DC and Japanese publisher Kodansha will soon bring three popular manga series to English readers, including an unusual story where the Joker raises a baby Batman.
English versions of Joker: One Operation Joker, Batman: Justice Buster and Superman vs. Meshi will launch on DC Universe Infinite, DC's digital comic distribution platform, in 2023. DC Universe Infinite will be updated with a new manga-friendly reader to coincide with their release. Physical collections of the three series will be available in stores this fall.
Joker: One Operation Joker Introduced the World to the ‘Daddy’ Clown Prince of Crime
Joker: One Operation Joker is perhaps the most notorious of the manga, and attracted international attention in 2022 for its off-the-wall plot. Originally serialized in the weekly manga magazine Morning, the story is penned by Satoshi Miyagawa (Uchuu Senkan Tiramisu) and illustrated by Keisuke Gotou. Joker: One Operation Joker sees the Clown Prince of Crime raising an infant Bruce Wayne, who de-ages in the story due to a freak accident. The title refers to the Japanese phrase wanope, which roughly translates into "one person" or "one operation," and is sometimes used to refer to a single parent.
Batman: Justice Buster, written and illustrated by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi (Ultraman), features a more traditional and serious version of the Dark Knight early in his career. The plot revolves around a new take on Batman's faithful sidekick, prompted by a rising crime wave in Gotham City. To combat increased threats, Batman develops a computer system dubbed ROBIN that will hopefully allow him to be stronger and faster when it comes to protecting his city.
Finally, Superman vs. Meshi sees the Man of Steel diving into culinary pleasures, from curry bowls to conveyor-belt sushi. Penned by Miyagawa with art by Kai Kitago, the series is a light-hearted look at Superman enjoying chain restaurants and sharing meals with other members of the Justice League. The title refers to the Japanese word meshi, which refers to rice and is also a general term used for a meal.
Joker: One Operation Joker, Batman: Justice Buster and Superman vs. Meshi were originally published by Kodansha in Japan and are the latest manga officially licensed by DC. Other notable projects that originated in the Japanese market, starred DC characters, and are currently available in English include 2018's Batman and the Justice League, 2008's Batman: Death Mask, and 2002's Batman: Child of Dreams.
Source: DC