Batman takes a backseat this month as Catwoman, Nightwing, Red Hood & the Outlaws, and The Birds of Prey take their turn fighting the Court of Owls. Also this month, The Justice League face a brand new threat drawn by returning artist Jim Lee while Batwoman’s series gets an entirely new penciler following the departure of Amy Reeder.
Here’s a list of all the Batman comics coming out this week, May 16th, graded on a scale of my own anticipation.
None. – I’ll get to it…eventually – Eh…meh. – Bring it. – TAKE MY MONEY
Scroll to the bottom of the page and post in the comments section what books you’re most looking forward to this week!
May 16th, 2012
Batwoman #9
Written by J.H. Williams III & W. Haden Blackman
Cover by Ben Oliver (former Batwing artist!)
Pencilled by Trevor McCarthy
32 pages
$2.99
This is the one bat-title that is not contributing to The Night of the Owls. In fact, it has little to nothing to do with the greater Bat-family. It’s also the one book that I feel the most like dropping due to how poorly the story is organized. I have no clue what’s going on in this book right now and I don’t really care, either. I’m going to pick it up and see what new artist Trevor McCarthy brings to the table, but even if it’s as good as what he did on Nightwing earlier this year, I doubt it will save it. The writing has been atrocious. Unless the book improves this month, I will stop reviewing it.
Anticipation Level: None.
Birds of Prey #9
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Pencilled by Travel Foreman (his work on Animal Man was terrific)
32 pages
$2.99
Surprise! I’ll be reviewing my first issue of “Birds of Prey” this month! I’ve been reading the book and it’s an enjoyable read (Starling is a great character), but I never felt it was “Batman” enough to belong in the monthly review schedule. Now that the girls are joining in on the Night of the Owls fun and kicking Talon butt, I’ll be sharing my thoughts.
Anticipation Level: Bring it!
Catwoman #9
Written by Judd Winick
Pencilled by Guillem March
32 pages
$2.99
It’s another Night of the Owls cross-over book! And if writer Judd Winick does as good of a job with this Talon battle as he did over on his other book, Batwing, this should be fantastic. Catwoman and Spark protecting Penguin against the Court of Owls? Should be fun.
Anticipation Level: Bring it!
Justice League #9
Written by Geoff Johns
Pencilled by Jim Lee
Shazam! Penciled by Gary Frank
40 pages
$3.99
This one sounds interesting. “Justice League” #9 is the start of a brand new saga called “The Villain’s Journey” and it promises to introduce a brand new threat to the Justice League. It’s also the return of Jim Lee’s pencils and I’m sure many of you will be thrilled about that. Part 3 of the new Shazam! story is here as well and that’s been intriguing so far.
Anticipation Level: Bring it!
Nightwing #9
Written by Kyle Higgins
Pencilled by Eddy Barrows
32 pages
$2.99
Last month’s issue was terrific. Kyle Higgins has done a phenomenal job keeping Nightwing connected to all the Owl goings-on and his story has flowed into the cross-over event seamlessly. As you’ll recall, last month’s issue ended with Dick taking three throwing knives to the chest as his great grandfather, Talon William Cobb, entered the stage. If it’s half as brutal as last month’s eskrima stick to the eye-socket battle, this will be amazing.
Anticipation Level: TAKE MY MONEY!!!
Red Hood & the Outlaws #9
Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencilled by Kenneth Rocafort
32 pages
$2.99
Surprise, again! I’m also going to be reviewing “Red Hood & the Outlaws” this month. I usually don’t because it doesn’t really feel like a bat-title at all, but again, I have been reading this book. It’s a very, very fun comic that really knows how to do explosive action well. And since Red Hood and the gang are going to save Mr. Freeze from the Talons, this has the potential to be the…coolest (I couldn’t NOT do say it) tie-in book yet.
Anticipation Level: TAKE MY MONEY!!!
