Summary
The sequel to the fan-favoriteElseworldsseries,Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, is in full swing and has recently unveiled a solicitation for an upcoming issue featuringSuperman’snew character design. This marks the first clear glimpse of the Man of Steel that fans have seen, and the redesign is the complete opposite of what many were expecting.
Jock’s Superman looks like a hell-born sheriff on a quest for vengeance, while Fernández’s Man of Steel looks like he spends his days helping old ladies cross the street.
Set for release on July 10, 2025, Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernández’sBatman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age#5 is generating excitement with the major reveal of Superman’s design for the series. This reveal is showcased on Fernández’s main cover, which features the Kryptonian floating in the air with a wide, beaming smile,dressed in clean-cut cowboy gear that makes him look as wholesome asToy Story’sWoody.
Variant Covers:
Marco Santucci & Alex Maleev
With Luthor’s schemes revealed, he dispatches his Suicide Squad to Smallville, Kansas to further secure the secrets of the ancient Kryptonian Age. But when the ruthless task force challenges the town’s seemingly bumbling sheriff to a deadly duel, they’ll quickly discover that this lawman is far more super than they ever realized!
The ensemble includes blue jeans, a matching vest, cowboy boots, and a white hat, along with a sheriff’s badge, yellow ascot, and red leather coat.The color scheme is an obvious nod to the Man of Steel’s signature suit, albeit with the19th-century twist thatGotham by Gaslightis celebrated for.
Superman’sGotham By Gaslight - The Kryptonian AgeRedesign Is the Most Wholesome Cowboy You’ll Ever See
Cover D Jock Foil Variant forBatman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age#1
What’s so shocking about this costume reveal is that it’s the complete opposite of what was teased byJock’s variant cover forBatman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age#1. Jock’s cover shrouded the Man of Steel in thick fog, with only the outline of the Kryptonian and his glowing red eyes visible to the viewer.This created a menacing aura, entirely absent in the sweet-as-peach-pie sheriff featured in Fernández’s cover.Jock’s Superman looks like a hell-born sheriff on a quest for vengeance, while Fernández’s Man of Steel looks like he spends his days helping old ladies cross the street.
While readers would undoubtedly love to see Jock’s dark cowboy Superman come to life in theGotham by Gaslightnarrative, Fernández’s wholesome sheriff has its own undeniable charm. This version of Clark is perhaps the most adorable fans have seen in recent years, highlighting the well-loved Smallville side of Superman. It also makes sense that this Superman would be a law-abiding protector of justice, considering he was still found by Martha and Jonathan Kent in thisElseworlds.Clark’s loving upbringing and Kent-instilled morals truly shine through in Fernández’s cover, making it a perfect representation.
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Cover C Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant forBatman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age#1
Given that Fernández is the main artist on the series, it’s likely his version of Superman will be featured in the narrative. This bright and cheerful sheriff will provide a fantastic contrast to Gotham’s Dark Knight, both aesthetically and in terms of personality. Such a stark difference between the two characters will undoubtedly create a more compelling dynamic than if they were both dark figures. One of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming issues ofGotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Ageis seeing how Bruce and Clark meet in this universe. Hence, the dynamic between a 19th-centurySupermanandBatmanpromises to be highly entertaining.
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Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #5will be released on August 25, 2025, from DC Comics!
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
