Batman Secret Files: The Signal #1 – Cully Hamner Cardstock Variant – 2021 spotlights one of Gotham’s most underappreciated heroes—Duke Thomas, aka The Signal—in a gripping standalone that brings light to the darkest corners of the city. This issue, part of DC’s Secret Files series, delivers a street-level narrative filled with purpose, personal conflict, and the promise of a new kind of legacy in the Bat-family.

Written by Tony Patrick with sharp, stylish artwork from Christian Duce, this one-shot positions Duke Thomas not just as a sidekick, but as a hero coming into his own. Tasked with patrolling Gotham by daylight—a time when Batman’s influence usually fades—The Signal faces the challenge of finding his place while unravelling a disturbing mystery tied to Arkham and a new metahuman threat.

The Cully Hamner cardstock variant cover elevates this issue for collectors, featuring dynamic, vibrant artwork that captures Duke's unique role in Gotham’s ongoing saga. Hamner’s clean lines and bold use of colour make this variant edition a true visual standout—perfect for collectors seeking modern key appearances and character-driven storytelling.

As the narrative unfolds, The Signal is tested not just in combat, but in conviction. With his dual life as both a vigilante and a public figure, Duke must navigate moral grey areas, growing public scrutiny, and the burden of being a symbol in a city that’s constantly teetering on the edge. It’s a deeply personal story, with solid pacing and impactful moments that suggest Duke’s star is only beginning to rise in the DC Universe.

Ideal for fans of newer Gotham lore and collectors tracking modern key issues, Batman Secret Files: The Signal #1 offers a fresh perspective and tight storytelling, all wrapped in a premium variant edition.

Available now at ComicBookXS.com, this cardstock variant is protected with great care—dispatched quickly in rigid, protective mailers to guarantee it arrives in pristine condition, ready for display or archival storage.

Batman Secret Files - The Signal #1