DC Comics’ new, nightmarish Batman series reunites a team fans have been waiting for

It’s not unusual for DC Comics to launch new series, but the most recently announced Dark Nights: Metal is one that Batman fans may have been waiting for.

The series is being written and illustrated by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, one of the most recognizable, successful, long lasting and beloved creative teams at DC Comics. The two have worked together on a number of popular Batman series, including Batman: Death of the Family. Although details about the series are still under wraps, Snyder and Capullo confirmed that Dark Nights: Metal has been in development for years and is the definitive project of their careers.

In a press release, Snyder said he wanted Metal to build upon what DC had been doing with Batman since the beginning of Rebirth, the publisher’s successful relaunch that reoriented its editorial direction. The writer added he wanted to create new material that felt modern and relevant to this new age of Batman, and Metal is the best opportunity he has to do just that. As far as plot goes, the only hint DC gave in its press release was that Metal would “examine every choice a hero doesn’t take and every path they don’t walk, and open up worlds that are forged by nightmares.”

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The most important bit of information Snyder gave about the series was that although it would tie canonically into the overarching DC universe, it wouldn’t be grim. It’s an interesting revelation considering Snyder also describes Metal as nightmarish, but according to him, this will be a departure from the Batman readers are used to seeing from him. Outside of his long run on Batman, Snyder is well known for writing some truly terrifying horror comics — and even inside is run, for creating some truly terrifying and grotesque Batman villains.

“Above all, it’s going to be fun,” Snyder said. “Even with terror and nightmares, it won’t be grim. Dark Nights: Metal will be celebratory, huge and crazy. I’ve said it before: I am going for out-of-control dinosaurs and lasers.”

On Twitter, Snyder expanded on the comic and confirmed that although it would begin with Batman, other DC heroes would get their own Metal stories.

Dark Nights: Metal will take place over the course of six issues, according to Snyder, and will debut in August. More information about the comic is expected to be released later this month.