It’s a Wednesday full of endings as Kyle Higgins says goodbye to Nightwing, Li’l Gotham ends for good, and the 2nd act of Zero Year reaches its conclusion.
Here’s the full list of review comics out this week, March 12th, 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!
March 12th
BATMAN #29
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by GREG CAPULLO and DANNY MIKI
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
1:25 Robot Chicken Variant cover
On sale MARCH 12 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $5.99 US
Anticipation Level: Intrigued
It’s the conclusion of Zero Year’s second act “Dark City” but it really doesn’t feel like this arc really got started, does it? We met Doctor Death, he vanished, Batman fought the police, Gordon’s past was briefly touched on, Riddler made a surprise comeback and an even more surprising announcement that he’s going to destroy Gotham and it’s all supposed to end with this issue? The pace of “Dark City” just hasn’t been as good as “Secret City” and I’m very apprehensive about Riddler’s murderous plans for Gotham, which doesn’t sound in character for him at all. Still, it is an extra-sized issue with that great Capullo art and hopefully this chapter can give “Secret City” a memorable finish that will make all of its elements feel more cohesive.
NIGHTWING #29
Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN
Cover by WILL CONRAD
1:25 Robot Chicken Variant cover
On sale MARCH 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Intrigued
Kyle Higgins’ farewell issue brings Nightwing up-to-date with issue #1 of Forever Evil and celebrates the first 29 issues of the New 52 series. It plays out a bit like a clip-show episode of a TV series, but should leave fans of Higgins’ run happy even if it is a shame that the Chicago Hero Killer plot thread is left hanging.
LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR #2
Written by FRANK HANNAH, CHARLES SOULE and JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by WES CRAIG, DENNIS CALERO, MARCO TURINI, DREW JOHNSON and DEXTER SOY
Cover by ED BENES
On sale MARCH 12 • 96 pg, FC, $9.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Intrigued
This 100-page giant features an assortment of stories by various writers and artists who approach the mythology in different ways. Nothing takes place in any continuity so it’s accessible to casual and hardcore readers alike, which is great. These tales include one about a trip Bruce took to Thailand coming back to haunt him, Riddler leaving a trail of riddles, and three connected stories about a past trauma impacting Batman’s past, present, and future. It has potential, but I would definitely recommend waiting to see a review before dropping $10 bucks.
BATMAN: LI’L GOTHAM #12
Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS and DUSTIN NGUYEN
Art and cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
On sale MARCH 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST • FINAL ISSUE
Anticipation Level: TAKE MY MONEY
It’s a sad day, folks! This is the final issue of Li’l Gotham, a series I love and that I think will only gain popularity as time goes on and more readers discover it. This beautifully painted conclusion to a fine all-ages series features two holiday themed stories, one of which centers around the Condiment King’s plans for Damian’s pet turkey on Sandwich Day and a grand finale in which Alfred reflects on the calendar of small events.
BATGIRL #29
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover by ALEX GARNER
1:25 Robot Chicken Variant cover
On sale MARCH 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Anticipation Level: Mixed
I’m incredibly hesitant about this issue. The first chapter of this 2-parter was entertaining, but it ended in a way that makes me very nervous about what writer Gail Simone has planned. I mean, the cliffhanger just didn’t make any sense! Add to this the fact that she’s now bringing in actual vampires by referencing the I, VAMPIRE series and I definitely think this thing is going to go off the rails.
Semi-Batman Related Books/Fringe Bat-Titles That I Won’t Be Reviewing:
- Smallville Season 11: Alien #4
- Justice League 3000 #4
- Justice League of America #13
Graphic Novel Watch!
Justice League: Trinity War featuring Justice League #22-23, JLA #6-7, Justice League Dark #22-23, Constantine #5, Pandora #1-3, and Phantom Stranger #11 is released in hardcover.
Batman Unwrapped: Andy Kubert DELUXE EDITION featuring the original pencils from Batman & Son, The Black Casebook, Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader, and more is released in hardcover. (This review has already been written!)
Batman: Bruce Wayne — Murderer? NEW EDITION gets an all-new, expanded softcover printing.
