I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve been in a World Cup frenzy lately. I was pulling this post together Saturday morning, and I had the Brazil game going. I’m eating my French toast, writing/watching, when my (extreme) inner nerd took over, and I started wondering how good a soccer team comprised of the Bat family would be… then I started debating which position each member would play, and why they would be perfect for that position… Yes, I know. It’s pretty bad. There is absolutely no point to sharing this, other than to give you a chuckle, and introduce you to the random things I think about. I can usually work Batman into any thought process or idea. This also might explain why I’m single, but I’m going to ignore that revelation, and blame my singleness on work. Haha! (Seriously, you’ve got to admit the Bat family would make a kick ass soccer team! Right? Right!?!)
Anyway, we have a set of new comics hitting stands this week! As a reminder, the Anticipation Scale is gone, but I will list the books in order of what I’m most excited to read, to what I’m least excited to read. For each title, I’ll include the official solicitation, the talent credits, more of my randomness, and the Batman News team member that will be covering each book. And of course, I (we) want to hear from you! Which titles are you picking up? What do you hope to see? And what are your thoughts about the order of my list? Also, if you feel like sounding off on the Batman Incorporated: World Cup soccer team, go ahead and provide some opinions on that as well!
July 2nd
Batman: Eternal #13 A demon from Jim Gordon’s past comes to haunt him in Blackgate while the Gang War threatens to rip Gotham City apart! Can Jason Bard keep the order without coming head to head with Batman himself?
Art by: Mikel Janin
Cover by: Dustin Nguyen
Written by: Tim Seeley, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: After the last issue, are we really surprised that this is at the top of my list? It shouldn’t be! Bring it on!!!!
Batman News Critic: Brandon Mulholand
Earth 2 #25 In this extra-sized issue, Val-Zod finally accepts his role as the new Superman of Earth 2 as he faces the twisted, brutal original Superman, who once protected the planet but now prepares it for Apokolips and the forces of Darkseid.
Art by: Trevor Scott, Nicola Scott
Cover by: Andy Kubert
Written by: Tom Taylor
Random Blurb of Excitement: If you’re not reading this book, then you should be. It’s a well planned, well thought story that’s entertaining. Anything could happen at any time, and I find that extremely exhilarating.
Batman News Critic: Sean Buckley (We all need to give Sean a round of applause, high five, hug, whatever floats your boat. This guy is a rock star! He’s written a review for nearly EVERY ISSUE of Earth 2 thus far… and he’s done it in a little more than a week!!! Thank you, Sean. You’re awesome, bud!)
Superman: Unchained #7 It’s a rampage in the Batcave! It’s come to this: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman against Wraith! Alone, they wouldn’t have a chance – but they don’t have much of one together, either! And all the while, Lex Luthor’s machinations are clicking into place…
Art by: Scott Williams, Jim Lee
Cover by: Scott Williams, Jim Lee
Variant cover by: Andy Kubert, Dustin Nguyen, Jim Lee
Written by: Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: Scott Snyder penning a Batman and Superman team-up? HELL YES!!! The only reason this isn’t giving Batman: Eternal some competition at the top of my list, is because this is a one-issue team up.
Batman News Critic: Elena Carrillo
Batman/Superman #12 A new arc begins following the events of “FIRST CONTACT.” The worlds of Batman and Superman come to an explosive clash as something terrible happens to the World’s Finest team, and a Dark Knight who is not quite himself must team up with Lois Lane to find a missing Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle encounters a person of amazing strength who has no idea who he is.
Art by: Jae Lee
Cover by: Jae Lee
Variant cover by: Shane Davis, Ant Lucia
Written by: Greg Pak
Random Blurb of Excitement: I love Jae Lee’s art. He doesn’t do much with backgrounds, but it’s very stylized, dramatic, and often feels like a piece of art more than a comic book panel. That being said, this book has SO MANY DELAYS, that I feel like it’s hard to stay invested. Oh, and #13 was just pushed back from the 16th to the 30th.
Batman News Critic: Jesse Kennedy
Batman’66 Meets the Green Hornet #2 The reunion of the greatest TV team-up of the 1960s continues! The Fearless Foursome struggle to escape General Gumm’s sticky death trap, while the gloating Gumm assumes the worst and plots to take his criminal activities to the next level. His plans for expansion require some expert help from an unexpected source! Assuming our heroes escape, will they be able to overcome this new, deadly duo?
Art by: Ty Templeton
Cover by: Alex Ross
Written by: Ralph Garman, Kevin Smith
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m a fan of Kevin Smith, and I think Batman ’66 is a fun book in general. Add in Green Hornet, and you should have pure entertainment.
Batman News Critic: Jay Yaws
The New 52: Futures End #9 Can the Masked Superman stop a Rampage in Metropolis? Plus, Batman Beyond must figure out what to do after a startling revelation threatens to change his entire mission.
Art by: Patrick Zircher
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello
Random Blurb of Excitement: I really need this book to start moving the plot forward. I feel like we’re eight issues in, and we’re still setting things up. It’s starting to remind me of the series “52” that took place prior to the New 52… and that’s not a good thing in my opinion. What I’m hoping is that this book lays down a really solid foundation, then starts blowing us away! It’s going to need to if DC hopes to see the excitement they’re expecting for September’s Futures End issues that are taking over each title.
Batman News Critic: Jesse Kennedy
Batwing #33 Batwing tries to stem the tide of the Snakebite drug trade, but he may be overwhelmed by his own inner demons – and by the mysterious Gruesome George!
Art by: Julio Ferreira, Eduardo Pansica
Cover by: Dan Panosian
Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m honestly not excited about this issue. The last arc was quite a disappointment, and with the book coming to a close soon, I just don’t have much motivation to read it. That being said, Brandon had pretty positive things to say about the last issue, AND I’m kind of curious to see how they close the story out. Because of that, Batwing moved up a little on my list.
Batman News Critic: Brandon Mulholand
Justice League 3000 #8 The mysterious leader of the Five is revealed as the villains attack the Justice League and lay waste to Cadmus, killing The Flash – again. But you can’t keep a good woman down! Wait…Did we say woman?
Art by: Howard Porter
Cover by: Howard Porter
Written by: J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen
Random Blurb of Excitement: As with last week’s Batman Beyond Universe, the only reason this is so low on the list, is because it’s a title that I’m not reading. Now, last week I had enough people convince me that I was missing out on that book, so if you feel like I’m missing out on Justice Leage 3000 as well, then let me know!
Batman News Critic: Sean Buckley
Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #2 The Tiny Titans journey to the Fortress of Solitude, where they meet up with the Man of Steel! Can he help them get their treehouse back? Only if he’s not super-busy!
Art by: Art Baltazar
Cover by: Art Baltazar
Written by: Franco, Art Baltazar
Random Blurb of Excitement: I haven’t read this book yet, so I can’t give an honest opinion. At first glance, I would say that this book isn’t for me, but I remember laughing at the Tiny Titans portion of Harley Quinn #0, so who knows. Jay and his family really enjoyed issue #1 – to the point that they want to decorate their kids’ room based on the book – so maybe we should all take a leap and check this title out.
Batman News Critic: Jay Yaws
Graphic Novel Watch:
Absolute All-Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder (Hardcover) – The smash-hit Batman epic by modern master Frank Miller (BATMAN: YEAR ONE, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS) and artists extraordinaire Jim Lee and Scott Williams (BATMAN, SUPERMAN) is now collected in DC’s Absolute format, including issues #1-9! Lee and Miller join forces to tell a new version of Dick Grayson’s origin in a high-octane tale that unfolds with guest appearances by Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Black Canary and more!
