Fan-favorite artist Dan Mora’s SUPERBAT, the fusion of Superman and Batman, has made a comeback in stunning new art that reveals a subtle yet epic design upgrade. Mora’s art is always eagerly devoured by fans, but this latest piece has sparked even more excitement. With DC’s newest villain in play, fans are left speculating whether this artwork is a teaser for SuperBat’s long-awaited return to the comics.
On September 4, 2024, Dan Mora took to Instagram to share new artwork featuring the beloved, though short-lived, SuperBat. This version of the character notably included a design upgrade: the much-welcomed addition of Superman’s iconic red cape.
Fans of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight’s fusion will recall that SuperBat had always been portrayed capeless. Which now that it has been pointed out, seems a bit odd, given that both heroes typically wear one. Mora even captioned the post with, “It was obvious, I know,” humbly acknowledging that the cape was an obvious design choice. But fans will undoubtedly agree—better late than never.
Dan Mora’s SUPERBAT Gets a Cape in New Art (& We Are SO Here For It)
“It Was Obvious, I Know” – Dan Mora via Instagram Post Featuring the New SuperBat Design
The concept of combining Batman and Superman into a single hero first emerged in Batman/Superman World’s Finest #4 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora. In this storyline, the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight merge into one entity after acquiring Green Lantern’s Power Ring and harnessing its power, along with the mystical energies from their battle, to confront Justice League members under mind control. This fusion results in a distinctive costume that expertly integrates elements from both heroes, including a red full-face cowl/helmet and a unique symbol that merges the iconic Superman and Batman emblems.
In Mora’s new upload, the design elements of SuperBat remain consistent, with the notable addition of the cape. Mora also showcases the power of Green Lantern’s ring, featuring its signature green glow throughout the SuperBat costume, including the hero’s lower legs and arms. This green light even transforms Batman’s utility belt from its usual yellow to a striking radioactive green. Additionally, SuperBat appears to have created both a gun construct and Batarang constructs. The post has garnered over 32,000 likes and hundreds of comments, demonstrating how much fans appreciate the return of Mora’s SuperBat.
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for SUPERMAN #18!
Could Dan Mora’s SUPERBAT Be Returning to Fight KONFUSION?
The Earth-3 Version of Superman & Batman’s Combined Form Debuts in Absolute Power Tie-In Issue
While Mora gives no indication that Superman and Batman’s combined form will return in the ongoing comics, the recent debut of the Earth-3 version of SuperBat in Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell’s Superman #18 (2024) hints that fans might see more of SuperBat soon. Although it has been confirmed that this is not the combined form of Ultraman and Owlman, details about this new character, who goes by the name KONFUSION, are still scarce. Despite the lingering mysteries, the arrival of Konfusion makes it an ideal time for Superman and Batman’s combined form to reappear in the comics and confront this new, fusion-based villain.
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.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
Source: Dan Mora
