Gotham by Gaslight is a DC Comics graphic novel published in 1989, written by Brian Augustyn and illustrated by Mike Mignola, with inks by P. Craig Russell. It is widely recognized as the first official Elseworlds story, a DC imprint that places iconic superheroes in alternate historical settings and timelines, freeing creators from established continuity.
The story reimagines Bruce Wayne's Batman in the Victorian era of the late 19th century. Returning to Gotham City after studying abroad under Sigmund Freud, Wayne begins his vigilante career just as the city is gripped by fear of the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper. The narrative blends superhero fiction with historical crime, pitting Batman's detective skills against one of history's most notorious murderers.
Upon its release, the graphic novel was praised for its atmospheric artwork, particularly Mignola's distinctive gothic style, and its clever fusion of the Batman mythos with a classic literary and historical villain. Its success established the Elseworlds concept, paving the way for numerous other alternate-reality tales featuring DC heroes. A sequel, Batman: Master of the Future, was published in 1991.