Happy April! I was talking to Jay this past week, and he brought up something that I had actually forgotten about. Back when the new review team took over, I let a month or two pass, then I asked you (our readers) which Bat characters we (the review team) reminded you of! The moment he mentioned it, I replied back saying, “Oh yeah! We need to do that for Brian and Cat!!!!” This is clearly the direction Jay was headed, so I have to give him full credit for this, but I have the pleasure of bringing this fun little trend back!
You guys have had a little time with Brian and Cat now, so we want to hear from you! In the comments section, let us know which Bat character these two remind you of! It can be a hero or villain, as long as it’s connected to Gotham and the characters we cover! I’ll tally up the responses, and next week I’ll announce their “Bat identities.” If you want a reminder on who was picked for your current team:
- Brandon – The Riddler
- Elena – Catwoman
- Jay – Commissioner Gordon
- Josh – Nightwing
- Andrew – The Court of Owls (this one still cracks me up…)
- Chris – Oracle
Make sure you weigh in for Brian and Cat! It’s stupid, I know, but it is kind of fun! Also, now that you’ve gotten to know the rest of us even better, maybe you want to weigh in on some changes for the rest of the team! Also, keep an eye out for the Best Cover of Q-1 2016 post! It’ll be posted by end of day Tuesday!
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…
April 6th
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.
Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils Oscar Jimenez
Cover by Brad Anderson and Jason Fabok
Random Blurb of Excitement: Ah! I missed this book in my initial post! You might be asking yourself how, it’s because I’m an idiot. Actually, I’m not an idiot, I actually made a note to remove this from the cover poll (it was already voted on and has advanced), and mistakenly skipped the entire book for the post. Anyway, this arc is kicking ass, and I can’t wait to see what Johns throws at us as we race towards the finish. It also looks like this issue will focus on Grail, so it should be pretty intriguing.
Batman News Critic: Josh
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!
Written by Steve Orlando
Pencils and Inks by ACO and Hugo Petrus
Colored by Jeromy Cox and Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Cover by ACO and Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m excited to see Apollo’s return. If the book weren’t ending, I’d probably want there to be a little more time before his appearance, but since there’s so few issues left, the timing feels perfect! I’m expecting some really nice moments on top of some great action! Hopefully Midnighter (and potentially Apollo) will find a home somewhere in Rebirth.
Batman News Critic: Josh
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.
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils by Fernando Pasarin
Inks by Matt Ryan
Colored by Chris Sotomayor
Cover by Guillem March
Random Blurb of Excitement: If this is as good as the previous story, I’m down! I’m not completely sure why we’re still telling Gordo-Bat stories, but I enjoyed the previous run so much that I’ll refrain from complaining.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
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!
Written by Tim Seeley
Pencils, Inks, and Colors by Juan E. Ferreyra
Cover by Juan E. Ferreyra
Random Blurb of Excitement: The Squad, plus the “faux Squad,” going against the Fist of Cain, and it’s presented by the magical team of Tim Seeley and Juan E. Ferreyra? Welcome to Thunder Dome, (beep)!
Batman News Critic: Josh
Superman #51
It’s the start of a new chapter in the Man of Steel’s life that will change everything you know as the epic eight-part “Super League.”
His time without powers made Kal-El realize that the world is in need of more protectors…more super-powered beings like himself. But where will he find such beings?
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils, Inks, and Colors by Mikel Janin
Cover by Mikel Janin
Random Blurb of Excitement: This is the beginning of the Super League event! Brian will be covering all 8 issues of this arc since Batman will be popping in and out of them. This will also lead directly into Rebirth, so there’s a chance more clues and hints are revealed for those of you that are hungry for additional details. Oh, and Janin is covering art duties! That’s a major win for this title!
Batman News Critic: Brian
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!
