First off, I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is Thursday! Where has November gone? Where has 2014 gone? This whole year has been a blur! On the plus side, I have a long weekend ahead of me, and it will be the perfect time to knock out some comics! Turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and comics! It will be heaven!
But before we get to Turkey Day, let’s talk about Valentine’s Day and smooching! On Monday, DC released their solicitations and covers for February 2015. There aren’t any real shake-ups, with the creative team, but it still looks like it will be a good month. I have a feeling that DC has new titles that they’re preparing to launch, but I don’t think they’ll announce anything until we get closer to the Convergence event. There is no fact behind this, it’s just a hunch… but my gut feelings are usually right. We have a Harley Quinn Valentine’s Day special – which shouldn’t be a surprise considering the book’s sales (by the way, have you checked out Brandon’s post covering the sales of each book? If not, you can find it HERE.)
Anyway, if you’re still with me, 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 any particular order (accept how DC had them listed on their site – which is mostly alphabetical). 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!
February 2015
Arkham Manor #5
The insanity of Arkham Manor floods the streets of Gotham City!
Release Date: 2/25
Oh God… Another Arkham breakout? I really hope that’s not the case. I really, REALLY hope this book isn’t resorting to that already.
Batgirl # 39
For months, Batgirl’s been hounded by an unseen threat claiming to be the “real” Batgirl…and the truth of her enemy’s identity will shock her to her very core!
Release Date: 2/11
I’m not going to lie, I’m curious to know who this other Batgirl is, and how she knows Barbara. Naturally I’m going to assume it’s one of her new roommates, but I hope the reveal is less obvious than that.
Batman #39
“Endgame” part 5. The Joker is back! The penultimate issue of the Clown Prince of Crime’s horrifying return! Plus, in the backup story, the inmates and Mahreen finally learn the truth about The Joker!
Release Date: 2/11
I’m loving this arc! That’s all. Thanks.
Batman and Robin #39
Has Damian Wayne become something more than human? And how do you control a reckless child who now has super powers?
Release Date: 2/18
I know I whined about not having Damian, and don’t get me wrong I’m glad he’s back, but I don’t like the idea of him having powers. I just want him to be a dangerous little brat. I do appreciate the nod to Action Comics #1 though!
Batman Eternal #44
One of the only people who knows what truly happened at Arkham Asylum is about to escape Gotham City…but not if Batman gets to him first!
Release Date: 2/4
Batman Eternal #45
Nothing in his experience with cutting-edge technology could prepare Batwing for a battle against the vengeful spirits who’ve taken control of his armor!
Release Date: 2/11
Batman Eternal #46
Is Batman eternal? Perhaps…but only one of the Dark Knight’s foes truly knows the meaning of the word!
Release Date: 2/18
Batman Eternal #47
In the new order of Gotham City, Selina Kyle holds all the cards…and now it’s up to master spy Julia Pennyworth to steal them back!
Release Date: 2/25
Eternal has kicked it back into high gear, and I’m loving it! I really enjoyed seeing Julia get to do a little more in this last issue, so I’m glad we’ll see more of her. As for the foe that truly knows the meaning of the word “eternal”…. Ra’s al Ghul? Who else would it be?
Batman ’66 #20
Gotham City has a new hero in town: Joker Man! Can it be? Has the Clown Prince of Crime now become a comedic crimefighter? This new Joker seems to be sincere about lassoing the lawless by rounding up all the criminals, including some of his former allies! In fact, he’s so good at it that the citizenry wonders if they still need Batman and Robin at all!
Release Date: 2/25
Batman/Superman #19
Superman and Batman have learned the devastating truth behind the identity of the unseen terrorists they’ve been pursuing. But will they recover in time to stop them from killing more innocents?
Release Date: 2/18
Batwoman #39
The mystery of Red Alice! Is Batwoman’s sister truly reformed?
Release Date: 2/18
I wish I could get excited about this… but I can’t… This book has turned to crap now.
Catwoman #39
Will Selina save Gotham City? Or will she burn it to the ground?
Release Date: 2/25
I greatly enjoyed the debut of the new creative team. I thought it was a nice start to a new direction, and I’m hoping the team continues to surprise us with layered characters and plots. This book could easily become “boring,” so the team will really need to ensure they keep the spirit of Catwoman alive. And I must say, after reading Brandon’s sales report, there aren’t enough people reading Catwoman! Especially since the creative change! Give this book a chance if you’re not reading it. I think it will surprise you.
Detective Comics #39
Can Batman put an end to Anarky once and for all? Or will the citizens of Gotham City even let him try?
