Upcoming Comics: December 9, 2015

This week is heavy with Robin War! Four chapters of the book, as well as a tie in will be released on Wednesday due to last week’s delays, so its almost going to feel like reading a trade… And I like that! The only thing that I can predict being a bit of a letdown, is the thought of some of these creative teams taking a stab at this arc – thankfully it’s just a tie-in! On top of all of the Robin War issues, we’re also getting the release of the Batman/ TMNT crossover (the inner child in me just fainted), as well as the debut of the new creative team on Catwoman. Oh, and we have that little reveal from last week’s Batman & Robin Eternal that needs to be followed up on as well! In other words, it’s going to be a good week for comics!

Also, some of you have inquired about writing opportunities for the Comics section of Batman-News.com. Batman News is looking for reserve reviewers in case another writer must ever leave the team. We’re looking for hardcore Batman fans with free-time on Wednesdays to write commentary on select Batman comics. We want people who are passionate about the mythology and want to write about a comic because they love these characters. Please be realistic about how many titles you can handle. We want good, insightful copy. A paragraph or two per comic review isn’t going to cut it (be insightful, be funny, find your own voice and, most importantly, be interesting) and your readers will expect a review to be posted that very Wednesday! This is a fun gig, but it’s also quite a bit of work, so keep that in mind. If you’re interested in applying for a writing position, please follow the steps provided below:

Step 1:
Provide a list of books that you would like to review. All of our books are currently assigned to critics, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t or couldn’t be any changes in the future.

Step 2:
Introduce yourself. We want to know who you are and what kind of schedule you keep. What do you think makes you a decent writer? Have you read “Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art” by Scott McCloud? What about “Story” by Robert McKee? Ever been published? Are you studying writing right now? What about artwork? Are you an artist yourself? Have you studied comic art and have an understanding of the various techniques? Despite there being so many comic reviews online today, very few actually offer high-quality commentary on the artwork.

Also, during your introduction we would like to know a little something about your connection to The Dark Knight. Remember how we said we’re looking for passionate people? Move me with your romanticized, nostalgic view of the mythology or impress me with how far your obsession has taken you. Got a Bat-tattoo? Built your own Batcave? We’re not looking for casual fans. Andrew started the comics section from scratch, and we only want to pass this responsibility on to people who ball-up their fists when they hear someone say “Batman: The Animated Series is overrated” or get glassy-eyed while describing the plot of “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?”

Step 3:
Provide a rundown of your experience with the character. The more comics you’ve read, the better. List what comic book eras you specialize in, and what eras you’re most unfamiliar with. What unread classic graphic novels are you most ashamed of never touching? What are your favorite Batman stories of all-time? Have you seen every movie and TV show? Played every video game? The more info you give, the more seriously you’ll be considered.

Step 4:
Write a review. Is there any better way to know what you’re made of? Write a review for any Bat-comic that we didn’t review already and submit it. If it’s good and we want you to join the team then we’ll go ahead and post it once the comics section relaunches if you’d like. We’re not looking for someone to imitate the same style of our writers. Heck, you don’t even need to share the same opinions. Just prove that you’re a capable writer who is willing to pour their heart and soul into a commentary about the book. Also, keep in mind how we do scores around here. The entire 1-10 scale is utilized. 1 is awful, 5 is “just okay,” and 10 is a must-read.

Submit:
Send your application to: ReviewerTryouts@gmail.com in the form of a typical email or a Word document. There’s no immediate deadline. We won’t stop taking submissions until we feel confident with the results. If we like what we see, then we’ll start an email correspondence with you, working out what comics you’re the right fit for handling. Also, don’t send an e-mail saying you want Snyder & Capullo’s Batman and Batman only. The more open you are to handling the lower tier books, we’ll be more open to seriously reviewing your entry.

