So… this is something new for Batman-News.com, and it’s just in time for Batman Day (Wednesday, July 23rd)! I’m a little late in posting this, so you’ll have to forgive me, but last week, DC released their official solicitations for October of this year, and I’m bringing them here to you! Be warned, this whole post is essentially one large spoiler! If you don’t want to have a glimpse into the future, then don’t read any further. I’m serious! I’m not putting a full post in Spoiler Tags, so you’ve been warned. Turn back now!
Alright, if you’re still with me, below you’ll find the solicitations for each issue, as well as the cover art (if DC has released it). The titles aren’t listed in any particular order (accept how DC had them listed on their site – which is mostly alphabetical). I’m not putting the talent credits in this post because there’s already a ton of information here. But you know me… I can’t post anything without adding my two cents, so you’ll see some of my randomness for a few titles. Make sure you give me a piece of your mind in the comments as well! I want to hear what you’re excited about, worried about, predictions… If you have something to say, I want to know!
October 2014
Arkham Manor #1
When catastrophe strikes Arkham Asylum, where will Gotham City house the world’s most dangerous criminals, and when inmates are found murdered, what is Batman prepared to do in search of justice? Arkham’s madness comes home in ARKHAM MANOR! A bold new series brought to you by the mad minds of Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Nova) and Shawn Crystal (Deadpool, Wolverine and the X-Men).
Release Date: 10/22/2014
It looks like the events taking place at Arkham in Batman Eternal play into this story, and that Batman #34 leads directly into Arkham Manor. The story will feature Batman “wearing a new mask,” and will contain more of a horror tone.
Batman/Superman #14
Part 2 of “Forgotten Heroes” finds the new team of Catwoman and Superman taking on Gotham City – and there’s nothing Batman or Lois Lane can do to stop them!
Release Date: 10/1/2014
I’m sure this issue will actually be released sometime in December…
Batman/Superman #15
Lord Satanas offers Superman and Batman a deal they couldn’t possibly accept…right?!
Release Date: 10/15/2014
And I’m sure this issue will get released sometime in 2015….
Batman Eternal #26
Martial law is imposed on Gotham City! Learn the secret history of one of Batman’s most dangerous foes as he takes center stage!
Release Date: 10/1/2014
Batman Eternal #27
In the grips of martial law, the criminal underground is going berserk – and the only person who can stop it is…Catwoman?!
Release Date: 10/8/2014
Batman Eternal #28
Can Batman stop Catwoman from becoming the most dangerous person in Gotham City?
Release Date: 10/15/14
Batman Eternal #29
Hell is bursting out of Arkham Asylum, and the only being that can stop it is The Spectre – but first he must stop himself from razing all of Gotham City!
Release Date: 10/22/2014
Batman Eternal #30
The last time Deacon Blackfire took control of Gotham City, Batman nearly died…How will the city fare now that he wields unspeakable power?
Release Date: 10/29/2014
I’m curious to see who the “foe” is that’s referenced for Eternal #26. I’m going to go out on a limb here and just guess that it’s Hush. I honestly have no clue. I want to say Hush or the Joker, but I feel like both of those guesses are long shots. Who do you think it is?
Also, these issues will put us past the halfway point! I honestly thought the gang war was going to last longer, so I’m excited what else the team has in-store for us!
Batman #35
From the superstar creative team that brought you a new start to the Caped Crusader comes the story that could end him. Be there in October for the biggest, deadliest and most epic story yet from writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo – “Batman: Endgame” begins here!
