Typically I get really excited when DC releases their solicitations – and I did get a little excited this time as well… but if I’m being completely honest, forget April and tell me more about June! It’s like I don’t know how to feel about some of these titles… I’m afraid that if I get too excited, I’ll potentially get burned… So come on DC, throw out a few more hints about this whole Rebirth that’s taking place this year!
For the month of the April, DC will also release themed variant covers honoring John Romita Jr. 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 John Romita Jr. 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.
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!
April 6th
Batman Beyond #11
Growing tensions between the citizens and refugees of Neo-Gotham have finally erupted into full-on revolt! The city’s in disarray and Batman’s fighting for his life—not just against the Splicers of Metropolis, but against the Justice League itself! A new power and a new ally will be key if Batman is to have any hope of leading both cities to the freedom they seek in this new world.
Detective Comics #51
When Jim Gordon gets a call from his old Marine Corps friends, he sets off to their base to investigate a potential crime—and he’s bringing his Batman suit along, just in case.
Harley Quinn & the Suicide Squads April Fool’s Special #1
Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, M.D., welcomes you to Evil Anonymous, the support group for super villains in need; where no problem is too insane or homicidal, and where discretion is assured as only a clown princess of crime can—which is to say, not at all. But when Harley Quinn starts using her patients’ own evil schemes against them, it turns out that a much bigger, far more dangerous, and truly life-altering joke is being played on her.
The Harley specials are typically a lot of fun, so I’m looking forward to this! I do think they’re starting to beat a dead horse, but Harley is one of the few brands that has been consistently reliable for them, so I get it…
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 5 #7
Catwoman’s departure from the insurgency seems complete as she returns to her life of crime. Harley decides to join her for a bit of fun. But things turn grim as they run into Damian, who is undergoing a transformation himself…into the new Nightwing!
There could be some really solid stories occurring in Injustice this year, I just hope the execution is up to par. This idea is something that I’d never thought of, but I do find it really interesting. I’ve always loved the relationship that Dick and Damian have, and this speaks volumes on Damian’s opinion of Dick.
Midnighter #11
At last, it’s the moment we’e all been waiting for: Apollo returns! Midnighter’s caught in the crossfire between the Suicide Squad and Spyral—now he must team up with his ex to stop Henry Bendix from creating a monster!
New Suicide Squad #19
The Suicide Squad’s freedom proves to be short-lived when their liberators are revealed to be none other than the Fist of Cain, the insane, ultra-violent death cult for whom murdering famous super-villains would be a thrilling path to glory. Harley Quinn and Deadshot fight for their lives while Amanda Waller and Captain Boomerang decide whether they even want to save these most bitter rivals!
To me it always made sense that Suicide Squad and Spyral would oppose one another. It’s two secret organizations… they’re naturally going to be at odds with one another on some level. What I like even more, is seeing their worlds indirectly clash with one another. The enemy of Spyral is now dealing with Task Force X… That’s kind of awesome.
April 13th
Batman #51
Batman has battled everything from the Court of Owls to Mr. Bloom to the Joker, but how does he handle a quiet night in Gotham City…?
If you ever wonder the power of Bruce Wayne/ Batman as a character, read Snyder’s Super Heavy arc, and compare issue 48 to the issues leading up to it… So glad we’re getting the real Batman back!
Batman/ Superman #31
In part two of “Super League,” Superman enlists Batman’s aid in seeking out people that can help form his new super-league. A shocking discovery is made about a new super-being no one knew existed, and something is beginning to stalk Superman…
Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5
While Shredder enters an uneasy alliance with a deadly new partner, Casey Jones is arrested by the GCPD. At the same time, a crisis breaks out at Arkham Asylum, which is bound to keep both Batman and the Turtles busy. Meanwhile, a certain young resident of Wayne Manor returns home to find a new, green occupant in his room. Co-published with IDW.
Bombshells #11
The first of a two-part epic finale to the first year of the war! Tenebrus unleashes an undead army upon London as the Battle of Britain begins, and Amanda Waller’s Bombshells are united at last. But will even the combined might of Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batwoman, Stargirl, Aquawoman, Dr. Light and Big Barda be enough to protect a city under siege? Or will one of the Bombshells be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Catwoman #51
The Faceless Mask is an ancient and essential part of the history of the False Face Society…as well as the history of both Gotham City and Selina Kyle! So when the artifact resurfaces in the present day after countless generations, will a piece of Catwoman’s past long believed to be gone return with it?
