There are quite a few books we’re covering this week due to a recent influx of delays. On top of that, we’re also seeing additional delays with select titles… These recent delays are only making me want Rebirth to hurry up and start even more, but is also making more nervous for those titles that will be released twice each month. I can’t help but think that Rucka is going about this the best way with Wonder Woman. That title, like many we’ll be covering, will release two issue each month, but instead of each issue continuing the same story, he’s going to tell two separate stories. I feel like this will allow each story to look and feel more consistent since each issue of that story will be drawn by the same artists – which is where my concern lies: the art. I tend to find different art styles within the same story distracting, especially if I’m reading a book as a trade, and I’m worried this will be the reality with Rebirth. I fully expect better stories considering DC appears to be paying for top notch (granted a few exceptions *cough* Lobdell *cough*), so I’m hoping the army of artists don’t distract from the possibility of an amazing narrative.
Anyway, enough about Rebirth, let’s focus on the now. I’m really excited for some of the titles this week, and less excited for others. With many of these books coming to a close in the next few months, I’m honestly expecting the worst and hoping to be surprised. Yes, there are the likes of Justice League. We Are Robin, and Tomasi’s “Super League” that have been consistently good so far, but then there’s questionable titles like Grayson and Secret Six that could go either way, followed by pure duds like Batgirl, Teen Titans, and Black Canary. In other words, you should expect scores ranging from 2 – 9+. Yay?
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 27th
Justice League #49
In this, the penultimate chapter of the critically-acclaimed epic “Darkseid War,” the fate of the Justice League and the entire universe is on the line! But can even the combined might of the Justice Gods contend with the secret machinations of Grail, the deadly daughter of Darkseid? Death, rebirth and the life of one of the members of the League changed forever!
Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils and Inks by Jason Fabok
Colored by Brad Anderson
Cover by Blond, Brad Anderson, and Jason Fabok
Random Blurb of Excitement: If you expected anything else to top my list for this week, then you probably haven’t been following anything I’ve said about “Darkseid War.” I’m loving this arc, and I can’t help but feel like it’s even better since DC isn’t shoving it down our throat as the second coming! We’re allowed to just enjoy it for what it is…. Pure awesomeness!
Batman News Critic: Josh
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…?
Written by Scott Snyder
Pencils by Greg Capullo
Inks by Danny Miki
Colored by FCO Plascencia
Cover by Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, FCO Plascencia
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been a little tough on Batman for about a year now… I’m not taking it back, and I still feel the same way about the Superheavy arc, but this issue looks like it’s going to go back to what Snyder does best: examine Batman and Gotham, and create a commentary on who Batman is, as well as Gotham’s identity! Because of that, I’m expecting some really good work here!
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Superman/ Wonder Woman #28
In part four of “Super League,” Wonder Woman and Superman encounter the being that was discovered in BATMAN/SUPERMAN #31. But will this person be Superman’s savior-or destroyer? And what is Ulysses’s role in all of this?
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils and Inks by Ed Benes
Cover by Paul Renaud
Random Blurb of Excitement: “Super League” has been really entertaining so far, and the only downfall I have with it is that if you’ve been looking into Rebirth and reading the solicitations for future issues, you pretty much already know what’s going to happen. Regardless, the concept that Superman is essentially dying from natural causes (even if they’re the effect of being Superman and encountering the likes of Rao, kryptonite, and Vandal Savage), makes this story hit home, especially if you’ve ever known someone that was told they didn’t have long to live due to a disease. It’s good work, and if I had no knowledge of Rebirth, I’m sure I’d find this run extremely emotional (more so than it already is)…
Batman News Critic: Brian
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.
Written by Lee Bermejo
Pencils and Inks by Jorge Corona
Colored by Trish Mulvihill
Cover by Lee Bermejo
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve really enjoyed this title lately, mainly because I feel like it captures the hope and despair in Gotham better than any other title at the moment. Duke is a fun character, but like many of the other younger masks (Blue Bird, Spoiler, even Duke in other books), Bermejo does a great job of capturing him, as well as the other Robins, at a believable skill-set. These kids are doing their best to get by, aren’t taking on major villains, and are still getting their clocks cleaned on occasion. In my opinion, this title isn’t receiving the recognition it deserves.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
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?
Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing
Pencils and Inks by Roge Antonio and Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colored by Jeromy Cox
Cover by Mikel Janin
Random Blurb of Excitement: Hmmm, this is one of those titles that could go either way… On one hand, it’s Grayson, and I’m biased to Dick so I’ll probably enjoy it, AND we’re still continuing King/ Seeley’s story… however, King and Seeley aren’t writing the actual issue, so that adds a big question mark. I still expect it to be entertaining, but I’m really hoping for some nice moments between Dick and Helena before this title comes to an end… And I’m saying many, many prayers that Dick and Helena continue their relationship in one way or another into Rebirth.
