Upcoming Comics: July 22, 2015

Week 4 of each month is probably my favorite week for releases from DC! I feel like all of the books that are released during week 4 are strong, solid books, and there’s a good range of diversity in styles – all of which are still within “Gotham.” I do tend to prefer the “supporting team members” though, so I might be a little biased… Not much… Just a little.

Of the books being released this week, we managed to snag interviews with writers for three of these books at San Diego Comic Con! Andrew interviewed We Are Robin and Robin War writer Lee Bermejo, while I interviewed Tom King and Tim Seeley from Grayson, as well as Brian Buccellato from Injustice: Gods Among Us (posting tonight). So make sure you give those a read when you get a chance!

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 (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 22^nd

 

Grayson #10
For the first time since FOREVER EVIL, Dick Grayson comes face-to-face with Lex Luthor!

Written by Tom King and Tim Seeley
Pencils and Inks by Mikel Janin
Colored by Jeremy Cox
Cover by Mikel Janin

Random Blurb of Excitement: Dick. Luthor. Yes.

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Batman ’66 #25
Driven mad by the Clown Prince of Crime’s “Joker Wave,” The Joker’s former prison doctor enters the Caped Crusader’s Rogues Gallery as The Harlequin! Then, a team of Batman’s greatest enemies takes over an advertising agency to create a new public image for themselves. But the agency has a new temp working for them…none other than Barbara Gordon, young daughter of Gotham City’s police commissioner!

Art by Ty Templeton and Lukas Ketner
Cover by Mike Allred
Written by Gabe Soria and Jeff Parker

Random Blurb of Excitement: Seriously… It’s Harley in the ’66 verse… How could you not be intrigued?

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

 

 

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 4 #6
The Gods now directly enter the fray and order Superman to step down. But Superman simply going into retreat is not something Batman thinks is a good idea, knowing from experience that he’ll regroup and return. Meanwhile, Wonder Woman has been ordered to leave Superman’s side, and that’s not going to sit well with her, to say the least.

Art by Mike S. Miller
Cover by Neil Googe
Written by Brian Buccellato

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m loving the direction of this book at the moment! Each year, I wonder how they’re going to top the previous year, or at least keep it fresh, and they’ve done a great job of doing so (aside from Year 3). Now we have gods coming into the picture… Oh yeah, it’s going to be good!

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

We Are Robin #2
In Gotham City, hundreds of Robins have taken to the streets. But who will be their new leader? And who is the mystery man working behind the scenes?

Written by Lee Bermejo
Pencils and Inks by Jorge Corona and Khary Randolph
Colored by Emilio Lopez and Trish Mulvihill
Cover by Lee Bermejo

Random Blurb of Excitement: This book really intrigues me, but I’m still trying to figure it out. It’s different than what I was expecting, but it’s still damn good. I had an idea of what this book would be, but I really enjoyed it. Now I can’t wait to see the direction it takes as it continues to set-up these new characters and builds momentum.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Gotham by Midnight #7
The responsibilities of the Midnight Shift can take its toll on even the bravest. What trials has Lt. Weaver endured – and has he reached his breaking point?

Written by Ray Fawkes
Pencils, Inks, and Colors by Juan E. Ferreyra
Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz

Random Blurb of Excitement: This is a solid book, and I strongly encourage anyone who isn’t reading it, to give it a shot! One of the things that I love most about it, is the fact that it feels different. It’s doesn’t have that standard super hero vibe, but it still takes place in Gotham, so you don’t feel too far removed from that world.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

 

 

Teen Titans #10
The hunt is over and the battle begins as Wonder Girl and Power Girl’s new team catches up with the Titans to bring Superboy to justice.