Earth 2: Society #11
Green Lantern learns that even a god can sometimes be powerless in the face of ordinary men. With the new world escalating toward war, Batman, Red Arrow and Ted Grant confront the double menace of Hourman and The Mist. Meanwhile, in distant Amazonia, Hawkgirl learns the dark and dreadful secret of the Amazon nation! Action, adventure and power-plays on a global scale!
Gotham Academy #17
It’s the final chapter of “Yearbook”! Maps and Olive now have the entire gang involved in putting together the perfect yearbook—but which story will come out on top? With art and story by Eisner Award winners Faith Erin Hicks (Adventures of Superhero Girl), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), and Michael Dialynas (The Woods)!
I can officially say that I’ll hardly have any interest in Gotham Academy – which is one of my favorite books – until issue 18.
Harley Quinn & Her Gang of Harleys #1
Straight from the pages of HARLEY QUINN comes the story of her strange new army of assistants, the Gang of Harleys! In this new miniseries, they’ve been on the job for just a few months, and the Gang is ready to stand up and show what they can do without Harley…and they just might have to, because Harley’s been kidnapped! The Gang’s homes, their loved ones—they’re all in danger from a strange new villain with a very personal grudge against Harley!
Remember the dead horse that I mentioned? Yeah, I’m afraid this book will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Now, nothing is going to “bring Harley down” anytime soon, but I do think this book will be the first of the Harley brands that doesn’t really meet DC’s expectations. Then again, people said the same thing about the Antman movie…
Red Hood & Arsenal #11
Business is booming for Red Hood and Arsenal! With a major win in their column, Jason and Roy have finally gotten the respect they deserve—but what will “going legitimate” mean for Joker’s Daughter? Skeletons from the closet emerge in “Dancing with the Devil” part two!
April 20th
Black Canary #11
The true scope of what Dinah’s up against stands revealed—and it’s an infernal evil that’s out of this world! What did this sinister presence do to Dinah’s missing mother…and what horrible bargain has the mysterious white ninja made with it?
Dark Knight III: The Master Race #5
Batman and Robin prepare for war with the Master Race, and an ally returns from an unlikely place…
Harley’s Little Black Book #3
The most ghost-filled mansion on Coney Island has been demolished—and unfortunately, every one of its spirits has decided that Harley’s hacienda is the hot new hangout to haunt! It sure is convenient, then, that Zatanna is currently booked at Big Tony’s cabaret show! It’s up to Harley and Zatanna to convince all of those ghosts to move on to the next world…but if you think Harley’s got problems now, just wait until you see the ectoplasmic baggage these specters are packing!
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 5 #8
Harley confronts a gathering of rebellion-minded Joker devotees in one of the late criminal’s old hideouts and doesn’t know quite what to make of them. Batwoman tries to break things up. And just when it looks like things are under control, tragedy strikes.
Justice League #50
This is it!! The massive, 48-page conclusion to the critically-acclaimed “DARKSEID WAR” can hardly be contained between two covers! Don’t miss the final fates of the world’s greatest heroes and villains, along with world-changing revelations for Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. It doesn’t get bigger than this as DC’s monthly super hero event comic sets the stage for the next year and beyond!
I wonder if this issue will result in any screaming, temper tantrums, or uncontrolled sobbing? Anyway, this has been a fantastic arc, and I can’t wait to see how it closes!
Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life & Death #4
Catwoman and Poison Ivy—reunited! As the body count rises at the Gotham Botanical Gardens labs, Ivy needs Selina’s help to solve the puzzle…a mystery that seems to involve Ivy’s blossoming children!
Robin, Son of Batman #11
Robin, Maya and Goliath must team up with an old foe to recover a relic from Damian’s past and keep the forces of evil at bay!
So… I kind of thought we were past this whole, “Damian goes on an adventure” bit, but apparently we’re not. I’ve grown more fond of this book, but I’m concerned that it will start treading water in preparation for June’s big “Rebirth.”
Teen Titans Go! #15
Raven and Cyborg create a pair of spooky-looking leggings from a pattern in one of Raven’s arcane books. But Robin’s in for quite the fright when he tries on these “Scaredy Pants”! Then, when Titans East instigates a friendly softball outing, Robin sees a vast conspiracy by Speedy to undermine his team. And when his mania spreads to the other Titans, they’re going to turn a friendly game into a high-stakes death match.
