There were only 3 comics on my review schedule last week and it was lovely. Lovely! But this week we have 9 Batman-related comics coming out. Delayed comics, sidekick comics, team comics, revived digital first comics, kid-friendly comics, mini-series comics, and, of course, the main Batman title. It’s all there. And no, I am not reviewing Justice League 3000 #1. Heck, I should probably cut Justice League of America from the review rotation because if Catwoman isn’t in it, it hardly counts as a fringe Bat-tile. And let’s face it, there are just too many Batman comics, folks. Too many.
Here are the review comics coming out this week, December 11th, 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: December 11th
JUSTICE LEAGUE #25
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
1:25 Variant cover by AARON KUDER
1:100 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale December 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Anticipation Level: Interested
Originally slated for November 20th, Justice League #25 finally arrives. This issue promises to focus on Earth 3’s Owlman, who has a plan in mind for the captive Dick Grayson. I don’t expect to see much plot development with Dick Grayson here (although I hope I’m wrong), that will likely be saved for Forever Evil, but we should learn quite a bit more about Owlman, even more than what we saw in Villains Month.
BATMAN BLACK AND WHITE #4
Written by NATHAN EDMONDSON, DUSTIN NGUYEN, MICHAEL ALLRED, LEE ALLRED, DAVID MACHO and SEAN “CHEEKS” GALLOWAY
Art by KENNETH ROCAFORT, DUSTIN NGUYEN, MICHAEL ALLRED, RUBEN PELLEJERO and SEAN “CHEEKS” GALLOWAY
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 48 pg, B&W, 4 of 6, $4.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: TAKE MY MONEY
It’s a collection of short stories by top talent. What’s not to be excited about?
FOREVER EVIL: ARKHAM WAR #3
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by SCOT EATON and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by JASON FABOK
1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Ambivalent
I saw someone tweet a picture of Bane dressed up like Batman. I have a bad feeling about that.
BATMAN #26
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by GREG CAPULLO and DANNY MIKI
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
1:25 Variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Anticipation Level: TAKE MY MONEY
I’m really enjoying Zero Year. I don’t think that it’s in any way going to become my favorite Batman origin story, but I’m having a lot of fun reading it. But where’s The Riddler? Is this latest arc going to be all about Doctor Death? I’m excited to see what Snyder and Capullo have planned for their reimagining of that classic character, but I was more excited to see a story arc that was pure Riddler.
BATGIRL #26
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art and cover by FERNANDO PASARIN and JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover by ALEX GARNER
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: I’d rather not
This has been the longest 3-part story. Ever. I swear, seeing this saga interrupted every other month has totally evaporated any sort of anticipation I had for it. Plus the whole catalyst for this story has been absurd and I’m just ready to move on.
NIGHTWING #26
Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art and cover by WILL CONRAD
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Ambivalent
I have no idea what this issue will be about. The previous story ended, then we had Zero Year Month and all DC will say about this issue is “With the events of FOREVER EVIL looming, Nightwing enters the final stages of life as he knows it!” Which… well, could mean anything.
BATMAN: LI’L GOTHAM #9
Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS and DUSTIN NGUYEN
Art and cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST
Anticipation Level: Interested
Batman and Robin chase Clayface through the Gotham City Comic-Con in one story and then in the following Labor Day themed episode we see Jenna Duffy’s (Wow, Fridolfs and Nguyen have a crush on this character, huh?) vacation interrupted.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #10
Written by MATT KINDT
Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
1:25 Variant cover by DALE EAGLESHAM
1:100 B&W Variant cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Anticipation Level: Interested
We saw Martian Manhunter and Stargirl escape the Crime Syndicate’s prison in the last issue, but they hopped out of the frying pan and into the fire when they were immediately confronted by a horde of super villains. I’m anxious to see how this unique pair fights their way out of this one.
LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR #1
Written by DAN MISHKIN and JIM ZUBKAVICH
Art by TOM MANDRAKE and NEIL GOOGE
Cover by DAVID WILLIAMS
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 96 pg, FC, $9.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
Anticipation Level: Interested
As happy as I am to have this comic back in my life, I really wish it came out on another week. Seriously? There are 8 comics out already and now you’re dropping this 96-page book on me? Ridiculous. In “Without Sin,” when the disfigured body of a priest is uncovered at a Gotham City demolition site, all clues lead Batman to suspect one of his old foes. But in Gotham City, not everything is as it appears. Plus: In “Dr. Quinn’s Diagnosis,” Batman interrogates Harley Quinn, who might reveal her puddin’s secrets…if Batman agrees to one strange demand.
Graphic Novel Watch!
The New 52 – Villains Month Omnibus: This book is gigantic and expensive. However, if you skipped the month long event and opted to buy this at Amazon, you’ll not only save money but you’ll still get a nifty 3D cover. I won’t be reviewing this one. I already reviewed each of the Batman-related issues and this book is just outside of my price-range. Basically, if a book is called an “omnibus,” it’s too expensive for me and another one of those coming out this Wednesday is Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating the DC Universe Omnibus. This 2001 series had Marvel’s Stan Lee re-imagining all of DC’s greatest heroes including Batman.