Written by Will Pfeifer
Inks by Dan Brown and John Trevor Scott
Colored by Dan Brown
Cover by Bengal

Random Blurb of Excitement: This is another book that, in my opinion, isn’t getting as much attention as it deserves right now. This team has been on fire since re-introducing Superboy back into the story. If you haven’t been reading, pick it back up with Superboy’s introduction. You won’t be disappointed.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

Justice League: Gods & Monsters – Batman #1
Prequel to the DC Universe movie Justice League: Gods and Monsters!

In this story, Kirk Langstrom has been transformed into a blood-sucking creature of the night, preying on society’s dregs. Will a new friendship allow him to find his lost humanity or turn him into a soulless monster once and for all?

Written by J. M. DeMatteis and Bruce Timm
Pencils and Inks by Matthew Dow Smith
Colored by Jordan Bellaire
Cover by Francesco Francavilla

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve avoided any talk or information about Justice League: Gods & Monsters (not on purpose) so I’m really curious to see what this book is like! I have high hopes considering Bruce Timm is involved, so hopefully the end result meets or exceeds my expectation.

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Harley Quinn & Powergirl #2
Vartox is a totally creepy and super macho space dictator – though he is terrible fond of Power Girl. Harley and Power Girl are not terribly fond of him. Violence and shenanigans begin in 3…2…1…

Written by Amanda Conner, Justin Gray, and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by Stéphane Roux
Colored by Paul Mounts
Cover by Amanda Conner and Paul Mounts

Random Blurb of Excitement: With Amanda and Jimmy writing Harley, you can always expect a fun riot. That being said, the Harley/Powergirl team up isn’t winning me over as well as Harley Quinn.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

Justice League 3001 #2 It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…Supergirl? Aww, for crying out loud, we were promised that someone would rein these guys in. Supergirl? Really? Trust us…it’s actually pretty cool.

Written by J. M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen
Pencils and Inks by Howard Porter
Colored by Hi-Fi
Cover by Hi-Fi and Howard Porter

Random Blurb of Excitement: I find myself getting extremely anxious whenever a solicitation says, “Trust us.” I get even more nervous when “Trust us” is followed with “…it’s actually pretty cool.” If you’re having to go the extra mile to convince someone something is or might be cool, there’s a good chance it won’t be.

Batman News Critic: Sean

 

 

 

Notes:

• Batgirl #42 has been pushed back until 7/29.

 

 

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

America vs The Justice Society of America (Softcover) – Following the end of World War II, Batman accuses the Justice Society of America of collaborating with the Nazis, which leads to a Congressional investigation that could mean disgrace for the JSA! Collects AMERICA VS. THE JUSTICE SOCIETY #1-4.

 

 

Arkham Manor (Softcover) – When catastrophe strikes Arkham Asylum, where will Gotham City house the world’s most dangerous criminals! And when inmates are found murdered, what is Batman prepared to do in search of justice? Find out in this complete collection of the 6-issue ARKHAM MANOR!

 

 

Batman: Gothic Deluxe Edition (Hardcover) – In this epic from BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #6-10, published here for the first time in hardcover, the Dark Knight Detective must defeat an immortal killer while dealing with a terrifying horror from Bruce Wayne’s youth. While plagued by nightmares about his childhood, Batman investigates the murders of crime bosses in Gotham City. But what will he do when he discovers that the macabre killer is actually the headmaster who tormented Bruce Wayne as a boy?

 

 

Batwoman Vol. 6: The Unknowns (Softcover) – In these stories from issues #35-40, Batwoman is neck-deep in danger with her new allies Ragman, The Demon, Clayface and Red Alice! What is going on? And how did Batwoman end up here? Also includes BATWOMAN: FUTURES END #1 and a story from SECRET ORIGINS #3.

 

 

Legends of the Dark Knight: Norm Breyfogle – In these tales from BATMAN ANNUAL #11-12 and DETECTIVE COMICS #579, 582-594 and 601-607, all featuring the art of Norm Breyfogle, the Dark Knight faces the evil of the Ventriloquist and Scarface, the Crime Doctor, the Demon, a horde of Clayfaces 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.