NYC celebrates 85th anniversary of Batman with pop-up comic book giveaways

New York City is honoring the 85th anniversary of Batman with free pop-up giveaways. On Saturday, March 30, Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Comics are giving away special-edition copies of “Detective Comics #27,” the 1939 issue debuting Batman to the world, at a pop-up in Soho. The comic books will be given away one per person at SoHo News International, located at 186 Prince Street, starting at 11 a.m., while supplies last.

As part of the pop-up, SoHo News is being transformed into a retro newsstand to “memorialize” the moment when fans first met Batman.

Created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, Batman was first introduced to comic fans in 1939’s Detective Comics #27. Since then, the superhero has served as a symbol of justice, determination, and an inspiration for those who have had to rise against the odds after experiencing tragedy.

It’s no mystery why Warner Bros. and DC are choosing to celebrate Batman’s anniversary in the Big Apple. The Dark Knight is also synonymous with New York City, as the fictional metropolis in which he fights crime, Gotham, is heavily inspired by the city.

Additional limited-edition copies of the special 85th edition of Detective Comics #27 will be given away at the following locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan on March 30, while supplies last:

• Action City Comics – 570 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn
• Alex’s MVP Cards & Comics – 1590 York Avenue, Manhattan
• Bulletproof Comics and Games – 2178 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn
• Forbidden Planet NYC – 832 Broadway, Manhattan
• St. Mark’s Comics – 51 35th Street, Manhattan
• Midtown Comics Times Square – 200 West 40th Street, Manhattan
• Midtown Comics Grand Central – 459 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan
• Midtown Comics Downtown – 64 Fulton Street, Manhattan

The giveaway also features a modern retelling of the 1939 story, “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate,” originally written by Bill Finger with illustrations by Bob Kane, redone with writing by Brad Meltzer, and art by Bryan Hitch.

Batman Day takes place on the third Saturday of September, and this year it will be celebrated on September 21. Find more information on activations and celebrations related to Batman’s 85th anniversary here.

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