Titans Hunt #7
The Titans have found Mr. Twister…and that’s exactly what he wanted! As they deal with the danger he represents, it seems like someone else is hunting for the Titans…and that person is a deadly threat, too! Plus, a new Titan enters the fray!
April 27th
Batgirl #51
After the events of issue #50, Barbara Gordon is at a crossroads in her life—will new horizons beckon her away from her home in Burnside?
Can this go away? Please? I’d rather have Cassandra… and I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I’d even take Harper…
Batman ’66 Meets the Man From U.N.C.L.E. #5
Batman and the agents of U.N.C.L.E. have pulled out every trick and invention at their disposal to combat the Magpie’s plans for world domination. But are they prepared for the grandest scheme yet—an open invitation for them to join and take control of T.H.R.U.S.H.?!
Grayson #19
It’s the ultimate spy showdown! Civil war has broken out at Spyral, with Dick Grayson stuck in the middle. When true allegiances are revealed, which agents will be left standing—if any?
Dick and Helena sitting in a tree! K-I-L-L-I-N-G! I really want these two to end up on the same side… and together. Dick needs a little long term relationship in his life.
Harley Quinn #27
Harley’s known for her even temperament and economy of language—oh, we can’t even finish that sentence. Let’s face it: she’s crazy, and she talks too much. So what happens when she discovers a nemesis even more insane and more hyper-loquacious? It’s Harley vs. the unbelievable Redtool!
Justice League 3001 #11
Now that the Justice League is aware of Lady Styx’s ultimate plan, the team is forced to stand its ground to save the human race from extinction. Little do they know that Eclipso is hot on their tails! Plus, the Justice League may have a traitor in its midst.
Justice League of America #10
The League members in the ancient past catch up with those in the present, and the whole future is at stake! The League thought they had beaten Rao, at great personal cost, but his final solution for the people of Earth is far more than even The League can stand against.
Secret Six #13
The League of Assassins presses in on Strix and threatens to kill her friends in the Secret Six if she doesn’t cooperate. She is then confronted by twisted replicas of her teammates, who she must face in combat one at a time. If she is beaten by any of them, the corresponding real member of the Six will be killed. Disoriented and alone, what chance does she—or her teammates—have to survive?
As disappointing as the ending of the last arc was, I CAN’T WAIT for this arc!
Suicide Squad’s Most Wanted: Deadshot & Katana #4
Kobra has taken advantage of Katana and the Suicide Squad’s attack on his base to assault the capital and imprison Prince Brion of Markovia! As king, he can set his endgame into motion…but Katana is sure that he’s playing a double game!
And in “Deadshot,” Floyd Lawton is out—and Will Evans is in! But how will Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang and the rest of the Squad respond to the new Deadshot? And is this truly the end of Floyd Lawton’s story?
Teen Titans #19
Life got confusing enough for the Teen Titans when Cassie Sandsmark discovered her true heritage. But now, the DC Universe’s greatest demigoddesses clash over the fate of Cassie’s soul! Don’t miss the shocking conclusion to “Who Is Wonder Girl”—and discover whether Cassie will walk with the gods…or stand with the Titans! Guest-starring Wonder Woman!
We Are Robin #11
Gotham City may be a place of violence, but it is also a place of heroes. With Smiley and the Jokers trying to take away everything the Robins hold dear, now’s the time for them demonstrate their value to their city—and to each other.
Noteworthy Releases:
Starfire #11
Starfire’s underground adventure continues as she, Atlee and Stella find themselves all shook up in the kingdom of Strata, where they form bonds before heading back to Key West—where things have gotten a little…weird.
Batman’s on the cover… or it’s someone dressed as Batman… probably the latter. Anyway, to be safe, I made note of it.
April John Romita Jr. Themed Variants
Batman #51 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson with colors by Alex Sinclair
Batman/Superman #31 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson with colors by Dave McCaig
Detective Comics #51 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Scott Hanna with colors by Dean White
Grayson #19 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with colors by Laura Martin
Harley Quinn #27 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson with colors by Alex Sinclair
Justice League #50 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Scott Hanna with colors by Alex Sinclair
Justice League of America #10 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with colors by Dave McCaig
Red Hood/Arsenal #11 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson with colors by Dean White
Robin: Son of Batman #11 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson with colors by Brad Anderson
Teen Titans #19 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with colors by Dean White
Titans Hunt #7 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Scott Hanna with colors by Dave McCaig
We Are Robin #11 variant cover by John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with colors by Brad Anderson