Release Date: 10/8/2014
This will be a six month arc that apparently takes place after Batman Eternal. I’m excited about this, but I kind of wish DC would’ve waited until after Eternal to release this. I feel like when publishers do this, it kills some of the momentum of the arc that we’re currently reading – in this case, Eternal, which deserves to revel in its glory. I’m sure Snyder and Capullo could’ve come up with another great story from the past that could give the background of a character, showed their first encounter or something. I’m not trying to tell these guys how to do their job, I just know that with this issue, we’ll already have answers to how Eternal ends. That being said, I’m looking forward to what this team brings to the table because they’re pretty stellar. And with it being a six month arc, it’s probably going to have a strong momentum. Also, Snyder seems like he’s about to burst at the seams because he wants to talk about it so bad (He’s already revealed that Julia Pennyworth will be involved – Could she be the new Robin and the one who was in Batman #28?). AND… I think this cover is a placeholder. I feel like we’ll get to see the actual cover this weekend.
Batman and Robin #35
“Robin Rises” continues as Batman begins his trek on Apokolips to recover his son’s body. But will he walk alone?
Release Date: 10/15/2014
I just want Damian back as the Damian we know and love. He doesn’t have to be Robin. I just want my little hot-head back in Gotham. Please?
Batgirl # 35
Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes… so when a fire destroys everything she owned, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life — and seizes it! Following the rest of Gotham’s young adults to the hip border district of Burnside, Barbara sets about building an all-new Batgirl… and discovers all-new threats preying on her peers! It’s a re-invention of Batgirl from the boots up, by the incredible creative team of Cameron Stewart (BATMAN INC.), Brenden Fletcher (WEDNESDAY COMICS), and rising star Babs Tarr!
Release Date: 10/8/2014
This is the start of the new creative team, and there’s already been quite a bit of talk about it. I’m not going to judge it until I read it, but I hope it’s not a “step back.”
Batwoman #35
The new storyline “Batwoman and the Unknowns” starts now with new artist Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)! Batwoman is neck-deep in danger with her new allies Ragman, The Demon, Clayface and Red Alice! What is going on and how did Batwoman end up here? Find out beginning in this issue!
Release Date: 10/15/2014
Hmmm… I’m curious to see how these four become allies with Batwoman. And that’s about as far as my curiosity reaches at this point.
Batman ’66 Meets the Green Hornet #5
The Dynamic Duo are prisoners of General Gumm and trapped beneath a giant pasta stamp, about to be turned into Bat-spaghetti. Meanwhile, the explorer Signor Bollo is about to hit Gotham City with a crippling lawsuit for the loss of his valuable collection, and the authorities have no choice but to recruit the outlaw Green Hornet to help them recover it. Holy conundrums! The pot boils over in this penultimate issue!
Release Date: 10/1/2014
Batman ’66 #16
It’s “Egghead Unbound” as Batman’s most egg-centric foe returns to terrorize Gotham City. Frustrated by his repeated defeats at the hands of the Caped Crusader, he invents a device that will egg-celerate his brain development to that of a being from the 40th century. Is this really possible? Does he now possess super-human abilities? Or has his mind simply gotten scrambled?
Release Date:10/22/2014
Batman Beyond Universe #15
Rewire is out of Arkham. Ghoul is back on the streets and selling modified Joker toxin. And now Terry’s girlfriend Melanie might have gone back to her old habits. Can things get any worse? Oh yeah – Inque’s back and more powerful than ever!
Release Date: 10/22/2014
Inque!!!
Catwoman #35
Meet Selina Kyle – Crime Boss of Gotham City! Spinning out of events in BATMAN ETERNAL Selina has accepted the family mantle and embraced her true criminal side, but is Gotham City ready for her reign? And with the Cat away, who’s the stranger haunting the empty rooftops of the city? Don’t miss the start of a bold new direction for Selina Kyle by the new creative team of novelist Genevieve Valentine and Garry Brown (Five Ghosts, Iron Patriot).
Release Date: 10/22/2014
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! No more Ann Nocenti!!!! I’m jumping. I’m skipping. I’m hugging and kissing random people on the streets of Hollywood! I’m even dancing on trains! My life of reviewing this title just got much, MUCH better! And October is my birthday month, so we’ll consider this a late birthday present for yours truly!
