Upcoming Comics: May 6, 2015

We’re heading into the back-half of Convergence this week, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been surprised by some of these tie-ins. This week in particular is a strong week. I feel like the first three books in my ranking could’ve easily been at the top of my list depending on my mood. And all of this is coming off of an exciting weekend! The Kentucky Derby, Mayweather vs Pacquiao, Avengers: Age of Ultron (which I saw today and thought it was AWESOME!!!)… and now we get to follow up with Renee, Dick, Babs, Cassandra, and the Tim we all miss! I feel like I should go play the lottery!

Also, as a side note, Elena needed to take this week off because she’s battling for our world in Convergence… I’m kidding! She’s moving… but they’re practically the same thing. Anyway, we’ll be splitting her books up amongst the team this week, but don’t worry, she’ll be back before you know it! In the meantime, wish her safe travels and a successful move!

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. Then, as always, you’ll find graphic novels scheduled for release this week, along  with their cover as well thanks to some requests (note: graphic novel covers will not be included in the poll for best cover). 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…

 

May 6^th

 

Convergence: The Question #2
STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Renee Montoya’s final stand as The Question comes to a head as she helps Two-Face battle Flashpoint’s Harvey Dent…but will her world live on?

Written by Greg Rucka
Pencils and Inks by Cully Hamner
Colored by Dave McCaig
Cover by Cully Hamner and Dave McCaig

Random Blurb of Excitement: This could be mind-blowing if it’s done well! I LOVED the first installment of this tie-in, and am crossing my fingers that this issue is just as strong.

Batman News Critic: Sean

 

Convergence: Nightwing/ Oracle #2
STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! The fairy tale starring Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon tries to survive one more night – and a brutal attack by Flashpoint Hawkman and Hawkwoman!

Written by Gail Simone
Pencils by Jan Duursema
Inks by Dan Parsons
Colored by Wes Dzioba
Cover by Jill Thompson

Random Blurb of Excitement: Out of all of the tie-ins, I felt like Gail Simone provided the best set-up for the battle to come. I can’t wait to see what Oracle has up her sleeve! This will definitely be a battle of brains vs braun!

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

Convergence: Harley Quinn #2
STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy fight Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew – to the death!

Written by Steve Pugh
Pencils by Phil Winslade
Inks by John Dell
Colored by Chris Chuckry
Cover by Steve Pugh

Random Blurb of Excitement: I completely expect this to be all out entertainment! If there’s an issue that will be fun, it will most likely be this one!

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

Convergence: Batgirl #2
STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! What will be the final fate of Stephanie Brown as she battles both Flashpoint Grodd and Catman? Or is the real fight closer to home, against Red Robin?

Written by Alisa Kwitney
Pencils by Rick Leonardi
Inks by Mark Pennington
Colored by Steve Buccellato
Cover by Steve Buccellato, Dan Green, and Rick Leonardi

Random Blurb of Excitement: Let me be very clear, if Stephanie, in any way, beats Tim, this book is crap. I enjoy Steph, but she would never stand a chance against Cassandra or Tim. Ever.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

Convergence: Superman #1 & 2
STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! A powerless Superman is called upon to protect Gotham City…and his pregnant wife Lois Lane!

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Flashpoint Kal-El has kidnapped Lois while she’s in labor! Will Superman reach them in time—or will Flashpoint Batman have to deliver the Man of Steel’s only child?

Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils by Dan Jurgens
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Colored by Brad Anderson
Cover by Brad Anderson and Lee Weeks

Random Blurb of Excitement: Batman is popping up in this title, so we’re going to provide a recap of both issues. We will do this for a few other titles this month, including Convergence: Shazam, Convergence: Swamp Thing, and Convergence: Wonder Woman.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

Convergence #5
The threat to the Multiverse grows as Brainiac confronts his creation Telos, and the surviving heroes of Earth-2 are stuck in the middle!

Written by Jeff King
Pencils by Andy Kubert
Inks by Sandra Hope Archer
Colored by Brad Anderson and Peter Steigerwald
Cover by Brad Anderson and Andy Kubert

Random Blurb of Excitement: Hmmm… Could Telos become a good guy? It could happen… And if I’m being completely honest, he could be a great addition to DC’s team of heroes. I guess we’ll just have to see how this plays out, but they will most likely make him cannon fodder…

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

Convergence: Batman & Robin #2
STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! It’s a Bat-Family reunion with Bruce, Damian and Jason Todd, so you know things aren’t going to end well – but it gets a lot worse when Batman and Robin have to fight the Extremists!

Written by Ron Marz
Pencils by Denys Cowan
Inks by Klaus Janson
Colored by Chris Sotomayor
Cover by Denys Cowan, Klaus Janson, and Chris Sotomayor

Random Blurb of Excitement: This book was a huge disappoint last month, so it has taken its rightful place at the bottom of my list.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

 

Batman Earth One: Vol. 2 (Hardcover) – It’s here – the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller and critically acclaimed BATMAN: EARTH ONE by the superstar creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank! While Gotham City is plunged into terror by an enigmatic anarchist and killer calling himself The Riddler, the Dark Knight must reconcile the increasingly conflicting ideologies of Detective Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne’s head of security, Alfred Pennyworth. But there are many more mysteries lurking within Gotham City, including the secret agenda of Harvey Dent and the bizarre creature prowling the sewers – Killer Croc!

 

Batman/ Superman Vol. 2: Game Over (Softcover) – Issues #5-9 of the hit series are collected, along with BATMAN/SUPERMAN ANNUAL #1 and WORLDS’ FINEST #20-21 – the “First Contact” crossover epic! The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel uncover the Toymaster’s plot to create a secret, potentially deadly element in his new video game that brings to life characters created by players. And these new beings have only one goal: To kill Batman. Guest-starring the Worlds’ Finest duo of Power Girl and Huntress.

 

Batman/ Superman Vol. 3: Second Chance (Hardcover) – The worlds of Batman and Superman clash as something terrible happens to the World’s Finest team, and a Dark Knight who is not quite himself must team up with Lois Lane to find a missing Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle encounters a person of amazing strength who has no idea who he is. Collects issues #10-15.

 

 

Cover of the Week:

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 along with the winner of the Teen Titans Go! variant covers!