Upcoming Comics: February 10, 2016

It looks like we’re getting some fill-ins on the creative teams earlier than expected due to Rebirth. It’s still unclear what Rebirth will contain, but I’m sure we’ll be getting more hints and details within the next month. Now, I typically view fill-in creative teams as a bad thing – and let’s face it, most of the time it’s typically not great – but it also allows the opportunity for some new talent to potentially shine through. We’ll have to see how things turn out, but you should probably expect titles to begin wrapping up, or to start setting up for what’s coming in June.

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…

 

February 10^th

 

Batman #49
It is time. Bruce Wayne has reclaimed his true past as Batman. Now he must descend into the cave and face what he once was. Can he truly leave behind a life free from the pain and anguish of the Bat? Can he plunge once more into the madness and purpose that once consumed him? In this special, thrilling issue, watch as the fate of Bruce Wayne, and Batman, is decided once and for all.

Written by Scott Snyder
Pencils by Yanick Paquette
Inks by Danny Miki and Yanick Paquette
Colored by Nathan Fairbairn and FCO Plascencia
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette

Random Blurb of Excitement: I haven’t been excited about Batman for nearly a year, but after last month’s release, I’m honestly excited to see what Snyder has in store for us! It feels good to actually want to read the flagship Batman title, rather than approach it thinking, “Yeah, I know it’ll be enjoyable, but I really hate this concept.” I expect this to be good.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Batman/ Superman #29
This epic tale from another era in Clark and Bruce’s history continues! Someone has put a bounty on Batman’s head, and Lobo’s come to collect. Can Superman stop this intergalactic bounty hunter in time?

Written by Tom Taylor
Pencils and Inks by Julio Ferreira and Robson Rocha
Colored by Blond
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette

Random Blurb of Excitement: Tom Taylor’s story continues! I gushed over him quite a bit last month, so I’ll lay off a little this month and just say that Tom Taylor is awesome! If you want a solid, shorter contained story, I recommend you pick up last month’s issue with this one!

Batman News Critic: Brian

 

 

Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3
The Batcave is overrun with turtles—and its landlord is not at all pleased about it. But Batman’s going to have to put aside his animosity toward his uninvited guests because he’s about to have his first run-in with their deadliest enemy, Shredder! Meanwhile, the Turtles must face up to the grim possibility that they might never get back to their world.

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’m still giddy as a goose every time I think about this book. So far it’s been good! It hasn’t been earth shattering, but it’s been a lot of fun! And now that Shredder is beginning to play a larger role, I’m getting more excited about a Bats/Shredder showdown!

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

New Suicide Squad #17
Gothamites Tim Seeley (GRAYSON, BATMAN ETERNAL) and Juan Ferreyra (GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT, BATMAN ETERNAL) visit the dark and unspeakably violent world of the Suicide Squad for a thrilling new storyline that begins here! Indentured super villain Harley Quinn has made covert contact with someone outside the walls of Belle Reve prison—and this mysterious savior has discovered the secrets of Amanda Waller and Task Force X.

Written by Tim Seeley
Pencils and Inks by Juan E. Ferreyra
Colored by Blond and Juan E. Ferreyra
Cover by Juan E. Ferreyra

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m almost, definitely, maybe, 100%, positively sure this will be better than what we’ve been getting from the previous creative team… It’s just a hunch though.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

Catwoman #49
Catwoman’s been on the run before, but now it’s not just the cops that are on her tail! With a bounty on her head, it seems like every member of the New York underground is gunning for her…and that includes some familiar faces from Gotham City! When sometime allies Batgirl and Killer Croc decide to get in on the chase, Catwoman might be all out of tricks.

