WEBTOON made waves at New York Comic Con earlier this month, unveiling a slate of exciting projects, including fresh takes on Marvel and DC properties. Among the highlights is Gotham by Daylight, a new horror comic that reimagines Gotham City's terrors—not in the shadows, but in the blinding light of day. The series, which debuts today, centers on Duke Thomas, also known as The Signal, as he teams up with everyday citizens to confront a sinister new villain called The Daylight.
In traditional Batman lore, the night belongs to villains like the Joker, Scarecrow, and Clayface, with the Caped Crusader swooping in to save the day. But Gotham by Daylight turns that formula on its head. Here, the threat emerges when the sun is up, and with no darkness to hide in, Batman is nowhere to be found. The Daylight's powers are as mysterious as they are terrifying: it seems to infect anyone who gazes into its light, driving them mad or bending them to its will. The opening episodes, which we had the chance to read early, set an eerie tone, showing the villain's cosmic horror in unsettling encounters that leave victims transformed or worse.
The story also delves into Duke's personal life, introducing a support group called "Gotham by Daylight" that he attends with other survivors of the city's supervillain chaos. This group becomes a lifeline for Duke as he juggles his responsibilities to his parents and his duties as a hero. Writer Mike Birchall emphasizes community in the narrative, exploring how ordinary people cope with living in a city where danger lurks around every corner—whether from Joker venom or a fateful coin flip with Two-Face.
Birchall shared his inspiration for the series, saying, "Getting to highlight the ordinary people of Gotham has been so fun and fulfilling. It's easy to ask why anyone would live there, but the more interesting question is how they live there—how they support each other and react to cosmic-level threats." This focus on resilience and human connection sets Gotham by Daylight apart from typical superhero fare, grounding the horror in relatable struggles.
The artwork, by storyboarder Jeannine A. Halley, inker Ekass, and colorist Paula Fidelis, brings the creeping dread to life with chilling visuals that amplify the sense of unease. The first three episodes also hint at a larger mystery involving a curious park at the city's center, suggesting that The Daylight's origins may be tied to something deeper than just a random villain.
As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that without Batman, Gotham's citizens must band together to survive. Gotham by Daylight is a fresh take on the Batman mythos, blending horror with a heartfelt look at community resilience. For fans of horror with a twist, this webtoon is a must-read. And if you're craving more chilling tales, check out Marianne or Netflix's Below for similar vibes.
With its unique premise and strong character work, Gotham by Daylight is poised to become a standout in WEBTOON's growing library of DC collaborations. Whether you're a die-hard Batman fan or new to the world of webcomics, this series offers a compelling reason to see Gotham in a whole new light.
