Upcoming Comics: July 15, 2015

I’m behind in getting this to you guys, so I’m going to keep this short and sweet! You have plenty to read as it is with all of the announcements that have been coming out, as well as interviews with various writers that are still on their way! And if that weren’t enough, October Solicitations have been released, so I’ll have that pulled together by tomorrow night! But if you’re wondering, yes, I had a blast at SDCC!

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…

 

July 15^th

 

Justice League #42
The epic “Darkseid War” event storyline continues with the critically acclaimed team of Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok! As Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor maneuver toward inevitable war, Wonder Woman leads the Justice League against a force that holds the answers on how to stop it – but the price might be Batman’s soul! Meanwhile, Mister Miracle faces off against a mysterious hero who has been fighting in the shadows for decades!

Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils and Inks by Jason Fabok
Colored by Brad Anderson
Cover by Brad Anderson, Jason Fabok, and Jaime Mendoza

Random Blurb of Excitement: I feel like this is the epic story that’s currently running in DC, and I chomping at the bit to get more of it! Johns stated that Wonder Woman would be the focal point of the story, and while that intrigues me, I can’t wait to see Batman’s arc during this story. I will admit that I’m usually not a fan of how Geoff Johns writes Batman, but I’m holding on to hope.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

Black Canary #2
In the wake of their first major fight, Dinah’s realized that her new bandmates are completely unprepared to keep themselves alive in a scrap…so it’s time for a training montage! (Cue the squealing guitars!) Plus: Who is Bo Maeve, and why does she hate Black Canary so much?

Written by Brenden Fletcher
Pencils and Inks by Annie Wu
Colored by Lee Loughridge
Cover by Babs Tarr and Annie Wu

Random Blurb of Excitement: I had reservations about this book last month, but it turned out to be a really good read! And after speaking with Fletcher, I’m definitely excited to get my hands on the next few issues of this book! Apparently, there’s a nice display of boots by Annie Wu in this issue too. There was a running joke during SDCC about the “boot” shot.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

Harley Quinn #18
The Gang of Harleys rocks on with a super fun appearance by Captain Strong! Yes, that is a real character, we promise!

Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils by Jed Dougherty and Chad Hardin
Inks by Chad Hardin
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Amanda Conner, Paul Mounts, and Alex Sinclair

Random Blurb of Excitement: Fact: If you ever go to a convention, sit in on a panel that Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti are on! They’re a riot! Listening to them talk about Harley Quinn made me appreciate the book even more than I already did. This is a fun, silly, inappropriate book, and it’s the best thing to read when you’ve had a bad day.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

Secret Six #4
How did six deadly assassins end up in suburbia? Still being hunted, Big Shot decides that Gotham City is too hot for them. So he decides they need to lie low in the land of picket fences and freshly cut lawns. What could go wrong?

Written by Gail Simone
Pencils and Inks by Tom Derenick and Ken Lashley
Colored by Jason Wright
Cover by Dale Eaglesham and Jason Wright

Random Blurb of Excitement: Secret Six has been shaken up quite a bit within a short time… well, actually, it’s been a while… Maybe it’s better to say it’s been shaken up within a few issues. Hopefully everything is settled on the creative in so this book can start building the momentum that it deserves.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

Robin: Son of Batman #2
The power and legacy of the al Ghuls reaches far and wide, but wait until you meet their greatest rivals! Enter the Dragon’s Head!

Written by Patrick Gleason
Pencils by Patrick Gleason
Inks by Mick Gray
Colored by John Kalisz
Cover by Patrick Gleason and John Kalisz

Random Blurb of Excitement: Last month was a decent start for this book. I still have concerns with Gleason covering writing duties since he’s not an experienced writer, but he definitely has potential. There would be nothing more exhilarating than seeing him grow as a writer as Damian grows as a character. Plus, I’m curious to see Talia’s return, and how she’ll play into the mix of things.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

 

Batman: Arkham Knight Vol. 1 (Softcover) – Collecting the first four issues of the new series that’s an in-continuity prequel comic set prior to the events of the brand-new video game Batman: Arkham Knight! The Joker is dead. Arkham City is closed. As a new day begins, Bruce Wayne finds himself in devastating pain, recovering from his injuries and questioning whether his role as Batman is still necessary to the city’s survival. But can even death keep The Joker from tormenting the Dark Knight?

 

Batman: Harley Quinn (Softcover) – Don’t miss Harley’s greatest hits from the pages of BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN #1, JOKER’S ASYLUM II: HARLEY QUINN #1, BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #14, #30, BATMAN BLACK & WHITE #1, #3, DETECTIVE COMICS #831, #837, DETECTIVE COMICS: HARLEY QUINN #23.2 and LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR #1!

 

Batman: Second Chances (Softcover) – A classic story from BATMAN #402, 403, 408-416 and ANNUAL #11 is collected! When Batman goes into action on his own and meets a young hoodlum named Jason Todd, he’s determined to guide Jason away from a life of crime. These 1988 stories set the stage for the bestselling BATMAN: A DEATH IN THE FAMILY.

 

New Suicide Squad Vol. 1: Pure Insanity (Softcover) – The new series begins with a mission in Russia that features two red-hot Batman villains: Harley Quinn and Joker’s Daughter, plus Deadshot, Deathstroke the Terminator, Black Manta and more! Collects NEW SUICIDE SQUAD #1-8.

 

Futures End: Vol 2 (Softcover) – It’s all-out war on Cadmus Island! Plus, the strange new Superman is unmasked, Brother Eye plots the destiny of The Joker, Batman battles Batman Beyond, and the meaning of heroism is redefined for Firestorm. Collects issues #18-30 of the smash-hit weekly series.

 

 

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.