Argent Comics Announced Limited Batman Noir Edition
The publisher unveiled an exclusive, hand-crafted run of 47 copies of the iconic graphic novel.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Comic Books
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Argent Comics has announced a new Noir Edition of Batman: The Killing Joke, produced under an official license from DC Comics. The publisher has opened an application process for potential buyers to claim one of the 47 available copies.
Why it matters
The extremely limited release utilizes high-end artisanal techniques to transform a classic work into a rare collectible. The production cap of 47 copies serves as a tribute to the atomic number of silver, which provided the inspiration for the company name.
The Noir Edition features 300gsm 100% cotton mould-made paper that is letterpress-printed using a Heidelberg cylinder press. Each volume is hand-sewn and bound in goatskin leather at the Aurelian Hands atelier in Zagreb.
The players
Brian Bolland
He is an acclaimed comic book artist known for his detailed linework and his iconic contributions to the Batman franchise.
DC Comics
This major American publisher is one of the oldest and largest companies in the comic book industry and holds the rights to the Batman intellectual property.
Argent Comics
This is the specialized publisher responsible for producing the limited Noir Edition release of the graphic novel.
The details
Each copy is signed by artist Brian Bolland and includes a detachable letterpress-printed playing card and a matching letterpress bookmark. The process involves creating tactile relief on the pages through traditional press methods.
Timeline
The original black-and-white edition of the comic was released in 2016.
The Noir Edition was officially announced on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
This release follows the precedent set by the 2016 black-and-white edition of The Killing Joke by further stripping back the color palette to emphasize the original artwork. It reflects a growing niche market for ultra-premium, artisanal comic book collectibles that prioritize physical craftsmanship over mass-market accessibility.
Interested collectors in the United States must submit an application through the publisher to be considered for one of the 47 available copies. This exclusive process means that ownership will be highly restricted regardless of the buyer's budget or interest in the work.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates the increasing intersection between traditional luxury printing and popular graphic literature. Readers should monitor boutique publishing channels if they are interested in acquiring rare, hand-bound editions of their favorite works.
Further reading
For more news on the evolving collector market, visit our Comic Books section.
More information
Prospective collectors can find the application to purchase via the official announcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bleeding Cool.
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