DC Comics has released all ten covers for the upcoming Detective Comics #1000, as well as full details on the creative teams contributing to the landmark 96-page issue. Featuring a main wraparound cover by Jim Lee, the other nine covers are dedicated to the decades in which Detective has been in publication, similar to what was done for Action Comics #1000 this past year. Here’s the breakdown of decades and cover artists:

  • 1930s cover by Steve Rude
  • 1940s cover by Bruce Timm
  • 1950s cover by Michael Cho
  • 1960s cover by Jim Steranko
  • 1970s cover by Bernie Wrightson
  • 1980s cover by Frank Miller
  • 1990s cover by Tim Sale
  • 2000s cover by Jock
  • 2010s cover by Greg Capullo

It’s an impressive lineup of artists, and I wouldn’t bank on this being all of the covers for Detective #1000, either; if the trend continues from Action #1000, there will be numerous retailer-exclusive covers available in addition to these.

Details on the creators involved in Detective #1000 were teased last month, but now we know in what configuration the writers and artists will be working together. The list of creators contributing to the issue include the series regular team of Peter J. Tomasi and Doug Mahnke, plus writers and artists who’ve worked on Detective in the past like Denny O’Neil, Neal Adams, Paul Dini, Dustin Nguyen, and Scott Snyder, as well as other big names who have worked on different Batman titles. The full line-up of teams is as follows:

  • Peter J. Tomasi and Doug Mahnke
  • Kevin Smith and Jim Lee
  • Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev
  • Warren Ellis and Becky Cloonan
  • Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen
  • Denny O’Neil and Steve Epting
  • Christopher Priest and Neal Adams
  • Geoff Johns and Kelley Jones
  • Tom King, Tony Daniel and Joëlle Jones
  • Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
  • James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez

The issue will also feature a double-page spread by Jason Fabok.

Check out the covers, plus a Doug Mahnke-drawn teaser image of the Arkham Knight, who is making his official DC Universe debut in the Tomasi/Mahnke story, as well as the full press release below. Detective Comics #1000 is due out on March 27, 2019.

Main cover by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair
1930s cover by Steve Rude
1940s cover by Bruce Timm
1950s cover by Michael Cho
1960s cover by Jim Steranko
1970s cover by Bernie Wrightson
1980s cover by Frank Miller
1990s cover by Tim Sale
2000s cover by Jock
2010s cover by Greg Capullo
Arkham Knight teaser by Doug Mahnke
BURBANK, CA – (December 18, 2018) – As part of DC’s year-long global celebration of Batman’s 80th anniversary, DC is publishing a momentous 1,000th issue of DETECTIVE COMICS—the series that introduced the world’s most popular Super Hero and the title from which the DC brand was born. This must-have collector’s item debuts March 27, 2019 and includes all-new stories plus a wraparound cover from the powerhouse art team of fan-favorite artist Jim Lee, inker Scott Williams and colorist Alex Sinclair.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 is highlighted by an original story from the team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Doug Mahnke that not only launches a new story arc but introduces a new version of the Arkham Knight to DC comics canon. Tomasi is no stranger to this character, having written his video game origins in 2015’s BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT – GENESIS miniseries.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 also features a two-page spread spotlighting the current state of the Batman universe by Jason Fabok, plus a treasure trove of original stories from a who’s who of comic writers and artists, all honoring the milestone anniversary of The World’s Greatest Detective, including:
  • Kevin Smith and Jim Lee
  • Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev
  • Warren Ellis and Becky Cloonan
  • Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen
  • Denny O’Neil and Steve Epting (a sequel to O’Neil’s 1976 DETECTIVE COMICS story “There’s No Hope in Crime Alley”)
  • Christopher Priest and Neal Adams
  • Geoff Johns and Kelley Jones
  • Tom King, Tony Daniel and Joëlle Jones
  • Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
  • James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez
“Batman is one of the most enduring characters in popular culture, and his debut in DETECTIVE COMICS represented a pivotal moment in comics and pioneered a new type of superhero that would appeal to every generation,” said DC Publisher Dan DiDio. “Batman continues to have an impact on entertainment worldwide and the 1,000th issue of DETECTIVE COMICS is a testament to the creative genius of Bob Kane and Bill Finger and is a fitting tribute to Batman on his 80th anniversary.”
To further celebrate the Caped Crusader’s 80-year legacy, DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 will offer an extensive retailer variant cover program. Hardcore collectors will want to get their hands on this series of variant covers showcasing the Dark Knight through various decades from iconic Batman artists such as Steve Rude, Michael Cho, Jim Steranko, Bernie Wrightson, Frank Miller, Tim Sale, Jock and Greg Capullo—plus an homage to Jerry Robinson’s cover of November 1942’s DETECTIVE COMICS #69 by Bruce Timm.
This 96-page oversize collector’s edition issue will be available at comics retailers and digitally on March 27, 2019, for $9.99. More details on the cross-company festivities for Batman’s 80th anniversary will be released in the coming months. Visit www.dccomics.com or the DC YouTube channel for the latest news and updates.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Once you get to the 60s cover (which looks nothing like a real Sixties cover) it’s hard to tell one decade from another.

  2. There should be a 1930s -style one-shot by Steve Rude. Just sayin’.

    They’ve done well with the creatives for the issue. Got me interested. Should be a huge seller.

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