IDW once again has the rights to publish Artist’s Editions based on DC Comics properties, and this time there is no time frame limit. The first two Artist’s Editions from this new agreement are David Mazzucchelli’s Batman: Year One Artist’s Edition and Neal Adams’ DC Classics Artist’s Edition, with two covers. Releases in 2024 will most likely coincide with San Diego Comic Con and New York Comic Con. A signed and numbered slipcase edition of David Mazzucchelli’s Batman: Year One Artist’s Edition is planned as well with a 250 printing.
From the press release:
SAN DIEGO, CA (May 30, 2023) – IDW Publishing has signed an agreement with DC to produce Artist’s Editions releases based on highly celebrated works from legendary comic book icons David Mazzucchelli and Neal Adams. The first two books, launching in mid-2024, will be DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI’S BATMAN: YEAR ONE ARTIST’S EDITION and NEAL ADAMS’ DC CLASSICS ARTIST’S EDITION. More Artist’s Editions by stellar artists will be announced over the next few months.
“The books in this new initiative with DC are near and dear to my heart,” said Artist’s Editions editor Scott Dunbier. “Many of the volumes announced, and the ones that have yet to be announced, showcase some of the finest art ever published in the comic book form.”
David Mazzucchelli’s Batman: Year One, written by industry legend Frank Miller, is considered to be one of the greatest Batman stories ever told. Mazzucchelli, a man who prefers to let his work speak for itself, said, “This is a book you were never meant to see.” Dunbier added, “David has been intimately involved with the planning of this Artist’s Edition and has personally scanned all the contents. In addition to the covers and interiors, all the layouts from the series will be included.” Iconic designer Chip Kidd will be designing the book.
Neal Adams’ DC Classics Artist’s Edition will feature a wide assortment of classic Neal Adams art from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, which is generally considered to be Adams’ greatest period. The book will include five complete stories and an amazing assortment of covers and pages. The book will feature two covers, Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76, the first issue of the classic run by Denny O’Neil and Adams, and Batman #232, the first appearance of Ra’s al Ghul. “My family and I could not be happier to have this book happen,” said Kristine Adams-Stone. “We’ve had so many of my dad’s fans literally begging us to do an Artist’s Edition. We have every confidence that they—and the Adams family—will love the results.”
