Upcoming Comics: February 17, 2016

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! For those of you that are in a relationship, I hope you’ve had a wonderful day – whether it’s been quiet, entertaining, or romantic. And for those of you not in a relationship, I hope you had an equally amazing day! As for my fellow Americans here in the U.S., I also want to wish you a happy President’s Day. If you’ve got the day off, I hope you spend it reading comics… or seeing a new movie that’s out this weekend, starring a foul-mouthed comic book character from another publishing company… It’s not Slade Wilson, but it sounds kind of similar…

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 17^th

 

Justice League: Darkseid War Special #1
The massive “Darkseid War” epic continues to set the stages for the future of the DC Universe as we reveal the secrets behind its newest major player: Darkseid’s daughter, Grail! And if the Justice League is not careful, the spoils of war will all end up with her! See the truth behind Grail’s role in this war and the future of the DC Universe as she tears her way across it. Don’t miss this extra-sized special offered at the regular price of $3.99!

Plus, world-renowned visualist Kim Jung Gi puts his stamp on the DC Universe with a wall-to-wall-to-wall action triptych featuring the Big Three!

Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils by Oscar Jimenez
Cover by Brad Anderson and Jason Fabok

Random Blurb of Excitement: There’s a chance this may not be released this week… It’s not on DC’s site for, but other sites still have it listed. I’ll keep an eye out, and update the post if needed. That being said, the Darkseid War event has been near perfection, and I can’t wait to see how Johns closes out this event!

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

 

Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life & Death #2
Murder in the lab! As the police investigate the death of her mentor, Dr. Pamela Isley suspects poisoning! But by whom, and why? Before the cops suspect her alter ego, Poison Ivy, Pam needs to find the true murderer. Meanwhile, her DNA experiments are about to pay off!

Written by Amy Chu
Pencils by Clayton Thomas Mann
Inks by Seth Mann
Colored by Ulises Arreola Palomera
Cover by Clayton Thomas Mann and Laura Martin

Random Blurb of Excitement: Last month’s debut was a great start for this mini. It’s a sexy, smart, and entertaining book, so if you didn’t pick it up, I recommend that you grab both issues this week!

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

 

Titans Hunt #5
Titans: together at last? As the evil Mr. Twister continues to plague our heroes from the shadows, a deadly reunion draws near. But as hope fades, a mysterious third party emerges to join the fray…

Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils by Geraldo Borges and Paulo Siqueira
Inks by Hi-Fi
Colored by Hi-Fi
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette

Random Blurb of Excitement: I still feel that the fundamental plot that’s taking place in this book will lead into Rebirth (or at least Rebirth will consist of similar ideas pertaining to the memories of DC’s characters), but I’m completely ok with that! This is one of the stronger titles in DC’s arsenal (no pun intended) at the moment, and worth your time! If you’re not reading Titans Hunt, I recommend that you check it out.

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

 

Harley Quinn #25
At long last, it’s Harley Quinn and The Joker, face-to-face! The life of Harley’s new love, Mason Macabre, is in the Joker’s hands…but can he or Harley survive another round of The Joker’s twisted mind games?

Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by Chad Hardin
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair

Random Blurb of Excitement: This is probably the most excited I’ve been for Harley in a long time! I always enjoy this book, but this issue could be a home run!

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

 

Batman & Robin Eternal #20
The riot at St. Hadrian’s rages on as Orphan makes his play to get back in Mother’s good graces.

Written by Tim Seeley, Scott Snyder, and James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Roge Antonio, Geraldo Borges, and Paul Pelletier
Colored by Allen Passalaqua
Cover by Paul  Pelletier

Random Blurb of Excitement: I loved that we got to see Helena get down and dirty last week, and we’ll hopefully get a little more of that in this issue. I’m still not the biggest fan of this wide-spread army of sleeper agents, but we’ll hopefully move past this before too long. And keep in mind, there are only 6 issues after this!

