Last week I asked you which Batman character each of us (the review team) reminded you of… Well, the results are in the spoiler tag. Make sure you check them out, and tell me what you think. There’s one in particular that should give you a good laugh!
Now, you can’t give me crap about my PhotoShop abilities, because I just got my new laptop and haven’t installed PhotoShop… So this was done really quickly in Excel.
And now, the reason that you’re actually 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 13th
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 2 #9
A powerful force of Green Lanterns, Sinestro Corps members and Guardians assaults Superman and his allies, while Gordon and the Birds of Prey attack the Hall of Justice. Meanwhile, in the Batcave, Black Canary prepares for what may be the riskiest confrontation of all.
Art by: Various, Bruno Redondo
Cover by: Stephane Roux
Written by: Tom Taylor
Random Blurb of Excitement: Screw it! I’ve refrained from putting this title at the top of my list for too long! So, for the first time, Injustice is taking its rightful place on my list! This book is epic! It’s everything and the kitchen sink! If you’re not reading it, then shame on you! (Points at the person(s) that isn’t reading this title…) SHAME!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batman Eternal #19
Jason Bard and Batman are forced to help Killer Croc when his followers are attacked by demonic monsters from The Black Maze!
Art by: Emanuel Simeoni
Cover by: Alex Garner
Written by: Tim Seeley, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: Lately, whenever I say I’m uncertain about an upcoming Eternal issue, it ends up being awesome. When I say that I’m stoked, it kind of “lets me down.” I’m excited for this issue, so I better no jinx myself for saying so!
I’d also like to write an open letter to the Batman Eternal team apologizing for not including Eternal in my top three last week… I will never doubt your awesomeness again.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Batman #34
ZERO YEAR is over, and the events of BATMAN: ETERNAL have put Gotham City in a tailspin, but Batman is focused on finding a killer who has haunted his hometown in secret for years. This special issue features art by Matteo Scalera (DEADPOOL, Black Science) and sets the stage for the next major Batman story in the fall.
Art by: Matteo Scalera
Cover by: Matteo Scalera
Variant cover by: Rafael Albuquerque
Written by: Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m really curious to see what happens here… I want to know who this villain is, and see what kind of insight this issue provides for Arkham Manor!
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Batgirl #34
“Deadline” concludes as Batgirl teams with Huntress and Black Canary to stop the evil of Obscura! After everything Barbara has been though to become Batgirl – will she be undone by her demons?
Art by: Jonathan Glapion, Fernando Pasarin
Cover by: Alex Garner
Written by: Gail Simone
Random Blurb of Excitement: Aside from the Futures End issue next month, this is Gail Simone’s last issue on Batgirl. It’s a little bittersweet, but at least her last arc has been pretty awesome so far. Batgirl. Huntress. Black Canary. I’m there!!!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Harley Quinn #9
Shipping twice in August! When Harley fills in as a burlesque dancer, she kills it on the main stage – literally! But what happens when she gets caught by the cops and finds herself face to face with her most devoted stalker?!
Art by: Chad Hardin
Cover by: Amanda Conner
Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
Random Blurb of Excitement: Harley. Burlesque. I can’t wait to see what craziness takes place! And before people think I’m a total pervert for getting excited about Harley doing burlesque, I’d like to remind everyone that I play for the other team.
Also, one of my closest friends started burlesque dancing a few years back, and every year for Halloween, she dresses as Harley Quinn! Seemed like a relevant thing to share.
Batman News Critic: Elena
New Suicide Squad #2
Trapped inside Russia with no hope of rescue, the Squad does what they do best: go out with a bang!
Art by: Jeremy Roberts
Cover by: Jeremy Roberts
Variant cover by: Meghan Hetrick-Murante
Written by: Sean Ryan
Random Blurb or Excitement: I’m genuinely looking forward to this issue! Last month’s debut was pretty self-aware (perhaps to a fault), but I think it was needed to get readers to buy back into the title. The next few months will be crucial for this book’s survival. Now that the exposition about how the new team was formed is out of the way, we really need to delve deeper into the characters. The book has a good roster (aside from Joker’s Daughter, who I’m still hoping will get killed by one of her own teammates)… One can dream, right?
Batman News Critic: Josh
Birds of Prey #34
By Batgirl betrayed! But why is she siding with the Suicide Squad? Find out in this tale from the Birds’ past!
Art by: Oclair Albert, Robson Rocha
Cover by: Jorge Molina
Written by: Christy Marx
Random Blurb of Excitement: So, I’m pretty sure the solicitation should read, “Betrayed by Batgirl!” I’ve been catching quite a few mistakes like this from DC, and it kind of irks me. Aside from that, I thought issue #33 was the best thing Marx has presented while on Birds, and I hope she can keep that momentum going as she wraps up her final arc. This is the last issue of BoP aside from next month’s Futures End issue (which kind of seems pointless at the moment). Prior to the New 52, this was one of my favorite titles, so this nostalgic part of me is sad to see it go. I hope DC has something in the pipeline, and if they don’t, then I hope Mark Doyle sees this because I have a pitch for him. Haha!
Batman News Critic: Josh
Worlds’ Finest #26
Power Girl and Huntress return to Earth 2 just when their homeworld needs them most!
Art by: Tyler Kirkham
Cover by: Tyler Kirkham
Written by: Paul Levitz
Random Blurb of Excitement: Does their homeworld really need them most in this moment? Considering what just took place in Earth 2, I’d say no. Had this been two or three months ago, I’d say yes. Regardless, I’m just ready for someone other than Paul Levitz to write these characters.
Batman News Critic: Sean
New 52 Futures’ End #15
Constantine realizes he’s on to something much bigger than he thought as the events of five years from now begin to collide!
Art by: Scott Eaton
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello
Random Blurb of Excitement: You all know how I feel about this title. It sounds like this issue might start moving the plot along… but I doubt it. Also DC doesn’t have this issue’s cover on their site (I guess they gave up on this title too?), so I had to pull the cover from another site.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batman: Earth One (Softcover) – The spectacular original graphic novel by writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank, the acclaimed team behind SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN and the SHAZAM! stories in JUSTICE LEAGUE! In the tradition of SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE, this tale gives new insight into Bruce Wayne’s first year as THE DARK KNIGHT. In this all-new take on the Batman mythos, Bruce Wayne is on the hunt for his parents’ killer. His target? The Mayor of Gotham City! Plus, who is Alfred Pennyworth – and why is he so determined to put an end to the Batman?
