So… my extreme randomness has kicked in again. If you remember the last time this occurred, it was during World Cup, and I was wondering about a Bat family soccer team. Well, this time, it’s about us – the reviewers (or critics). The new BatReview Team has been bringing you reviews for more than a month now, and I feel like our personality traits are definitely shining through. The other night I was commenting on different posts, and I found myself trying to figure out which Batman related character each of the reviewers reminded me of. It makes sense right? I mean, we’re practically a Bat family dealing with all things Batman… so why not figure out which character we’re reminiscent of. I have my list – which I’ll share with you in the comments – but I’m curious to see what you think. It doesn’t have to be a member of the Bat Family, it can be an anti-hero or villain (you know, just without the homicidal tendencies that most of the villains have), and it can include pre New 52! The only rule is that this should strictly be based on personality. So if you think that Brandon reminds you of Alfred, Elena reminds you of Black Canary, and Jay reminds you of Catwoman (this is not my list, just random examples), then sound off in the comments! I’m curious to get your thoughts, and I’m sure the rest of the team is as well (and considering you may not read all of our reviews, you don’t have to answer for everyone). For the sake of not forgetting anyone, our team consists of Brandon (reviews Batman, Batman Eternal), Elena (Harley Quinn, Batgirl), Jesse (Grayson, Batman & Robin), Jay (Batman 66’, Batman Beyond), Sean (Earth 2, Red Hood & the Outlaws), yours truly (Catwoman, New Suicide Squad), and Daddy BatReview himself, Andrew! I’ll keep a tally and post the “results” next week if there is a distinctive character that is mentioned for each of us. BUT, for now, let’s get to why we’re really here: NEW COMICS!
The books are listed 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? So without further ado…
August 6th
Grayson #2
Grayson digs deeper into the mysterious organization known as SPYRAL and learns more about his new partner – Helena Bertinelli!
Art by: Mikel Janin
Cover by: Mikel Janin
Variant cover by: Chad Hardin
Written by: Tim Seeley
Random Blurb of Excitement: Yes, this tops my list! Why? Because I love Dick Grayson and Helena Bertinelli! I can’t wait to see what is planned for these characters, and where this book will take us!
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Detective Comics #34
Batman is faced with an unsolvable mystery: a dead friend, an unknown assailant, and a drug called “Icarus.” Has the World’s Greatest Detective finally been outmatched?
Art by: Francis Manapul
Cover by: Francis Manapul
Variant cover by: Andrew Robinson
Written by: Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
Random Blurb of Excitement: I enjoyed last week’s Annual, but it almost felt like a “special feature” for a DVD release (granted, one that was incredibly enjoyable). I’m ready for the core plot to continue! This should wrap up “Icarus” and I’m hoping it ends on a high note.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Earth 2 #26
Val and Lantern battle Superman with Earth’s fate hanging in the balance when a familiar faces arrives on Earth 2 via the Boom Tube to turn the tide!
Art by: Trevor Scott, Nicola Scott
Cover by: J.G. Jones
Written by: Tom Taylor
Random Blurb of Excitement: Yes! Yes! Yes! I cannot tell you how happy I am that Huntress and Powergirl will be in the hands of new writers. I can’t wait for them to fall into the mix of Earth 2 – which has been fantastic. Every month, I read an issue of Earth 2, and then I wish I had more. Thank God a weekly tie in starts in October!
Batman News Critic: Sean
Batman Eternal #18
Batgirl, Batwoman and Jason Todd race to find evidence that may save Commissioner Gordon!
Art by: Andy Clarke
Cover by: Alex Garner
Written by: Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV
Random Blurb of Excitement: Wow… this title took a tumble… I feel like I need to explain something about how my mind works. I can be very critical. Actually, I can be extremely critical. I can love something, consider it a favorite of mine, and I’m still going to mention aspects that I didn’t enjoy. It’s just the way I’m wired. That’s how I feel about Eternal at the moment. I love this book, but I feel like it lost some momentum with the gang war wrapping up. That being said, this is still one of the first things I read each week, and one of the books I always look forward to. Am I beating down the doors of my comic shop in anticipation for this issue? No. Am I excited to read it because I know that even when Eternal is “bad,” it’s still good, quality work? Yes! Also, I’m curious to see the dynamic of Batwoman with the team and in the events of Eternal.
Batman-News Critic: Brandon
Batman ’66 Meets the Green Hornet #3
Robin and Kato…hostages of The Joker and General Gumm?! Even worse, the kidnapped crime fighters are forced into a battle to the death by the Dastardly Duo. With their purloined partners in peril, Batman and the Green Hornet have no choice but to work together. Will they be able to track down the hidden location of the captives’ cage match before either of their partners goes down for the count?
Art by: Ty Templeton
Cover by: Alex Ross
Written by: Kevin Smith, Ralph Garman
Random Blurb of Excitement: This book, as well as the main 66’ title, is a matter of taste. If you like things that are fun and campy, but done well, then go pick this up.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Batwing #34
It’s the final issue of BATWING – but what is the final fate of Luke Fox?
Art by: Eduardo Pansica
Cover by: Dan Panosian
Written by: Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti
Random Blurb of Excitement: Issue #32 was fantastic! Issue #33, not so much. I read the preview for this issue, and I’m honestly just indifferent to the fact that this title is ending. This might sound harsh, but I don’t really care about Luke Fox. I actually think David Zavimbe was more interesting as a character, and that most of what made Luke interesting was his family. Do I want Luke/ Batwing to disappear? No, I don’t. I think there’s still a lot of potential for the character… I just think he needs the support of a team. What do you think?
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Justice League 3000 #9
It‘s the event you’ve been waiting for: the Five face the force of a united Justice League. Meanwhile, Ariel Masters, the “mother” of the JL, makes a critical decision about the team’s future.
Art by: Howard Porter
Cover by: Howard Porter
Written by: J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen
Random Blurb of Excitement: Again, the only reason this is so low, is because it’s a title that I’m not reading. Sean, I’m going to let you decide my fate. Should I be reading this book? If you say yes, I’ll catch up, and give this book the attention it possibly deserves.
Batman News Critic: Sean
Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #3
The Tiny Titans seek the help of Billy Batson to see if they can build their new treehouse on magical Mount Olympus! But what happens to the Tiny Titans when they say Billy’s magic word? Check out the latest issue in this Eisner Award-winning series to find out! SHAZAM!
Art by: Art Baltazar
Cover by: Art Baltazar
Written by: Art Baltazar, Franco
Random Blurb of Excitement: This is another title that I’m not reading because it’s not really my taste. However, if you have young kids, I think this is a win!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Futures End #14
Cadmus Island turns against itself as the Earth 2 prisoners break out!
Art by: Aaron Lopresti
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello, Keith Giffen
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m just going to go out and say it, I think this book is a waste of time. I don’t predict anything will come from this series, and if something does, then you can call me a monkey’s uncle. While I find the whole Tim Drake story pretty damn interesting, it’s not interesting enough for me to buy this book on a weekly basis.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Graphic Novel Watch:
There are no Batman related graphic novels for this week. There is, however, a 64 page special edition of The Dark Knight Returns #1 that is being released. If that’s something that makes your inner fan boy wig out, then you should pick it up!
