Hey! There’s only two Futures End titles being covered this week, then we get to jump into October where pretty much every book picks up after the events of Batman Eternal… I know… it kind of kills some of the mystery of Eternal. Regardless, Eternal tells such a good story, that I’m honestly ok with this. We’ve also got a handful of graphic novels being released this week, so get your wallets ready, especially if you’ve been waiting for the Forever Evil trades.
Other than that, I want to take a quick second to comment on you, the reader. The review team was exchanging some e-mails last week, and a conversation started about how pleasant you are (at least 99% of the time – there’s always a bad apple here and there). There are other websites and forums where the comments and conversations aren’t nearly as nice, so we want to tip our hats to how respectful each of you are. We really love the comments and discussions we have with you guys, and hope that it only continues and grows. We love hearing your opinions, and look forward to the discussions that get started because of them. So, THANK YOU for coming to Batman-New.com and putting up with our opinions! And THANK YOU for weighing in respectfully each month. You definitely make this little Batman-News Comics community a worthwhile and fun experience for us!
Now, on to business. This week’s releases 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 (see above)! What 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…
September 24th
Injustice Gods Among Us: Year Two #12
Year Two comes to a gripping conclusion with the most shocking turn of events yet. Is all hope lost? It will be if Superman wins the war! Events move in a dark direction – but what’s ahead for the resistance and The Man of Steel’s New World Order in the year to come?
Art by: Bruno Redondo, Various
Cover by: Jheremy Raapack
Written by: Tom Taylor
Random Blurb of Excitement: How did I miss this title!?!? It’s my favorite book!!! Anyway, this is the insanely good conclusion to Year 2, and I’ve got it in it’s rightful place at the top of my list! PICK IT UP! You won’t regret it.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batman Eternal #25
With riots breaking out all over Gotham City, can Batman stop the march toward martial law?
Art by: R.M. Guera
Cover by: Jason Fabok
Written by: Tim Seeley, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: This cover!!! Eternal is consistently good, so naturally, I can’t wait for this issue. I’ve said before, and I’ll say it again, there’s something about having a series come out weekly. The momentum and excitement just seem to be elevated!
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Batman Beyond Universe #14
Vigilante’s gone missing, and it’s up to Batman to track him down…that is, if the Phantasm doesn’t get to him first!
Art by: Thony Silas, Phil Hester
Cover by: Matteo Scalera
Written by: Alec Siegel, Kyle Higgins
Random Blurb of Excitement: Kyle Higgins work has consistently been good on this title, and it’s come to be something I can count on for an enjoyable story. Unfortunately, this title is coming to a close in November, so I have to take in as much as I can, while I can.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Catwoman: Futures End #1
Catwoman’s battle to be kingpin of crime in Gotham City takes an unexpected turn when Selina and Black Mask are revealed to be one and the same!
Cover by: Rachel Dodson,
Inker Tom Nguyen
Penciller Patrick Olliffe
Written by: Sholly Fisch
Random Blurb of Excitement: Woo hoo! No more NOcenti! I’m genuinely excited for this issue. I know it’s a Futures End one-shot, but, this will be the first full issue of Catwoman that covers her as the kingpin of crime. I doubt there will be much to take away, but I’m willing the bet that there will be hints at the characters and plots we’ll most likely see once the series changes next month.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Harley Quinn: Futures End #1
Harley and The Joker make it legal at last! Follow the happy couple to their secret honeymoon spot, where it’s literally till death do they part!
Cover by: Amanda Conner
Inker Chad Hardin
Penciller Chad Hardin
Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
Random Blurb of Excitement: I expect this to be a riot. And JOKER!!!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batman ’66 #15
Gotham City is once again under attack by the wife of the late Max Black – and as usual, Widow Black’s persuasive powers are hard to resist. This time she has a formidable foil…none other than the pernicious Penguin. Together, they are set to plunder the wealthy of Gotham City. Will the Dynamic Duo be caught in her deadly web of deceit?
Art by: Wilfredo Quintana
Cover by: Mike Allred
Written by: Jeff Parker
Random Blurb of Excitement: More fun, campy goodness!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Futures End #21
Discover what happened during the war with Earth 2 as we set the stage for DC’s next weekly epic: WORLDS END!
Art by: Cully Hamner
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello
Random Blurb of Excitement: Damn this cover looks awesome! Jesse… I’m waiting on you to tell me to jump back in. The solicitations seem to get better and better as well…
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batman: Death of the Family Book & Joker Mask Set (Softcover) – This new collectors set includes the critically acclaimed tale DEATH OF THE FAMILY from the superstar #1 New York Times best-selling team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo.
Now, this seminal Batman trade paperback graphic novel is paired with a replica hand-painted vinyl latex mask of The Joker that features sewn-on hair and a white elastic band. It’s a must-have for any fan of Scott Snyder’s groundbreaking work!
Batman: Gordon of Gotham (Softcover) – Jim Gordon, Gotham City’s top cop, stars in this new collection of crime stories from the 1990s that stars the colorful, determined cops of Batman’s home town. Collects BATMAN: GORDON OF GOTHAM #1-4, BATMAN: GCPD #1-4 and BATMAN: GORDON’S LAW #1-4.
Harley Quinn: Vengeance Unlimited (Softcover) – In issues #26-38 of her previous series, Harley attempts to balance psychiatry and her criminal activities – until she’s suspected of murdering a police officer! Plus, Harley gains super powers!
And if you’re interested in continuing your Forever Evil collection, the following will release this week:
Forever Evil: Argus (Softcover) – In this action-packed epic collected from the 6-issue miniseries tying into FOREVER EVIL, the villains have killed the Justice League and decimated A.R.G.U.S.’s headquarters! Only Steve Trevor and the surviving A.R.G.U.S. agents can pick up the pieces and save the civilian populace from unthinkable evil!
Forever Evil: Blight (Softcover) – After a battle between the three Justice Leagues, the heroes of the DC Universe have all gone missing! With the unspeakable evil known as Blight unleashed upon the world, it’s up to the Justice League Dark, Swamp Thing, Pandora and the Phantom Stranger to try and stop them from destroying everything around them. Collects JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #24-29, TRINITY OF SIN: PHANTOM STRANGER #14-17, CONSTANTINE #9-12, TRINITY OF SIN PANDORA #6-9.
Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion (Softcover) – The Rogues call no man boss, but the threat of the Crime Syndicate isn’t leaving them much choice! Will they fall in line, or refuse and risk certain death? How can the Rogues take on the Crime Syndicate together? Collected from the 6-issue miniseries, plus THE FLASH #23.1: ROGUES.
And apologies to Jay for trying to steal his title last week. Haha
