James Gunn Shares His Favorite Batman Comic — A Possible Clue for the DCU's Caped Crusader
September 23, 2025
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James Gunn, the visionary director and writer behind the upcoming DC Universe (DCU) projects, has revealed a fascinating detail about his childhood and his vision for Batman. Although we have yet to see the full-fledged DCU version of the Dark Knight, Gunn's insights might hint at the direction his Batman will take.
The Future of Batman in the DCU
So far, the only glimpse of the DCU’s Batman has been a brief silhouette in Creature Commandos. There's speculation that the character could make a cameo in Clayface, but his official debut is slated for The Brave and the Bold (distinct from Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson’s universe). This raises questions about what kind of Batman Gunn intends to portray.
Will he favor the playful and campy style of Adam West? Or lean toward the brooding, intense detective reminiscent of Robert Pattinson? Perhaps a high-tech, charismatic playboy à la Christian Bale? Gunn has been notably cautious in discussing specifics but may have just dropped a hint.
Gunn’s Favorite Batman Comic — A Supernatural Twist
During a conversation with Tom Segura on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, Gunn disclosed his all-time favorite Batman comic: Batman #227 from 1970, written by Dennis O’Neil and featuring a Neal Adams cover. This story explores supernatural themes, with Batman searching for Daphne Pennyworth in a haunted mansion.
This comic stands out because it ventures into fantastical territory—something the movies have touched on occasionally. Gunn remarked:
“I think that’s one of the fun things about Batman — there are so many expressions of him, and having different ways to explore that character is part of what makes him so iconic.”
Childhood Impressions and Artistic Influences
Gunn reminisced about his childhood, highlighting the darker, grittier Batman comics of the early 1970s, drawn by Neal Adams. Unlike the goofy TV Batman he grew up watching, these comics presented a more serious, edgy version of the hero:
“I liked this Batman because he was gritty and cool. That version was one I really gravitated toward—something we hadn't seen on screen before.”
When Segura showed Gunn the cover of Batman #277, he enthusiastically responded:
“That was my favorite story. It’s Batman in a supernatural environment — something we’ve never really seen before.”
Could Supernatural Elements Make Their Way Into the DCU?
Gunn’s comments suggest he might incorporate supernatural or fantastical elements into his version of Batman. This could involve stories centered around characters like Ra’s al Ghul or other members of Batman’s rogues’ gallery with mystical or supernatural backgrounds.
He also mentioned they currently have a “really, really good story” in development for Batman. However, there's also the possibility of merging Robert Pattinson’s Batman with the broader DCU, blending different interpretations of the character.
Final Thoughts
Gunn’s nuanced appreciation for the diverse expressions of Batman hints at a potentially rich and layered portrayal in the upcoming DCU. Whether he leans into supernatural mysteries, dark detective work, or a mix of styles, fans have much to look forward to as this new chapter unfolds.
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