Upcoming Comics: November 11, 2015

The weather is starting to cool down! Woo hoo! I can’t tell you guys how excited I am! I feel like I come alive when the weather gets cold. Seriously, I love it! I’m the idiot that’s walking around in shorts and a t-shirt when its 40 degrees outside. I exercise more. And… I make sure I have lazy nights full of reading comics and watching movies! (For any of my family members that read this, I’m giving you hints for Christmas gifts: COMICS & MOVIES!)

I live in LA though, so it never gets super cold, and most of the people out here complain the moment a cool breeze picks up (or when it rains… seriously, they act like a sprinkle is the flood from the Bible), so I’m definitely living in the wrong place. But I feel like my enjoyment of the cold is justified, because I always felt like Batman would’ve enjoyed the cold. I mean, when you’re wearing that gear, you’re not going to be excited for 90 degree nights. Right? I always imagined that the first time it gets cold each year, Batman is super peppy. Well, super peppy for Batman anyway. He’s probably walking through the Bat Cave with a bounce in his step, humming some tunes, calling friends just to say hello, and it’s probably the one time each year that he listens to the radio (Please take a moment to visualize Batman in the Batmobile with the radio blasting “Hello” by Adele, with Bats belting it out as loud as possible… There’s a number of interpretations, and all of them are funny… especially if Gordon catches him… or better yet, Damian…). Yeah, I know… I need help…

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 reviewing 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…

 

November 11^th

 

Catwoman #45
As Eiko abandons the role of Catwoman, Selina’s list of friends is growing perilously short. And when one of the Calabreses is in danger, she must decide what to save: her family or Gotham City! Will her closest ally become her greatest nemesis in this shocking conclusion?

Written by Genevieve Valentine
Pencils by David Messina
Inks by Gaetano Carlucci and David Messina
Colored by Lee Loughridge
Cover by Kevin Wada

Random Blurb of Excitement: Well… here we are… Valentine’s last issue… What a sad, sad, terribly sad day.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

 

Batman #46
At last, Batman comes face to face with Gotham City’s deadly new villain, Mr. Bloom. With the fate of the city hanging in the balance, Batman reaches out to the one man who might be able to help him: Bruce Wayne!

Written by Scott Snyder
Pencils by Greg Capullo
Inks by Danny Miki
Colored by Francisco Perez
Cover by Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, and Francisco Perez

Random Blurb of Excitement: I find Mr. Bloom pretty interesting, so I’m actually looking forward to this issue. I’m still not a fan of Gordo-Bats, but this issue should touch on some of the better parts of this arc.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Justice League: Darkseid War: Green Lantern #1
With the Green Lantern Corps threatened by a strange extinction-level event on Oa, only Hal Jordan and John Stewart remain to save the Corps–and themselves-from joining Darkseid’s army forever!

Written by Tom King
Pencils and Inks by Evan Shaner
Colored by Chris Sotomayor
Cover by Francis Manapul

Random Blurb of Excitement: Why is this so high? Tom King! Seriously, it feels like anything this guy touches turns to gold (Grayson, Omega Men, The Vision). I do wish these issues were more tied to the current Darkseid War arc, but they’re not. And while I find them interesting, I don’t really want to read a story that’s essentially a “what if” situation showcasing what our favorite League members would be like as gods. That being said, considering what King has done with Omega Men specifically in just a few short issues… I’m REALLY looking forward to this.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

 

Batman & Robin Eternal #6
Grayson, Red Robin and Red Hood fracture, not knowing whether they can trust each other or the legacy of Batman. In the past, Robin gets his chance to redeem himself in Batman’s eyes and take on Scarecrow.

Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion I
Pencils by Tony Salvador Daniel
Inks by Sandu Florea
Cover by Francis Manapul

Random Blurb of Excitement: As much as I want to be excited about this, it’s beginning to become more and more difficult… I love Cassandra, and I love Dick, but the creative team hasn’t fully taken hold of the opportunity they’ve been presented. I’m beginning to worry that I might spend the entire run of this book hoping an issue will meet the quality of its debut. Snyder and Tynion are back on writing duties for this issue though, so I’m going to assume that means something worthwhile is going to happen…

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

DC Comics Bombshells #4
Shipping twice in November! In a London hospital, a strange patient has a message for Dr. Harleen Quinzel…one that leads the doctor to hijack a plane out of the city! And, Supergirl and Stargirl lead a bombing raid, only to discover a terrible secret that leaves them questioning their loyalties. Plus, Batwoman arrives in Italy where she encounters Contessa Selina Digatti—a.k.a. the Catwoman!

Art by Marguerite Sauvage, Mirko Andolfo, and Bilquis Evely
Cover by Ant Lucia
Written by Marguerite Bennett

Random Blurb of Excitement: Bombshells has been more fun than I anticipated, and they stylization of its time period really makes it feel special!

