Is it just me, or does this week feel lighter than usual? I know some titles ended in November, so I’m assuming one/some of them were released the second week each month… It’s all a blur to me. Days, weeks, months… My awareness of time has essentially disappeared. Maybe I’m just getting old…
Anyway, 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! 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…
December 10th
Batman Eternal #36
The Batmobile is in flames, and Batman’s enemies have won…but reporter Vicki Vale has learned the secret that could turn everything around!
Art by: Fernando Blanco
Cover by: Tommy Lee Edwards
Written by: Tim Seeley, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: This easily tops my list this week. There should be no surprises here.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Batgirl #37
The Batgirl of Burnside is the name on everyone’s lips…but she sure is acting strange since she took up residence in Gotham City’s outer borough! Dangerous joyrides? Photo ops? Sequins? Either Barbara Gordon’s gone off the deep end – or there’s a doppelganger under that cowl!
Art by: Babs Tarr
Cover by: Cameron Stewart
Variant cover by: Bengal, Darwyn Cooke
Written by: Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve enjoyed the creative change so far, despite the fact that this feels like the beginning of Barbara’s career as Batgirl. Overall it’s been fun, but I do miss Simone a little… especially knowing she was forced to do “darker” narratives. That being said, I’m really curious to see who this imposter Batgirl is. The cover makes me think of RuPaul’s Drag Race meets Batgirl though…
Batman News Critic: Elena
Harley Quinn Holiday Special #1
We got you a present, comics fans – a gut-busting (sometimes literally) collection of short stories featuring Harley and her special brand of holiday cheer! Can she get through Christmas dinner without blowing something up? Who will survive the war of the department-store Santas? Don’t miss this one – after all, you can’t spell “holidays” without “Harley!” (Give or take a couple letters.)
Art by: Darwyn Cooke, Various, John Timms
Cover by: Amanda Conner
Variant cover by: Amanda Conner
Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
Random Blurb of Excitement: I know I’m waiting for the trades of this title, but I’ll be picking up this issue! I love Christmas and Harley on their own… but put them together and it feels like a wonderful, match made in heaven.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Earth 2: World’s End #10
Darkseid rises!
Art by: Tyler Kirkham, Jan Duursema-Mandrake, Jorge Jimenez, Eddy Barrows
Cover by: Paulo Siqueira
Written by: Mike Johnson, Marguerite Bennett, Daniel H. Wilson
Random Blurb of Excitement: The one week I decided not to pick up World’s End, Sean gives it a solid review… If it looks like the quality picks up over the next week or so, I’ll jump back in.
Batman News Critic: Sean
New Suicide Squad #5
A super-powered arms race could mean the end of the world – so the Squad is sent into China to stop the creation of a militarized Justice League! Nothing can prepare them – or you – for horror they find!
Art by: Jeremy Roberts
Cover by: Jeremy Roberts
Written by: Sean Ryan
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m going to steal one of Andrew’s old tag lines… “You don’t have to thank me.” This book just isn’t doing it for me… It could turn around though, so I’m hoping for the best. The stories and plot need to get a little more personal if it wants to pick up momentum though.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Futures End #32
Mr. Terrific’s been promising for months that the uSphere will change the world – but what happens when his promises push Manhattan to max capacity on release day? And Stormwatch finds their way back from a trip through the Multiverse – but they may not be as welcome as they thought.
Art by: Drew Geraci, Scott Eaton
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello
Random Blurb of Excitement: Jesse probably read my “You don’t have to thank me” comment for Suicide Squad and thought, “Are you kidding me? I deal with Futures End on a weekly basis!” To his potential thought of that, I say, “Touche! You win!”
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Worlds’ Finest #29
The secret history of Earth-2 continues! Superman tracks an Apokolips probe to Paradise, where finds an older woman – and she’s a wonder he never expected to meet! Meanwhile, Batman and Lois Lane collide on the trail of terrorists, but find a thief who’s way ahead of them…
Art by: Jed Dougherty
Cover by: Yildiray Cinar
Written by: Paul Levitz
Random Blurb of Excitement: Yep… at the bottom… where it belongs…
Batman News Critic: Sean
Graphic Novel Watch
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Vol. 3 (Softcover) – These stories from issues #11-13 and 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR #1 explore Batman’s relationship with Alfred during his early years as a crimefighter, his methods of dealing with super-powered foes and more.
Nightwing Vol. 5: Setting Son (Softcover) – Nightwing has moved to Chicago, but the ghosts of Gotham City won’t let him be. The Mad Hatter forces Nightwing into an uneasy alliance with the mysterious Marionette – and the sins of Dick’s past will come back to haunt him unless he can make peace with his previous life. Collecting issues #25-30 of the hit series, plus ANNUAL #1!
Red Hood & the Outlaws Vol. 5: The Big Picture – Featuring a BATMAN: ZERO YEAR tie-in, this action-packed volume finds the Outlaws in their toughest bind yet. Ra’s al Ghul is back, the Outlaws are being held captive, and Jason Todd has lost his memories. Collects issues #27-31, plus DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #17-18.
Worlds’ Finest Vol. 4: First Contact (Softcover) – Power Girl and Huntress meet Superman and Batman for the first time in these tales from WORLDS’ FINEST #18-22 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN #8-9! How can the teams stop Kaizen Gamorra’s plot to depower Power Girl and unlock the secrets of the Superman of Earth 2?
