Warning! Spoilers for Batman's Mystery Casebook
A new Batman graphic novel is inviting young readers to help solve a mystery alongside the world’s greatest detective. In the past, the Dark Knight has enlisted sidekicks including Robin and Batgirl, but now he asks for the assistance of his fans.
Although comics were initially intended for kids as the target demographic, many titles tend to be geared toward teenagers and more mature readership. There have been a handful of series fit for younger readers, such as Lil Gotham and Teen Titans Go!, but for DC’s most popular superhero, there is high demand for more. An upcoming middle grade book intended for fans between 8 and 12 is filling the void, providing an age-appropriate Batman story.
DC Comics has announced a new graphic novel titled Batman’s Mystery Casebook will recruit young readers to investigate a mystery alongside Batman. The book written by Sholly Fisch (The Batman and Scooby-Doo Mysteries) with art by Christopher Uminga will engage with child readers by providing clues, riddles, and other interactive activities. The Dark Knight works with Alfred, Robin, Batgirl, the police, and his fans to protect Gotham City from the threat of his villains. As young readers are taken on an adventure, they will learn about fingerprints and the importance they can have in a case. They will also have to match shoe prints found around Gotham City to determine a suspect. At 144 pages, there is a lot of mystery for readers to explore.
On the graphic novel’s cover, a collage of Batman’s rogues gallery hints at their involvement in the case. The cover includes classic takes on Penguin, Riddler, Bane, Two-Face, Harley Quinn, Joker, Killer Croc, Mr. Freeze, Clayface, and Catwoman. The released preview only includes Two-Face, but the other rogues are likely to pop up later while the trio of heroes track down villains. As Batman breaks the fourth wall to communicate with his readers, he explains how fingerprints can help track down criminals from a lineup, since no two sets of fingerprints are the same.
The middle grade book is promising to entertain and engage young fans, simultaneously educating them on Batman’s investigative process. As an entry point to both Gotham City and comics, Fisch and Uminga’s upcoming graphic novel offers kids an opportunity to solve crimes with the bat family. Batman’s Mystery Casebook is set to release on August 30, 2022 at the price of $9.99.
Source: DC Comics