I officially start my vacation today, and I couldn’t be happier!!! Aside from my reviews, I’m going to spend the week working on some writing projects. I have some scripts and spec-scripts for comics that I’ve written, and I’m going to pass them off to a friend that’s an artist… So hopefully within a month or so, I’ll have some comics to distribute! But enough about my comic plans, let’s focus on why you’re really here. Last week DC released its solicitations for January of next year! There isn’t much that’s new, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything good!
For the month of the January, DC will also release Coloring Book 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 Coloring Book 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. And speaking of quarterly polls, the results from our Best Cover: Q3 2015 cover poll can also be found below.
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). As a reminder, I’m not putting the talent credits in this post because there’s already a ton of information here. Make sure you give me a piece of your mind in the comments! I want to hear what you’re excited about, worried about, your predictions, etc… If you have something to say, I want to know!
January 6th
Batman & Robin Eternal #14
Grayson, Red Hood, Red Robin and Harper Row have uncovered the full scope of Mother’s dangerous operation, and they’re ready to spring their trap! But there’s one problem: Cassandra Cain has gone rogue, and they may not be able to pull her back from the edge! There’s no time to lose, either, because for every mystery they solve about Mother, there are more waiting to be discovered, including Mother’s next target, a place that couldn’t be more personal to Dick Grayson!
Batman ’66 Meets the Man From U.N.C.L.E. #2
Batman has a dangerous assignment for Batgirl: pose as a villain to infiltrate T.H.R.U.S.H., the secret organization bent on world conquest that’s enlisting evildoers! Meanwhile, Solo and Kuryakin take on the identities of two Bat-foes to find their own way into the organization. They’re all after the same vital piece of information: who is the mysterious new head of T.H.R.U.S.H.?
Batman Beyond #8
No good deed goes unpunished! Freeing the world from Brother Eye was only the beginning—with Neo-Gotham now standing as the only stable society in the known world, thousands of refugees have fled their war-torn cities to come knocking at the gates. But when the mayor of Neo-Gotham claims his city can’t support the whole world, the fate of these people will rest on Batman’s shoulders.
DC Comics Bombshells #8
Now serving on the side of the Allies as part of the Amanda Waller’s Bombshells program, Supergirl and Stargirl wonder if they still are being used as instruments of propaganda. Meanwhile, mythological creatures and the undead legions of Tenebrus attack the Allied forces, bringing Wonder Woman into the fray. Can she count on the newest Bombshells to help?
Detective Comics #48
In the wake of the Robin War and globe-hopping with the Justice League, Jim Gordon is looking forward to getting back to what he, and Batman, do best: taking out crime in Gotham City. But lurking in the shadows at home is a case from Jim’s past that may decide the future of Batman.
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 5 #1
This is it: the final year of INJUSTICE:GODS AMONG US, leading into the storyline of the hit videogame! Having defeated the Green Lantern Corps, the forces of magic, and now the gods themselves, the Regime seems to have eliminated all threats. Yet uneasy lies the crown on the head of Emperor Superman. Still obsessed with the outlaw Batman and worried about having enough troops to police his world, The Man of Steel begins to recruit some of Earth’s deadliest villains to his side. Does the Dark Knight have any chance of ending the Man of Steel’s rule?
Midnighter #8
As he recovers from an assault that hit him harder than he ever could have imagined, Midnighter finds himself back in the sights of Spyral…but this time, they want him on their side!
Robin War #2
The stunning conclusion to the “Robin War” is here!
January 13th
Batman #48
Mr. Bloom’s seeds have grown into an army that may turn all of Gotham City against its new Batman. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne meets a mysterious stranger who could start a chain of events no one can stop.
Batman & Robin Eternal #15
TBD
Batman/ Superman #28
It’s an untold tale from the early days of Bruce and Clark’s crime-fighting careers! A new 3-part epic from another time begins here as Batman and Superman are pitted against a menace that will test their partnership—and their friendship!
Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2
Trapped in a world where they can scarcely tell friend from foe, the Turtles’ first encounter with the Dark Knight puts their fighting skills to the ultimate test. And while Batman and scientist Lucius Fox search for any clue as to where these strange ninjas come from, Shredder strikes a deal with The Penguin! Co-published with IDW!