Detective Comics #35
In the first chapter of a two-part tale by the guest team of writer Ben Percy and artist John Paul Leon, a civilian appearance at Gotham Airport turns into a horror show for Batman when a plane full of dead passengers arrives on the runway! What happened – and what can Bruce Wayne do about it?
Release Date: 10/1/2014
This could be a quick, decent story. Sometimes it nice to have a quick turnaround before starting a new arc.
Earth 2 #27
World’s End is here! Everything the Wonders of Earth 2 have fought for stands to be destroyed. Be here as their powers are tested and hard choices are made!
Release Date: 10/8/2014
Earth 2: World’s End #1
Daniel H. Wilson, New York Times best-selling author of Robopocalypse and Robogenesis, delves into the world of EARTH 2 for the start of a new weekly series that will see the origins of a world much like the New 52 Earth, but yet so different. A world that saw its greatest heroes die – and new ones take their places. A world where Superman became it’ greatest villain, and a man named Zod seeks to save it, along with Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash and other heroes. A world they can only save from the forces of Apokolips through great personal sacrifice! Death and destruction will follow each week, and you’ll never know who will live and who will die! It all begins with this extra-sized debut issue!
Release Date: 10/8/2014
Earth 2: World’s End #2
Huntress and Power Girl returned to Earth 2 to help save it from the threat of Apokolips, but even their combined power isn’t enough to protect against the first of four furies from that deadly world: the girl known as War.
Release Date: 10/15/2014
Earth 2: World’s End #3
With Earth 2’s United Kingdom falling under the rule of one of Apokolips’s invaders, Hawkgirl and Doctor Fate race to London. But with Nabu in control, Fate’s motives might not be as pure as they seem.
Release Date: 10/22/2014
Earth 2: World’s End #4
Aquawoman returns to Atlantis – too late!
Release Date: 10/28/2014
I’ve been pushing for people to read Earth 2 for a while now. So I’m going to say it one last time, if you’re not reading this title, then you should, because it’s about to get epic. Earth 2: World’s End (a new weekly title) and Earth 2 (a monthly title) will be embarking on the same story. So how will this work, and which title should you read first on weeks that they’re released together? World’s End will be a faster paced story full of action that pushes the plot along. Earth 2 will be more personal, and focus on its characters and their development. While Tom Taylor says the two titles won’t necessarily pick-up right after the other, on weeks that the two titles are released together, he recommends reading World’s End followed by Earth 2.
Gotham Academy #1
WELCOME TO GOTHAM ACADEMY! Gotham City’s most prestigious prep school is a very weird place. It’s got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by…like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange is the students!
Release Date: 10/1/2014
So, apparently this book will focus on two new characters, will have ties to the Court of the Owls, feature Bruce Wayne, and be a coming of age story that starts off innocent, but becomes darker over time. Cloonan described it as “Harry Potter in Gotham.” The book is also supposed to feature two characters from the 60’s tv show, and one character from “Batman the Animated Series” that – as far as the writers know – haven’t been included in DC Comics continuity. If you have any ideas, or can provide a short list of who these potential characters could be, leave us a comment letting us know (Brandon, your expertise might be of use here as well).
Grayson #3
A secret mission. A partner in danger. Dick Grayson draws his gun. Will the heir to Batman pull the trigger? Also featuring the stunning, not to be missed debut of a new key player in the DC Universe: the world’s greatest spy, the Tiger.
Release Date: 10/1/2014
The gun question is kicking up. I have a gut feeling like he’s going to use the gun… and I think it’s going to weigh on him heavily. Can we just make this a weekly series so I can read a new issue more often?
Harley Quinn #11
Harley continues with her toxic Max Macabre relationship – but everything changes when Power Girl comes crashing into Coney Island from outer space! PG has a severe case of amnesia, and Harley is happy to remind her that they are best friends – and a crimefighting team!
Release Date: 10/15/2014
Harley Quinn Annual #1
We have to warn you, readers: This issue stinks! Seriously! Like, unpleasant odors are literally in the story! In this first-ever HQ ANNUAL, take a trip to Harley’s home of Coney Island in a groundbreaking “scent-ticular” issue, featuring actual, honest-to-gosh smells. This issue comes polybagged to contain the stench.