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #4
While Hawkgirl has been on Earth serving as one of Superman’s most loyal foot soldiers, where has Hawkman been all this time? Back home on Thanagar, it seems, and none too pleased about the reason for his wife’s absence. Now he’s heading for Earth and a fateful confrontation. Elsewhere, Flash’s Rogues have joined the Insurgency to stage a series of lightning attacks on multiple cities.

Art by Juan Albarran, Xermanico, and Bruno Redondo
Cover by David Yardin
Written by Brian Buccellato

Random Blurb of Excitement: Buccellato has been exceeding my expectations with Year Five, and I love it. Injustice is the best it’s been in two years, so I’m happy to see that it’s ending on a high note.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

Secret Six #11
Strix, a former Talon once in the service of the Court of Owls, seems to have found a place in the world with the Secret Six. But now someone from her past comes calling, threatening to undermine whatever semblance of peace she has experienced with her newfound friends. Some wounds time can never heal. Can she ever leave the life of an assassin behind her?

Written by Gail Simone
Pencils and Inks by Tom Derenick and Dale Eaglesham
Cover by Dale Eaglesham and Jason Wright

Random Blurb of Excitement: This plot excites me more than any of the previous stories, but Simone and team have yet to wow me with a story since this book’s launch. They almost knocked the previous story out of the park, but that extremely abrupt ending ruined that. I still have hope though, so I’m crossing my fingers that Strix, Shiva, and the League of Assassins win big since this could potentially be the last we see of the Secret Six.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

Robin, Son of Batman #9
Damian and Goliath are reunited! Criminals, thugs, villains—and everyone else—better beware! The fur is going to fly in Gotham City as Damian tries to keep the collateral damage from Goliath’s return to a minimum!

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: It looks like Robin is going to lollygag around until June, so I’m not expecting much until then. If I’m being honest, that’s a shame, and a BIG MISS on DC’s part. After ending its first arc on a high, then transitioning into Robin War, there was so much momentum behind Damian’s narrative, and last month’s issue felt like the book’s momentum hit a wall.

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Teen Titans Go! #14
Starfire is the one Titan who believes strongly enough to make a fairy godmother show up at the Tower. And only Beast Boy would take advantage of that opportunity to create havoc! Then, Cyborg really should have read the fine print before upgrading the Tower’s computer system…because Mallah-ware isn’t fun for anyone!

Art by Marcelo Di Chiara and Lea Hernandez
Cover by Daniel Hipp
Written by Ivan Cohen and Sholly Fisch

Random Blurb of Excitement: This book isn’t my cup of tea, but it’s a popular brand with kids so… keep that in mind?

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Notes:

Black Canary #9 has been pushed back to March 9^th.

The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1 has been pushed back to April 20^th.

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Batgirl Vol. 2: Family Business – All-star creative team Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr continue their fan-favorite run in BATGIRL: FAMILY BUSINESS, featuring guest-appearances by Dick Grayson, Batwoman, Spoiler, the students of Gotham Academy and more!

Over the past few months, Barbara Gordon has made some big changes to her Batgirl alter ego. She has a new look, new support team and new home base in Burnside—Gotham’s trendiest neighborhood. But just when she’s hitting her stride, her father drops a bombshell: Babs isn’t the only masked crime-fighter in the family anymore. Jim Gordon is the new Batman.

After the original Batman fell fighting the Joker, the former police commissioner was given a high-tech super-suit and asked to take up the mantle. With a team of G.C.P.D. officers watching his every move, Jim Gordon’s new law-and-order Batman has zero tolerance for vigilantism. He’s been ordered to arrest any unsanctioned superhero in Gotham—and Batgirl is next!

Collects BATGIRL #41-45, DC SNEAK PEEK: BATGIRL #1 and BATGIRL ANNUAL #3.

