DC Comics will kill off Batman as one of a "series of cosmological cataclysms" designed to prop up circulation in the face of the increasing newsstand and cinematic domination of rival Marvel.

That's according to the Times , which says the axe is due to fall in April's issue 676, representing the latest in a string of fatalities which has seen Superman popping his clogs back in 1992, and the Green Lantern and Green Arrow off to superhero Valhalla.

DC says issue 676 - entitled Batman R.I.P - will "change the legend of the Dark Knight forever!". The blurb adds: "Who will live? Who will die? Who will be Batman? The answers are sure to shock you in Batman R.I.P."

Blimey. However, the Times notes that Superman and the two aforementioned green chaps were later resurrected, leading to the suspicion that once DC has caused a bit of a kerfuffle, Batman will rise from the grave to once again battle Gotham City villainy. ®