Release Date: 10/29/2014
Thank God I read digitally. Thinking of having to smell this book reminds me of the time I ate a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans (there’s a video of me out there on the interweb of me doing it)… I love this book though. It’s just so much fun! I can’t wait to hear what the people who buy the physical copy have to say about the “smell-a-book.”
Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #4
The Flash, Zatanna and Cyborg find themselves in the Mecha Universe, on an Earth that is not their own, in a futuristic version of Metropolis. Just when things can’t get any stranger, a giant, serpent-like version of Doomsday threatens to level the city, and the only one who can stop him is…Mecha Superman! Includes a code for a video game content download.
Release Date: 10/15/2014
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Two Annual
Featuring two untold tales! Hal Jordan’s alliance with Sinestro is tenuous at best. How can it continue? Then, as the resistance in Gotham City digs in, Commissioner Gordon works with his daughter Barbara for the first time. But their time together is running out!
Release Date: 10/1/2014
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three #1
Superman’s new world order is in effect across the globe. The world is transformed. Violent dictatorships have fallen. Wars have ceased. But this order comes at the expense of freedom. Now, Batman has found an unlikely ally against Superman’s regime – and John Constantine is ready to unleash a bit of chaos.
Release Date: 10/8/2014
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three #2
A new resistance to Superman’s reign is forming, and it’s ready to take on Superman from a new angle – one Batman isn’t comfortable with. John Constantine has begun to gather demons and supernatural beings to bring down this dictatorship. Might has failed. It’s time for magic!
Release Date: 10/22/2014
Injustice is easily one of the best books out there. If you’re not reading it, then you’re fired from reading Batman related books. Fired!
Justice League #34
Paranoid survivalist. Wanted fugitive. Damned soul. Meet the newest member of the Justice League: Jessica Cruz, a.k.a. Power Ring! With the most dangerous weapon in the universe in her possession, Jessica has been transformed into a dark prophet – one who will force the other members of the League to confront their greatest fears in preparation for a horrific new threat. Meanwhile, Batman and Lex Luthor continue their mission to cure the world of super-villains – but will the extremes they’re willing to go to threaten even their closest allies? Lex hopes so.
Release Date: 10/1/2014
Justice League #35
“THE AMAZO VIRUS” begins here! Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor join Wayne Enterprises and LexCorp – but why? And then, it’s HUMAN VS. SUPER-HUMAN when a dangerous and bizarre virus is unleashed upon the Justice League – but what exactly is the Amazo Virus? Who unleashed it and why? And what unforeseen effects will it have on the greatest heroes of the DC Universe? Plus, Batman and the League uncover Lex’s most guarded secret at Lexcorp Headquarters.
Release Date: 10/15/2014
Two Justice League books in one month? Hell yeah! I’m also really curious to see where all of this goes…
Justice League 3000 #10
Don’t miss the JLA3K’s final battle against the fury of The Five!
Release Date: 10/1/2014
New Suicide Squad #3 Enough, is enough! The tensions and anger has been building and they can no longer be held back. It’s Harley vs. Joker’s Daughter in an all-out brawl through the streets of Moscow! Meanwhile, Deadshot has been captured by the Russians and is being tortured for information. How can things get any worse? Deadshot’s about to find out.
Release Date: 10/8/2014
Oh dear, sweet, baby Jesus… This could be a dream-come-true, or a nightmare. Everyone with me now: harley. Harley. Harley! Harley!! Harley!!! HARLEY! HARLEY!! HARLEY!!! Looks like the edgier side of this book could be coming out as well considering the Deadshot plot.
Red Hood & the Outlaws #35
Things are spinning out of control for the Outlaws when Roy realizes that he’s the only member of the team not abusing drugs!
Release Date: 10/15/2014
Lobdell isn’t writing, so I’ll pick this one up!
