WARNING: May Contain Spoilers for Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2!

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Elseworlds series, Gotham by Gaslight, continues with its second installment, treating fans to the return of Batman’s 19th-century-inspired costume, which first debuted 35 years ago. What makes this Victorian-esque Batsuit particularly noteworthy is its faithful adherence to the source material, evoking a wave of nostalgia for long-time fans.

Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernández’s Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2 continues the legacy of the beloved Elseworlds series that first captivated readers in 1989. This transformative reimagining of the Dark Knight originally transported him to the 19th Century, where he was locked in a battle of wits against the infamous Jack the Ripper.

However, rather than focusing on a Victorian Age serial killer, this sequel plunges Batman into a conflict with the League of Shadows, entwined with enigmatic artifacts and relics. Despite the shift in storyline, one enduring feature remains—Batman’s steampunk-esque costume.

Batman’s Gotham by Gaslight Costume Returns 35 Years Later in the Elseworlds’ Sequel

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #1 Variant Cover by Francesco Mattina

Despite Batman making a significant appearance in Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #1, it wasn’t until issue #2 that fans truly got a proper reintroduction to his Gotham by Gaslight costume. Alongside its narrative comeback, variant covers for the series have offered even more detailed looks at the costume, featuring artwork by Riley Rossmo, Denys Cowan, Francesco Mattina, and Felipe Massafera. The revival of this 19th-century attire is particularly thrilling because it stands out as one of Bruce’s most distinctive and unique Batsuits, presenting a costume that has more than just nostalgic appeal.

This Gotham by Gaslight costume includes a stylistic greatcoat with exaggerated collars and the addition of a ‘shoulder cape.’ Greatcoats originated in the Napoleonic Wars, originally as military attire that later influenced civilian fashion, becoming a staple in men’s outerwear. Designed to shield undergarments like Batman’s buttoned vest and trousers from weather and road dust during commutes, their popularity waned with the rise of automobiles. As vehicles replaced walking commutes, the necessity for such protection diminished, contributing to the coat’s decline during the World Wars, which was exacerbated by material shortages and rationing. Hence, this Batsuit holds immense historical significance.

Artist Leandro Fernández’s Gotham by Gaslight Costume Design Is a Brilliant Recreation of Mike Mignola’s Original Design

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is a 52-page One-Shot Published in February 1989

Leandro Fernández’s recreation of Batman’s Gotham by Gaslight costume is particularly commendable for its faithful adherence to Mike Mignola’s original design. All the core aspects of the costume remain unchanged, with Fernández adding a touch of modern art style as the primary difference. His rendition goes beyond superficial elements, faithfully capturing Mignola’s characteristic approach of obscuring the Batsuit in shadows or with subtle lighting, which was a hallmark of the original artwork. Fernández’s skillful replication of this stylistic approach makes his rendition a standout portrayal of Batman’s Gotham by Gaslight era.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2 is available July 10, 2024, from DC Comics!