DC Comics Vertigo Releasing Paul Dini Batman Graphic Novel

Today, DC Entertainment’s creator-driven imprint, Vertigo, announced Dark Night: A True Batman Story, from legendary writer Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Lost) set to release in June 2016. The story is a harrowing and eloquent autobiographical tale of Dini’s courageous struggle to overcome a truly desperate situation, with brilliant illustrations by Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets). 

An extremely personal story for Dini – and the first time he’s told it to the world – the book focuses on a night that he was assaulted and brutally beaten by strangers and left on the sidewalk. In this surprising original graphic novel, Batman is seen in a new light – not as the grim avenger of the night, but as a savior who helps a discouraged man recover from a brutal attack that left him unable to face the world. But despite how bleak his circumstances were, or perhaps because of it, Dini always imagined the Batman at his side, urging him along during his darkest moments.

“Batman is a character truly universal in his ability to entertain and inspire fans of all ages and backgrounds. As a writer of Batman stories for comics, video games and animation, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to that legacy. But there was a time some years ago when I found myself the victim of a violent attack and the last thing that made sense to me was to continue writing stories about a fantasy crime fighter. Struggling to recover, I found myself trapped in a dark place of isolation and abuse, plagued by demons both real and imaginary, with my only choices being to remain a victim or to stand up and fight back. Not so easy as the enemy I was fighting was my own fear,” explained writer Paul Dini.

“I must admit that this is not the kind of story I typically draw; it was undoubtedly a new challenge in my career,” added artist Eduardo Risso. “This novel gave me the opportunity to do something different with the graphic narrative. I didn’t have any idea about what aesthetic to use, but I was sure that I didn’t want to do the same thing I was used to doing. I hope you like it.”

Dini continued, “DC and Vertigo have given me the unique opportunity to tell this personal story, rendered better than I could have dreamed by the powerful artwork of Eduardo Risso. It is my hope  that Dark Night: A True Batman Story will both provide an interesting window into a writer’s mind in a time of crisis, and perhaps inspire other victims of violence to search for the heroes inside themselves.” 

Dark Night: A True Batman Story will be available in comic book shops on June 15, 2016 and available everywhere books are sold on June 21, 2016.