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. We also have the results from the Dark Knight III: The Master Race variant cover poll and the October/ November Non-Themed variant cover poll. 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…

 

December 9^th

 

Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
DC Comics and IDW team up for the crossover you never saw coming as two of the greatest entertainment icons meet for the first time! In Gotham City, a series of deadly raids leads Batman to believe he’s up against a group of highly trained ninjas known as the Foot Clan! Somehow, they’ve crossed over to another dimension and are determined to take advantage of the situation while looking to get back home. But they haven’t come alone: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are hot on their trail. Get ready for excitement as heroes and villains from both worlds clash and team up in an epic battle that threatens the very fabric of reality!

Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Freddie E. Williams II
Colored by Jeremy Colwell
Cover by Freddie E. Williams II

Random Blurb of Excitement: I have a confession, when I was really young, every day was a race between my brother and I to see who would get home from school first. If my brother beat me home, then he’d put on Who Framed Roger Rabbit. But if I beat him home, I’d put on Ninja Turtles. Every. Single. Day. I’m sure my mom loved it. So when I saw that this crossover was taking place…(The Upcoming Comics post will continue shortly… Unfortunately, Josh McDonald has passed out from excitement. Please wait patiently…)

BatmanNews Critic: Jay

 

 

Batman & Robin Eternal #10
What wicked force could get Red Robin and Red Hood to ally with BANE? In the past, Mother closes in on all of Batman’s greatest secrets and fears…

Written by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Scott Snyder, and James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Roge Antonio and Geraldo Borges
Colored by Allen Passalaqua
Cover by Romulo Fajardo, Jr., Carlo Pagulayan, and Jason Paz

Random Blurb of Excitement: I expected the review from the last issue since the debut of this book, however, I didn’t expect them to give it this early. That’s not a bad thing though! I felt like I spent a good chunk of Batman & Robin Eternal waiting on them to reveal Lincoln March, only for them to wait until the last issue. And since this review felt as “obvious,” I’m glad they went ahead and got it out of the way.

BatmanNews Critic: Brandon

 

 

Grayson #15
IT’S GRAYSON VS. THE COURT OF OWLS in “Robin War” part 2! As the Robins run wild in the streets of Gotham City, Grayson battles the Court of Owls! With chaos everywhere, the police are paralyzed—and even an Agent of Spyral has his limits!

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

Random Blurb of Excitement: This issue should essentially be a continuation of what took place last week in the Robin War debut considering Tom King once again has writing credits. The more I read of King’s work, the more he proves that he’s one of the best writers in the business today. I sincerely hope he doesn’t burn himself out though. At the moment, he’s writing this book, Omega Men, The Vision, and The Sheriff of Babylon (which is AMAZING if you haven’t picked it up).

BatmanNews Critic: Jay

 

Batman #47
While Jim Gordon is in the fight of his life against Mr. Bloom, Bruce Wayne discovers a shocking secret about his past that will change everything in Gotham City!

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: It’s official, this IS getting released tomorrow! DC confirmed this earlier this afternoon. So it looks like this week is getting EVEN BETTER with releases as Super Heavy races towards its climax!

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

 

DC Comics Bombshells #6
Having defected from Russia, Supergirl and Stargirl arrive on the Western front. In Berlin, Batwoman has to learn that she can’t fight every battle, while Zatanna consults her favorite rabbit, the former John Constantine. Meanwhile, Harley and Ivy race across France, taking on every Nazi they encounter.

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

Random Blurb of Excitement: As I said previously, I’m really enjoying this book. If you’ve made assumptions about it, or judged it based on its “gimmick,” then please don’t. This book is so much more than its stylization. There’s some quality work here, and I’m not just talking about the art!

BatmanNews Critic: Elena

 

 

 

Justice League: Darkseid War – Lex Luthor #1
Lex Luthor has gained the power of a God, but his one failure continues to deny him the peace he craves—and only a crazed Superman can help him get it!

Written by Francis Manapul
Pencils by Bong Dazo
Colored by Hi-Fi
Cover by Francis Manapul

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m not going to lie, I forgot that this had been delayed. That being said, the other one-shots have been pretty decent, so this one could follow suit!

