We’ve got some great and exciting things coming your way on Batman-News.com! I’m not going to give too much away, but we’re going to be covering some reviews of classic issues/arcs (if you saw Brandon’s latest review of Eternal, then you already know this), and we will also implement some fun, interactive posts to the Comics section. I think you will really enjoy it, and that it will only make the site that much better! I’m going to keep the rest of the rumblings a secret though. We can’t give away all of our cards (you could stand to learn something DC).
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 alphabetical order, so no excitement ranking. 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, your predictions, etc… If you have something to say, I want to know!
January 2015
Arkham Manor #4
As if Batman didn’t have enough trouble containing the Spider in Arkham Manor, now he has to contend with the newest inmate to arrive: Mr. Freeze!
Release Date: 1/28
I’m a little indifferent with this book, but only because I’m not certain what the “big picture” is. The debut was solid, but I want to give it a few more issues before I completely jump on board.
Batgirl # 38
Things are going surprisingly well in Batgirl’s new life! But nothing good ever lasts long in Gotham City – and the other yellow boot is about to drop…hard!
Release Date: 1/14
I enjoyed the new creative team and I can’t wait to see more from them. There are some hipster elements that I could do without, but it’s not ruining the book for me. And if the solicitation is any indication, things could get a little more intense for Babs.
Batman #38
“Endgame” part 4. The Joker is back! This time, no more funny stuff. And in the backup story, five Arkham Asylum escapees share their encounters with The Joker!
Release Date: 1/14
I was initially suspicious of this arc, but after reading the first issue, I CAN’T WAIT for more! The Joker is back! The freaking Joker is back!
Batman and Robin #38
The team of Batman and Robin are together again! But what is the new dynamic for this crime fighting duo now that Damian has super powers of his own?
Release Date: 1/21
Wooooo hoooo! That little shit is back! I’m not sure how I feel about him having powers – he was badass enough without them – but I’d rather have Damian as Robin than anyone else. Hopefully his powers are temporary, or they’re something such as healing. I just don’t want “Super Damian” flicking people through walls.
Batman Eternal #40
It’s three-way battle for survival between Batman, The Riddler…and Mother Nature?
Release Date: 1/07
Batman Eternal #42
Nanites are tearing The Narrows apart! Can Red Robin stop them while the rest of the city burns?
Release Date: 1/14
Batman Eternal #43
You’ve been waiting for the debut of Bluebird – and here it is, though this story may not have a happy ending!
Release Date: 1/21
Batman Eternal #44
Don’t miss this special issue that loops our story all the way back to where it started in BATMAN #28 – but with a twist you won’t see coming!
Release Date: 1/28
As much as it pains me to say this, I’m worried the most interesting aspects of Eternal are behind us. I feel that the actual plot is getting worse, and DC has ruined ANY type of suspense there was on how Eternal will end, by having their books pick-up post Eternal last month. When the first page of a series is an image of a severely beaten Batman, defeated, tied up, and unmasked… Let the mystery of what will happen ride out with the story. Don’t spoil everything 5 months prior to the series ending… I mean come on!
Batman ’66 #20
Lord Marmaduke Ffogg has come to Gotham City, and he’s brought a bit of old Londinium with him. Specifically, some of that city’s famous fog! But this is no normal fog. His malicious mist may just find the entire populace saying “Gor Blimey!” Can Batman and Robin see their way clear to stop this cloudy culprit in time, or will the city swing like a pendulum, too?
Release Date: 1/28
Batman/Superman #18
Superman uncovers the identity of the unseen terror that has been destroying targets related to him, while Batman seeks to protect Lois Lane! This time the truth will hurt in more ways than Superman could imagine!
Release Date: 1/21
Batwoman #38
Batwoman’s team of misfit vigilantes known as the Unknowns continues to dig deep into the cult rampaging across Gotham City!
Release Date: 1/21
After last month’s horrendous issue, I’ve nearly given up on this book… This will be the burden that replaces Nocenti for my reviews.
Catwoman #38
It had to happen! Batman confronts Selina over her ascension to the top of Gotham City’s criminal underworld – and the gloves come off!
Release Date: 1/28
I’m going to eat this up!
Detective Comics #38
The people of Gotham City have spoken – and now, Anarky runs wild in the streets!
Release Date: 1/07
I’m thrilled that we’re getting Anarky! I have high expectations after the last arc, but I really hope the team can provide a much better ending! Regardless, the art is going to make me VERY happy.
Earth 2 #30
As the Avatars of Earth 2, led by Green Lantern, try to defend the planet from the forces of Apokolips, find out how these heroes became the protectors of their world and possibly its only hope for survival.
Release Date: 1/07
Earth 2: World’s End #14
Mister Miracle, Mister Terrific and Fury fight for their lives as they try to escape Apokolips!
Release Date: 1/07
Earth 2: World’s End #15
The final fate of Earth-2’s Clark Kent is revealed!
