Remember last week when I kind of complained about there not being many releases? Well, we definitely make up for it this week! There’s A LOT to cover this week, and on top of day-to-day spending, Christmas, and comics, my wallet is definitely going to feel the impact! On the positive note, there are a lot of good titles this week, and I had to stop writing this article and grab a bite to eat to try and determine my order. Needless to say, I’ve gone back and forth over quite a few of them, and this is another week where there will be multiple ties for the top spot. It’s also that time of month when we work Jesse and Sean like dogs… They’ve got quite a bit to cover this week. I’ll also have March solicitations to you by tomorrow morning!
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 17th
Batman #37
The ultra top-secret Batman arc known only as “Endgame,” continues – it’s a story arc so steeped in mystery, all we can tell you is the title!
Art by: Danny Miki, Greg Capullo
Backup Written by: James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Cover by: Greg Capullo
Variant cover by: Andy Kubert, Darwyn Cooke
Written by: Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: Waiting a month to read each chapter of this arc feels like a crime! I almost threw a tantrum last week when I realized this title had been pushed back…That alone should let you know how excited I am.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Justice League #37
Super heroes are no more! What it means to be human is in question! The world is on the brink of a new stage of evolution – or total extinction! – and it’s up to the Justice League to save it! “THE AMAZO VIRUS” continues to devastate the Western World as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Lex Luthor struggle to not only contain the virus, but cure those affected by it. But as they work against the clock, a legion of assassins is out for Lex Luthor’s head. Will the Justice League protect Luthor…or the world?
Art by: Jason Fabok
Cover by: Scott Williams, Jim Lee
Variant cover by: Mike Choi, Darwyn Cooke
Written by: Geoff Johns
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m really enjoying this arc, and I can’t wait to see where the creative team decides to take it. I’m standing firm to my prediction that this will end up being the best arc of the New 52 Justice League to date.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Batman Eternal #37
Only Catwoman can help Batman now, but Catwoman is long gone! In her place? A woman more ruthless than Batman ever expected…
Art by: Andrea Mutti
Cover by: Tommy Lee Edwards
Written by: Tim Seeley, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: It’s hard to believe there’s only a few more months left of Eternal’s first year! The book definitely has it’s bumps, but when it’s on, it’s ON!
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Catwoman #37
“Family Business” part 3! Black Mask strikes! He’s out for blood – and Selina’s place on the throne of Gotham City’s criminal underworld!
Art by: Garry Brown
Cover by: Jae Lee
Variant cover by: Darwyn Cooke
Written by: Genevieve Valentine
Random Blurb of Excitement: Some people have stated that the change in direction has been “boring,” but I’m loving it! Valentine has laid down an extremely solid foundation that is building tension incredibly fast. Catch up now if you haven’t been reading! This will definitely go down as one of Selina’s most defining moments in comics.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Batman & Robin #37
Batman vs. Darkseid! The penultimate chapter of “Robin Rises” is here! Can Batman bring Damian Wayne back from death? Concluded in this month’s Robin Rises: Alpha
Art by: Mick Gray, Patrick Gleason
Cover by: Mick Gray, Patrick Gleason
Variant cover by: Darwyn Cooke
Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m just ready to have Damian back. I miss the dynamic between he and Bruce, but until then, at least we get to see Batman kicking some major ass!
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Teen Titans #5
As a deadly new drug hits the streets of New York City, the Titans take on a new team member!
Art by: Scott Hepburn
Cover by: Kenneth Rocafort
Variant cover by: Darwyn Cooke
Written by: Will Pfeifer
Random Blurb of Excitement: I know some people have been unimpressed with the re-launch, but I’ve enjoyed it. I definitely think this books has a slow burn, but it’s interesting. I feel like I need to commend Pfeifer for taking his time to let a story develop, rather than go for the quick jab. I will say that this book, like many others at the moment, does need a sense of purpose though.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
The Multiversity: Thunderworld #1
The fifth chapter of the greatest adventure in DC Comics history is here!
Acclaimed for their collaborations on BATMAN AND ROBIN, SEAGUY and SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY: THE MANHATTAN GUARDIAN, superstar writer Grant Morrison and renowned artist Cameron Stewart deliver some magic to THE MULTIVERSITY with a breathtaking journey to Earth-5 – A.K.A. Thunderworld!
With a single word, Billy Batson transforms from boy reporter for Whiz Media into the world’s Mightiest Mortal – Captain Marvel! Along with the other members of the Marvel Family, Captain Marvel battles dastardly villains like Mr. Mind and the Monster Society of Evil! But now, his greatest foe has attacked the Rock of Eternity – the source of the Marvel Family’s power – and it could mean the end of reality as we know it! What impossible villains are Sivana teaming up with who could spell doom for the Multiverse? From where did Sivana’s children get their newfound super powers? And what does the appearance of one mysterious comic book mean for the heroes of Thunderworld?
Find out all that and more in this exciting issue that acts as chapter five of THE MULTIVERSITY.
Art by: Cameron Stewart
Cover by: Cameron Stewart
Variant cover by: Cully Hamner, Cliff Chiang, Cameron Stewart, Grant Morrison
Written by: Grant Morrison
Random Blurb of Excitement: I know that last month I did something I said I would never do… I gave a book, this book, a 10. You would think that would boost my excitement level for this title, but it doesn’t. In fact, it makes me dread it a little more. No other Multiversity issue is going to compare to Pax Americana. And as much as I enjoy the thought of the Thunderworld, I’m getting fatigue with this one-off story formula that doesn’t really go anywhere.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Earth 2: World’s End #11
Mister Miracle battles Darkseid – with the fate of the New Gods and Earth-2 as the stakes
Art by: Paulo Siqueira
Cover by: Jae Lee
Written by: Mike Johnson, Marguerite Bennett, Daniel H. Wilson
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m glad to see that this title is picking things up a little! Hopefully the creative team will maintain the pace, and race to the finish.