Catwoman #48
In New York City and framed for a murder she did not commit, Catwoman is now on the run! And to uncover whoever is out to get her, she’ll have to ask for help from some unlikely—and untrustworthy—sources. Her hunt to uncover the truth may end up putting her in the sights of more than just the NYPD!
Earth 2 Society #8
A bold new era begins on Earth-2! The heroes have decided to take leadership roles in this still-rebuilding world. But power soon becomes absolute power, and the people of Earth-2 quickly discover they’ve trusted in the wrong heroes!
Gotham Academy #14
An all-new era of GOTHAM ACADEMY begins here with the four-issue “Gotham Academy Yearbook” story! It’s yearbook time at Gotham Academy, and Olive, Maps and the gang share some lost adventures from the past year. Some of the best writers and artists from comics and beyond join forces with the creative team behind Gotham City’s top boarding school for this very special new chapter.
New Suicide Squad #16
The “Freedom” storyline reaches its thrilling conclusion as Amanda Waller unravels the conspiracy to expose Task Force X to the public! Meanwhile, Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Boomerang and Parasite try to break back IN to Belle Reve prison?!
Red Hood/ Arsenal #8
Red Hood and Arsenal and—Joker’s Daughter?! As the boys deal with their newfound success as a rent-a-hero company, a new crop of catastrophe puts Jason and Roy to the test! But with a new hire like Joker’s Daughter, who needs enemies?
January 20th
Batman & Robin Eternal #16
TBD
Batman Arkham Knight: Genesis #6
As a deadly alliance between the Arkham Knight, Scarecrow, and the rogues of Gotham City is formed, the stage is set for the ultimate showdown between Jason Todd and his former mentor: Batman! Don’t miss the final issue of this explosive miniseries!
Dark Knight III: The Master Race #3
The hardest thing for Batman is to admit his greatest strength: He’s just one man, and sometimes he needs help. With so much at stake, will he turn to help of the Super variety?
Batman: Europa #4
As they reel from the effects of the Colossus virus, Batman and The Joker make their final stand in the ruins of Rome’s Coliseum. At last, their true enemy reveals his identity for one final showdown. Weakened by sickness and forced into an uneasy alliance with his greatest foe, how can Batman focus on what he needs to do to survive?
Black Canary #8
In recent weeks, a mysterious white ninja has appeared at the edges of Dinah’s life, but her agenda has never been clear—until now! The truth about who she is will open up a whole new world for Dinah…and will require new allies by her side as well!
Harley Quinn #24
Harley’s got an endangered friend to save, but there’s just one problem: she’s got to get through Arkham Asylum first! Unsurprisingly, Harley’s not eager to set foot in the site of some of her darkest hours…and she definitely isn’t ready to face a certain someone who’s laughing at the end of a dark hallway…
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #2
Superman and Flash find themselves up against the deadly Doomsday. They could use more help from their allies, but Cyborg and Yellow Lantern are off battling the Parasite. The Regime is under siege from both sides. Meanwhile, the identity of the creature that escaped from Lex Luthor’s lab is revealed.
Justice League #48
The epic “Darkseid War” continues as the League is forced to unite with their evil counterparts, the Crime Syndicate, to defeat the nigh-omnipotent Anti-Monitor! Plus, what is the terrible secret behind Superwoman’s newborn child?
Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life & Death #1
Life. Death. Poison Ivy has power over both. But can she keep her friends and hold down a regular job at the same time? As Dr. Pamela Isley, she joins the prestigious plant sciences department at Gotham Botanical Gardens, but things quickly get complicated when a fellow scientist is murdered and it looks like the work of Ivy. Don’t miss the start of this new 6-issue miniseries!
Robin, Son of Batman #8
Damian Wayne is back in Gotham City! Recovering from the events of the Robin War, Robin finds himself with the unlikeliest of partners: his mother, Talia! Damian gets back to his roots as an al Ghul…but will it take him farther from his quest for redemption?
Secret Six #10
“House of Strangers” concludes the war between the forces of magic and the Elder Gods—with the Six caught in the middle! Black Alice may hold the key to Earth’s survival, but Big Shot wants to make sure she doesn’t lose her humanity in the process. Plus, Etrigan reveals a deadly secret, and the Council of Magicians must make a fateful decision. How can our band of misfits survive, let alone make a difference, when they are so far out of their league? Guest starring…everyone!
