in June. One of the more interesting changes revolves around the current Superman storyline. In an effort to return to older continuity (pre-New 52), the modern Superman is actually dying. In his last moments, his powers will be split into several other people around the world; Kenan Kong, of China, being one of those men.
Until recently, this was all we knew of the story. According to the solicitations released recently through Comic Book Resources, however, it has been revealed that the New Super-Man will also be joined by China’s own Justice League members: New Wonder-Woman and New Bat-Man. The Justice League of China will be forced to team up in order to stop a new villain named SunBeam, and we can’t wait to read more about it. Check out the official synopsis:
The New Super-Man must face off against the Justice League of China? When Kenan Kong was imbued with the powers of Superman, he didn’t waste any time using them! Now it’s up to the New Bat-Man and New Wonder-Woman of his home country to bring our hero back down to earth—just in time to stop the attack of the deadly Sunbeam!
At this point, it is unknown of New Bat-Man will ever get his own comic, or if he will simply reside in the New Super-Man issues. It is also unknown how this character will fit in the DC Universe. In the early years of the New 52, Bruce Wayne publicly endorsed Batman and created Batman Incorporated. Batman Inc. connected several heroes around the world who dawned the Bat symbol. Could New Bat-man be the newest member of Batman Incorporated? We’ll just have to wait and see.
New Bat-Man will make his debut in New Super-Man #2 on August 10, 2016.