Upcoming Comics: November 25, 2015

Thanksgiving is almost here! I’ve already had two Thanksgiving meals (an early Thanksgiving with family and then a work pot-luck), and I’ll have another one on Thanksgiving Day! I’m kind of looking forward to it. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it’s essentially just a big feats with people you love. And who doesn’t love good food with good people? There’s no gifts, no distractions, just what really matters… and then there’s usually days off work which serve as a great time to…. Read comics!!! (AKA: Ok family… I love you. It was great seeing you. The food was amazing. Go home! I’m in a food coma and I need to do nothing for the next 4 to 8 hours… maybe 12 if you circle back and have leftovers.)

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 25^th

Batman & Robin Eternal #8
Batman comes face to face with Mother. Can Grayson, Bluebird and Cassandra Cain fight their way out of the Prague ballet?!

Written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Genevieve Valentine
Pencils by Alvaro Martinez Bueno and Scot Eaton
Inks by Wayne Faucher and Raul Fernandez
Cover by Francis Manapul and Dan Panosian

Random Blurb of Excitement: The last two issues of this book have kicked ass… and this issue is a follow-up to last week’s issue, AND has the same creative team behind it! Yeah, it definitely tops my list! (Viva la Valentine!)

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Grayson #14
Grayson and Tiger battle their way into a secret lab of deceased scientist and Spyral founder Otto Netz. As he searches for clues to the true identity of the mysterious Agent Zero, Grayson finds his foes much closer than expected!

Written by Tom King and Tim Seeley
Pencils and Inks by Mikel Janin and Stephen Mooney
Colored by Jeromy Cox
Cover by Mikel Janin

Random Blurb of Excitement: You all know that I love Grayson. I’m kind of in heaven considering how many books Dick is in at the moment! After being so secluded for so long, it’s nice to see him spreading his wings in the DC Universe again.

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

We Are Robin #6
The Robins are reeling from yet another loss—but with the Reaper on their tails, there’s no time regroup! As the team fractures, each Robin must decide who can be trusted. And is it worth the risk to wear the R?

Written by Lee Bermejo
Pencils and Inks by Jorge Corona and Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colored by Trish Mulvihill and Christine Duart Peter
Cover by Lee Bermejo

Random Blurb of Excitement: The Reaper? As in Batman Year Two? I could be down for this. Overall, WAR appears to be getting better and better, and I’m looking forward to Robin War as well. I’m hoping that readers really give this book the opportunity to establish itself because it has a ton of potential.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Bombshells #5
Shipping twice in November! While Wonder Woman leads an American infantry division in an attack on an Axis battalion, Harley makes a none-too-graceful landing in France, where she encounters a woman with a strange affinity for plants. Plus, Supergirl and Stargirl fly home to protect their parents, only to be attacked by a fearsome forest spirit known as the Swamp Thing.

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

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve come to really enjoy this book – more than I thought I would if I’m being honest. I always thought I’d appreciate it due to the stylistic nature of the book, but I’ve gotten to the point that I actively look forward to reading Bombshells each month. If you’re not reading this, then give it a shot. It’s a solid book.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

Deathstroke #12
Slade continues his “Suicide Mission”! To get at Amanda Waller, he’ll go through any super-villain that gets in his way—including Catwoman! Good thing he’s getting a little help from Harley Quinn!

Written by James Bonny and Tony Salvador Daniel
Pencils by Tyler Kirkham
Inks by Sandu Florea and Tyler Kirkham
Colored by Tomeu Morey and Arif Prianto
Cover by Tony Salvador Daniel, Sandu Florea, Tyler Kirkham, and Tomeu Morey

Random Blurb of Excitement: We’re back for another installment of Deathstroke vs Suicide Squad! I really enjoyed last month’s issue, and felt as though this book served as a better interpretation of what Suicide Squad should be. This should help hold me over until February’s creative change on that book.  Also, I wasn’t too familiar with Tyler Kirkham before last month’s issue of Deathstroke, and I have to say, this guy is someone worth watching!

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1
The epic ending you never saw coming is here because you demanded it! The Dark Knight rises again to face the dawn of the master race!

Written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller
Pencils by Andy Kubert and Frank Miller
Inks by Klaus Janson
Colored by Brad Anderson and Alex Sinclair
Cover by Klaus Janson, Andy Kubert, Frank Miller, and Alex Sinclair

Random Blurb of Excitement: It’s the ending that isn’t really an ending because Miller announced he’s coming back for Dark Knight IV… Honestly, I have soooo many mixed emotions about this. Jay and I had a good talk yesterday about this book. There’s some excitement. There’s also some fear. I’m not too sure what to expect, so I’m just going to sit back and go for the ride on this one…

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Justice League of America #6
Bryan Hitch continues to test the World’s Greatest Heroes! It’s all-out war against the forces of Rao!