Art by Mike S. Miller
Cover by David Yardin
Written by Brian Buccellato
Random Blurb of Excitement: Damian… transforming into Nightwing? Yes, I’m down! This says a lot about Damian’s opinion of Dick, and it’s taking place at an interesting time since Bruce and Damian are fighting for opposing sides. There should be some good stuff here!
Batman News Critic: Elena
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.
Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils and Inks by Bernard Chang
Colored by Marcelo Maiolo
Cover by Ellery Santos and Philip Tan
Random Blurb of Excitement: Nearly a year in, this book finally separated itself from Futures End, and discovered itself… only to come to a close. It’s kind of a shame. That being said, at least it appears that Jurgens will end his run on a high note!
Batman News Critic: Cat
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.
Written by Rob Williams
Pencils by Sean “Cheeks” Galloway and Jim Lee
Inks by Sandra Hope Archer, Sean “Cheeks” Galloway, and Scott Williams
Colored by Sean “Cheeks” Galloway and Alex Sinclair
Cover by Jim Lee, Alex Sinclair, and Scott Williams
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m surprised this wasn’t released on March 30th… I can’t help but feel like it’s a little late to the game considering April Fool’s was a week ago… Anyway, I’m willing to bet this will be your standard fair of shenanigans, but I’m less excited than usual for this Harley special because it’s lacking some key ingredients… Conner and Palmiotti.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batgirl #50
It’s the explosive conclusion of the epic that changed Barbara Gordon forever! The enemy lurking at the edges of Batgirl’s life has been revealed, as have the gang of heroes assembled to help her! From this point on, Batgirl doesn’t walk alone! It’s an extra-sized celebration of the greatest hero Burnside has ever known, from Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr!
Written by Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart
Pencils by Babs Tarr
Cover by Babs Tarr
Random Blurb of Excitement: Wow… I’m really losing it this week. I missed this book too! I’m not going to lie though, I’ve desperately tried to forget this run ever existed, but still, I apologize for the miss. I’ll make sure I include this book in next week’s cover poll since its late for this week. Also… this is going to be an exra-sized issue… so I’m sure it’ll be extra bad as well… Hang in there Elena! Changes are coming soon!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Notes:
- Justice League #49 has been pushed back to
March 30thApril 13thApril 20th. - The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1 has been pushed back to
April 20thMay 25th.
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.
Best cover of March 30, 2016: Batman & Robin Eternal #26 by Tony Daniel with 79% of the votes.
- Justice League of America #8 by Bryan Hitch (21%)
March Variant Cover Poll Results:
The best March Variant Cover is: Batman #50 by Johnson with 44% of the vote.
- Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 by Kevin Eastman (31%)
- Harley Quinn #26 by Amanda Conner (25%)
Batman V Superman March Themed Variant Cover Poll Results:
The best March Batman v Superman Variant Cover is: Superman #50 variant by Kaare Andrews with 17% of the vote.
- Batman Beyond #10 variant by Dustin Nguyen (14%)
- Batman #50 variant by Jim Lee (12%)
- Detective Comics #50 variant by Rafael Grampa (9%)
- New Suicide Squad #18 variant by Tony Daniel (8%)
- Teen Titans #18 variant by Phil Jimenez & Romulo Fajardo Jr. (8%)
- Green Lantern #50 variant by Doug Mahnke, Sandra Hope & Dinisio Carmine Moreno (8%)
- Harley Quinn #26 variant by Tony Harris (6%)
- Grayson #18 variant by Stephen Platt (5%)
- Action Comics #50 variant by Martin Ansin (4%)
- Wonder Woman #50 variant by Massimo Carnevale (4%)
- Batman/Superman #30 variant by Kevin Maguire (2%)
- Superman/Wonder Woman #27 variant by Charlie Adlard (2%)
- Robin Son of Batman #10 variant by Ryan Ottley (1%)
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batman Adventures Vol. 4 – Completes the series that mirrors the iconic style of the four-time Emmy award-winning BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES!