BatmanNews Critic:

 

 

Gotham Academy #13
A “Robin War” tie-in! With Robins fighting cops all over the city, the student body is starting to take sides. What happens when Olive and her friends find themselves on opposite sides of this struggle? And what happens when the real war comes to the halls of Gotham Academy?

Written by Brenden Fletcher
Pencils by Adam Archer
Inks by Sandra Hope Archer
Colored by MSASSYK and Serge Lapointe

Random Blurb of Excitement: This could be A LOT of fun, so I’m really looking forward to it. I tend to feel that tie-ins are typically executed poorly, and feel forced. Fletcher has proven he’s more than capable with this title though, and I’ve never felt let down by an issue.

BatmanNews Critic: Brandon

 

 

 

Detective Comics #47
LOCKED UP! In Robin War” part 3, the GCPD cracks down on the Robins, Batman must choose sides—and the mysterious Court of Owls stands behind it all pulling the strings!

Written by Ray Fawkes
Pencils and Inks by Steve Pugh
Colored by Chris Sotomayor
Cover by Andrew Robinson

Random Blurb of Excitement: Court of the Owls? Yay! RoboBats? Uh… There’s potential? This will be the first issue that could possible determine the overall perception of Robin War since it will feature a different creative team for part 3. I’m curiously excited!

BatmanNews Critic: Brandon

 

 

Batman/ Superman #27
To defeat Vandal Savage and his barbarian hordes, Superman must become more and more brutal. And when he reaches the point of no return, it may be up to Red Hood to take him down. Plus, Gordon makes a shocking discovery about Savage’s ultimate plan!

Written by Greg Pak
Pencils by Jack Herbert and Cliff Richards
Inks and Cliff Richards
Colored by Beth Sotelo
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn, Yanick Paquette, and Ardian Syaf

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m actually enjoying this arc so far. It’s fun, and features a range of characters. I wouldn’t consider it amazing, but it is enjoyable. If I could make one change though, I wish Tim were there instead of Jason.

BatmanNews Critic: Terry

 

 

Catwoman #47
Catwoman is back in action! Leaving the mob behind, Selina is on the prowl again. When she gets wind of what might be the biggest score of her life, she’ll need to remind everyone just who is the greatest thief around.

Written by Frank Tieri
Pencils and Inks by Inaki Miranda
Colored by Eva de la Cruz
Cover by Josh Middleton and Inaki Miranda

Random Blurb of Excitement: As sad as I am that Valentine is no longer at the helm of this book, I’m going to maintain an open mind. Tieri is hit or miss for me, but I’m hoping for the best. Also, this cover looks amazing, and that alone adds a little more excitement for me!

BatmanNews Critic: Josh

 

 

 

Starfire #7
It’s the final showdown between Starfire and the wicked Soren Hook! As the battle reaches its end, a familiar face arrives in Key West! Will sparks fly when Kori is reunited with Dick Grayson?

Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils by Emanuela Lupacchino
Inks by Ray McCarthy
Cover by Amanda Conner and Paul Mounts

Random Blurb of Excitement: I honestly have no idea what to expect with this because I haven’t been reading Starfire. I’m going to assume that there will be a lot of humorous, sexual tension between Kori and Dick considering the history of Conner and Palmiotti’s run on Harley Quinn.

BatmanNews Critic: Elena

 

 

Earth 2 Society #7
As the fledgling society of new Earth threatens to disintegrate into chaos, can the raw power of the Green Lantern overcome the godlike abilities of Doctor Impossible? Or is Alan Scott just a man, after all?

Written by Daniel Wilson
Pencils and Inks by Alisson Borges and Jorge Jimenez
Colored by Blond and Alejandro Sanchez
Cover by Brad Anderson, Andy Kubert, and Anthony John Rauch, Jr.

