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As DC enters its All In era this fall, things are changing all across the DC Universe — and that’s certainly true of Gotham City, as Batman’s stomping grounds become the home for a brand-new superhero, a seemingly-reformed supervillain, and the return of a secret society that the Dark Knight likely hoped he’d seen the last of. Want to know more? Popverse has an exclusive look at all five chapters of the upcoming ‘The Dying City’ arc in the primary Batman series — yes, even December’s final installment.

Although many DC titles are changing creators, or seeing wholesale relaunches as part of the All In initiative, Batman is keeping with what works — which is to say, writer Chip Zdarksy and artists Jorge Jiménez, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Jorge Fornés and Tony S. Daniel, all of whom will be contributing to ‘The Dying City,’ a five-part storyline running from October’s Batman #153 through December’s Batman #157. It’s a storyline that brings the Riddler back to Gotham City, but he’s not alone — the Court of Owls is also making its return. And what does any of this have to do with Commander Star, the new (and somewhat unsettling) hero who’s claimed the city as being under his protection?

Courtesy of DC, we have the advance info on each chapter of the storyline, as well as each volume’s primary cover. Keep reading for a glimpse of what lies in wait for the Caped Crusader…

Batman #153

Batman is back with a vengeance and Bruce Wayne’s new public initiatives have Gotham on the verge of finally becoming a great city! Does that bright future include the Riddler, who’s seemingly gone legit? Or the new, unnerving hero, Commander Star? And can Gotham survive the shocking murder of one of its greatest citizens? “The Dying City” starts here with a case that only Batman can solve, but the answers may unravel his world and all of Gotham!

Batman #153, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Jorge Jiménez, main cover by Jorge Jiménez and variant covers by Tony Harris & Jeremy Clark, David Nakayama, Marco Mastrazzo, Walter Simonson, Kelley Jones and Daniel Sampere, arrives on October 2.

Batman #154

Murder has rocked the heart of Gotham! Batman and Jim Gordon will have to piece together the clues and discover the truth, no matter how dark. Has the Riddler really gone legit? Is the Court of Owls involved? Meanwhile, public sentiment is turning against Wayne Enterprises’ public initiatives, with new hero Commander Star sowing the seeds of discontent.

Batman #154, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Carmine Di Giandomenico, main cover by Jorge Jiménez and variant covers by Tony Harris & Jeremy Clark, Gabriele Dell’otto, Nicola Scott and James Harren, arrives on October 16.

Batman #155

After the shocking events of the last issue, Batman is reeling! But the investigation isn’t over just yet! The Court of Owls is intent on destroying Bruce Wayne’s life, while Commander Star continues to stoke the flames of civil unrest in Gotham City! It all heats up in the unforgettable new chapter of “The Dying City”!

Batman #155, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Jorge Fornés, main cover by Jorge Jiménez and variant covers by Tony Harris & Jeremy Clark, Jonboy Meyers, Björn Barends and Nimit Malavia, plus a McFarlane Toys variant cover, arrives on November 6.

Batman #156

The GCPD is closing in on their suspected killer—and on Batman! Wayne Enterprises is under attack as Nygma’s plans come into focus. The Owls are not what they seem. Don’t miss the thrilling penultimate issue of “The Dying City”!

Batman #156, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Tony S. Daniel, main cover by Jorge Jiménez and variant covers by Tony Harris & Jeremy Clark, Alexander Lozano, Tony S. Daniel, Ryan Benjamin and Valentin Sécher, plus a McFarlane Toys variant cover, arrives on November 20.

Batman #157

With the Court of Owls’ plan revealed and the city in chaos, Batman must find the strength to fight a war on multiple fronts and save Gotham from disaster. The fates of Jim Gordon, the Riddler, and all of Gotham rest in the hands of the Dark Knight in a climactic issue so big it takes two superstar artists to bring it to life!

Batman #157, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Jorge Jiménez and Tony S. Daniel, main cover by Jorge Jiménez and variant covers by Tony Harris, Tony S. Daniel and Jerome Opeña, arrives on December 4.

‘The Dying City’ begins with Batman #153 on October 2 - which happens to be the same day that DC All In launches with the DC All In Special #1. Find out more about All In right here.

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.