Release Date: 2/4
If the team pulls off a solid ending for this arc, then it could be epic! I would have a substantially greater level of excitement had Icarus ended well, but it didn’t… It pretty much fell apart and flopped around on the floor in the last issue. Shame. Regardless, we know that the art alone will be worth our money, and I’m looking forward to Anarky as well.
Earth 2 #31
Dr. Fate makes his powerful presence known on Apokolips!
Release Date: 2/4
Earth 2: World’s End #18
As Apokolips burns, Green Lantern falls – and the Earth is left unprotected.
Release Date: 2/4
Earth 2: World’s End #19
Superman and Power Girl team up to turn the tide in the fight with Darkseid’s Furies.
Release Date: 2/11
Earth 2: World’s End #20
Apokolips’s plans for Earth-2 are finally revealed, leaving the heroes in shock!
Release Date: 2/18
Earth 2: World’s End #21
Does Oliver Queen hold the answers to saving Earth-2?
Release Date: 2/25
I’ve been very open about how this book (er… books) hasn’t been meeting my expectations. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, it’s just not as enjoyable or epic as I thought it would be. The book is still quite a bit of fun, and has the potential to gain quite a bit of momentum as it starts racing towards the finish line.
Futures End #40
All stories converge as Brainiac and the Blood Moon arrive at the Futures End!
Release Date: 2/4
Futures End #41
The Justice League splits into teams to battle the dual threat of Brainiac and the Blood Moon, while the Batman team and Mr. Terrific try to take down Brother Eye – in the present and the future!
Release Date: 2/11
Futures End #42
Will Brainiac’s arrival be the catalyst that dooms the DCU to the future seen in issue #0? Brother Eye makes his move, and humanity may become collateral damage.
Release Date: 2/18
Futures End #43
Major fallout from last issue’s shocking demise of humanity’s one hope against apocalypse!
Release Date: 2/25
I’m assuming Futures End will lead into the Convergence event, which could possibly be another opportunity for DC to “re-write their wrongs,” but who knows. I’ve decided that I’m not going to add the book back in my rotation after all. I was tempted to, but Jesse’s reviews have essentially helped me identify my issue with this book – decent story, terrible execution.
Gotham Academy #7
This month’s assignment: Uncover the hideous secrets of Gotham Academy’s North Hall! Also: smooching?!
Release Date: 2/4
Smooching!?!?!? Ewww! Cooties! Wait… sorry, that was my inner 12 year old girl coming out… I like smooching. While Gotham Academy is definitely intended for a target audience, I still find it to be a refreshingly enjoyable addition to my reading cycle.
Gotham by Midnight #4
Dr. Szandor Tarr is far from what anyone would consider social, but will it turn out he’s more at home with an insect monster savaging Gotham City than he is with the Midnight Shift?
Release Date: 2/25
I don’t plan on picking this up – just being honest – but I will definitely keep a close eye on Elena’s reviews. It could easily be a trade that I add to my rotation.
Grayson #7
Grayson and Helena must battle their old foes, the Fist of Cain!
Release Date: 2/4
Yes, please! I want it now! And maybe my memory is a little foggy and this has already been answered, but do we think the Fist of Cain could have anything to do with David Cain? I’m seeing the words “Cassandra” and “Cain” pop up a lot, but they’re not popping up together. That’s posing a problem for me.
Harley Quinn #15
Harley was certain she could have it all: She could be the world’s best landlord, protect Coney Island from the scum of the Earth, woo Mason Macabre, work her day job as a psychiatrist, volunteer at the puppy shelter…but that’s a whole lot of spinning plates, and eventually they’re bound to start breaking! What happens when a psychopath cracks up? Is it possible for Harley to go even more insane?!
Release Date: 2/25
Harley Quinn Valentine’s Day Special #1
Love is in the air in New York City! The planet’s richest bachelor, Bruce Wayne, is in town for a charity auction – and the highest bidder gets a date with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Brooding! Good thing Harley Quinn just came into some money (please, whatever you do, don’t ask how). But can Bruce really spend a night with Harley without her learning how he spends his nights?
Release Date: 2/11
Oh. My. God. This is probably going to be freaking hilarious… I might have to pick this issue up…
Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #8
The first mission comes to an end as the battle to save Nil reaches its conclusion. Facing impossible odds against Nightmare Brainiac and his legion of Nightmare Metallos, the heroes’ only hope is to reignite the defenses of the Monitor’s tower. And the person they have to rely on to do this is none other than Lex Luthor of the Gaslight World!
