Fans of DC's darker side have a new series to anticipate as Gotham by Daylight prepares to launch on WEBTOON on October 19. Breaking new ground for the Bat-Family, this 45-episode original series introduces a cosmic horror threat that forces Gotham City's residents, and a familiar, gifted hero, to confront terrors bathed in an endless, ominous light.
At the heart of Gotham by Daylight is Duke Thomas, known to many as The Signal. First introduced in Zero Year, Duke became inextricably linked to Bruce Wayne's crusade, distinguishing himself as Gotham's daytime protector thanks to his unique metahuman abilities tied to light. With Batman notably absent from the looming crisis, Duke steps into a leading role, navigating a Gotham where the sun never sets and something sinister lurks in plain sight.
The series is helmed by writer Mike Birchall, known for Everything is Fine, with a talented art team including storyboarder Jeannine A. Halley, inker Ekass, and colorist Paula Fidelis. Birchall shared his enthusiasm with ScreenRant, revealing a lifelong dream realized: "Getting to tell a story set in Gotham City has been my life goal since I was seven... I immediately begged them for this opportunity." He also praised his collaborators, stating, "We have a team of absolute superstar artists on this, and what they're doing... is unbelievable."
Gotham by Daylight introduces an aptly named cosmic horror villain: The Daylight. This entity's torment links the lives of ordinary Gotham citizens, including Duke's close friends, forcing them to converge on a mysterious park. While the series focuses heavily on these everyday people, familiar faces from Batman's rogues' gallery and allies will make appearances, including Damian Wayne, Mr. Freeze, and Poison Ivy, who could conceivably thrive under the bizarre conditions.
Birchall drew inspiration from diverse sources to craft this unique narrative. He cited Batman: The Animated Series's ability to tell compelling non-Batman-centric stories, and the chilling cosmic horror of Junji Ito's Uzumaki, which explores an otherworldly threat affecting a quiet town. This blend results in an anthology that explores how people really live in Gotham, beyond the shadow of its most famous hero. Regarding Duke's central role, Birchall added, "My belief is that you can't be a real hero until you've faced a real threat."
This darker tone marks a departure from other popular DC WEBTOON series like Batman: Wayne Family Adventures. Gotham by Daylight promises to be a definitive story for Duke Thomas, exploring his connection to the city's ordinary inhabitants as they collectively face an unprecedented, sun-drenched nightmare. The series, revealed at New York Comic Con 2026, is set to launch on October 19, with a batch release of episodes followed by weekly installments.