Batman: Gotham by Gaslight: DC Compact Comics Edition

Step into the shadows of Victorian Gotham where the Dark Knight confronts Jack the Ripper and a mad prophet in this genre-defining Elseworlds classic.

Before Elseworlds became a staple of DC storytelling, there was Gotham by Gaslight. This groundbreaking tale transports Batman to the gaslit streets of 19th-century Gotham, where he faces the terror of Jack the Ripper in a battle of wits and shadows. With its dark, atmospheric visuals and gripping narrative, this story redefined the boundaries of Batman's world.

The saga continues with Master of the Future, a thrilling sequel where Batman contends with a deranged prophet seeking to halt Gotham's evolution into the 20th century. Both stories deliver a unique blend of gothic aesthetics and superhero intrigue.

This volume collects Batman: Gotham by Gaslight #1 and Batman: Master of the Future #1.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs