September solicitations have been released, and if you’re jaded like me, the first thing you probably thought was, “Yeah, yeah, let’s just hurry up and get to October. I want those big announcements!” Granted… I’m not sure some of them will come at SDCC, but then again, they may not… But then, I realized that September is a five-week month, and you know what that means! Annuals! Not only that, DC is sending us some damn good Annuals!
For the month of the September, DC will also release Green Lantern themed variant covers. After all of the solicitations, you’ll see I’ve provided the variant cover for each of the books we cover, along with a nice Best Green Lantern Variant Cover poll! Make sure you vote! The winners will be announced in next week’s Upcoming Comics post, and will be included in their quarterly Best Cover poll.
Alright, if you’re still with me, below you’ll find the solicitations for each issue, as well as the cover art (if DC has released it). You’ll notice that I changed up the format a little to list each title based on its release date. If I’m being completely honest, I’m mainly doing this to help me identify books that have been pulled forward or pushed back when I’m writing the Upcoming Comics posts. As a reminder, I’m not putting the talent credits in this post because there’s already a ton of information here. But you know me… I can’t post anything without adding my two cents, so you’ll see some of my randomness for a few titles. Make sure you give me a piece of your mind in the comments as well! I want to hear what you’re excited about, worried about, your predictions, etc… If you have something to say, I want to know!
September 2nd
Bat-Mite #4
There’s a new bad guy in town: Gridlock, the villain who’s stuck in the past! And now, he’s out to stop the future from coming! Booster Gold, the hero from the future, obviously can’t allow that, but when he seeks Bat-Mite’s help in finding this purloiner of progress, it doesn’t take much of a prognosticator to predict that he’s going to regret it.
Batman #44
It’s the origin of new villain Mr. Bloom! In a tale from Bruce Wayne’s past, Batman must investigate a vicious crime in the shadowy area of Gotham City known as the Narrows. Don’t miss this special issue illustrated by superstar artist Jock (Wytches, GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE)!
I know a lot of people love the whole Gordon as Batman bit, but I’m still not a fan. I’m also not feeling too confident about Mr. Bloom. I don’t mean to sound negative, but I’m already to the point that I’m ready for this arc to be over with, and it’s just started… Hopefully it will turn around for me.
Batman Arkham Knight #8
Just as “Gotham Reborn” starts to take hold…enter: The Suicide Squad! Their target? None other than Gotham City’s favorite son: Bruce Wayne!
Arkham Knight has been a fun ride so far, and I’m pretty sure it’s only going to get better. The addition of the Suicide Squad? I’m there!
Batman Beyond #4
Everyone knew he wasn’t good enough to be Batman, and now Tim’s mistake has put humanity at risk. But when all seems lost, an old friend takes him back where it all started. Will a gift from the past give Tim what he needs to save the future?
I thought Batman Beyond had a solid debut. It wasn’t perfect, but it definitely has potential. It looks like the creative team is pretty self-aware of the reservations towards this book, so that gives me hope.
DC Comics Bombshells #2
Wonder Woman defies her mother’s orders and attempts to break Captain Steve Trevor out of his prison cell on Themyscira. But to accomplish this, she’s going to summon a little help from the deep in the form of Mera, Princess of Atlanta. Meanwhile, in Russia, two new heroes are about to be created to serve the Soviet Union: Supergirl and Stargirl!
Detective Comics #44
The Joker’s Daughter reveals her plans to take on Batman and his task force—and they might prove deadly to Gordon, Bullock and Montoya!
Really DC? Really?!? Joker’s Daughter? I thought we moved past this already…
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 4 #9
Battle rages on Themyscira, where Poseidon is about to sink the entire island! Wonder Woman feels betrayed by Superman’s part in this plot, and the Man of Steel begins to question his own role in this game of the gods. But an old enemy may prove to be an ally in the battle against Poseidon when Aquaman reenters the fray.
Justice League of America #4
As the Flash struggles to get back to the present, the rest of the team regroups for a rematch against the overwhelming forces of the Church of Rao. And, as foreshadowed in issue #1, they must also consider how to prevent the seemingly inevitable death of Superman!
There are definitely quite a few things that I could knit-pick about this book, however, I found it really enjoyable and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the arc.
Midnighter #4
Grayson and Midnighter—reunited at last! Granted, it wasn’t Grayson’s idea, and yes, technically Midnighter might have kidnapped him. And, uh, brought him to Moscow to fight a herd of feral vampires. Maybe this reunion is getting off on the wrong foot…
Yes, please! Just give me this book now!
September 9th
All Star Section 8 #4
Wedding bells ring out in Noonan’s bar as Bueno Excellente’s big day arrives. But an unexpected guest threatens to derail the celebrations as our heroes tremble at the coming of…Wonder Woman? Section Eight will never be the same—especially Sixpack, for whom the Amazon princess has some rather unwelcome news. Don’t miss the latest issue of the miniseries we now call ALL STAR SECTION 8!
Batman/ Superman #24
The epic “Truth” arc reaches its finale as Superman discovers the true fate of Batman and makes a fateful decision.
Catwoman #44
As the mob’s turf war for control of Gotham City continues to escalate, Eiko and Selina must make some hard decisions if they are to withstand the power plays of The Penguin and Black Mask. And how does Killer Croc fit into the action?
Valentine has done an amazing job at turning this book around! If you’re not reading this title, please pick it up. This is the best run Catwoman has had since Brubaker. Yes, it is that good.
Earth 2 Society #4
The heroes of Earth-2 have been so focused on each other and rebuilding their world that they never worried about super-villains—and now, it’s too late!
Gotham Academy #10
“Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble!” To investigate a suspicious student, Olive and the gang join the school production of Macbeth! But is the play haunted?
Everybody dies… Just kidding!
Harley Quinn #20
Like Los Angeles didn’t have enough problems with DC Comics moving in, now Harley Quinn is determined to take over Tinseltown! She’s an overnight entertainment sensation, but will the industry survive Harley’s fifteen minutes of fame?
Ha! I can’t wait for this! I’m curious to see the commentary of LA from this creative time!
Justice League United #13
Guest artist Paul Pelletier joins the JLU for a special storyline that sees Stargirl and the team of Steel, Robotman, Batgirl and Vandal Savage enter a war zone that’s at once very familiar and utterly weird. Plus: the long awaited return of a legendary DC Comics hero.
Batgirl alert! Also, who do you think we’ll see return?
New Suicide Squad #12
The Suicide Squad’s mission to infiltrate a brutal League of Assassins splinter group is put in serious jeopardy when Manta goes too far to prove his loyalty, and Boomerang refuses to go far enough. Meanwhile, Harley Quinn is forced to look inward when confronted with her greatest enemy: boredom.
Remember when I said that I was pretty sure something would go terribly wrong with the Squad, then there would be a disaster, the Squad would be revealed, and chaos would ensue… I predict this book goes back to its old ways in this issue.
Red Hood/ Arsenal #4
The boys battle Batman! Red Hood and Arsenal are taking their vigilante business to Gotham City, whether the new Dark Knight likes it or not—and they’re about to skip the introductions and get right to fighting!
While I’ll admit that June’s issue was better than I expected, I will say that this book is a little late to the game concerning the new Batman…
September 16th
Batman Arkham Knight: Genesis #2
In a story spawned by the smash-hit game of the summer, Batman: Arkham Knight, the origin of the enigmatic Arkham Knight continues! Don’t miss our stunning second issue, the details of which are too hot for solicits! Need we say more?
I got a little nervous when this title didn’t show up on last month’s solicitations, so I’m glad to see it pop back up. Depending on who’s behind the mask, I’m curious to see if they find some way to introduce Arkham Knight into continuity.
Black Canary #4
Guest artist Pia Guerra (Y: THE LAST MAN) joins the series! Dinah is on the hunt for her kidnapped guitarist, Ditto, and when she finds the person responsible, you better believe she’ll make them pay! Also: Uncover the secret of the band’s former singer, and how she plans to exact revenge on them for kicking her out!
I thought Black Canary’s debut was pretty good. I’m still not sure how I feel about the whole band thing, but the first issue handled it well… and it wasn’t annoying! Ditto’s plot also seems pretty interesting.
Harley Quinn & Powergirl #4
Love is in the air—or maybe that’s just cologne? Vartox’s dreams of making Power Girl his bride may be coming true…but nothing ever goes smoothly with Harley around! Or, for that matter, with the threat of a galaxy-crushing dictator hanging over their heads!
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 4 #10
Harley Quinn breaks out of her prison on Olympus, tells Wonder Woman where her mother is being held and reveals the real manipulator behind the scenes! And when Superman unexpectedly departs into space, an alliance of world leaders decides the time is right to strike!
Justice League #44
Darkseid versus Anti-Monitor! A corrupted Superman versus Lex Luthor! Myrina Black versus Grail! This chapter of “Darkseid War” has it all—plus an ending that will change the League forever!
Holy mother I can’t wait to read this! If you read the first issue and don’t feel the same way, then something is wrong with you!
Robin: Son of Batman #4
It’s Robin vs. Deathstroke! The troubles in Maya’s past come back to haunt her. Will Damian and Goliath be forced to leave her to fend for herself, or can they find a way to help their new ally?
Damian vs Deathstroke? Yes! Now this is what I want to see! I think Deathstroke is definitely more skilled than Damian, but it’ll still be nice to see two go head to head.
Secret Six #6
What is the Secret? Actually, there’s more than one—and the answers are revealed here. The true identity of Mockingbird was only one of the secrets, and it’s not even the most shocking. Plus: A marriage that should not happen is proposed. A person you thought was long gone returns. And at least one of the Six is not the person you think they are. (Okay, it’s the dummy.) From this point on, all bets are off.
The sudden change in tone of June’s issue threw me off a little, but it did feel more true to what we know Secret Six to be. I am curious to get to these shocking secrets though. As I mentioned in my review, this title has had so many delays that it needs to pull out every play in the book to regain their trust… and I hope they do, because this book has the potential of being really good.
