Upcoming Comics: January 13, 2016

I’m wwaaaaaayyyyyy behind due to some work emergencies that came up towards the end of last week and carried through the weekend, so I’m going to keep this intro short and sweet! Batman has been delayed by a week, but we still get some great released, including the finale to Robin War! Check it out my rankings below!

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…

 

January 13^th

 

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!

Written by Tom Taylor
Pencils by Robson Rocha
Inks by Ruy Jose and Dexter Vines
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette

Random Blurb of Excitement: You probably think I’m crazy, and you’re probably asking why I gave this the top spot. Two reasons: 1. It features the real Batman. 2. Tom Taylor. In my opinion, Tom Taylor is one of the best writers in comics today. I desperately wish he had more high-profile titles, because his work is a joy to read. Even though he won’t have a full run on this book, I’m not going to complain because I’m so happy to have him in general.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

Robin War #2
The stunning conclusion to the “Robin War” is here!

Written by Tom King
Pencils Alvaro Martinez Bueno, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Steve Pugh, and Khary Randolph
Inks by Carmine Di Giandomenico, Steve Pugh, and Khary Randolph
Cover by Emilio Lopez and Khary Randolph

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m excited and nervous for this all at the same time. I have complete faith that King will deliver a strong issue… but I’m not sure if the conclusion of this will be worthy enough to write home about… I’m crossing my fingers though… Come on, Tom!

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

 

Batman & Robin Eternal #15
In times of crisis people turn to faith. In Red Robin’s time of crisis he will turn to Azrael.

Written by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Scott Snyder, and James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Christian Duce
Colored by Gabe Eltaeb
Cover by Brad Anderson, David Finch, and Scott Hanna

Random Blurb of Excitement: Before I say anything, I have to call attention to this cover, and the nice nod that it gives to Knigthtfall. Tim and Azrael! It’s classic! The pacing of this book is way better than its predecessor, and I’m glad we’re continuing a balanced storytelling between Dick, Cassandra, and Harper, and Tim and  Jason. I’m glad we’re going to see more of Azrael. I’m anxious to discover the full story behind his character, and see if he’ll end up becoming  a member of the ever-growing Bat family by the end of Batman & Robin Eternal’s run.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

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!

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 thought the first issue was a decent introduction, but I’m curious to see where it goes from here. Was I wowed by the debut? No. But the concept is still fun enough on its own merit that I’m still excited! It’s basically a childhood dream come true…. I just never knew I wanted it.

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

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.?

Written by Jeff Parker
Art by Karl Kesel and David Hahn
Cover by Mike Allred

Random Blurb of Excitement: Going into the debut of this book, I was concerned I was going to lose the magic that filled the standard Batman ’66. Thankfully, it didn’t! While I do miss some of the ploys that will come with the standard title, this will help fill that void.

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

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.

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 hadn’t read this title until last month’s issue, and I was pleasantly surprised! I’m not sure why I would expect anything less considering my fondness of Conner and Palmiotti. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to this issue, and will most likely keep this book in my rotation going forward!

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

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!

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

Random Blurb of Excitement: This issue will be the real test. Tieri’s debut on Catwoman was solid. Some people felt the narrative was weak, but it was also a transitional issue. What he did really well was capture Selina/ Catwoman’s voice, and provide a nice energy to the book. In almost every way possible, Tieri took us back to basics, and that’s not a bad thing.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

 

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.

Written by Katie Cook, Brenden Fletcher, Derek Fridolfs, and Hope Larson
Pencils by Adam Archer, Katie Cook, Kris Mukai, and Dustin Nguyen
Inks by Sandra Hope Archer, Katie Cook, Kris Mukai, and Dustin Nguyen
Colored by Adam Archer, Katie Cook, Kris Mukai, and Dustin Nguyen
Cover by Mingjue Helen Chen

Random Blurb of Excitement: I love this book, but this arc makes me a little nervous… For one, there’s an army of talent on this issue, which means there will probably be three or four stories in this issue alone. I’m also nervous because the premise of arc kind of screams, “We’re not really sure what to do with this title and these character at the moment, so we’re going to buy some time…” And let’s face it… that usually doesn’t go too well.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

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!

Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils and Inks by Jorge Jimenez
Colored by Alejandro Sanchez
Cover by Jorge Jimenez and Alejandro Sanchez

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve been having a difficult time connecting with Earth 2 Society. I don’t think it’s bad, but I’m also not getting any level of excitement about reading the title each month. In fact, there are times that I don’t even get to it until a week or so later. And considering this book isn’t part of the main continuity, Abnett should be running wild with his narrative, but he’s not. Now that we’re heading in a new direction, I’m curious to see how this book changes or grows… I’m not going to hold my breath though.

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

 

 

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?!

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

Random Blurb of Excitement: Thank you, God! See you later, Sean!

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

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?

Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencils and Inks by Javier Fernandez
Colored by Blond
Cover by Leonardo Manco

Random Blurb of Excitement: Look… It’s Scott Lobdell… writing Joker’s Daughter… How do you think this is going to go?

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

 

 

Notes:

Batman #48 has been pushed back to January 20^th.

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman – Trinity Deluxe Edition (Hardcover) – Eisner Award-winning storyteller Matt Wagner’s spin on the first team-up of the most powerful heroes on Earth-Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

When Batman’s enemy Ra’s al Ghul enlists the help of the botched Superman clone Bizarro and a rogue Amazon for his global terrorist organization, the Caped Crusader recruits reinforcements of his own: Superman and new ambassador from Themyscira, Wonder Woman.

As the three champions join forces to defend Earth against an oncoming apocalypse, a legendary alliance is born!

Collects BATMAN/SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN: TRINITY #1-3, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #628, WONDER WOMAN #204, BATMAN #627.

 

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 can be found in the spoiler tag.