DC’s Batman and Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE Unite for Unprecedented Cross-Cultural Collaboration

TOKYO, JAPAN, September 19, 2026 – Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and DC, in collaboration with Toei Company, Ltd. and BANDAI CO., LTD., today announced “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, DC’s iconic Super Hero who has captivated audiences worldwide since his debut in Detective Comics #27 in 1939, 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.

“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”, said Andrew Marino, Senior Editor – DC Comics.

“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. 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, Ltd., commented: “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.”

As the centerpiece of the collaboration, DC will publish an original comic book featuring Batman and Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE written by Kenny Porter. Drawing on the two characters’ shared dual identities as corporate leaders and superheroes, this 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 a global consumer products program. Merchandise inspired by the project is planned for distribution in Japan and select international markets, including North America, through Bandai. Additional details will be announced through upcoming comic conventions and official social media channels.

Mitsutaka Inoue, Deputy General Manager of Toys Department, BANDAI Co., Ltd. commented: “After four years of working to bring this project to life, we are thrilled to finally unveil it to fans today. This dream collaboration brings together two of the greatest heroes from Japan and the United States, and we are excited to develop a product lineup that captures the spirit of both characters. We look forward to sharing more details through future product announcements.”

An exclusive illustration created by tokitokoro for the collaboration has been unveiled, offering fans a first look at how the worlds of DC’s Batman and Japan’s Reiwa-era Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE are being brought together through original artwork.

More information about Batman × Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE: LEGENDS UNITE – A New Legend Begins will be announced in the coming months.

About Batman

Batman is one of the most iconic characters in the world and is recognized across the globe thanks to his portrayal in beloved comics, TV shows, animation, games and movies since the Caped Crusader first appeared in 1939’s Detective Comics #27. Since then, DC’s Dark Knight has stood as a symbol of determination, courage and justice to generations of fans. Batman is notable not for having any super powers but for his intelligence, skill and technical savvy, born out of tragedy, Bruce Wayne’s relentless pursuit of justice and willpower to protect others made him an instant icon.

BATMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC (s26)

About DC

DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, creates iconic characters and enduring stories and is one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels. DC’s creative work entertains audiences of every generation around the world, with DC’s stories and characters integrated across Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, television, animation, consumer products, home entertainment, games, and themed experiences divisions, and on the DC Universe Infinite digital comic subscription service. Learn more at DC.com.

About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division, extends the company’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About Kamen Rider Zero-One

Kamen Rider ZERO-ONE is a TV series that broadcasted from 2019 to 2020, marking the first Kamen Riderseries of the Reiwa era. Set in a new age where HUMAGEAR- humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence and developed by the AI corporation “Hiden Intelligence”- play an active role in society. The story follows Aruto Hiden, a comedian who unexpectedly becomes the second president of Hiden Intelligence. Transforming into Kamen RiderZERO-ONE, Aruto fights against “METSUBOUJINRAI.net”, a rogue organization plotting human extinction by driving HUMAGEAR out of control. 

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