It looks like DC is having some minor issues with their website, but I believe I’ve caught everything coming out this week. If you see I missed something, let me know and I’ll add it. I also need to post November Solicitations. That should be completed by tonight, so keep an eye out!
This past week has been a hell of a week for me! I’ve been so busy with work, that I have a few comics that were released last week, that I still haven’t read yet! But thankfully, one of the few highlights from last week, was an e-mail that Andrew shared with the review team. He calculated the average review score that each of us has given as a critic. So… I’m curious to see what you think. Take a guess at what you think each of our average review scores are per critic (for example: Jesse’s average review score is 8, Elena’s average score is 4, etc). Keep in mind the books that each of us covers, as well as our review style. And don’t cheat! Batman doesn’t like cheaters! Also, as we established in a previous post, Andrew is apparently a member of the Court of the Owls, and he will come for you if you do. Sound off in the comments, and have fun with it! Next week, I’ll share the actual results with you. Again, no cheating! Andrew will come for you… with Hedwig!
Now, let’s get to why we’re really here: NEW COMICS! This week’s 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 27th
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 2 #10
As the attack of the Green Lanterns continues, things turn personal between Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner. At a turning point in the battle between former allies, Sinestro offers Hal a deadly choice. Meanwhile, the battle at the Hall of Justice may have come at a fatal price.
Art by: Various, Bruno Redondo
Cover by: Jheremy Raapack
Written by: Tom Taylor
Random Blurb of Excitement: It’s #1 on my list! Go get it!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batman Eternal #21
After being injected with Fear Toxin, Alfred is dragged away to Arkham Asylum!
Art by: Jason Fabok
Cover by: Alex Garner
Written by: Tim Seeley, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: This issue starts a new arc for Eternal! I’m really curious to see the other places that this book will take us!
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Harley Quinn #10
The first rule of Skate Club is…you do not mess with the Mistress of Mayhem! Harley stumbles across an underground fight club where big money winds with a body count. She’s in…and she’s making Sy Borgman her agent for the fights. But what happens when love gets in the way?
Art by: John Timms
Cover by: Amanda Conner
Variant cover by: Amanda Conner
Written by: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve gotten to where I get a little giddy inside before I read a new issue of Harley Quinn because it’s always full of wacky, semi-vulgar goodness! I love picking up this book after a long day at work.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batman Beyond Universe #13
Superstar artist Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW) joins the Beyond team for the start of a brand-new storyline, and the answers to the big questions of what really happened between Bruce Wayne and Terry McGinnis start to be revealed here! Plus: The Phantasm Returns!
Art by: Eric Wight, Thony Silas, Phil Hester
Cover by: Matteo Scalera
Written by: Kyle Higgins
Random Blurb of Excitement: Back when I started this whole journey with Batman News, I wasn’t reading this title. It showed up near the bottom of my ranking, and some of you called it out as a big miss! We’ll I’ve since picked up the title, and I completely agree – it was a big miss on my part. It’s slowly been climbing up my rankings, and becoming one of my favorite titles! And… PHANTASM!!!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Batman ’66 #14
Crime never sleeps, but even Batman can’t be on call 24-7. So the Caped Crusader introduces an ally who never needs rest: a futuristic Bat Robot! Astounding both Gotham City’s criminals and its police force, the chrome-plated crimefighter proves to be incredibly efficient. So much so that a dreaded question must be asked: Is it time for Batman and Robin to retire?
Art by: Paul Rivoche
Cover by: Mike Allred
Written by: Jeff Parker
Random Blurb of Excitement: Batman ’66 is another title that, like Harley Quinn, just makes me happy. I usually save this book for last to ensure I have something good to cap off the new issues. Every time I read it, I’m a four-year old again, desperately waiting to go home from church so I can watch the tv show!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Batman/ Superman #13
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: Ben Oliver
Written by: Greg Pak
Random Blurb of Excitement: First off, I want to point out that this issue was originally slated to come out in May. That’s right, May. It’s August. And this is my biggies issue with this title. It’s so hard to feel invested when the release schedule is this erratic. I love Jae Lee’s art, but if the book is continuously being delayed because of him, then he should figure out a new system.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Secret Origins #5
The latest explosive origins from DC Comics – The New 52 include Cyborg by Marv Wolfman and André Coelho; Red Hood by Scott Lobdell and Paulo Siqueira; and Mera by Jeff Parker and the art team of Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez.
Art by: Edgar Salazar, Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez, Paulo Siqueira, Andre Coelho
Cover by: Lee Bermejo
Written by: Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Marv Wolfman
Random Blurb of Excitement: We’ve got a little Jason action this month for Secret Origins. Now that Lobdell seems to have gotten his, “Jason is the second coming” story out of his system, I’m curious to see if he’ll change anything about Jason’s origins.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Futures End #17
Who is the Masked Superman? What does his identity have to do with last week’s startling ending? The answers will shock you as the entire New 52 gets ready to jump five years into the future!
Art by: Patrick Zircher
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello
Random Blurb of Excitement: DC is getting really bad about not updating their information. They haven’t been posting the covers (hence the cover above), and they didn’t even show this title to be released this week. Anyway… based on last week’s review from Jesse, it sounds like this title might (finally) start picking up the pace! If it does so, and continues that pace, this could actually become a title worth reading. I’m still going to remain cautious and keep an eye out for what Jesse has to say.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Catwoman #34
It’s buyer beware when Selina purchases a new house – but Catwoman is much more interested in the treasure that lies beneath the property!
Art by: Tom Nguyen, Patrick Olliffe
Cover by: Rachel Dodson
Written by: Ann Nocenti
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m SUPER excited about this issue! You know why? It’s Ann Nocenti’s last issue of Catwoman! No more NOcenti!!!
Batman News Critic: Josh
Graphic Novel Watch:
Brightest Day Omnibus (Hardcover) – In this follow-up to BLACKEST NIGHT, twelve heroes and villains were resurrected by a white light expelled deep within the center of the earth. Now, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Firestorm, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Deadman, Jade, Osiris, Hawk, Captain Boomerang and Zoom must discover the mysterious reason behind their return and uncover the secret that binds them all in this massive hardcover collecting issues #0-24 of the hit series!
DC Universe VS Masters of the Universe (Softcover) – After escaping to Earth, Skeletor sets in motion a plan to drain the planet’s magic. He-Man and company go in search of Skeletor but find themselves at odds with the heroes of the DC Universe! Collecting the six-issue miniseries, plus DC COMICS PRESENTS #47.