Titans Hunt #4
Enter Hawk and Dove…drawn to a mystery that threatens to destroy the perfect balance of their partnership. And the lost and scattered Titans—Dick, Donna, Garth, Roy, Gnarrk, Mal and Lilith—battle to discover the dark secret that unites them, but time is running out. Can they make sense of their twisted dreams before the escalating nightmare overwhelms them?
We Are Robin #8
The Robin War is over. From the rubble a new force rises, one that is attacking Duke and his Robins one by one. This new movement laughs at hope and justice. They believe in anger. They believe in fear. They believe in chaos. They are…JOKERS.
January 27th
Batgirl #48
When Batgirl is down, it’s Black Canary to the rescue! Dinah and Barbara reteam to try to discover the identity of the malevolent mastermind making their presence felt in Burnside!
Batman & Robin Eternal #17
TBD
Grayson #16
Armed with new information concerning Spyral’s connections, Dick must seek Tiger’s help to take Spyral down from within. But when Dick’s, his days as a double-agent may soon end in death!
Justice League 3001 #8
As Lady Styx’s legion reigns over the Commonwealth, an all-new Justice League rises from the ashes of the old. But can they topple a tyrant who’s embraced by the very people she’s conquered?
Justice League of America #7
The devastating climax of last issue has the League scrambling for revenge! Only problem is, they’ll need to get through millions of super-powered Kryptonians to get it!
Suicide Squad’s Most Wanted: Deadshot/ Katana #1
Two of the stars of next year’s highly anticipated action movie break out in their own solo adventures in this extra-sized, 6-issue miniseries!
First, in a story by Brian Buccellato, Viktor Bogdanovic and Richard Friend, Deadshot is on the run, taking on a series of new contracts, and re-establishing himself as the world’s most deadly marksman. But things are about to get complicated for Floyd Lawton when a figure from his past threatens to expose a dark secret…and Deadshot gets word of his next target: Lex Luthor!
Then, writer Mike W. Barr returns to the character he co-created in “Katana, Cult of the Kobra,” with art by Diogenes Neves. Katana needs to know more about Soultaker’s origin if she’s going to have any hope of controlling the sword instead of falling under its influence. Dr. Helga Jace, a Markovian astrophysicist, may be able to shed some light—but before Katana can get the info, Kobra’s forces attack!
Teen Titans #16
While the Teen Titans try to deal with the aftermath of the Robin War, they search for a new direction. Can Red Robin hold the team together?
Noteworthy Releases:
Green Lantern # 48
Back on Earth once more, Hal Jordan must bring in help to handle a terrorist attack on Coast City. But when Batman arrives on the scene, Green Lantern learns that much has changed while he was off-planet…
Starfire #8
Is Dick Grayson here to stay? Starfire has tackled some big threats during her stay in Key West—from hurricanes to intergalactic bounty hunters, from insane murderers to gargantuan monsters from the deep and everything in between. But our hero’s biggest challenge may be choosing between an ex and a new love interest.
Sinestro #19
The Pale Bishop has declared a holy war on all emotion—and his minions are about to invade Earth! Only the power of fear stands against them. In an attempt to bolster his defensive line, Sinestro has dispatched yellow rings across our world, adding many heroes and villains to the ranks of the Sinestro Corps!
Coloring Book Variant Covers:
Batman #48 by Dave Johnson,
Batman/Superman #28 by Freddie Williams II
Detective Comics #48 by Timothy Green
Grayson #16 by Aaron Lopresti
JLA #8 by Cully Hamner
Justice League #48 by Scott Kolins,
Red Hood/Arsenal #8 by Scott McDaniel,
Robin Son of Batman #8 by Sanford Greene,
Teen Titans #16 by Timothy Green
Titans Hunt #4 by Scott McDaniel,
We Are Robin #8 by Freddie Williams II,
Best Cover: Q-3 2015 Results
We recently held a poll for the Best Cover: Q-3 2015 and I’m here to deliver the results. In the spoiler tag, you will find the top six covers that will advance on to the Best Cover of 2015 Poll. The winners, in no particular order, are:
Justice League #42 by Brad Anderson, Jason Fabok, and Jaime Mendoza
Justice League #44 by Brad Anderson and Jason Fabok
Batman #44 by Jock
Justice League of America #2 by Francis Manupal
Grayson #12 by Mikel Janin
Justice League #43 by Brad Anderson and Jason Fabok
