As I’m sure you’ve all noticed by the slew of reviews posted over the weekend, the Comics section of Batman News is back with a vengeance! We’ve got a great new team, and they’ve hustled to catch up on some reviews for recent issues (I, on the other hand, have been slacking off by playing tour guide/driver for my mother who is on vacation. Yes, that’s right, I’m a #MommasBoy). It’s been an exciting weekend, and there’s honestly only one thing that can make it better… NEW COMICS!!!!
Now, I know we all love Daddy BatReview’s (AKA: Andrew) anticipation scale – and trust me, there’s nothing that I want to do more than give a certain book a “NOcenti” score – but that’s Andrew’s staple, and it only seems right for it to remain his, and for me to put a fresh stamp on this to make it my own (Please don’t throw your shoes at me). My mission is to open people up to books that they may not be reading. If I’m throwing things out like, “You don’t have to thank me,” just because a book isn’t something I prefer, then I might inadvertently turn someone away from a book that they might enjoy. That doesn’t mean I won’t throw in a little piece of my mind for each title, but it does mean that I’ll save the detailed opinions for when the reviews are posted by our fine, new team.
What I WILL do is list each week’s releases in order of what I’m most excited to read, to what I’m least excited to read. If you feel that I’ve ranked something too low on the list, then tell me it should move up, but make sure you let me know why. If I rank something too high, then give me your thoughts on that as well. This will be YOUR platform as much as it’s mine. Let me know which book(s) you’ll be picking up, what you hope to see in the issue(s), or perhaps what you would do if you were writing the book(s). I want to know! There are quite a few books being released this week, so without further ado, here are the new issues slated for Wednesday, June 25, along with their cover art, official solicitation, talent credits, a random blurb of excitement from yours truly, and which Batman News team member will provide the review for each book.
June 25th
Batman #32
The penultimate issue of ZERO YEAR is here! Batman gets one step closer to the endgame with The Riddler as the final chapter of ZERO YEAR: SAVAGE CITY draws closer to its stunning finale!
Art by: Danny Miki, Greg Capullo
Cover by: Greg Capullo
Variant cover by: Ant Lucia, Tony Moore
Written by: Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: There’s only two issues left for Snyder and Capullo’s Zero Year! How could you not be excited!?!? Go get the book! Now! Ok, fine… on Wednesday!
Batman News Critic: Brandon Mulholand (Am I the only one who has a one-sided bromance with Brandon after being introduced to him and his reviews? I mean, the guy is clearly awesome – he wore Batman socks to his wedding and has a vast knowledge of all things Batman! I’m looking forward to his thoughts and his signature “Interesting Facts” section, almost as much as I’m looking forward to this issue.)
Batman Eternal #12
Jason Bard makes his big play to end the gang war once and for all. And Jim Gordon’s trial becomes a family affair!
Art by: Mikel Janin
Cover by: Guillem March
Written by: Tim Seeley, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: Gang War. Jim Gordon trial. Family affair (James Jr?). Yep, I’m there. Shhhh… Let’s just bask in the potential awesomeness of this issue…
Batman News Critic: Brandon Mulholand
Justice League #31
Introducing the new Power Ring! But who is she? What does she want? And how will her presence affect the team?
Art by: Danny Miki, Ivan Reis
Cover by: Danny Miki, Ivan Reis
Variant cover by: Mike Allred
Written by: Geoff Johns
Random Blurb of Excitement: There are endless possibilities with the new Justice League roster, and that alone is something to get excited about. Add in the fact that we’re finally getting more details into the new Power Ring… Yeah, I’m asking the same exact questions as the solicitation. Just give me the book already!
Batman News Critic: Jesse Kennedy
Injustice Year Two #6
Superman, Shazam, and Sinestro square off in space against the Green Lantern Corps for one final showdown. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Superman’s super-powered security force has begun its clampdown on Gotham City and Commissioner Gordon is not happy. Riots break out with deadly results. Even with enhanced powers from the stolen super pills, are the Birds of Prey ready to make their stand?
Art by: Bruno Redondo
Cover by: Jheremy Raapack
Written by: Tom Taylor
Random Blurb of Excitement: This is one of the books that I picked up because of Andrew’s previous “Upcoming Comics” posts. I was skeptical because it was based off of a video game, so I chose not to read it thinking it would less than average. I want to openly confess that I now feel like an idiot for having that skepticism. If you’re not reading Injustice, then you should be. If you’re behind, then catch up.
Batman News Critic: Elena Carrillo (It’s our resident female! I can feel my inner Joss Whedon is coming out. We need more women! Ladies, let us know you’re out there!)
Harley Quinn #0 – Director’s Cut
The sold-out, four-wall breaking issue that jump-started Harley’s bestselling new series is back! This special issue features a new cover by Amanda Conner, commentary by the writers and many of the superstar artists, plus unpublished material, top entries from the talent search, sketch material and more!
Art by: Amanda Conner, Jeremy Roberts, Chad Hardin, Darwyn Cooke, Art Baltazar, Adam Hughes, Bruce Timm, Charlie Adlard, Walter Simonson, Tony S. Daniel, Jim Lee, Various
Cover by: Amanda Conner
Written by: Various, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
Random Blurb of Excitement: I initially decided that I was going to wait for the graphic novel before I jumped in bed with Harley… Then I saw numerous reviews praising this book issue after issue. At that point, I decided to go ahead and catch up with the monthly issues, and I’m glad I did. If you haven’t been reading this book, take advantage of the release of the Director’s Cut of #0 to test the water!
