This week we’ll see the return of Lord Death Man, even more from the ever-popular Man-Bat, and begin a crossover that sees the World’s Finest of Earth 1 and 2 meet for the first time.
Here’s the full list of review comics out this week, February 26th, graded on a scale of my own anticipation:
The Anticipation Scale
NOcenti – A comic I downright dread reading and if I wasn’t a reviewer, I would never buy it. (I capitalized the word “NO” on purpose, it seemed clever)
“You Don’t Have to Thank Me” – The idea of reviewing it doesn’t make me ill or angry, but it definitely sounds like it’s going to be a chore. Still, I’m reading it for you. I’m putting it at the bottom of the pile, but I’m reading it for you.
Mixed – A middle of the pile comic. It’s probably got the same chance of being dreadful as it does of being stupendous. I’m neither looking forward to it or avoiding it, whatever happens… happens.
Intrigued – I think this comic has potential to be a fantastic read. There’s some slight hesitation there, but it’s definitely going to be at the top of the pile.
TAKE MY MONEY – Everything about this issue has me excited. If I don’t get to read this book on Wednesday, I will be furious. I would pay extra just to have it in my hands right now! That’s how much I’m looking forward to it!
And just in case you’re wondering, the regular review scale is a 10 point system. 5 is mediocre/average and the more toward “10″ we go the more awesome/worth buying it is and the more toward “1″ we go the more awful/not worth buying it is. That’s how I rate things. It’s not like most video game review scores where everything under 8 is crap and it’s not like a school report card where everything under a 7 is failing or close-to-failing. Think of it as if it were a 4-star or 5-star scale. But Andrew, why don’t you just switch to a star system yourself? Because we’re pot committed to this 10-point scale, that’s why!
Scroll to the bottom of the page and post in the comments section what books you’re most looking forward to this week!
February 26th
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #28
Written by GREGG HURWITZ
Art and cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
On sale FEBRUARY 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Mixed
It’s the beginning of the end for what is arguably the weakest Batman solo title. The final storyilne will be a two-parter featuring Man-Bat. Writer Gregg Hurwitz will explore the mad scientist’s past and flesh out his monstrous origin, but I just can’t get excited about this one because Man-Bat has been such an overexposed villain lately. I don’t think there’s been a month since the #900 issue of Detective Comics that I haven’t seen Man-Bat in some capacity. The one thing that has me looking forward to this issue though is that it is being drawn by Ethan Van Sciver, who did phenomenal work on the series’ Mad Hatter saga.
TALON #16
Written by TIM SEELEY
Art by JORGE LUCAS
Cover by EMANUEL SIMEONI
On sale FEBRUARY 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Mixed
I have mixed feelings about this one because the talent behind it is good and the premise of Calvin Rose running into Evil Lord Death Man while hunting for a Lazarus Pit to revive himself is a great concept but… it really feels like the Talon story ended 2 issues ago, right? The series ends next month so changing creative teams for a 2-parter at this point feels unnecessary. Why wasn’t Talon concluded at issue #14? Still, I can’t turn down an appearance by Lord Death Man, the Batman’s arch-rival from the 1960’s Japanese Manga.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #8
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
1:25 Steampunk variant cover by
TOMMY LEE EDWARDS
On sale FEBRUARY 26 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Anticipation Level: Intrigued
The World’s Finest of two different worlds meet in chapter 1 of “First Contact”! We’ll see Batman and Superman team up with Huntress and Power Girl, which should lead to some interesting interactions given the fact that Power Girl is really Earth 2’s Supergirl and Huntress is actually the daughter of Earth 2’s Bruce Wayne! We also have Kenneth Rocafort handling the artwork and that’s a definite plus! Look for chapter 2 in World’s Finest #20 out this same day!
WORLDS’ FINEST #20
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by R.B. SILVA and JOE WEEMS
Cover by EMANUALA LUPACCHINO
On sale FEBRUARY 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Intrigued
This is chapter 2 of the “First Contact” crossover with Batman/Superman so make sure you read Batman/Superman #8 first! I say I’m “Intrigued” but really my anticipation is going to depend on just how good Batman/Superman #8 is, ya know? If that first chapter is terrible then I’m obviously not going to be stoked about reading another issue of this event. Chapter 3 will be in next month’s Batman/Superman #9.
Semi-Batman Related Books/Fringe Bat-Titles That I Won’t Be Reviewing:
- Beware the Batman #5
- Catwoman #28
- DC Universe vs. Masters of the Unvierse #5 (of 6)
- Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #5 (of 6)
- Justice League Dark #28
Graphic Novel Watch!
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