There is, perhaps, no comic book character that has seen as many permutations as Batman. Although he is considered to be the world’s greatest detective, his stories do not stay within the realm of noirs and mysteries. They extend far beyond the borders of Gotham into other cities, other planets, and even other multiverses. Far from defending the helpless from his traditional gallery of rogues, Batman has fought threats from across the DC Universe. He even shot the New God, Darkseid. Batman has many facets, and in Batman Annual #4, you’ll get a taste of several of them.

It all starts with a horse chase, but where does it end? In a magically cursed Gotham fighting dragons? Beyond that? Which of Gotham’s famous villains will make an appearance? Read on for the Beat’s exclusive preview of Batman Annual #4, out this Wednesday, where the creative team truly takes to heart the Dark Knight’s multitudinous nature.

Writer: Tom King

Artists: Jorge Fornes & Mike Norton

Colorist: Dave Stewart

Letterer: Clayton Cowles What’s it like to be Batman from day to day? What are the challenges that the Dark Knight Detective faces? From thieves to marauding monsters, writer Tom King takes us across the gamut of experience to show the vast scope of what it takes to fill the Batman’s boots…and then what it means when he goes back home.

For more on Tom King, check out the Beat’s recent video interview with him about the flagship Batman series!