The time of the summer blockbuster is upon us. For Batman and friends, this summer will be one that they will never forget. Click the link to check out the pictures and synopses of the first seven issues of this groundbreaking storyline. (SPOILER WARNING: Some of the synopses contain information you may not want to read if you want to be totally surprised as the storyline progresses.)

BATMAN #676

Written by Grant Morrison; Art and variant cover by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea; Cover by Alex Ross

Are you ready for “Batman R.I.P.”? Beginning the epic story that will change the legend of the Dark Knight forever! Everythin

g in Grant Morrison’s groundbreaking run on Batman has been leading to this story, and nothing will ever be the same again.

Who will live? Who will die? Who will be Batman? The answers are sure to shock you in “Batman R.I.P.,” featuring artwork by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea and covers by Alex Ross.

On Sale May 14, 2008

BATMAN #677

Written by Grant Morrison; Art by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea; Cover by Alex Ross ; Variant Cover by Daniel

Continuing “Batman R.I.P,” the epic story that will change the legend of the Dark Knight forever! As the life of Bruce Wayne takes an interesting turn with Jezebel Jet, the life of Batman falls into the ultimate downward spiral.

On Sale May 28, 2008

ROBIN #175

Written by Chuck Dixon; Art by Chris Batista and Cam Smith; Cover by Freddie Williams II

The events of “Batman R.I.P.” carve a path of destruction through Tim’s life, threatening to rip apart the entire foundation of what made him choose to take on the role of Robin in the first place.

Tim’s on the run and, with Batman’s life at stake, he can’t afford to make one misstep. Don’t miss Part 1 of a shocking 2-part story that will irrevocably change Tim Drake’s present as Robin…and his hard-won future as Batman.

On Sale June 18, 2008

BATMAN #678

Written by Grant Morrison; Art by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea; Cover by Alex Ross; Variant cover by Daniel

Part 3 of “Batman R.I.P.”! Batman’s mysterious adversary has won. All is lost for the Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne is now deranged and dissociated, wandering homeless in the alleys of Gotham City. Is there a chance that Bruce can rebuild his Batman identity from scratch, or is this truly the end for one of the world’s finest heroes?

On Sale June 25, 2008

DETECTIVE COMICS #846

Written by Paul Dini; Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs; Cover by Nguyen

A “Batman: R.I.P.” issue — and part 1 of the 5-part story “The Return of Hush!”

Readers who were surprised by Catwoman’s return last month haven’t see anything yet as Hush makes a dramatic return to the life of Batman. What will this mean for Bruce Wayne? This epic story kicks off the countdown to DETECTIVE #850!

On Sale July 2, 2008

ROBIN #176

Written by Chuck Dixon; Art by Chris Batista and Cam Smith; Cover by Freddie E. Williams II

A “Batman: R.I.P.” story! The shocking conclusion that will start of the rest of Tim Drake’s life — or is it the end? With Batman missing, Robin becomes the new Dark Knight. It’s Robin and Spoiler in an all-out brawl with Gotham City’s underworld — but with Batman’s trail growing cold, the end of this fight will decide the future of the Bat family!

On Sale July 16, 2008

BATMAN #679

Written by Grant Morrison; Art by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea; Cover by Alex Ross; Variant Cover by Daniel

“Batman R.I.P.” — Part 4! Robin and Damian team up — yes, you read that right — to search for the missing Batman. Meanwhile, the Club of Villains — The Hunchback, Pierrot Lunaire, King Kraken, Charlie Caligula, Scorpiana and El Sombrero — rampage through Gotham City! This incredible fourth chapter of “Batman R.I.P.” ends with the surprising return of a character you never thought

On Sale July 23, 2008

Stayed tuned for more info and previews on this amazing storyline as they surface.