Batman News Critic: Sean
Batman/ Superman #17
Who is Superman’s Joker? It seems it’s the Unseen Terror, who makes the battle personal for Superman! How? By attacking all things related to the Man of Steel! Together, Batman and Superman start to track down suspects – and the first one is Lobo!
Art by: Sandra Hope, Ardian Syaf
Cover by: Danny Miki, Ardian Syaf
Variant cover by: Leandro Fernandez, Darwyn Cooke
Written by: Greg Pak
Random Blurb of Excitement: I stopped reading this title due to all of the delays it faced, and didn’t pick it back up after the creative change. Unfortunately, those previous delays have left a bad taste in my mouth, and I’m hesitant to jump back in.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Red Hood & the Outlaws #37
Revealed at last: the secret history of Roy Harper and Oliver Queen in The New 52!
Art by: RB Silva
Cover by: Stephen Segovia
Written by: Scott Lobdell
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m tempted to pick this issue up, but as enticing as it sounds, I don’t trust Lobdell to deliver.
Batman News Critic: Sean
Teen Titans Go! #7
When Starfire develops a massive crush on the latest teen pop sensation, Robin will stop at nothing to recapture her attention – even if he must become a teen idol himself! Plus: Cyborg gets an awesome new jacket!
Art by: Jorge Corona, Ben Bates
Cover by: Daniel Hipp
Written by: Merrill Hagan, Sholly Fisch
Random Blurb of Excitement: As a reminder, the only reason this title is so low on my list, is because I’m not reading it. It’s a great family-friendly selection though, so if you have young kids, you should definitely pick it up!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #6
Arcane Supergirl, Zatanna and Zod are already battling impossible odds when Arcane Doomsday suddenly materializes back into their world. But help is on the way, as friends are reunited and one very surprising visitor from the Gaslight Universe tries to lend a hand.
Art by: Agustin Padilla, Eduardo Francisco
Cover by: Freddie E Williams II
Written by: Dan Abnett
Random Blurb of Excitement: This is another title I’m not reading, but unlike Teen Titans Go! I’m not hearing any positive feedback pertaining to this book.
Batman News Critic: Sean
Futures End #33
Firestorm is back in action! But any worries that they may now be stuck together won’t matter if they’re struck down by the new Dr. Polaris! Plus: Giant monsters battle in space!
Art by: Art Thibert, Scott Eaton, Aaron Lopresti
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello
Random Blurb of Excitement: First off… this cover is creepy. Second, I’m not reading this title, but if I were, do you know what would be a major turn-off for me? “Giant monsters battle in space!” I cringing.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Batwoman #37
The cultish crimes continue to corrupt Gotham City – and their next target is…Clayface? Also, Batwoman’s toxic connection to Nocturna continues to spiral down to a place where even demons fear to tread!
Art by: Georges Jeanty
Cover by: Rafael Albuquerque
Written by: Marc Andreyko
Random Blurb of Excitement: To put it lightly, I’m not looking forward to this… at all.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batgirl Vol. 4: Wanted (Softcover) – In these tales from BATGIRL #20-26 and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #23.1: VENTRILOQUIST, Batgirl struggles to continue fighting crime after the death of her brother, James, Jr. With her relationships with both Batman and her father strained, Batgirl must face one of Batman’s most ruthless villains: The Ventriloquist.
Batgirl Vol. 5: Deadline (Hardcover) – It’s a hazardous reunion between Batgirl and the former Court of Owls assassin Strix as they face off against the lethal new threat known as Silver – the man who knows the secret of Gotham City’s conspiracy of bats! Collects BATGIRL #27-34 and ANNUAL #2.
Batman & Robin Vol. 5: The Big Burn (Hardcover) – The origin of Two-Face begins as Batman finds himself in the crossfire of a vengeful war between Two-Face and mobster Erin McKillen! Both are hellbent on killing each other and anyone else who dares to step between them. Don’t miss these explosive tales from BATMAN AND TWO-FACE #24-28 and BATMAN AND ROBIN ANNUAL #2.
Futures End: Five Years Later Omnibus (Hardcover) – In September 2014, every DC Universe series revealed the shocking fates of heroes including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern and many more. Written and illustrated by top talent including Dan Jurgens, Charles Soule, Brian Azzarello, Scott Snyder, Jeff Lemire and many more! This massive hardcover collects all of the September 2014 Futures End specials!
Identity Crisis: The Tenth Anniversary Edition (Hardcover) – The stunning mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer is back in a new hardcover! When the spouse of a JLA member is brutally murdered, the entire super hero community searches for the killer, fearing their own loved ones may be the next targets.
Superman/Batman Vol. 2 (Softcover) – Batman and Superman rule the Earth, and humanity must choose: obey or die! But will a team of unlikely freedom fighters save the world or destroy it? Also, the World’s Finest heroes take on a squad of revenge-seeking heroes on the hunt for the murderer of one of their teammates – and their top suspects are Batman and Superman. Collects SUPERMAN/BATMAN issues #14-26.