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

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Tieri’s run on Catwoman so far! I know we’re only two issues in, but he’s brought a good balance of high energy action with enough weight to the narrative that it feels grounded. The best word I can use to describe this interpretation of Catwoman so far is “sleek.” If you thought Valentine’s run was a little too slow or “artsy,” then you should definitely check out what Tieri is bringing to the table.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

 

Batman & Robin Eternal #19
Riot at St. Hadrian’s. Mother’s brainwashed every spy-in-training at St. Hadrian’s. Does the Bat-team stand a chance against a legion of killers-in-training?

Written by Tim Seeley, Scott Snyder, and James Tynion IV
Pencils by Paul Pelletier
Inks by Tony Kordos
Cover by Tony Kordos and Paul Pelletier

Random Blurb of Excitement: This is the first time that I’ve been hesitant of Eternal’s direction since it’s launched. I’m just not a fan of “the whole world is going to hell,” and it looks like that’s exactly what’s going to happen… Or attempt to happen. I’ve said this before, but sometimes bigger threats don’t necessarily need to be bigger in scale. I don’t think the issue will be bad, just an observation.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

DC Comics Bombshells #9
Mera realizes that the only way to achieve victory at sea is to call upon the King of Atlantis. But the price for his assistance may be more than she wants to pay. Stargirl makes plans to return to Russia and rescue her father, while Supergirl comes up against none other than the wealthy American industrialist, Lex Luthor.

Art by Maria Laura Sanapo, Elizabeth Torque, and Sandy Jarrell
Cover by Ant Lucia
Written by Marguerite Bennett

Random Blurb of Excitement: I still think this entire concept is fun, and Bennett is doing a solid job of balancing themes, modern expectations for super-hero storytelling, while representing a period relatively well. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the status quo, much like the Batman ’66 titles.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

 

Harley’s Little Black Book #2
Guest-starring Green Lantern! Black and red are kind of Harley Quinn’s thing…so when the most unique power ring in the universe crosses her path, she has no choice but to put it on, right? Unfortunately for Harley-and everyone else-this hybrid ring is fueled by rage and death…and things are gonna get out of hand very quickly!

Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by Alain Mauricet and John Timms
Colored by Hi-Fi
Cover by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair

Random Blurb of Excitement: Have you ever heard the phrase, “Beating a dead horse?” Well, that is what I feel like DC is doing with Harley. We will soon have Harley Quinn, Harley’s Little Black Book, Gang of Harleys, Harley Quinn Specials, and Suicide Squad. That’s A LOT! I love Connor and Palmiotti (and kudos to these two for churning out scripts and art like they do), but I’m afraid that this might start coming at the cost of quality. I’m also concerned with fatigue. We’ll just have to see how things play out.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

Black Canary #8
In recent weeks, a mysterious white ninja has appeared at the edges of Dinah’s life, but her agenda has never been clear-until now! The truth about who she is will open up a whole new world for Dinah…and will require new allies by her side as well!

Written by Brenden Fletcher
Pencils and Inks by Sandy Jarrell
Cover by Annie Wu

Random Blurb of Excitement: This issue will most likely decide if I plan on holding out hope for this book. Fletcher started off strong, but then the narrative became really cheesy! I really want to move past the band (or at least put them in the background so they’re not the focus), and just put a spotlight on Dinah. I’m crossing my fingers and saying prayers… I’m not holding my breath though.

Batman News Critic: Brian

 

 

Batman: Arkham Knight – Batgirl/ Harley Quinn #1
Check out two never-before-told stories of the Arkham-verse in this new one-shot featuring the origin of Batgirl and an early adventure of Harley Quinn!

Art by Sean Parsons, Wade Von Grawbadger, and Matt Clark
Cover by Matt Clark
Written by Tim Seeley

Random Blurb of Excitement: I haven’t read this yet, so I can’t say for certain… but all I can think is that DC is trying to milk the Arkham Knight cow as much as possible. On one hand, I’m excited to see a potentially cool interpretation of Batgirl… On the other hand, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Arkham Knight overall.

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

 

Earth 2 Society #9
The Mist rises in New Gotham as Batman takes on this strange new foe! And Hawkgirl finds herself outnumbered as she confronts Fury and the new Amazons.

