What is Batman Day? 2023 free comics, events, and more

DC Comics and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced plans for Batman Day 2023 on September 16. Here’s what you need to know.

Batman Day isn’t an officially recognized holiday, but maybe it should be. The event has been an annual occurrence since 2014 and features some major releases for the Caped Crusader. 

Originally conceived as a means of celebrating Batman’s 75th anniversary, Batman Day is now a massive celebration of all things Batman. DC and its partners ring in the occasion with special products, unique experiences, and new collectibles being released. 

With Batman Day just two weeks away, plans have finally been announced for everything DC will be offering for the occasion. 

What is Batman Day?

The first Batman Day was in July 2014. DC celebrated the event with the release of New 52’s Detective Comics #27 and a slew of other goodies, like Batman masks, capes, bookmarks, and more. 

After the original Batman Day, the event was moved to September, but neither date really holds any significance. While the original was held in July to tie into San Diego Comic-Con, the subsequent Batman Day events were moved to September because there wasn’t much else going on that month. 

While it has remained in September ever since, the date is seldom consistent, though DC tends to hold Batman Day on the third Saturday of the month. This year, Batman Day is September 16. 

How will DC Comics celebrate Batman Day

Whether you’re a new fan looking to get started or a longtime fan looking up the festivities, here’s everything you can find or do on Batman Day. 

Batman Day 2023 Free & Special Edition Comics

Participating comic shops will have a handful of comics, some of which are free and some of which are special Batman Day editions. Those comics include:

• Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War: Prelude Batman Day Special Edition #1
• Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 Batman Day Special Edition 
• Batman #608: Batman Day Special Edition
• Batman ‘89 Hardcover Collection
• Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1

In addition, the DC Universe Infinite service will have a list of iconic Batman stories available. Subscribers will have a curated list of team-up stories, while a selection of Batman’s stories will be available for free. 

Batman Movie Experiences on Batman Day

The highlight for many will be a limited screening of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy – Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises – in participating theaters. These will mark the first time in years the films have been in theaters. 

For those not in an area hosting a screening, the Max streaming service will celebrate the day with a Batman hub. The service includes most Batman films, including The Batman, the Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman, Batman Returns, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and more. 

In addition, select Batman movies will be airing on WBD’s various networks. HBO will air The Batman, while Adult Swim will air Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. TNT will also be airing the Dark Knight Trilogy, as well as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. TBS will also air a selection of Batman-themed Big Bang Theory episodes. 

Younger fans will also be able to participate. Cartoon Network will air new episodes of the preschool series Batwheels, while the DC Kids YouTube channel will upload new videos featuring Batwheels, Spin Master toys, and more. 

Batman Day new toys, video games, and collectibles

The week of Batman Day also sees a number of home media releases. For starters, that week marks the release of Batman: Arkham Trilogy on Switch, bringing the three Batman: Arkham titles to Nintendo’s handheld console. 

There are also a number of collectibles being made available in the DC Shop, including a Batman ‘66 TV Series sculpture, limited edition Batmobile pins and a new Batman: The Animated Series bomber jacket. 

For those who are interested in digital collectibles, a number will be made available, including DC Bat Cowl digital collectible holders, DC digital trading cards and digital comic packs. McFarlane Toys will also offer a free digital collectible for anyone who connects their wallet before Batman Day. 

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