Random Blurb of Excitement: I feel like this book unravels more and more each month. It’s as if its falling apart before my eyes, which is a shame, because the Earth 2 title just received a “fresh start.” Overall, the story has just felt unfocused and inconsistent. I haven’t given up on it, but I’m definitely losing interest.

BatmanNews Critic: Cat

 

 

 

New Suicide Squad #15
Task Force X’s mission to destroy a cartel trafficking in super-drugs has completely unraveled, leaving the critically wounded Deadshot with only one person he can to turn. But newly minted field agent Amanda Waller couldn’t care if he lives or dies, especially since she’s closing in on the hidden truth behind the Squad’s recent activities.

Written by Sean Ryan
Pencils and Inks by Phil Briones
Colored by Blond
Cover by Juan E. Ferreyra

Random Blurb of Excitement: Meh. I’m freed of Sean Ryan in February…

BatmanNews Critic: Josh

 

 

 

Red Hood/ Arsenal #7
A “Robin War” tie-in! The boys are back in Gotham City and tensions are high! As battle lines are drawn, Red Hood and Arsenal will be forced to choose sides-—but will they side with each other? It’s brother versus brother, as the Robin War rages on!

Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencils and Inks by Javier Fernandez
Colored by Blond
Cover by Hi-Fi and Howard Porter

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ll be shocked if this isn’t terrible.

BatmanNews Critic: Cat

 

 

 

Notes:

Batman #47 (DC confirmed this will be released. The cover will be included in next week’s cover poll), Justice League #46, Batgirl #46, Justice League United #16, and Harley Quinn & Power Girl #6 have been pushed back until December 16^th.

Black Canary #6 has been pushed back until December 30^th.

Last week, the cover for Grayson #15 was mistakenly shown instead of the cover for Robin War #1. So, the actual cover for Robin War will be included in this week’s poll in place of the Grayson cover.

 

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Harley Quinn Vol. 2: Power Outage (Softcover) – The first rule of Skate Club is…you do not mess with the Mistress of Mayhem! Harley stumbles across an underground fight club where big money equals big body counts! She’s in…and she’s making Sy Borgman her agent. Plus, what would happen if the demented Clown Princess of Crime visited the most popular comic-con out there? Collects HARLEY QUINN #9-13, HARLEY QUINN: FUTURES END #1, a story from SECRET ORIGINS #4 and the star-studded HARLEY QUINN INVADES COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO #1!

 

Harley Quinn Vol. 3: Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Stab (Hardcover) – Harley was certain she could have it all. She could be the world’s best landlord, protect Coney Island from the scum of the Earth, woo Mason Macabre, work her day job as a psychiatrist, volunteer at the puppy shelter…but that’s a lot of spinning plates, and eventually they’re bound to start breaking! What happens when a psychopath cracks up? Is it possible for Harley to go even more insane?! Don’t miss this big helping of Harley from HARLEY QUINN #14-16, ANNUAL #1, VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL #1, and HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1!

 

Suicide Squad Vol. 2: The Nightshade Odyssey (Softcover) – In this title collecting SUICIDE SQUAD #9-16, JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNA-TIONAL #13 and DOOM PATROL/SUICIDE SQUAD SPECIAL #1, the team must take down the island headquarters of a drug cartel that’s more than it seems. Then, the squad and the Justice League both try to infiltrate a Russian prison.

 

Teen Titans Go!: Truth, Justice, & Pizza! (Softcover) – Now reprinted at DC’s standard trade paperback size, these stories from TEEN TITANS GO! #1-6 include “Demo,” “The Beast Boy Who Cried Wolf,” “Lame,” “My Crummy Valentine,” “Monster Zit” 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. Last week’s results are in the spoiler tag.

 

Best Dark Knight III: The Master Race Variant Cover Poll Results:

Below you will find the results from the Dark Knight III: The Master Race Variant Cover Poll. The top 6 covers moving on to the 2015 Q-4 Cover Poll are:

 

 

Best Non-Themed Variant Cover Poll Results – October & November:

Below you will find the results from the non-themed variant cover poll for the months of October & November.