Release Date: 1/14
Earth 2: World’s End #16
The avatar of the Red of Earth 2 is released – and the battle turns for the heroes of Earth 2 as her power is used for both good and evil.
Release Date: 1/21
Earth 2: World’s End #17
Earth 2 becomes infected by the soul of Apokolips! Can former surgeon Thomas Wayne, the Batman of Earth-2, find a cure – or is it already too late?
Release Date: 1/28
The Earth 2 titles have been a little bumpy lately, but I’m still standing behind them! When it’s all said and done, I think this is going to be an amazingly fun series that will feel worthwhile. Now I’m going to cross my fingers and pray that I’m right.
Futures End #36
How much will the Nth metal change Frankenstein? Will he still be the monster we all love to fear? His journey will push him to face every part of his past, even as he faces the question of his own mortality. First stop: the House of Mystery and the Justice League Dark.
Release Date: 1/07
Futures End #37
The War changed everyone, and not for the better. After last issue’s shocking ending made one hero a murderer, find out how far Constantine went to win, and how Amethyst lost her magic! Don’t miss the return to Gemworld!
Release Date: 1/14
Futures End #38
The fight you knew was coming since issue #12 – and you’ve been dreading since issue #23! Batman, Batman Beyond, Tim Drake, and…you know who!
Release Date: 1/21
Futures End #39
Dr. Polaris is finally aboard the Justice League satellite, and he’ll be sure the Justice League faces the ghosts of every civilian they might’ve saved during the war, if only they didn’t consider themselves too godly to care. Also – up in the sky! It’s definitely not Superman. And it isn’t good!
Release Date: 1/28
Oh. My. God. Ok… I’m back in. I feel like I have to jump back in… This looks awesome!!! And in reference to issue #38 (since I haven’t been reading this book), does anyone know who “you know who” is? Or, do you have any ideas?
Gotham Academy #6
The hunt for the Ghost of Gotham Academy begins!
Release Date: 1/07
I think this is a fun book, and it reaches a demographic that deserves a little more attention (young females). If this book can keep a certain level of quality, it will do well. I Gotham Academy is a fresh and new perspective on Gotham that is needed.
Gotham by Midnight #3
There’s a dark secret in Gotham General Hospital – a supernatural menace that could infect the whole city! But Detective Lisa Drake of the Midnight Shift has a dark secret of her own…and when this new threat brings it out, the only thing Jim Corrigan can do is get out of the way!
Release Date: 1/28
I’m on the fence as to whether or not I want to read this book… My wallet is taking a decent hit each week (especially with all of the weekly titles), so I’m going to wait for Elena’s reviews before I dive in. The covers look spectacular though…
Grayson #6
It’s the battle you never thought you’d see, as Grayson goes toe to toe with the Midnighter!
Release Date: 1/07
Wait… we thought we were never going to see this fight? I thought the exact opposite. The moment I saw Midnighter, I expected there to be a fight between these two. Regardless, Grayson is in my top five titles that I read, so I’m going to love it no matter what the solicitation says.
Harley Quinn #14
Everyone knows that Harley’s not quite over her last ex-boyfriend. Can she really open her heart to another man? Well, Mason Macabre’s not like any other guy she’s known before…and not just because he hasn’t tried to kill her yet!
Release Date: 1/14
You know when you keep telling yourself that you’re going to do something (for instance, stop buying the monthly issues of Harley Quinn)… and you convince yourself that you will do something else instead (wait for the trades)… but you know deep down there’s no chance in hell that will ever happen (I’m going to go one to two months without Harley in my rotation, then give in, and catch up)…. Yeah….
Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #7
Three new Multiverse heroes struggle to defend the world of Nil from a siege by an army of Nightmare Metallos. Batman and his first team arrive, but it may be too late for Dr. Fate, Power Girl and Green Arrow. And where is Nix Uotan, last of the Monitors?
Release Date: 1/21
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three #7
It all began when Superman learned that his wife, Lois Lane, was pregnant. But then came The Joker’s terrible machinations, and the horrible tragedy that took her life and destroyed Metropolis. From that moment, Superman – and the world – were changed forever. But suppose none of that had ever happened?
Release Date: 1/07
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three #8
Wonder Woman is back – and she’s not happy with what’s happened since she left. She’s kicking butt and taking names, and Sinestro is the first on her list! Plus, it’s payback time for Superman’s enemies, and neither Batman’s Gotham City-based resistance nor Constantine and his mystical allies are safe from the coming storm. But Constantine still has a trump card to play.
Release Date: 1/21
When I repeatedly say that this is my favorite book, I hope that would, at some point, pique your interest if you’re not reading it. That being said, READ THIS BOOK!
Justice League #38
The Amazo Virus infects the last Leaguer standing: Batman!
