I think I’m having some form of memory dyslexia… I doubt that’s a real thing, but I’m going to run with it. Last week, I kept writing 2014 every time I wrote the date, and felt like a moron. Well, I’m proud to say that I haven’t written 2014 by mistake in the past week… however, now I keep writing December instead of January… There’s no hope for me…
Anyway, the Golden Globes were Sunday night. I’m not sure if you tuned in, but I did. All of this movie talk get’s me thinking about the films I still need/want to see, films that are coming out soon, and films that I wish would be made… and yes, they’re usually comic book related. But really, there are so many great stories in comics, that it’s only a matter of time before they are transitioned to film. So I’m curious. What comic book story would you like to see on the big screen? Court of the Owls? Hush? The Killing Joke? The Dark Knight Returns? Another great comic story that’s not related to Batman? Let us know in the comments section!
Before you do that though, and before you check out this week’s releases and vote on your favorite cover, I want to take a moment to recognize one of our team members. Due to his current workload, Jesse Kennedy has decided to end his run here at Batman-News.com. All of us here volunteer our time, and we do so for a love of comics, and the enjoyment of interacting with others that love comics as well. Unfortunately, these instances will occur. Jesse didn’t want a formal announcement – that’s the kind of guy he is – but he deserves one. He’s been a great asset to the site, has worked his butt off to deliver multiple reviews, and is just an awesome person in general. He even offered to continue covering Futures End until it closes in a few months – again, this is the kind of guy that he is – but will be relinquishing reviews for his other titles. We’re already working on some plans to cover his workload, and will make that announcement soon. But for now, make sure you thank Jesse for his time and his work!
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. After that, you’ll find a poll for this week’s best cover! Should you have trouble picking one cover, no worries! The poll is open so you can select as many covers as you’d like. And of course, I (we) want to hear from you in the comments section! 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 14th
Grayson #6
It’s the battle you never thought you’d see, as Grayson goes toe to toe with the Midnighter!
Art by: Mikel Janin
Cover by: Mikel Janin
Variant cover by: Jock
Written by: Tom King, Tim Seeley
Random Blurb of Excitement: I can’t get enough of this book!… That’s all.
Batman News Critic: Jay (The new, official critic of Grayson.)
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?
Art by: Mike S. Miller, Bruno Redondo
Cover by: Mike S. Miller
Written by: Tom Taylor
Random Blurb of Excitement: This an interesting look into what could’ve taken place had Superman not lost it, and killed the Joker. I’m also sad to say that this is Tom Taylor’s last issue! He’s delivered one hell of a story so far, and deserves all the praise you can give him! The past two and a half years of Injustice have been nothing short of phenomenal thanks to this man!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batman Eternal #41
Nanites are tearing The Narrows apart! Can Red Robin stop them while the rest of the city burns?
Art by: Joseph A Quinones Jr.
Cover by: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis
Written by: Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, James T Tynion IV
Random Blurb of Excitement: I thought last week’s issue was a step in the right direction, so I’m hoping this issue continues that trend. And to be honest, even when Eternal is “bad,” it’s still better than a number of books that get released!
Batman News Critic: Brandon
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!
Art by: Babs Tarr
Cover by: Cameron Stewart
Variant cover by: Aaron Lopresti
Written by: Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart
Random Blurb of Excitement: As much as I like the fun nature of this book, I hope the tone changes just a little. I’m slowly losing my excitement for this change, and now that the newness is wearing off, I’m left wondering what’s next. Ultimately, this is starting to feel less and less like a Batgirl book to me.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Earth 2: World’s End #15
The final fate of Earth-2’s Clark Kent is revealed!
Art by: Paulo Siqueira, Jorge Jimenez, Eduardo Pansica, Eddy Barrows
Cover by: Andrea Sorrentino
Written by: Mike Johnson, Marguerite Bennett, Daniel H. Wilson
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m not doing back flips for this title, but it’s enjoyable. I miss how strong the narrative was for Earth 2 prior to World’s End, but I wouldn’t consider the book bad.
Batman News Critic: Sean
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!
Art by: Art Thibert, Aaron Lopresti
Cover by: Ryan Sook
Written by: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello
Random Blurb of Excitement: I haven’t been kind to this book, and I openly admit that I haven’t read this title since issue twelve or so… but Jesse typically gives Futures End a score between 5 and 7 (last week being the exception). While I’m not a fan, and I’m not reading the title, I’m pretty confident that it’s not worse than some other titles that are currently part of DC’s lineup.
Batman News Critic: Jesse
Worlds 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!
Art by: Jed Dougherty
Cover by: Yildiray Cinar
Written by: Paul Levitz
Random Blurb of Excitement: To be frank, I’ve been really disappointed with Levitz’s run in the New 52. This title has been a let-down since its launch, and right as it started getting decent, the book changed directions. I’m glad this book is coming to a close so new, potentially better books can get a chance to succeed.
Batman News Critic: Sean
New Suicide Squad #6
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!
Art by: Rob Hunter
Cover by: Juan Ferreyra
Written by: Sean Ryan
Random Blurb of Excitement: This book has become a mess… An absolute mess… A messy mess… If Sean Ryan keeps up this trend, he’s going to give Nocenti a run for her money… Hot mess.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batman Black & White Vol. 4 (Softcover) – The legendary, Eisner Award-winning series BATMAN BLACK AND WHITE returns in a brand-new volume featuring tales of the Dark Knight by some of comics’ greatest writers and artists!
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 next week. Last week’s winner can be found in the spoiler tag!
These results were CLOSE! There was a 1% difference between the first and second place cover, so I feel that both deserve to be recognized:
Runner Up: Batman Eternal #40 by Joe Prado & Ivan Reis (33% of the votes)
Winner: Detective Comics #38 by Francis Manapul (34% of the votes)