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 had trouble connecting with this title, but I haven’t been able to pinpoint my issue with it. The conclusion that I’ve come to, is that there’s too much going on, and I don’t feel like we ever get enough of each character or plot for it to actually hold readers. That being said, the plot with Harkgirl that was introduced last month feels like a step in the right direction. I’m hoping this focus continues because I really want to like this book.

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

 

 

Red Hood/ Arsenal #9
In “Harmed and Dangerous” part two, Roy, Jason and Joker’s Daughter are locked in mortal combat with the evil Charon beneath the streets of Gotham City! But things in the “Nethers” get really crazy when Joker’s Daughter attempts to save the day herself! Is she crazy-brave…or just plain crazy?

Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencils and Inks by Javier Fernandez
Colored by Blond
Cover by Ed Benes and Ulises Arreola Palomera

Random Blurb of Excitement: While I’ll admit that Joker’s Daughter isn’t as bad here as she’s been in other titles – mainly because Lobdell’s not trying to make her out to be a formidable foe that needs to be taken seriously – that doesn’t mean JD is winning me over… or that the book is good. There are moments here and there that are enjoyable, but it’s just not doing it for me.

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

 

Gotham Academy #15
It’s part two of “Gotham Academy Yearbook”! This month we have more stories of the gang’s past and present shenanigans by some of the best names in comics. Detective Club, Scarecrow attacks, and water polo fights are just the beginning for another amazing issue!

Written by Rafael Albuquerque, Mingjue Helen Chen, Brenden Fletcher, Zac Gorman and Eduardo Medeiros
Pencils and Inks by Rafael Albuquerque, Adam Archer, Mingjue Helen Chen, Colleen Coover, Zac Gorman and More…
Colored by Adam Archer, Mingjue Helen Chen, Colleen Coover, and Zac Gorman
Cover by Mingjue Helen Chen

Random Blurb of Excitement: If you’re shocked that this is at the bottom of my list, I’m simply going to ask if you read last month’s issue… But yes, it is a shame that this is at the bottom of my list, because Gotham Academy has way more to offer than this.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

 

Notes:

• Apparently, the physical copies of Batman 66’ and Injustice: Gods Among Us were pushed back to this week. Regardless, our reviews are up, and they both have strong scores! If you haven’t read the titles, it might be the perfect time to check them out!
• Teen Titans Go! #14 has been pushed back to February 17^th.

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Batman: Harley & Ivy Deluxe Edition (Hardcover) – From Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, the masterminds behind the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, comes this early adventure of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy packed with hilarious hijinx and tons of action!

Harley and Ivy want to take down the Batman once and for all, but first, Harley’s got to prove that she has what it takes to make it as a bona fide villain in Gotham City.

HARLEY AND IVY: THE DELUXE EDITION collects the miniseries, BATMAN: HARLEY AND IVY #1-3, along with exclusive extras and bonus material. This deluxe format new collection is a must-have for Harley fans everywhere!

 

The Dark Knight Returns: 30^th Anniversary Edition (Softcover) – Celebrate 30 years of one of the most influential stories ever told in the comics medium with the anniversary edition of the undisputed graphic novel masterpiece BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.

Writer/artist Frank Miller completely reinvents the legend of Batman in this saga of a near-future Gotham City gone to rot, 10 years after the Dark Knight’s retirement. Forced to take action, the Dark Knight returns in a blaze of fury, taking on a whole new generation of criminals and matching their level of violence. He is soon joined by a new Robin-a girl named Carrie Kelley, who proves to be just as invaluable as her predecessors.

But can Batman and Robin deal with the threat posed by their deadliest enemies, after years of incarceration have turned them into perfect psychopaths? And more important, can anyone survive the coming fallout from an undeclared war between the superpowers-or the clash of what were once the world’s greatest heroes?

