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Fri, September 25, 2026 at 8:18 PM UTC
Clayface is getting a special comic book promotion ahead of its theatrical release. DC Studios is offering the collectible to fans who purchase advance tickets. The promotion also connects the upcoming DCU film to Clayface’s long history in Batman comics.
However, there is a catch. The offer is currently exclusive to Japan, where pre-sale tickets began on September 18, 2026. Fans who purchase eligible advance tickets can receive the comic while supplies last. DC has not announced whether the offer will be available in the U.S. or other international markets.
Comic includes Clayface’s first-ever DC appearance
The collectible is a special edition of Detective Comics #298. Published in 1961, the issue introduced Matt Hagen as Clayface. It marked the villain’s first appearance in DC Comics and established his long-running connection to Batman.
The issue features the story “The Challenge of Clay-Face.” Batman faces Hagen and his ability to change his appearance. The villain uses his shape-shifting powers to create trouble for the Dark Knight, making the story an early example of the character’s abilities.
The choice of Detective Comics #298 also gives the promotion a direct link to Clayface’s comic book origins. Rather than featuring a newer story, the collectible revisits the issue that first introduced the character to DC readers.
Meanwhile, the Japanese giveaway does not currently have a confirmed counterpart in the United States. Advance ticket sales have yet to begin there, leaving fans without details about potential promotional items. DC has also not announced whether the special edition will become available in other countries.
Clayface stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen alongside Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James. James Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, based on a story by Flanagan. Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran produce the DCU film.
The film will arrive in theaters on October 23, 2026. More information about international ticket sales and promotional items could follow as the release date approaches.
