Stephen Colbert is joining the DC Universe. Colbert will appear on a special variant cover of DC Comics’ upcoming Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #40.
While the issue isn’t due out for another month, the host unveiled the cover on his show last night, ahead of DC’s planned public reveal of the cover today.
On the cover, Superman is depicted guesting on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as Batman stands against the city skyline backdrop. He’s also seen holding a cover of his book I Am Superman, and So Can You—a reference to the host’s Colbert Report-era book, I Am America (And So Can You!).
Another cover for the issue, which reportedly depicts Batman and Superman “in the clutches of late night TV,” depicts the fictional late-night show Gotham Tonight.
While the cover marks his DC debut, Stephen Colbert has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Marvel for years. Colbert—or at least his Colbert Report character of the same name—appeared on the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man in 2006 (and nearly became President in that universe). During that era, he was also gifted a replica of Captain America’s shield by Marvel artist and exec Joe Quesada. That shield is now permanently displayed on the set of The Late Show.
Late-night hosts and Marvel have gone hand-in-hand for decades. Over the years, Marvel comics have given the cover treatment to stars like David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, and the original Saturday Night Live cast.
While DC has incorporated late-night stars less frequently, Colbert isn’t the first to enter the DC universe. In a 1963 issue of Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane, a flashback depicts Lois Lane appearing on an episode of The Steve Allen Show.
But with Colbert’s cover appearance, Colbert noted that he joined a “storied list of other celebrities who have had cover cameos,” including Paul McCartney, William Shatner, and Jack White. (Also in those ranks are legendary comics like Don Rickles and Jerry Lewis.)
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #40 hits shelves June 18th.
