Batgirl is Gotham’s most wanted criminal, a young Bruce Wayne learns that he must become more than just a man if he wants to strike fear in the hearts of criminals, Trinity War continues to rock the DC Universe, Chicago crumbles under Nightwing’s watch, and much more await comic book readers this Wednesday.
Here are the review comics coming out this week, August 14th, 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: August 14th
BATMAN #23
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by GREG CAPULLO and DANNY MIKI
Backup story art by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
1:25 Variant cover by GARY FRANK
1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO
On sale AUGUST 14 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Anticipation Level: TAKE MY MONEY
At the end of last month’s issue, the Red Hood gang made Bruce’s apartment go boom. How did Bruce survive the explosion? Is Red Hood One really the man who will ultimately become the Joker? What’s Edward Nygma up to? And what exactly is Zero Year? Also, in this week’s backup story, Bruce’s globetrotting leads him to Russia where he fights for his life in a death match. I’m still loving this story so far, but the cleanliness of Gotham and lack of corrupt police or a typical Gotham mob/average street crime still feels odd. Plus I’m concerned about Zero Year possibly being a re-imagining of No Man’s Land. Only time will tell though so for now I’ll just enjoy the ride.
BATGIRL #23
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover by ALEX GARNER
On sale AUGUST 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Ambivalent
“Batgirl: Wanted” begins. Commissioner Gordon is on the hunt for his son’s murderer, the Batgirl, who also happens to be his daughter. There are a lot of things regarding this storyline that don’t feel right to me, but here’s hoping it’s good. I certainly like the cover.
NIGHTWING #23
Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale AUGUST 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Interested
The Prankster has taken over Chicago and it’s up to Nightwing to stop the madman before the city plunges further into chaos and a large group of hostages meet a grisly end.
BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED #17
Written by KAREN TRAVISS
Art by CHRISTIAN DUCE
Cover by CHRIS MITTEN
1:10 DC Collectibles Photo Variant Cover
On sale AUGUST 14 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
Anticipation Level: Ambivalent
I recall last month’s issue being alright. Something about a new villain called The Book Binder (I think) and he was killing vapid TV celebrities. I’ll… I’ll definitely need to flip through that issue again before I start on this. Only 4 more issues of Unhinged remain.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #7
Written by GEOFF JOHNS and JEFF LEMIRE
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
Cover by DOUG MAHNKE
1:25 Variant cover by MIKEL JANIN
1:00 B&W Variant cover by DOUG MAHNKE
“We Can Be Heroes” Blank variant cover available
On sale AUGUST 14 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Anticipation Level: Interested
I would be more excited about this if Geoff Johns didn’t already spill the beans about who the big bad guys are of Forever Evil (the event that Trinity War is progressing toward) to USA Today and IGN and whoever else. Look, I try to avoid interviews and news bulletins of any type so that I can always enjoy each issue for what it is but the big shocking surprise found me anyway. But besides my aggravation over having major plot points spoiled for me (first Damian, now this?), I’m mostly looking forward to reading this issue. Trinity War still has potential to be pretty great, but there are way too many characters who serve no purpose in the story other than to just hang out in the background. Truthfully, I’ve found “Throne of Atlantis” to be the more epic story so far.
Graphic Novel Watch!
Nightwing: Old Friends, New Enemies features classic tales from Secret Origins #13 and Action Comics Weekly #613-618 and #627-634. This book of Nightwing stories is 160 pages long and is available in softcover for $14.99 this Wednesday.