Release Date: 1/21
Justice League received some much-needed direction with the launch of the Amazo Virus arc. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the team. And I’m expecting more amazing Batman/ Lex moments!
Justice League 3000 #12
Winter’s coming to the future, and with it comes the frost queen herself: Ice! But is she the same hero the Justice League once knew? Maybe reuniting with old friends will warm her soul…or perhaps she just needs to create a little Fire!
Release Date: 1/07
The Multiversity Guidebook #1
With a detailed concordance featuring each of the 52 worlds in the Multiverse, a complete history of DC Comics’ universe-shattering “Crisis” events, a map of all known existence, AND an action-packed dual adventure starring Kamandi of Earth-51 alongside the post-apocalyptic Atomic Knight Batman of Earth-17 and chibi Batman of Earth-42, this 80-page mountain of MULTIVERSITY madness cannot be missed!
The MULTIVERSITY GUIDEBOOK contains everything you ever wanted to know about DC’s parallel worlds and their super-heroic inhabitants. Meet the Agents of W.O.N.D.E.R. The Light Brigade, the Super-Americans and the Love Syndicate! Meet the Accelerated Man, Aquaflash, BiOmac and more!
Overflowing with today’s top artists and completely written by Grant Morrison himself, readers of the DC Universe can’t afford to pass up this oversized, sixth chapter of MULTIVERSITY!
Release Date: 1/21
At the risk of being massacred, I’m going to speak my mind… I’m afraid this issue is going to be a BIG MESS! “80 pages of Multiversity madness” sounds like the cluster (insert bad word) from hell. Also, it will apparently feature 9 different Earths… I’m getting a headache already.
New Suicide Squad #7
Harley Quinn takes center stage! The Squad’s mission to China has gone to hell – and now an army of unstable super beings is trying to murder them and anything else that stands in their way!
Release Date: 1/14
I’m now convinced that there was absolutely NO POINT in “rebooting” Suicide Squad. Nothing is different, this is just essentially the new arc that followed Forever Evil.
Red Hood & the Outlaws #38
Jason Todd risks everything to save Starfire as he takes on Crux high over the skies above Arkham Asylum! He may be outmatched, but Jason Todd has a new secret weapon: the power of the super-drug Venom.
Release Date: 1/21
I was convinced I was going to pick this book back up, but now I’m not so sure. Sean’s last review wasn’t that great, and my internal wisdom is yelling “caution” after reading this solicitation…
Secret Origins #9
Swamp Thing is in the spotlight in this new set of origin tales in a story written by Charles Soule with art by Javi Pina. Also in this issue: the origins of Power Girl by Paul Levitz and Alisson Borges, and Green Lantern John Stewart by Van Jensen and Pat Broderick.
Release Date: 1/28
Powergirl is featured. I know it’s a little bit of a stretch, but she was one half of World’s Finest, and is featured in two books we cover, so it seems fitting to go ahead and include this issue in our reviews.
Teen Titans #6
The fight for the soul of the Teen Titans continues as S.T.A.R. Labs and the team find themselves bonding over a new common enemy, just as the Titans bring in a new member: Power Girl.
Release Date: 1/21
I’m COMPLETELY on board with this addition. I thought this was one of the most interesting plots in Worlds’ Finest before Kara and Helena went back to Earth 2. I know this book has felt a little lack-luster for the past two issues, but I’m convinced it will be a great story if you read the issues back-to-back.
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World’s Finest #30
Terrible times are coming for Earth-2: A refugee from Apokolips brings warnings of doom, an impatient emissary is determined to bring Superman back for her master, and Batman wonders if Terry Sloan plans to betray the world. The secret history of Superman and Batman moves toward its awful climax!
Release Date: 1/14
This arc should just be called “Earth 2: World’s End – Attempt 1.”
Special Features:
There are some titles that we don’t usually cover that are crossing over, or featuring, characters/books, so we wanted to put that on your radar.
Constantine #21
With legions of Parademons on the attack, Constantine forges an alliance with Doctor Fate. But as time begins to run out, will they escape Earth-2 – or help destroy it?
Release Date: 1/14
Constantine crossed over with Earth 2 this month (October), and it’s at least going to run through January. We’ve been discussing whether or not we should or shouldn’t review it, so we’re going to leave that fate in your hands. If you want reviews of Constantine during this arc, let us know. One of us will gladly deliver them for you.
Deathstroke #4
Slade’s journey into his past takes an unexpected turn, leading him to Gotham City – and Harley Quinn!
Release Date: 1/28
I just read the debut of this issue, and thought it was good. It was insanely violent, and at times I felt like Daniel’s was trying a little too hard, but this is Deathstroke after all. If you have a Deathstroke book, and it’s not violent, then it doesn’t feel right. The January issue features Harley, so either Elena or I will bring you a review. And for those of you that are wondering, the only connection its shown to New Suicide Squad, was Slade referencing Russia.
