
Gimpy hand strikes again! Batman-News.com never knew it would have an arch-nemesis, but it’s here! I’m kidding. My hand is slowly getting better, but I’m still going to take it easy. We have quite a few titles getting released this week, so there should be a little bit for everyone.
Alright, on to business! 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…
August 26th
Grayson #11
It’s Grayson versus…Grayson? To save Agent 1, Dick must face his most dangerous enemy yet: himself.
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: In my opinion, this is the best book at DC right now! The fact that this book’s sales are so low is a complete and utter shame, so if you know someone that isn’t reading this title, request that they do so immediately!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Batman: Arkham Knight – Genesis #1
Witness the birth of Gotham City’s newest villain, the Arkham Knight, in this stunning new 6-issue miniseries written by Peter J. Tomasi, the man behind the hit series BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT and BATMAN AND ROBIN!
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils and Inks by Alisson Borges
Colored by Dave McCaig
Cover by Stjepan Sejic
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve REALLY been looking forward to this! Genesis will focus on the aspect that I find most intriguing about Arkham Knight, so I hope the book meets or exceeds my expectations!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Justice League of America #3
Churches of Rao are being built all over the world. A new world religion has appeared seemingly overnight. Sick people are healed. The world suddenly knows peace. So what’s wrong with this picture? The Justice League is about to violently find out.
Written by Bryan Hitch
Pencils Bryan Hitch
Inks by Andrew Currie, Daniel Henriques, and Wade von Grawbadger
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Bryan Hitch and Alex Sinclair
Random Blurb of Excitement: We’ve essentially had two issues of set-up, so I expect JLA will kick things into high gear with this issue. If there’s one thing that I’m loving about this title so far, it’s that it feels like a classing Justice League story!
Batman News Critic: Josh
We Are Robin #3
The Robins finally meet Batman himself…but is it everything they imagined it would be? And what will the Dark Knight think of them?
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: So far this book has been good. Not great, but good. With that in mind, I think this issue is going to throw a monkey wrench into mix that will surprise a lot of people, and kick things into high gear with this book! I just have a gut feeling…
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Gotham by Midnight #8
Two of Gotham City’s top news anchors seem to be swaying the minds of the public with sinister supernatural intentions.
Written by Ray Fawkes
Pencils and Inks by Juan E. Ferreyra
Colored by Juan E. Ferreyra
Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m a huge fan of Gotham by Midnight, and I’m sad to say that it’s sales are dangerously low! Last month’s issue was spectacular, and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Fawkes takes his time with the narrative, and provides a character based plot. Plus, having a bit of a “horror” vibe in Gotham is never a bad thing.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Teen Titans #11
Red Robin draws closer to proving Superboy’s innocence! But with the Titans trapped behind bars, in a prison built to house super-powered criminals, how will the truth ever be revealed?
Written by Will Pfeifer
Pencils and Inks by Ricken
Colored by Dan Brown
Cover by Bengal
Random Blurb of Excitement: This arc deserves more recognition than its getting. Superboy is being accused of murder. The Titans are divided. Red Robin is leading one team. Wonder Girl is leading another team. Superboy has gone rogue… it’s good!
Batman News Critic: Terry
Harley Quinn #19
Harley’s finding out just how hard it is to be the boss! She’s finally ready to put her love life first… if only the Gang of Harleys would let her have a moment’s rest!
Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by Chad Hardin
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair
Random Blurb of Excitement: Harley, her gang, DC’s answer to Pop-Eye… and a ton of shenanigans. Lots and lots of shenanigans. How could you not love it? Shenanigans!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batman ’66 #26
Can it be? Is Louie the Lilac really pushing up daisies? Batman’s investigation of the criminal’s apparent demise leads him to the abandoned Isley Nursery. But it’s a floral trap that awaits the Dynamic Duo as they encounter a new villainess, the one and only Poison Ivy!
Art by Jesse Ham
Cover by Mike Allred
Written by Jeff Parker
Random Blurb of Excitement: To quote Daddy Bat Review himself (AKA Andrew), “this book just keeps getting it right!” And I agree. I tend to save this title for the end of each week. It’s fun. It’s campy. And it helps my weekend get off to a good start!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Justice League 3001 #3
It’s the Super-Buddies versus Giant Turtle Olsen starring in…Who the hell cares what it’s called? It’s Giant Turtle Olsen! You are so welcome. Oh, and the Justice League will show up too. I mean, it being their book and all…And hey, did we mention Giant Turtle Olsen?
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 don’t know why I have such a hard time connecting with this book… It’s decent, and it’s fun, but I’ve never been able to fully get behind it.
Batman News Critic: Sean
Justice League: Gods & Monsters #3
Prequel to the DC Universe movie Justice League: Gods & Monsters! He calls himself Imperiex, the final step in humanity’s evolution, and his first order of business is annihilating Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Will these three headstrong heroes learn to work together—or will the Justice League’s first mission be its last?
Art by Thony Silas
Cover by Gene Ha
Written by Bruce Timm, J.M. DeMatteis
Random Blurb of Excitement: I said it last week, and I’m going to say it again. The biggest issue this book has, is that it’s trying to accomplish a lot with such a limited run. If the writers were able to take their time and let this book spread its wings, it would be much better. And to be clear, it’s not bad, I just don’t think it’s reaching it’s potential.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Batgirl #43
Tech genius Luke Fox has brought his startup to Burnside, and he seems to be hiring all of Barbara’s friends…but not her! Unfortunately, someone else is setting up shop in Burnside as well…the mysterious Velvet Tiger!
Written by Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart
Pencils by Babs Tarr
Colored by Serge Lapointe
Cover by David Lafuente, Anthony John Rauch, Jr., Babs Tarr, and Des Taylor
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m only reading this for the sake of the site… And while I’m excited to see Luke Fox, I wish it were under different circumstances. I feel like Batgirl is on a downward spiral, but I don’t foresee this book getting a new creative team any time soon.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Notes:
Harley Quinn: Road Trip Special #1 has been pushed back until September 9th.
Graphic Novel Watch:
Superman/ Batman: Michael Turner Gallery Edition (Hardcover) – The art of comics legend Michael Turner is seen for the first time in it’s original form in the new SUPERMAN/BATMAN: MICHAEL TURNER GALLERY EDITION. This spectacular new book collects the “Supergirl” epic from SUPERMAN/BATMAN #8-13. Rounding out the book are numerous covers from IDENTITY CRISIS, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, THE FLASH and other DC Comics titles that helped establish Michael as an artistic force to be reckoned with.
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 results are in the spoiler tag.
Best Cover of August 18, 2015: Justice League #43 by Brad Anderson and Jason Fabok with 44% of the votes.
- Batman: Arkham Knight #7 by Howard Porter (22%)
- Robin, Son of Batman #3 by Patrick Gleason and John Kalisz (12%)
- Secret Six #5 by Dale Eaglesham and Jason Wright (6%)
- Secret Six #5 by Dale Eaglesham and Jason Wright (6%)
- Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 4 #8 by Neil Googe (5%)
- Teen Titans Go! #11 by Daniel Hipp (3%)
- Harley Quinn & Power Girl #3 by Amanda Conner (1%)
- Justice League: Gods & Monsters #2 by José Luis García-López (1%)