September 23rd
Batgirl #44
Velvet Tiger’s got her claws around Luke Fox’s throat—and only Batgirl can save him!
Oh God… When they first mentioned Luke was going to appear in Batgirl, I thought it made perfect since, but hoped that they wouldn’t try to create a love connection between the two… well… damn… I miss Gail Simone.
Batman ’66 #27
Riddle me this: What kind of ring isn’t round? A wrestling ring, of course. This issue, Batman finds himself in the middle of a rigged contest. The Caped Crusader pursues The Riddler south of the border and encounters half of a terrifying tag team: the masked menace known only as Bane! All this, and Batgirl too!
Gotham by Midnight #9
As the Midnight Shift is dragged in for interrogation by Internal Affairs, Dr. Tarr makes a startling discovery that might change everything for Corrigan and The Spectre. But will it be too late?
Grayson #12
For the first time since he faked his own death, Dick Grayson returns home to Gotham City. But will Spyral ever really let him go for good?
Oh… my… God… I want it, and I want it now! No, no. I don’t want it, I need it! HOWEVER, this is inaccurate since we know Dick was in Gotham for Endgame… and a few other times before that…
Justice League 3001 #4
Teri’s had a rough time since she joined the League. She’s died, been reborn as the new Flash, and battled against the Five, demon armies, and a world full of Starros! She’s even dated Superman! Along the way, she’s always had help, but now she’ll have to face one of the original Flash’s greatest enemies: the Mirror Master!
Teen Titans #12
The Titans are shaken to their foundation when the truth behind Superboy’s crimes is revealed. Now, how can the team protect its most powerful member any longer?
I think Superboy was the missing key for this creative team, because the moment they brought him back, this book jumped in quality!
We Are Robin #4
In the wake of a huge loss, the Robins are reeling with grief. Riko takes to the rooftops of Burnside to find a symbol of hope, and finds herself living out a dream as she teams up with her personal hero: Batgirl!
Ooohh… This looks good… This looks real good!
September 30th
Batman Annual #4
Batman is gone…but Bruce Wayne is alive? What does that mean for Gotham City? And who is Bruce Wayne without Batman? This special annual delves deeper into the mystery building, and whether or not Bruce can ever really escape from the shadow of the Dark Knight.
If they try to pass this off as Bruce no longer wanting to be Batman, but realizing he needs to be Batman… I’m going to roll my eyes…
Batman: Arkham Knight Annual #1
The Arkham Knight goes hunting for the Scarecrow, but what he finds instead is even more horrifying! Don’t miss the story that’s sure to have Arkham fans talking!
Grayson Annual #2
When Dick comes home to find that the Batman he knew is gone, he seeks out his mentor, Superman. But both friends have changed since they last met. Can they find common ground and team up to stop Blockbuster’s plans for Spyral?
All you need to say is “Grayson” and I’m in! But Blockbuster… and Superman? Hell yeah!
New Suicide Squad Annual #1
The “Monsters” storyline concludes in epic fashion when the League splinter group prepares to unleash a secret weapon deadlier than anyone could have imagined. Can the Suicide Squad stop it? Do they even want to?
Noteworthy Releases:
Action Comics #44
The epic “Truth” arc reaches its finale as Superman makes some brutal choices and discovers the source of the Shadow Warriors.
Superman/ Wonder Woman #21
The epic “Truth” arc hits close to the heart as dark secrets come to light, forcing Superman and Wonder Woman to question whether their relationship can work in this new world of identities revealed and questionable actions.
Superman #44
The epic “Truth” arc reaches its finale as the Daily Planet and its staff may be the first casualties of Clark’s identity being revealed!
These are the other three titles and solicitations for the “TRUTH” arc that will be featured in Batman/ Superman.
Scooby-Doo Team Up #12
An urgent cry for help sends Scooby and the gang rushing to Gotham City—but the call was made by Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy! They stole an ancient relic, and now they’re sure it was cursed. Our heroes have to join Harley and Ivy to get to the bottom of the mystery—and, with a little help from Batgirl, they just might capture the villains, too!
Green Lantern Variant Covers:
BATMAN #44 illustrated by Tony Daniel
BATMAN BEYOND #4 illustrated by Craig Rousseau
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #24 illustrated by Dave Bullock
BLACK CANARY #4 illustrated by Evan Shaner
CATWOMAN #44 illustrated by Emanuella Luppacino
DETECTIVE COMICS #44 illustrated by Cliff Chiang
GRAYSON #12 illustrated by Andrew Robinson
HARLEY QUINN #20 illustrated by Dan Panosian
JUSTICE LEAGUE #44 illustrated by Ivan Reis & Joe Prado
JLA #4 illustrated by Alex Garner
ROBIN: SON OF BATMAN #4 illustrated by Howard Porter
NEW SUICIDE SQUAD #12 illustrated by Ryan Benjamin
TEEN TITANS #12 illustrated by Mike McKone