Release Date: 2/18
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three #9
The new Deadman tracks down The Spectre but makes a shocking discovery. Meanwhile, Trigon launches an attack on Superman, and not even the power of Wonder Woman is enough to help. Plus, the identity of Superman’s secret protector is revealed.
Release Date: 2/4
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three #10
A world-shattering magical battle is under way, involving some of the most powerful beings in the universe. Batman, Constantine and the Birds of Prey launch a full out assault on Swamp Thing and his allies. And Batman has a final good-bye with the last person he’d expect.
Release Date: 2/18
Despite the fact that Year 3 hasn’t captivated my like the previous years, Injustice is still one of my favorite books!
Justice League #39
“The Amazo Virus” concludes with haunting consequences!
Release Date: 2/18
I’m still going to stand behind my belief that this will be the strongest Justice League to come out of the New 52 to date…
Justice League 3000 #13
Beetle and Booster! Fire and Ice! The Injustice League! Etrigan the Demon! Not to mention the Justice League (no, not that one, the one we’re doing). C’mon, people, we’re bending over backward here! At least meet us halfway – maybe flip through the issue at your local comics shop?
Release Date: 2/4
The Multiversity: Director’s Cut
The first monumental issue of THE MULTIVERSITY is back in this new Director’s Cut Edition, presenting Ivan Reis’s pencil artwork! This special comes polybagged with a 26.5” x 30.5” version of the sensational Map of the Multiverse poster, designed by Rian Hughes from Grant Morrison’s notes! Also included are preliminary character designs by Morrison and Reis, and more!
Release Date: 2/25
The Multiversity: The Mastermen
Superstar writer Grant Morrison joins legendary artist Jim Lee on Earth-10 for one of the most dynamic, action-packed issues of this entire world-shattering series – THE MULTIVERSITY: MASTERMEN!
Release Date: 2/18
I doubt anything from The Multiversity will top Pax Americana for me, but I am curious to see what else Morrison has in-store for us.
New Suicide Squad #7
As Deadshot recovers from serious injuries in Belle Reve prison, Black Manta struggles to keep the team’s current mission in China from imploding. But after they’ve awakened the country’s newest super-weapon, the whole team – including Harley Quinn and Reverse-Flash – won’t all be coming back.
Release Date: 2/11
Red Hood & the Outlaws #39
As Arsenal and Red Hood confront their demons, Starfire is out for blood when she hunts down the person responsible for her recent addiction. But will her act of vengeance help her – or destroy her?
Release Date: 2/18
Secret Origins #10
Get ready for The New 52 origins of Batgirl (written by Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher with art by Irene Koh), Firestorm (courtesy of writer Dan Jurgens and artist Sean Chen) and Poison Ivy (coming your way from writer Caitlin Kittredge and artist Stjepan Sejic)!
Release Date: 2/25
Batgirl and Poison Ivy! This should be a decent issue!
Secret Six #3
Her name is Strix. What is her secret?!
Release Date: 2/4
Guess what? We’re going to cover Secret Six on a monthly basis! Who’s going to cover it? Well, that remains to be seen, BUT, you will get monthly reviews. You can thank the confirmation of Strix for this wonderful news!
Teen Titans #7
There’s a monstrous evil lurking in the bowels of S.T.A.R. Labs! Can the Titans save the day before they become another experiment?
Release Date: 2/18
I can’t wait to see where the creative team ultimately decides to take this book. It feels like they have a solid, long-term plan in place, and I’m hoping this book just continues to grow and improve.
Teen Titans Go #8
The day the Titans have been dreading all year has finally arrived. A day of unimaginable pain. Insurmountable loneliness. Inconceivable amounts of ice cream. That’s right – it’s Valentine’s Day!
Release Date: 2/18
World’s Finest #31
“Signs” of the Apocalypse? Death and destruction are increasing on Earth-2, and only the watchful eye of Batman sees how the patterns fit. Can he persuade Superman to take precautions before the price becomes very personal?
Release Date: 2/11
I really wish they would just cancel this book and give us something that’s not a Batman/Superman team-up.
Special Features:
There are some titles that we don’t usually cover that are crossing over, or featuring, characters/books we do cover, so we wanted to put that on your radar.
Constantine #22
The stakes have never been higher for John Constantine as his plan to escape Earth-2 puts the fate of an entire universe at risk!
Deathstroke #5
Deathstroke vs. Batman – with Harley Quinn stuck in the middle! The most intense, brutal battle in the history of The New 52 takes place in this issue!
We’re not covering Deathstroke with full reviews each month, but I’ll be including blurbs about it in our Break from Batman post. We will post full reviews for the Harley and Batman tie-ins though! Also, this cover is AWESOME!