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

 

 

Justice League: Darkseid War: Shazam #1
A boy becomes an army of Gods! No longer does Billy Batson have access to the powers of the Old Gods. Now, he commands the combined might of Highfather, Mantis and other New Gods. But these Gods are not passive. And they will sooner destroy Billy than give up control of their power.

Written by Steve Orlando
Pencils and Inks by Scott Kolins
Colored by Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Cover by Francis Manapul

Random Blurb of Excitement: This issue has the potential of being great because the whole concept is within Shazam’s “universe.” When you think of gods and power, he tends to come to mind considering the catalyst of his powers. Let’s hope Orlando delivers a worthwhile issue!

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

Batman Beyond #6
His suit’s torn to shreds, his city’s dying, and he’s been up to his neck in Inque and cyborgs since he got thrown into this hellish future! But he’s done being told he’s not Batman, and he’s taking the fight to the moon for humanity’s final showdown with Brother Eye! This is it-the conclusion to the struggle started way back in FUTURES END #0!

Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils and Inks by Bernard Chang
Colored by Marcelo Maiolo
Cover by Bernard Chang and Marcelo Maiolo

Random Blurb of Excitement: This book contains the best presentation of Tim Drake that I’ve seen since the New 52, and because I’ve that, I’m a fan of it. Batman Beyond is far from perfect, but it appears to be improving with each issue. Hopefully that trend will continue as we close out this arc.

Batman News Critic: Brittany Anne

 

 

 

Justice League United #15
“Warzone” concludes with a tremendous team-up never before seen in DC Comics history as the Justice League joins forces with Sgt. Rock, Enemy Ace, the Creature Commandos and OMAC to destroy a bizarre threat that could plunge our heroes into endless war!

Written by Jeff Parker
Pencils by Paul Pelletier
Inks by Rob Hunter
Colored by Jeremy Cox
Cover by Tony Harris

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m not going to lie, most of my interest for this book fell pretty quickly after its cancelation was announced. Unfortunately, the former Justice League of America felt like it lost it’s footing with Trinity War, and never gained it again throughout the rest of its run. Justice League United spun out of JLA, had a rough start, finally found it’s groove, and the moment it did, the hammer came down.  And instead of going out with a bang, it looks as if Parker is just phoning it in.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

 

Batman/ Superman #26
Batgirl enters the scene as the half-powered Superman goes to war against Vandal Savage!

Written by Greg Pak
Pencils by Cliff Richards and Ardian Syaf
Inks by Vicente Cifuentes and Cliff Richards
Colored by Beth Sotelo
Cover by Cary Nord, Ulises Arreola Palomera, and Ardian Syaf

Random Blurb of Excitement: The last arc ended up being a total stinker, and this one isn’t off to the best start. To be completely honest, Superman without his powers is pretty much a bust, and adding Gordo-Bats into that doesn’t create a winning mix.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

 

Teen Titans #13
With Superboy’s fate revealed and the world turned against them, the Teen Titans must decide a new course—or go their separate ways!

Written by Will Pfeifer & Scott Lobdell
Pencils by Ricken
Inks by Trevor Scott
Colors by Daniel Brown
Cover by Ricken

Random Blurb of Excitement: You want to know what the bottom two books have in common? Scott Lobdell. At least this book has Will Pfeifer to try and curb some of the terrible writing… clearly it’s not helping much though.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

 

Red Hood/ Arsenal #6
Roy and Jason have been through a lot with their new start-up business, and a therapy session to vent a few grievances seems like just what the doctor ordered. Too bad Sera Phina and her team of villains are finally assembled and ready to launch their attack!

Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencils and Inks by Denis Medri
Colored by Blond and Tanya Horie
Cover by Hi-Fi and Howard Porter

Random Blurb of Excitement: It’s the bros, and now Joker’s Daughter is involved… There is NOTHING good about this…. I hope Brittany drinks, cause she might need it to pull this review together.

Batman News Critic: Brittany Anne

 

 

 

Notes:

• New Suicide Squad #14, Earth 2 Society #6, and Harley Quinn #22 have been pushed back to November 18^th.
• Gotham Academy #12 has been pushed back until December 12^th.

 

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Batman R.I.P. Unwrapped (Hardcover) – This stunning unwrapped collection features the game-changing BATMAN: R.I.P., the story that led into Grant Morrison’s best-selling FINAL CRISIS. Batman is dead – and with him out of the picture, The Club of Villains begins a crime spree through the streets of Gotham City, while Batman’s allies attempt to keep order. This deluxe edition presents the art of Tony S. Daniel from issues #676-681 in pencil form.

 

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.