WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #1!A preview for the inaugural issue of the sequel to the iconic 80s Elseworlds story, Gotham by Gaslight, introduces Superman to this beloved alternate universe, famous among fans for giving Batman and other iconic characters steampunk-esque redesigns. While the preview reveals little about this Victorian-era Man of Steel, a variant cover for the issue teases the character design that this Elseworlds has in store for Clark Kent.

The preview for Andy Diggle, Leandro Fernández, and Dave Stewart’s Batman: Gotham by Gaslight—The Kryptonian Age #1 opens with Superman’s iconic meteor-like crash landing, yet this event occurs not in 20th-century Kansas, but rather in Kansa Tribal Territory in 1860. This shift in time is evident from the mode of transport used by Martha and Jonathan Kent—a horse and buggy—and their attire.

Despite being set in an alternate universe, it’s apparent that it’s still the wholesome Kents who discover Superman’s space pod, though the Man of Steel (or perhaps Baby of Steel) himself isn’t revealed in the preview.

Superman’s Iconic Metor-Like Crash Landing Gets 19th-Century Reimagining for Batman: Gotham by Gaslight Sequel

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight—The Kryptonian Age #1 will expand the 19th-century DC Universe originally introduced in Batman: Gotham By Gaslight. Considering the opening scene, it’s clear that the focus will be on the Man of Steel. However, it remains to be seen what changes Diggle has in store for this iconic character. While Superman’s introduction to Earth appears to follow the familiar path of his classic origin story, only limited details have been confirmed so far. Fans will have to wait until June 11, 2024, when the full issue is released, to discover the extent of these alterations.

With Superman’s arrival on Earth and his connection to the Kents established, this comic is poised to unfold in one of two ways. The first and more probable scenario involves a time skip that propels Clark into his adult years. Alternatively, Kal-El may arrive already fully grown, allowing the story to progress from the crash landing without the need for a time jump. This departure from his mainstream continuity origins would offer a unique narrative twist. However, it’s more likely that a time skip will occur. Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait long for this revelation.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #1 Variant Cover Teases First Look of Steampunk Superman

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Although Kal-El doesn’t physically appear in the preview, a variant cover by Jock provides fans with a glimpse of what to expect from Superman’s 19th-century makeover. Despite the cover spotlighting Batman, Superman looms mysteriously in the background, partially obscured by mist. Although the mist and cowboy hat make it difficult to identify the character, the glowing red eyes strongly suggest it is Clark. Judging by the cowboy attire, it appears that the Man of Steel will don a heavily inspired 19th-century Wild West look, fitting with the Steampunk aesthetic. Hopefully, The Kryptonian Age #1 will offer a full reveal of Superman’s new design.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #1 is available June 11, 2024, from DC Comics!