Warner Bros. Discovery, DC Comics, Toei Company, and BANDAI are teaming up for Batman × Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE: LEGENDS UNITE – A New Legend Begins, an all-new collaboration that brings together two of the most iconic superheroes from the United States and Japan.
The project marks the first time Batman will appear alongside Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE, President of Hidden Intelligence, the first title in Japan's Reiwa-era Kamen Rider franchise and one of the country's most celebrated heroes.
DC is set to publish an original comic book featuring Batman and Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE written by Kenny Porter. Illustrating "the two characters' shared dual identities as corporate leaders and superheroes," it's said that "the story creates a pairing uniquely suited to Batman and Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE."
The project will be illustrated by acclaimed artist, manga creator, and illustrator tokitokoro, known for a distinctive visual style that blends realism and romanticism with psychedelic and pop-inspired aesthetics.
The collaboration will also expand into merchandise, which is planned for distribution in Japan and select international markets, including North America, through Bandai. Additional details will be announced soon.
Andrew Marino, DC Comics Senior Editor, said, "At DC Comics, we’re always looking for fresh ways to tell Batman stories while staying true to the character. Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE felt like the perfect character for a unique crossover, and as a longtime Kamen Rider fan, it’s especially exciting to bring these heroes together."
"Both Bruce Wayne and Aruto Hiden lead world-changing companies as CEOs, which gave us a great foundation for a story only they could tell," he continued. "We hope this collaboration introduces Batman and Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE to even more fans around the world, and we’re excited to share what’s next."
Shin-ichiro Shirakura, Senior Executive Officer, Toei Company, added, "When Kamen Rider debuted in 1971, his first foe was a spider-themed villain and battled a bat-themed villain in the next episode. It’s clear which heroes Shotaro Ishinomori and the other creators of that era looked to as role models. Then, in 1978, Toei joined forces with a spider-inspired hero."
"Yet the opportunity to collaborate with a bat-inspired hero never came, and nearly half a century passed. Now, as Kamen Rider celebrates its 55th anniversary, that long-awaited partnership has finally become a reality, bringing together two iconic superhero legacies from Japan and the United States," he concluded.
A new illustration created by tokitokoro for the collaboration has been unveiled, offering a first look at how the worlds of DC's Batman and Japan's Reiwa-era Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE are being brought together in Batman × Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE: LEGENDS UNITE – A New Legend Begins.