It’s a Keaton-eat-Keaton world in a new Batman vs. Beetlejuice variant cover from DC Comics. DC has announced a new line of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice-themed variant covers starring the notorious demon alongside the greatest heroes of the DC Universe — including, yes, Michael Keaton’s version of Batman from the 1989 Batman film.

Keaton’s Batman meets Keaton’s Beetlejuice in Joe Quinones’ variant cover for Batman #152 by Chip Zdarsky and Mike Hawthorne. While the issue itself is a tie-in to the ongoing Absolute Power event, which is affecting every corner of the DCU, the cover is a clear homage to two of Keaton’s most beloved roles in anticipation of his Beetlejuice reprisal in this fall’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

The cover feels like something straight out of both of Tim Burton’s iconic late-80s movies. With Beetlejuice looming over Batman in an out-of-this-world outfit — literally, with his surreal, curled up arms and Batman-themed hat — it’s unclear if they’re ready to team up or duke it out. What’s even more unclear is if the Caped Crusader would come out the winner in such a match-up.

New Batman vs. Beetlejuice Variant Cover Spotlights Michael Keaton’s Iconic Roles

DC Reveals Six Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Variant Covers

Though this Batman variant cover is a real highlight, DC’s entire line of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice variant covers will delight DC and Beetlejuice fans alike. In anticipation of the long-awaited sequel’s release, DC has revealed a total of six variants to be released throughout August and September. Beetlejuice gets up to his usual antics alongside the likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Nightwing, and another horror icon: Swamp Thing. The covers also feature other bits of iconography from the original film, including homages to particular scenes (and the Sandworm, of course). All covers are available for pre-order now.

Even among these other genuinely delightful variant covers, the Batman #152 variant stands out for being a Keaton double whammy. Keaton’s dual roles as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Beetlejuice undeniably shaped pop culture of the late 20th century, and his influence continues to shape the nostalgia culture of today. The whimsy of Keaton’s Batman meeting Keaton’s Beetlejuice on a cover like this signifies both the power of the ’80s over today’s media landscape and the pure joy of having Batman meet Beetlejuice on a comic-book cover, something that could only happen in comics.

Could Batman vs. Beetlejuice Really Be in Fans’ Futures?

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Releases September 6th, 2024

Fans still have a few long weeks to wait before Beetlejuice Beetlejuice arrives, but until then they can take their fill of these “juicy” DC variant covers. Each cover offers its own surreal pleasure, in true Beetlejuice fashion, but there’s no getting around just how giggle-inducing cool it is to see Keaton meet Keaton on a Batman cover. Though readers still won’t know for sure who would win in a Batman vs. Beetlejuice face-off, this teaser of a cover will serve as the perfect holdover until DC finally gives in with a Batman vs. Beetlejuice miniseries (one can always dream, after all).

Batman #152 is available September 4th from DC Comics. DC’s other Beetlejuice variant covers are available throughout August and September.