 

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three Vol. 1 (Softcover) – The next chapter in the landmark best-selling series INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US!

On one side: Superman and his Justice League, with their allies in the Sinestro Corps, who sought to bring peace through absolute order. On the other side: Batman’s army and the Green Lantern Corps. It ended with Superman wielding a fear-powered yellow ring, murdering Black Canary while the world looked on. But Batman lived to fight another day…and he always has a back-up plan.

Only one force in the world can hurt a Kryptonian wielding a Sinestro Corps ring-magic. Now, with mage John Constantine seeking his own revenge against Superman, the sorcerer con man is helping Batman to add the greatest magicians in the universe to his growing army. With the most powerful magic users in the universe on their side, the Man of Steel shouldn’t stand a chance.

And yet…something mysterious is protecting the Justice League. Something that wants to protect Superman’s vision of a world under his control…something deadly enough to kill some of the most powerful beings in the universe.

Explore the world behind the smash-hit video game from the makers of Mortal Kombat in INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US: YEAR THREE, as red-hot writer Tom Taylor (EARTH 2) and artists including Bruno Redondo (HUMAN TARGET) and Mike S. Miller (BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED) deliver some shocking changes to this twisted take on the DC Universe! Collecting INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US: YEAR THREE #1-7.

 

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three Vol. 2 (Hardcover) – Explore the world behind the smash-hit video game from the makers of MORTAL KOMBAT in INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US: YEAR THREE.

Both sides of the superhero conflict between Superman and Batman have summoned magical beings of unimaginable power to fight by their sides-but when it appears that neither team can control the forces that they have brought into this war, it may already be too late. The two groups of battle-scarred heroes must forge an alliance to end the carnage they’ve created.

John Constantine, Dr. Fate, the Swamp Thing and others join the fight to control the magical havoc that is being unleashed. Now the war isn’t just for Earth, but for the very nature of reality itself!

New series writer Brian Buccellato (FLASH) is joined by artists Bruno Redondo (HUMAN TARGET) and Mike S. Miller (BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED) to deliver some shocking changes to this twisted take on the DC Universe! Collecting INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US: YEAR THREE #8-12 and INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US: YEAR THREE ANNUAL #1.

 

Justice League of America: The Silver Age Vol. 1 (Softcover) –
More than 300 pages of the famous super-team’s inaugural exploits!

Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. The Flash. Green Lantern. Aquaman. The Martian Manhunter. Green Arrow. As individuals, their names are legend. Together, they are even greater than the sum of their parts. They are the Justice League of America, and they stand for truth, justice and the American way!

Since they were first commissioned by renowned DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz in 1960, the Justice League has thrilled audiences across the globe in tales that span time and space.

Collects THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #28-30, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1-8 and MYSTERY IN SPACE #75, and includes the classic tales “Doom of the Star Diamond,” “The Slave Ship of Space” and “Starro the Conqueror!”

 

Secret Six Vol. 1: Friends in Low Places (Softcover) – Superstar writer Gail Simone (BIRDS OF PREY, BATGIRL, WONDER WOMAN) reinvents her fan-favorite super-team-up!

Six strangers captured, drugged and thrown together in a prison cell in the middle of the ocean. All of them with certain special abilities. None of them exactly superheroes.

How are they connected? Why were they taken?

With no answers coming, these unlikely allies must band together to escape the shadowy figure who locked them away and continues to hunt them down for reasons they don’t understand. If they can manage not to kill each other first, they may just stay alive long enough to get their revenge on the mysterious “Mockingbird.” And a taste for revenge, it turns out, is the one thing they all have in common.

Not quite heroes, not quite villains; one thing’s for sure-these ain’t the Justice Dorks.

Featuring art from Ken Lashley (ACTION COMICS), Dale Eaglesham (GREEN LANTERN), Tom Derenick (INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US) and more! Collects issues #1-6 and DC SNEAK PEEK: SECRET SIX #1.

 

 

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.