12 Must-Read First Issues From The New DC You Line

By Bryant Lucas /

11. Bat-Mite

One major goal of the DC You initiative is to produce a book for various demographics outside of the stereotypical comic geek; this includes creating books for younger readers. Considering that Batman is by far DC€™s most lucrative franchise, it€™s no surprise that they chose Bat-Mite as one of their launch titles. Bat-Mite has a long-standing history in the DCU. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Bat-Mite made his first appearance in Detective Comics #267 (1959). Since then, Bat-Mite was written out of €œofficial cannon€ and was used sparingly until Grant Morrison€™s Batman: RIP (2008) storyline, where the character was re-established as a part of the Batman mythos. Written by comic veteran, Dan Jurgens, with Corin Howell on pencils, Bat-Mite is a six-issue mini-series that follows the misadventures of a fifth-dimensional imp named Bat-Mite as he tries to €œfix€ the characters of the DCU. The most current incarnation of the character is a departure from Morrison€™s vision, as Jurgans dials up the humour in this first issue. Bat-Mite has the distinct voice of an obnoxious imp who, if you met in real life, you would most likely want to punch. Howell€™s art is whimsical and fun, as Bat-Mite€™s facial expressions are energetic and bombastic. It€™s obvious what these guys were aiming for in this first issue: by the end of it, you€™ll be humming the Animaniacs theme song.