DC Drops Sneak Peek of Batman’s New, Mind-Bending Murder Mystery
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Detective Comics 2025 Annual #1!
DC recently announced that fan-favorite writer Al Ewing will be taking on Batman for the first time in the upcoming Detective Comics Annual. Now, as a special treat for fans, DC has released a commendable 6-page sneak peek at the story, which promises murder, mystery, and mysticism.
Coming from the talents of Al Ewing, John McCrea, Stefano Raffaele, and Fico Ossio, Detective Comics Annual 2025 arrives on April 30, 2025. The issue follows the Dark Knight as he attempts to solve a locked-room mystery where the victim has eerily scrawled, “Batman, do not solve my murder,” in his own blood.
In the gallery above, fans can check out the six-page preview provided by DC, which makes it clear this is far from the Dark Knight’s typical murder case, as an unsettling element of mysticism creeps into the narrative. In an interview with AIPT Comics, Ewing discussed the preview and teased what’s still to come.
Al Ewing Brings Murder, Mysticism, and Real-World York to a Bold New Batman Mystery
Main Cover by Mikel Janín for Detective Comics 2025 Annual #1
Detective Comics Annual 2025 #1 will feature a three-act mystery, with a different artist taking on each act. The annual places a strong emphasis on the detective work that has defined Batman’s character for decades, while layering in a supernatural twist and a York, England-specific flair. Al Ewing revealed that he mapped Batman’s route through York to match real-world geography, meaning fans can literally retrace Batman’s steps if they wish. Though the story opens with a classic locked-room mystery, Ewing’s comments make it clear that he and the various artists embraced the opportunity to add elements of mysticism, making the narrative wholly unique.
Ewing also touched on the inspiration behind the annual’s other-worldly moments, citing Grant Morrison’s run on Batman as a key influence, particularly the scene where Batman tells Alfred, “I’m opening the sci-fi closet,” as a closet of bizarre and over-the-top gadgets is revealed. This is followed up by Bruce slipping on a massive gauntlet and asking Alfred if his flying saucer has arrived at the factory. With this story, Ewing is channeling that same spirit, where “Batman can do anything, as long as it’s bat-themed,” a mindset that fuels the story’s more metaphysical turns.
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DC Finally Gives Fans the Al Ewing Batman Story They’ve Been Waiting For
Cover B John McCrea Variant for Detective Comics 2025 Annual #1
Further elaborating on the supernatural aspects of the upcoming annual, Ewing teased that there will be apparitions, hints of ancient esoterica, and even references to Elizabethan magic, specifically John Dee, the court magician to Queen Elizabeth I. It will be interesting to see how Ewing blends a classic detective story with such intense supernatural elements, though there’s little doubt among fans that he’ll pull it off exceptionally well. One statement in particular from Ewing sets expectations high, as he said, “I had a lot of fun doing my version of Batman… and stirring up a little more of what’s already there.” Fans couldn’t ask for anything better than Batman getting the true Al Ewing treatment.
Detective Comics 2025 Annual #1 is available April 30, 2025, from DC Comics!
Source: AIPT Comics
