July, the month of Trinity War and the conclusion of Batman, Inc.
This week we have the penultimate issue of Grant Morrison’s Batman epic (well, there’s a Special #1 coming out in August so it’s not totally over after issue #13 later this month), the start of a brand new arc in Detective Comics #22, an attack of red ant robots in Batwing #22, and more!
Here are the review comics coming out this week, July 3rd, graded on a scale of my own anticipation.
Hell no! – I’d rather not – Ambivalent – Interested – 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!
Upcoming Comics: July 3rd
BATMAN, INCORPORATED #12
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:25 Variant cover by GRANT MORRISON
1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
On sale JULY 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $3.99 US
Anticipation Level: Interested
First we had the filler issue with Batman Japan and then a week-long delay, but issue #12 is finally here and after that there’s #13, a Special in August and we area ll done with Batman Incorporated. When we last saw this book…oh yeah! Batman had injected himself with Man-Bat serum, dressed up in Azrael’s magic suit (which came out of left field since Azrael hadn’t shown up in Batman Inc. or any other New 52 book before Batman asked to borrow the garment), put some mechanized armor on over that, and then flew off to confront Talia and the Heretic. Here’s hoping issue #12 will be worth the wait. My interest as admittedly waned as a result of the delay.
DETECTIVE COMICS #22
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art and cover by JASON FABOK
Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE
1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK
On sale JULY 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Anticipation Level: Interested
The Wrath, a villain of the anti-Batman variety shows up in Gotham. This is the character’s first appearance in the New 52 and he might be getting introduced to this new continuity for the very first time here so we might be in for an origin story of sorts. I actually have the character’s original appearance in Batman Special #1 (1984) lying around somewhere. Perhaps I’ll read it before Detective #22 comes out… Also in this issue we’ll get another chapter in the Man-Bat back-up story. So just to recap: this week’s issue of Detective Comics will feature Batman, Anti-Batman, and Man-Bat. If only we could get Batzarro in on this action too…
BATWING #22
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by EDUARDO PANSICA and JULIO FERREIRA
Cover by KEN LASHLEY
On sale JULY 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Ambivalent
Batwing 2.0 is only 2 issues in and it’s been fun, but far from a must-buy. I think what’s turning me off about it is that it’s trying a bit too hard to be liked instead of letting it all come naturally and the original idea of a Batman of Africa seems to be gradually slipping away. What we have now looks and feels all too much like Terry McGinnis. The last issue ended with the new hero, Luke Fox (son of Lucius Fox), back at home with his family and he was about to be attacked by an army of red ant-themed soldiers who followed him from Africa back to Gotham. There is also a giant Lion-centaur named Lion Mane who should be stirring up some trouble as well. Man, this comic is really weird when I write it all out like that.
LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #10
Written by DAVID TISCHMAN
Art and cover by CHRIS SPROUSE and KARL STORY
On sale JULY 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
Anticipation Level: Interested
Rather than having yet another issue that includes 2-3 short stories, Legends of the Dark Knight #10 features a single tale being told across all of its pages. “Off the Menu” sees Batman on the hunt for a serial killer and gourmet cannibal of sorts (hence the title “Off the Menu”). Can Batman discover a pattern to the killer’s choice of victim before another dastardly dinner is served?! As always, this is a stand-alone issue that takes place outside of New 52 continuity and is written and illustrated by a brand-new creative team. It’s always worth taking a chance on Legends of the Dark Knight.
Graphic Novel Watch!
There aren’t any Batman graphic novels out this week. Have a happy 4th of July! I’m actually going to try and relax and maybe go to a sporting event of some kind. Get away from comics, ya know?
Batman: The Black Mirror Update
Previously on “Black Mirror Review Rises”
This week on Black Mirror Review Rises: With Gordon losing the original article in the Gotham sewers and nobody complaining about the long-postponed Black Mirror review for over a week (a new record), Andrew leaves comic book critiquing behind and goes outside! Having heard the last of everyone’s Black Mirror review demands, it’s going to be smooth sailing from here on out for the Batman Comic Book Review Guy.
