January 7, 2015
Happy New Year everyone! I’ve written “2014” on so many things the past four days that I’ve become paranoid about whether or not I’m writing the correct date (I checked this post at least three times to make sure it said 2015 in the title). I’ve decided I should just prepare myself for quite a few “oh crap!” moments for the next few weeks, because I know it’s going to continue to happen…
But alas, 2015 is here, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’m looking forward (and crossing my fingers) that we have a great year in Batman comics. Hopefully we’ll get some nice new Bat titles post-Convergence (*cough* Outsiders *cough* Birds of Prey re-launch *cough* Red Robin *cough*), especially considering the mass cancelations that just happened this past month! We’ve also been launching new features to the Comics section of Batman-News.com, and will continue to do so as we move into the new year. Andrew recently posted a Best of 2014 Batman Comics, which we will continue monthly! Another new feature we’re introducing – starting with this post – is a poll to vote for the best cover released each week! After all of this week’s releases have been listed, you will find a poll to vote for this week’s best cover. Now, if you’re like me, choosing one cover can be a little too difficult, so we’ve set the poll up so that you can choose multiple covers if you feel it’s a tie! The cover that wins will be announced in the following week’s Upcoming Comics post as well.
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…
January 7th
Detective Comics #38
The people of Gotham City have spoken – and now, Anarky runs wild in the streets!
Art by: Francis Manapul
Cover by: Francis Manapul
Variant cover by: Yuko Shimizu, Joshua Middleton
Written by: Brian Buccellato, Francis Manapul
Random Blurb of Excitement: I enjoyed last month’s debut of this arc, and I’m looking forward to see how the story develops from here. There is still some slight hesitation on whether or not this story will end well, but until them, I’m going to enjoy each issue as it comes! Plus, how can you not love this art?
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Batman Eternal #40
It’s three-way battle for survival between Batman, The Riddler…and Mother Nature?
Art by: Paolo Armitano, Davide Furnò
Cover by: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis
Written by: Tim Seeley, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Random Blurb of Excitement: Eternal has been in one of its ruts lately, but I’m holding out that it will pick back up soon. I REALLY hope Batman knocks the crap out of the Riddler after how annoying he was last week. And hopefully this “Arkham War Part 2” plot will go away soon.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
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.
Art by: Andy Smith
Cover by: Ken Lashley
Written by: Marguerite Bennett, Mike Johnson
Random Blurb of Excitement: This book has picked up, but it still isn’t as good as Earth 2 was in its beginning stages. One of the aspects that I’m not sure I connect with, are the Earth Avatars… It’s an interesting story, but I feel like a keep waiting to be able to connect with them, and I just don’t think it’s possible. But overall, the book is a good read, fun read.
Batman News Critic: Sean
Earth 2: World’s End #14
Mister Miracle, Mister Terrific and Fury fight for their lives as they try to escape Apokolips!
Art by: Jack Herbert, Jan Duursema-Mandrake, Robson Rocha, Tyler Kirkham
Cover by: Andrea Sorrentino
Written by: Mike Johnson, Marguerite Bennett, Daniel H. Wilson
Random Blurb of Excitement: This plot is honestly the driving force of this book at the moment. Considering there’s roughly three months left, you can expect Earth 2 and World’s End to be on a mad race to the finish.
Batman News Critic: Sean
Legends of the Dark Knight: 100 Page Spectacular #5
In “Hell’s Bells,” Batman’s latest altercation with the Gotham City Police Department forces him to improvise, when they converge on a suspect – and the police try to take him out instead. Plus two other stories featuring the Dark Knight Detective!
Art by: Matt Clark, Cully Hamner, Scott Kolins
Cover by: Scott Kolins
Written by: Scott Kolins, J. Torres, Ron Marz
Random Blurb of Excitement: These stories are always a toss-up for me. Sometimes they’re really good, and sometimes they just fall short. It’s usually a fun gamble though. And when it does pay off, it’s always a nice, surprising gem.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Justice League 3000 #13
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!
Art by: Howard Porter
Cover by: Howard Porter
Written by: J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen
Random Blurb of Excitement: Sean listed this title as his biggest surprise of 2014. I haven’t been reading this book, but because of his praise, I’ll be picking this title up this week to try and catch up. It’s possible that Justice League 3000 will start climbing my list soon!
Batman News Critic: Sean
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.
Art by: Scott Hanna, Scott Eaton
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Brian Azzarello, Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire
Random Blurb of Excitement: I wish I could get behind this book, but I just can’t. I will admit that there are times that I see the plot, and think, “Oh wow! I should look into this again. It sounds fantastic.” Then I do, and feel let down because the execution just isn’t up to par. I know some of you really enjoy this book, but I would rather save my money.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Note:
Grayson #6 has been pushed back to 1/14.
Gotham Academy #4 has been pushed back to 1/21.
Graphic Novel Watch:
Absolute Batman, Incorporated (Hardcover) – Grant Morrison’s Batman saga is collected here in its entirety in stories BATMAN, INCORPORATED #1-8, BATMAN, INCORPORATED: LEVIATHAN RISES #1, BATMAN, INCORPORATED VOL. 2 #1-13 and BATMAN, INCORPORATED SPECIAL #1. After Bruce Wayne publicly announces the worldwide franchise of Batmen, he is joined in the war on crime by Knight and Squire, El Gaucho and Batwing. But as soon as Batman creates his own crimefighting force, another organization rises to challenge him: Leviathan. As the war between the two forces reaches its apex, Bruce Wayne will face the greatest tragedy of his life.
Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2 (Softcover) – From the ashes of Metropolis come Superman and the JLA’s newest ally: Lex Luthor! Against all odds, he’s not only survived but now embraces Superman’s goals. Of course, Lex has his own ideas for how to create a better world. The Man of Steel trusts him, but can the rest of his allies be so sure? Collecting INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US #7-12 and ANNUAL #1!
Now, with all of this week’s releases listed above, it’s time for you to sound off! What’s the best cover that is being released this week? If you’re like me, and can’t decide on just one, then you can select multiple if you would like. Vote using the poll below, and we’ll announce the winner in next week’s Upcoming Comics post!