 

Batman Noir: The Black Mirror
A brand new perspective on Scott Snyder (BATMAN), Jock (THE LOSERS) and Francesco Francavilla’s (SWAMP THING) epic crime saga—presented here in gritty black and white.

For years, Batman and Commissioner Gordon have stared into the unyielding black abyss that is Gotham City. Time after time, they’ve saved their beloved city from itself, not allowing it to be swallowed by a pit of violence and corruption. But even after a crime-fighting lifetime of confronting what they thought was the worst humanity had to offer, an even darker and more dangerous evil pushes Batman and Gordon to their limits. As the conflict comes closer to its resolution, they find that the truth behind this murderous crime spree isn’t just careening toward their doorstep—it has in fact emerged from it. Can two of Gotham’s proudest protectors bring justice to this malevolent threat in Commissioner Gordon’s most personal battle to date?

BATMAN NOIR: THE BLACK MIRROR collects DETECTIVE COMICS #871-881 and shows a new perspective on Scott Snyder (BATMAN), Jock (THE LOSERS) and Francesco Francavilla’s (SWAMP THING) epic crime saga.

 

Bat-Mite
This acclaimed all-ages miniseries from writer Dan Jurgens (SUPERMAN: LOIS & CLARK, BATMAN BEYOND) introduces the DC Universe’s ultimate fanboy!

Are you a superhero who’s tired of the daily grind? Ever think your image could use a total overhaul (or maybe just a Batzooka or two)? Looking for some magic to spice up your mundane life of non-stop action and adventure?

Then you’re in luck—Bat-Mite, fifth-dimensional imp and life coach to the stars, is here!

Exiled from his home for crimes too ridiculous to describe, Bat-Mite has found his way to Earth. But a little banishment can’t keep a good Mite down! Our planet happens to be full of superheroes in desperate need of his aid: Hawkman, Robin, Booster Gold, even the Caped Crusader himself—all of them are getting total life makeovers by their biggest fan (whether they like it or not!).

With the (reluctant) help of his two (reluctant) roommates, Bat-Mite is out to make the earth a better, zanier place. And if he can manage not to do more harm than good, he may just finally be able to go home.

Collects BAT-MITE #1-6 and DC SNEAK PEEK: BAT-MITE #1.

 

Catwoman Vol. 7: Inheritance
Catwoman’s life of crime reaches stunning new heights at the hands of writer Genevieve Valentine and David Messina.

Selina Kyle-head of the Calabrese crime family-has survived a crime war with Black Mask and is managing an uneasy peace between the two factions. But old habits die hard. Upon hearing that Batman is dead, Catwoman goes on the prowl again in search of the Dark Knight. Can Selina lead a double life with her crime family nipping at her tail and Black Mask making moves to wipe the Calabrese family from Gotham?

Catwoman’s life continues to get muddled when the second Catwoman-a woman she has intimate knowledge of-takes it upon herself to safeguard Selina and train the upstart vigilante Spoiler. The cold war between Gotham’s crime families heats up, and Selina must embrace her role or fall. But who is she-a crime lord or Catwoman?

Collects the CATWOMAN Sneak Peak and issues #41-46

 

Midnighter Vol. 1
The first chapter in the all-new adventures of MIDNIGHTER joins renowned writer Steve Orlando and acclaimed artists Aco, Stephen Mooney and Alec Morgan.

Between the supercomputer wired into his brain and the enhancements saturating his body, the living weapon known as Midnighter doesn’t face a lot of real challenges to his uncanny combat skills. Lucky for him, he enjoys beating the tar out of low-level bad guys as much as the high-end ones—and since his recent breakup with his first love (and fellow superhuman) Apollo, he’s had plenty of chances to engage in his unique brand of physical therapy.

Now, insanely dangerous weapons are beginning to pop up all over the globe, wreaking havoc on society and complicating Midnighter’s professional and personal life. As the outbreaks pile up, tracking them back to the original thief becomes an overriding imperative .

Collects MIDNIGHTER #1-7.

 

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.