Back in October, during New York Comic Con, Dynamite Entertainment announced that Brian Buccellato, co-writer and colorist of THE FLASH and creator and writer of FOSTER, would be writing a new BLACK BAT series. We've been waiting for more details and they have finally been revealed.

BLACK BAT #1 is set for a May 2013 release. It will reinvent the classic masked vigilante (that may or may not have preceded BATMAN). Joining Buccellato will be interior artist Ronan Cliquet (GREEN HORNET, THE SHADOW SPECIAL and some Marvel books). The series will also see covers drawn by superstars such as J. Scott Campbell, Joe Benitez, Ardian Syaf, Billy Tan, and in his Dynamite cover artwork debut, award-winning artist Marcos Martin! That's a pretty dang impressive list.

Who is Black Bat? He's a classic pulp hero from the 1930s. In this series, Tony Quinn is a "brash" defense attorney for the mob who has no problems compromising his ethics for financial gain. When he refuses to cross a line and commit a murder, he is tortured and blinded by his gangster employers. He's given a chance to make amends when he happens to meet with a covert agency. This leads him to gaining the dark mantle the Black Bat. He is now determined to right the wrongs of his past.

Buccellato said the following on the addition of Ronan Cliquet to the series:

I couldn't be more excited to have Ronan Cliquet on board. He is bringing a gritty, almost noir inked style that is perfect for the tone of this street-level superhero book.

It should also be noted that Buccellato himself came up with Black Bat's new design. Also, the Marcos Martin cover will be a 'subscription only variant.'

We finally have the perfect interior artist, five amazing cover artists, and a firm release date for the first issue. It's all coming together! This book has been a year in the making, so it's an incredible thrill to see it come to life as the covers and art start to come in.

BLACK BAT #1 is on sale in May. Be sure to let your local comic shop know you're interested and that they need to order the series for you.

Sounds like it's time for Brian to come on the podcast once again.

Check out the other covers:

Here's an early look at the interiors:

COOL

Hm Looks interesting actually. I might pick this up.

SO ITS BATMAN

This reminds me so much of The Spider.

Did anyone else see the title and think this was about Cassandra Cain?

I read the title and thought they were announcing the return of Cassandra Cane... siiiigh.

Still, doesn't sound bad

@V_Scarlotte_Rose said:

Did anyone else see the title and think this was about Cassandra Cain?

Yep... Disappointment...

Is this one of the titles that will be replacing the ones that have been canceled?

Sounds like a mix of Daredevil and Batman.

@Arevish said:

This reminds me so much of The Spider.

The Spider, Black Bat and The Shadow where all created around the same time.

@Mucklefluga said:

Sounds like a mix of Daredevil and Batman.

He kind of is, both them characters as well as Two Face are based off of Black Bat

I have no idea who Cassandra Cain is.

This looks very good

Might pick this up

@Catsnlynne: She's a former Batgirl.

@cc1738 said:

@Catsnlynne: She's a former Batgirl.

And was also called Black Bat.

@Arevish said:

This reminds me so much of The Spider.

It's a '30s pulp noir character, they're all vaguely similar. The Shadow, the Green Hornet, the Spider, the Black Bat.

Not as excited abpout this as I was for the Miss Fury ongoing announcement because I am really unsure of Brian Buccellato's writing.

Regardless, totally thrilled that Dynamite continues to revive the pulp heroes.

Now if only they could salvage Domino Lady from the damage done to the character at Moonstone.

Doctor Mid-Nite could also see in the dark.

Did anyone else see the title and think this was about Cassandra Cain?

@V_Scarlotte_Rose: I know. But she's more well know for being Batgirl.

@The Stegman said:

@V_Scarlotte_Rose said:

Did anyone else see the title and think this was about Cassandra Cain?

Me :(

Looks cool. Dynamite has been doing a number of titles with Public Domain characters and doing a good job. Just hate the price tag on some of 'em but I have enjoyed the few I have bought and read.

@V_Scarlotte_Rose said:

Did anyone else see the title and think this was about Cassandra Cain?

Yes. I am disappoint.

@Decept-O said:

Looks cool. Dynamite has been doing a number of titles with Public Domain characters and doing a good job. Just hate the price tag on some of 'em but I have enjoyed the few I have bought and read.

Agreed.

I loved the Black Bat pulp stories.

@Decept-O: Agreed about the $3.99 cover price, but it is harder for the smaller publishers to make a profit. I would rather spend that amount supporting Dynamite and IDW than Marvel who can well afford to charge $2.99 an issue.

That is not Cassandra Cain

Wow, may have to give this serious consideration. Love pulp heroes.

@V_Scarlotte_Rose said:

Did anyone else see the title and think this was about Cassandra Cain?

Yes...

@jsphsmth: That is a very good point. Just wished the cover prices were a little less and I'd def buy more! I'm lucky to pick up Dynamite titles sporadically.

Much as I love Marvel and DC, I've purchased and read far more Indie publishers for some time.