Written by Bryan Hitch
Pencils by Bryan Hitch
Inks by Daniel Henriques
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Bryan Hitch and Alex Sinclair

Random Blurb of Excitement: Alright… so this isn’t the original cover that was released, but every site I’ve looked at is showcasing this cover as the cover for issue 6. I’m only calling attention to it because it seems SO out of place. Martian Manhunter hasn’t been in (or even referenced) in any issue so far. And I don’t think that red creature has either. Aside from all of this, Hitch has been telling a solid story that should read really well as a trade. That being said, it can feel a little slow as a monthly, especially when it’s hit with slight delays on a regular basis. That will definitely make readers lose interest, and considering the drastic rate at which sales have dropped, DC can’t be too happy about that.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

Robin, Son of Batman #6
The epic showdown with the rival Lu’un Darga family is here! And if that’s not enough, Damian must face the crimes of his past and make a choice about the Year of Blood that might change everything. With his mother, Talia, and his new friends Mya and Goliath beside him, the adventure comes to a head for the Son of Batman.

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

Random Blurb of Excitement: I know I’ve said this before, but I REALLY wish Gleason was a more polished writer! He’s doing a solid job so far, and I’ve enjoyed this book, but there are a number of textures missing from this book that I wish were there. They’re all very subtle, character based details, but go back and read Grant Morrison’s interpretation of Damian during his Batman & Robin run, or even Tomasi’s first volume from the New 52. I’ll think you’ll be able to understand what’s “missing” in this book for me. Again, I don’t think this book is bad. I just think it could be better.

Batman News Critic: Terry

 

 

Batman: Arkham Knight – Robin Special #1
After an intense training session in the Batcave, Tim Drake settles in for a normal day as a science teacher at Robinson Academy. But just as a class field trip to Wayne Industries begins, things take a violent turn when a gang of armed thugs enter the building. Don’t miss this special spotlight issue on the Boy Wonder!

Art by Juan Albarran and Robson Rocha
Cover by Francis Manapul
Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m feeling a little Arkham Knight fatigue, so I’m “meh” with this release. I think the book is good, but nothing is really blowing me away. So far it’s one of those, “Yeah, it’s enjoyable, but you’re not missing too much if you don’t read it type of books.”

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Justice League 3001 #6
Evil Zeus of Injustice League 3000 has returned, and he’s created a new race of the most bizarre New Gods in DCU history! And a new threat enters U.P. space and they’re systematically eliminating any and all obstacles to their master’s conquest. Plus, the most unexpected super death in super history. No. Really. You’ll never guess.

Written by J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen
Pencils and Inks by Colleen Doran
Cover by Hi-Fi, Timothy Green II, and Howard Porter

Random Blurb of Excitement: So, I’m a total loser and blanked on covering issue 5 of this book for you guys… Thankfully, Cat is awesome, and is all caught up, so she will be covering issues 5 & 6 for you. Now, for the book itself, I find it entertaining, but I haven’t felt completely connected to it. Because of that, this book loses some points in my view. The best thing about this book though, are some of the one-liners that pop up here and there.

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

Notes:

• Batman: Endgame Director’s Cut #1 is also being released this week.
• Gotham by Midnight #11, Gotham Academy #12, & Teen Titans #14 have been pushed back to December 2^nd.
• Black Canary #6 has been pushed back until December 9^th.
• Justice League #46, Batgirl #46, and Harley Quinn & Power Girl #6 have been pushed back to December 16^th.

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Batman ’66 Meets the Green Hornet (Softcover) – Superstar filmmaker Kevin Smith and actor/comedian Ralph Garman reunite Batman, The Green Hornet, Robin and Kato! But what could force these rivals to join forces? How about the deadly team of General Gumm and The Joker! Don’t miss this title collecting the 6-issue miniseries.

 

Earth 2 Vol. 5: The Kryptonian (Softcover) – A new super-being named Val-Zod has appeared—and the heroes of Earth-2 must convince him to help them in one last, desperate attempt to stop Kal-El. Can they band together in time to prepare for Apokolips and the forces of Darkseid? And can Val-Zod become the hero they need him to be? Collects EARTH 2 #21-26 and EARTH 2: FUTURES END #1!

 

Earth 2 Vol. 6: Collision (Hardcover) – The heroes of Earth-2 are faced with the end of their world as the forces of Apokolips invade! Millions are displaced in a crumbling world as The Flash, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern and the World Army struggles to stem the tide of destruction. But will their combined might be enough? Collects EARTH 2 #27-32.

 

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.