Batman News Critic: Elena Carrillo
Adventures of Superman #14
The Joker’s in town…and he wants to meet Superman! Find out what happens next in this one-of-a-kind story from Chronicle writer Max Landis and legendary artist Jock (GREEN ARROW: YEAR ONE)! Plus, don’t miss Clark Kent’s babysitting adventures as he looks after none other than Sugar and Spike!
Art by: Phil Hester, Jock, Eric Gapstur
Cover by: Jock
Written by: Fabian Nicieza, Max Landis
Random Blurb of Excitement: It’s the freaking Joker creating some chaos with Superman! Hell yeah!
Batman News Critic: Elena Carrillo
Batman ’66 #12
Marsha, Queen of Diamonds, holds all the cards! While Batman and Robin try to track her down for her latest crime, Marsha and her cohorts tunnel their way into the Batcave. She’s been after the Bat Diamond for some time. Will she finally get it? Then find out what the Dynamic Duo must resort to when The Minstrel makes it impossible for them to get to the Batcave and their costumes.
Art by: Ted Naifeh, Dario Brizuela
Cover by: Mike Allred
Written by: Franco, Art Baltazar, Jeff Parker
Random Blurb of Excitement: This is fun, campy, and nostalgic! It’s a nice break from the usual doom and gloom of most Bat titles, so check it out if you haven’t already. It might surprise you.
Batman News Critic: Jay Yaws
The New 52: Futures End #8
Welcome to Cadmus Island, Grifter! We hope your visit is – survivable! Plus: Who is the strange being from the temple in southeast Asia – and why should John Constantine find him of great interest?
Art by: Tk Tk
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello
Random Blurb of Excitement: I love that DC is giving lesser known characters the spotlight, but I haven’t become completely invested in this book yet. That being said, it’s still on my reading list, and I’ve enjoyed the Tim Drake storyline.
Batman News Critic: Jesse Kennedy
Secret Origins #3
Green Lantern takes center stage this month in a tale by Robert Venditti and Martin Cocollo! And don’t miss the origin of Batwoman by Jeremy Haun and Trevor McCarthy, and Red Robin’s origin, courtesy of Scott Lobdell and Tyler Kirkham!
Art by: Tyler Kirkham, Martin Coccolo, Trevor McCarthy
Cover by: Lee Bermejo
Written by: Jeremy Haun, Scott Lobdell, Robert Venditti
Random Blurb of Excitement: Red Robin. Batwoman. Enough said… Er… Ehm… Actually, I do have more to say… I’m really curious to see if/what anything changes from the original New 52 origins. Plus, Tim Drake getting the spotlight is always ok with me.
Batman News Critic: Elena Carrillo
Batman Beyond Universe #11
“Justice Lords Beyond” continues as the shocking truth behind Wonder Woman’s return is finally revealed! Plus: Lord Superman vs. Batman—oh yeah, it’s on now!!!
Art by: Thony Silas
Cover by: Trevor McCarthy
Written by: Christos Gage, Kyle Higgins
Random Blurb of Excitement: Are you ready for some honesty? The only reason this is so low on my list, is because I’m not reading it. Am I missing out? Is this another “idiot” move on my part? Considering this book is written by the incredible Kyle Higgins and Christos Gage, I’m just going to assume yes, and expect a barrage of shoes to be thrown at me! Go ahead. I give you permission.
Batman News Critic: Jay Yaws
Catwoman #32
The Race of Outlaws takes a major turn as we find out Catwoman has entered the race as a double agent! But who is she working for? And how will it affect her efforts for her favorite team – herself!
Art by: Tom Nguyen, Patrick Olliffe
Cover by: Rachel Dodson,
Variant cover by: Ant Lucia
Written by: Ann Nocenti
Random Blurb of…. Well, we’ll just call this one a Random Blurb: Oh Ann, each month when you release a new issue of Catwoman, Halle Berry thanks you for making her look “good” in comparison.
Batman News Critic: Joshua McDonald (Yours truly!)
Graphic Novel Watch!
Batman: Detective Comics, Vol. 3: Emperor Penguin (Softcover) – The Dark Knight faces deadly foes including Poison Ivy, Clayface and the Penguin in these stories from DETECTIVE COMICS #13-18. This volume also includes chapters from the epic “Death of the Family” and “Requiem” sagas.
Batman: Detective Comics, Vol. 4: The Wrath (Hardcover) – The Caped Crusader is challenged by the mystery of the 900 in a special tale celebrating the 900th issue published of DETECTIVE COMICS! Plus, Batman faces two new foes: Emperor Penguin and the deadly vigilante known as The Wrath, a dark counterpart to the Dark Knight. Collects DETECTIVE COMICS #19-24 and DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #2.
Injustice: Gods Among Us, Vol. 1 (Softcover) – In these stories from issues #1-6, things in the DC Universe have changed after Superman is tricked into destroying the one thing he loves most. Now the heroes of our world must whether they are with Superman or against him.
Injustice: Gods Among Us, Vol. 2 (Hardcover) – From the ashes of Metropolis come Superman and the JLA’s newest ally: Lex Luthor! Against all odds, he’s not only survived but now embraces Superman’s goals. Of course, Lex has his own ideas for how to create a better world. The Man of Steel trusts him, but can the rest of his allies be so sure? Collecting INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US #7-12 and ANNUAL #1!
