We’re approaching the end of Convergence, and if I’m being honest, it’s perfect timing because I’m starting to get Convergence fatigue. Part of this is due to the fact that the Convergence titles that really interest me have already come to a close. And let’s be honest, there’s only so many ways you can follow the same formula to tell a story and make it interesting. I’ll be happy when we get back to the status quo – whatever that is/ will be now – in June. Speaking of what’s to come, I’m expecting August solicitations to be released next week, so I’ll keep an eye out for those!
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 13th
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Four #1
Superman’s regime has been opposed by the Green Lantern Corps and by those who wield the power of magic, but the Man of Steel has emerged battered yet still in control. Now he’s about to face his greatest opponents yet: the gods themselves! Hera’s role in awakening Wonder Woman from her coma has drawn the attention of Mount Olympus, and these new players are about to test existing alliances.
Written by Brian Buccellato
Pencils by Bruno Redondo
Inks by Juan Albarran
Colored by Rex Lokus
Random Blurb of Excitement: I haven’t read the first digital issue yet, so if it was average or bad, I’m completely unaware. Hopefully my excitement isn’t misplaced, and Injustice rightfully re-claims its spot at the top of my list more frequently.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Convergence: Suicide Squad #2
STARRING HEROES FROM ZERO HOUR! Bane and Cyborg Superman join Amanda Waller and her Suicide Squad’s attack on Kingdom Come Green Lantern’s floating fortress of New Oa! And lots and lots and lots of heroes die!
Written by Frank Tieri
Pencils and Inks by Tom Mandrake
Colored by Sian Mandrake
Cover by John Paul Leon
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m greatly looking forward to this issue! The first issue was a nice treat, and better than I expected. I’m crossing my fingers that the creative team continues that trend as they close out this tie-in.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Batman: Arkham Knight #4
As clues to the whereabouts of Gotham City’s most mysterious and frightening villain surface, the arrival of the new Batmobiles leads to the deadliest ride Batman will ever take!
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils by Robson Rocha
Inks by Guillermo Ortego
Colored by Kelsey Shannon
Cover by Dan Panosian
Random Blurb of Excitement: I continue to feel anticipation with this book that keeps me eager for more issues. It’s been solid work so far on Tomasi’s behalf, and I feel like it’s only going to get better.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Convergence: Batman Shadow of the Bat #2
STARRING HEROES FROM ZERO HOUR! Batman and Azrael team up against the original Wetworks lineup from the WildStorm Universe! Armor up!
Written by Larry Hama
Pencils by Rick Leonardi
Inks by Dan Green
Cover by Ellery Santos and Philip Tan
Random Blurb of Excitement: The previous issue was alright. I wasn’t as crazy about it as other people seemed to be, but I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. I am a fan of Azrael, so that alone gives this book some brownie points.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Convergence #6
Free of the reign of Telos, a pantheon of heroes unite at last in an effort to defend their collective cities – but they did not count on the threat of Deimos, who suddenly seems to possess the power to tear the Multiverse apart at the seams!
Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencils by Ed Benes, Diogenes Neves, and Eduardo Pansica
Inks by Ed Benes and John Trevor Scott
Cover by Carlo Pagulayan and Peter Steigerwald
Random Blurb of Excitement: I wouldn’t say that Convergence is bad, but it’s definitely not great. And while I find it enjoyable, it’s beginning to feel like a wasted opportunity.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Convergence: Catwoman #2
STARRING HEROES FROM ZERO HOUR! Witness the shocking conclusion to Catwoman’s altercation with the Kingdom Come Batman!
Written by Justin Gray
Pencils and Inks by Ron Randall
Colored by Gabe Eltaeb
Cover by Claire Wendling
Random Blurb of Excitement: Remember when you used to see Catwoman at the bottom of my list on a monthly basis? Yeah…
Batman News Critic: Josh
Notes:
Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #11 has been pushed back to May 20th.
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batman: Arkham – The Riddler (Softcover) – The Riddler’s greatest hits are collected in stories from DETECTIVE COMICS #140, #142, #377, #822, #837, BATMAN #171, #179, #292, #317, #362, BATMAN #23.2: THE RIDDLER, BRAVE AND THE BOLD #183, JOKER’S ASYLUM II: THE RIDDLER #1 and LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR #2!
Batman: The Dark Knight Unwrapped by David Finch the Deluxe Edition (Hardcover) – This fantastic unwrapped collection features tales of the Dark Knight written and pencilled by superstar artist David Finch from the pages of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1-3, BATMAN: THE RETURN #1 and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT Vol. 2 #1-7 and 9, all in pencil form.
Earth 2: World’s End Vol. 1 (Softcover) – The first volume collecting issues #1-11 of the hit weekly series delves into the world of Earth-2 – a world that saw its greatest heroes die and new ones take their place. A world where Superman became its greatest villain, and a man named Zod seeks to save it, along with Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash and other heroes. A world they can only save from the forces of Apokolips through great personal sacrifice!
Forever Evil (Softcover) – The Justice League is dead! And the villains shall inherit the Earth! In this new title collecting the seven-issue miniseries FOREVER EVIL, the Crime Syndicate takes over the DC Universe, and no one can stand in the way of them and their quest for complete world domination – no one except Lex Luthor!
Robin, the Boy Wonder: A Celebration of 75 Years (Hardcover) – 2015 marks the 75th anniversary of Robin, the Boy Wonder! DC Comics is proud to present this new hardcover anthology collecting some of Robin’s greatest stories, featuring his adventures with Batman, the Teen Titans and more!
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.
Best Cover of May 6, 2015: Convergence: Nightwing/ Oracle #2 by Jill Thompson with 41% of the votes.
- Convergence: Harley Quinn #2 by Steve Pugh (20%)
3. Convergence: Superman #2 Cover by Brad Anderson and Lee Weeks (18%)
4. Convergence: The Question #2 by Cully Hamner and Dave McCaig (10%)
5. Convergence #5 by Brad Anderson and Andy Kubert (5%)
6. Convergence: Batman & Robin #2 by Denys Cowan, Klaus Janson, and Chris Sotomayor (4%)
7. Convergence: Batgirl #2 by Steve Buccellato, Dan Green, and Rick Leonardi (2%)