Supergirl #35
“SUPERMAN: DOOMED AFTERMATH”! In the wake of the DOOMED storyline, the ALIEN SYNDICATE looks to re-establish its foothold on Earth. But the venom powered Red Hood looks for even more muscle in Kara as they go head to head with the scum and villainy of the galaxy. Plus: an ending that will set Kara on a new course!
Release Date: 10/15/2014
Jason is here! I wonder if they’ll mention the events of the Batman/Superman Annual?
Teen Titans #3
A free night out for Raven leads the Titans into another battle! And that brings them one step closer to a dark secret at the heart of S.T.A.R. Labs.
Release Date: 10/15/2014
After reading issue #1… Yes please!!!
New 52 Futures’ End #22
How will the world react to discovering the identity of the masked Superman?
Release Date: 10/1/2014
New 52 Futures’ End #23
Discover what the victorious Brother Eye has in store for The Joker 35 years from now. Will he go down laughing?
Release Date: 10/8/2014
New 52 Futures’ End #24
Terry’s heist team comes face to face with the man who’s been pulling their strings from the very beginning.
Release Date: 10/15/2014
New 52 Futures’ End #25
The revelation of their ultimate adversary forces the S.H.A.D.E. team to find a new ride as they learn what it means to watch for the Storm.
Release Date: 10/22/2014
New 52 Futures’ End #26
BATMAN of five years later appears for the first time in Futures End as he reveals a truth that will unravel Firestorm’s world.
Release Date: 10/28/2014
I’ve honestly lost interest in this title… I’ll keep an eye on Jesse’s review, but especially with these new titles coming out, I’d rather spend my money elsewhere.
Tiny Titans Return to the Treehouse #5
Just when all hope of finding a new treehouse is lost, the girls travel to Paradise Island! Oh, what a wonderful place it is! But where are all the boys? And who’s Terra supposed to throw rocks at now?
Release Date: 10/1/2014
Teen Titans Go! #6
What happens when the girls have a slumber party and don’t invite any of the boys? What about when Cyborg and Beast Boy plug their sweet new game console into the Tower’s mainframe computer? We’re glad you asked – but did you really think we’d give it away?!
Release Date: 10/15/2014
The Multiversity: The Just #1
The next chapter of the greatest adventure in DC’s history is here!
When they last collaborated, Grant Morrison joined artist Ben Oliver (LOBO, BATMAN/SUPERMAN) for the acclaimed ACTION COMICS #0. For their next team-up, the two superstars take a spin around the self-obsessed Earth-16 – a.k.a. Earth-Me!
With all of the world’s threats having been handled long ago by their parents, the next generation of supers – including Chris Kent, Damien Wayne, Alexis Luthor, Offspring, Megamorpho, Donna Troy and more – find themselves labeled as superstars more often than super heroes. But with that fame comes complacency, and when a massive threat unlike anything they’ve ever seen surfaces, this pampered crew finds themselves in way over their head. What secret is Damien keeping from Chris that could tear the world’s finest friends apart? Who is the mysterious killer lurking behind the scenes among these spoiled super-children? And what chance do they stand against the monstrous villain that’s murdering its way cross the Multiverse? All that and more in this exciting stand-alone issue which also acts as chapter three of the MULTIVERSITY saga. Join us, if your dare, for THE MULTIVERSITY!
Release Date: 10/15/2014
Grant Morrison, ladies and gentlemen! He’s been working on this for years, so I’m curious to see where his twisted mind takes us.
World’s Finest #27
Take a trip into the history of Earth 2 to learn the truth about the deals between Zod and Jor-El!
Release Date: 10/8/2014
Random Notes:
Bat Cow will appear in Infinity Man and the Forever People #6, for those of you that are fans of the slaughterhouse cow that Damian saved before vowing to become vegetarian in Batman Inc.
Also, Deathstroke will debut this month as well. We do not plan on reviewing Deathstroke, but that could change depending on whether the title relates to Suicide Squad.