Experience the comic that proved as groundbreaking as its television counterpart, in all-ages stories that feature the Dark Knight’s fiercest adversaries, greatest allies, and all-new threats to Gotham City!
Bruce Wayne takes Harley and Ivy on a shopping spree?
Anarky vs. Robin in a fight to uphold social justice!
Batman loses his memory and becomes Catman?!
The Napoleonic war comes to Gotham City!
Batman and the Demon fight the Demon’s Head!
Collects issues #28-36, THE BATMAN ADVENTURES HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1, and THE BATMAN ADVENTURES ANNUAL #2, featuring stories by writers Paul Dini (BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY, ZATANNA) and Kelley Puckett (BATMAN: NO MAN’S LAND, BATGIRL) and artists Bruce Timm (BATMAN ADVENTURES: MAD LOVE) and Mike Parobeck (SUPERMAN ADVENTURES).
Gotham by Midnight Vol. 2: Rest in Peace – Writer Ray Fawkes (BATMAN ETERNAL) and artist Juan Ferreyra (CONSTANTINE) uncover the deadly secrets of the GCPD’s strangest detectives, with help from guest artist Christian Duce (BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL).
The detectives working the Gotham City Police Department’s special Midnight Shift aren’t like the other cops in this city. They take on the cases that defy rational explanation-cases where the perps are monsters, freaks and demons.
Of course, the Midnight Shift may be just as monstrous themselves.
Detective Jim Corrigan is a good cop, but he also plays host to the Spectre-the spirit of divine wrath. At any moment, the Spectre might emerge and take bloody vengeance on the guilty. But in a town like Gotham, guilty parties are everywhere, and no one is safe from the Spectre’s fury-not even the good guys.
Collects GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT #6-12 and GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT ANNUAL #1.
Suicide Squad Vol. 3: Rogues – Creators John Ostrander, Luke McDonnell, Bob Lewis, and Karl Kesel continue their legendary run in SUICIDE SQUAD: ROGUES, collecting issues #17-25 and ANNUAL #1 of the celebrated 1980s series.
The Squad will go on…
Or will it? Forget the terrorists occupying American soil, the guerrilla factions killing each other off, or the aliens invading Earth. It’s the war at home that may spell the end of Director Amanda Waller and Task Force X.
Waller’s “Suicide Squad” of incarcerated super-villains and troubled agents has worked effectively under the radar—until now. No one, not even her staff in the Belle Reve metahuman prison facility, trusts “The Wall.” Plus, rising tensions among ever-changing Squad members mean that they’ve become a bigger threat to each other than to their opponents.
And when government officials with presidential aspirations discover the existence of Task Force X, Waller is forced to do whatever it takes to keep her team from being exposed to the world—even if it means crossing the thin moral line that separates her from the disposable villains recruited for her impossible assignments.
Superman: Emperor Joker– It’s the Joker’s world…we just die in it!
It’s another typical day in Gotham City. Superman, the world’s most dangerous criminal, has burst free of his cell in Arkham Asylum. The only one who can track him down is the world’s greatest hero, Bizarro. Their epic battle destroys property owned by the bald but brilliant billionaire Lois Lane…wait—what?!
If Superman isn’t crazy, that means the whole world has gone insane, and only one man can be responsible. Somehow Batman’s greatest nemesis, the Joker, has received the power to reshape reality to his own mad whims. The world now is defined by chaos and death, and there is absolutely nothing anyone can do about it. It’s impossible to defeat a god. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell Superman. Armed with nothing more than his will, the Man of Steel will put an end to the reign of Emperor Joker…or die trying.
Join Jeph Loeb (SUPERMAN/BATMAN), Joe Kelly (JLA), Ed McGuinness (SUPERMAN/BATMAN), Doug Mahnke (SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN), and others in a twisted world under the rule of Emperor Joker. Collects SUPERMAN #160-161, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #582-583, SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #104-105, ACTION COMICS #769-770 and EMPEROR JOKER #1!