Batman News Critic:
Dark Knight III: The Master Race #4
The Master Race will rise. Cities will fall. Bruce Wayne is dead. What will the heroes of the world do to save it?
Written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller
Pencils by Andy Kubert
Inks by Klaus Janson
Colored by Brad Anderson
Cover by Brad Anderson, Klaus Janson, and Andy Kubert
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve enjoyed this book so far – much more than I originally thought I would – but I never find myself getting excited about it for some reason. Maybe it’s the delays… maybe it’s that it doesn’t land in continuity so there’s no “urgency” to read it… who knows. All I know is that I tend to enjoy it whenever I do come around to read it.
Batman News Critic: Jay
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.?!
Art by Karl Kesel and David Hahn
Cover by Mike Allred
Written by Jeff Parker
Random Blurb of Excitement: The best way I can describe any Batman 66’ title, is that it’s fun! This throwback always puts a smile on my face, and that should speak volumes!
Batman News Critic: Jay
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!
Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by John Timms
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair
Random Blurb of Excitement: It’s Deadpool! I mean… Red Tool! Conner and Palmiotti have a winning sense of humor, so it’s hard for me to criticize Harley, but as I stated last week, I am growing a little fatigued of the character, and hope that DC learns that sometimes, “less is more.”
Batman News Critic: Elena
Deathstroke #17
Deathstroke has reached the end of the gauntlet on the road to save his daughter, but after battling everyone from the Suicide Squad to Red Hood, will he be able to save himself? As Ra’s al Ghul and Lawman enter the fray, Slade Wilson’s life will never be the same…
Written by James Bonny
Pencils and Inks by Tyler Kirkham
Colored by Arif Prianto
Cover by Tyler Kirkham, Tomeu Morey, and Arif Prianto
Random Blurb of Excitement: Ra’s al Ghul is popping up, so we’re jumping in on this title (again). So far, Deathstroke has felt like a who’s who of Batman cameos, and this is no exception. Is this an amazing book? No, but it is fun and entertaining. This is basically your mindless, summer action blockbuster that you’re not expecting much from, but know it will at least be a good time… except it’s a comic and not a movie…
Batman News Critic: Josh
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?
Written by Gail Simone
Pencils and Inks by Tom Derenick
Colored by Jason Wright
Cover by Dale Eaglesham, Liam Sharp, and Jason Wright
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve basically given up on this title, but I know Simone is a good writer, so I’m in a “expect the worst and hope for the best” type of situation with Secret Six.
Batman News Critic: Josh
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?
Written by Mike W. Barr and Brian Buccellato
Pencils by Viktor Bogdanovic and Diogenes Neves
Inks by Richard Friend, Ruy Jose, and Diogenes Neves
Colored by Mike Spicer and Carrie Strachan
Cover by Cary Nord
Random Blurb of Excitement: The best way I can approach my feelings towards Suicide Squad’s Most Wanted is through each character… I think of Deadshot and wonder, “What do you have for me this time, big guy?” And then I think about Katana, and just give the book major side-eye. MAJOR SIDE-EYE!
Batman News Critic: Josh
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.
Written by J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen
Pencils and Inks by Scott Kolins
Colored by Hi-Fi
Cover by Hi-Fi, Scott Kolins, and Howard Porter
Random Blurb of Excitement: Look, this is a fun book, but I have no connection to it at all… I read it to be able to speak about it here, but since it appears it will come to an end soon, I don’t even feel the need to read it anymore…
Batman News Critic: Cat
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?
Written by Brenden Fletcher
Pencils and Inks by Eleonora Carlini
Colored by Serge Lapointe
Cover by Babs Tarr
Random Blurb of Excitement: Dear God, I can’t wait for Hope Larson to take over… She wrote A Wrinkle In Time people! A Wrinkle In Time!!! Let’s blow up Burnside already!
Batman News Critic: Elena
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!
Written by Greg Pak
Pencils by Alvaro Martinez Bueno and Ian Churchill
Inks by Raul Fernandez, and Norm Rapmund
Colored by Tony Avina
Cover by Ian Churchill, Andrew Dalhouse, and Norm Rapmund
Random Blurb of Excitement: If we had Andrew’s old rating system, I’m curious of Brian would register this as a “You don’t have to thank me” or “NOcenti
Batman News Critic: Brian
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?
Written by Brenden Fletcher
Pencils and Inks by Sandy Jarrell
Colored by Lee Loughridge
Cover by Annie Wu
Random Blurb of Excitement: So this is a situation where I’m completely confident in telling you that if we had Andrew’s rating scale, Brian would DEFINITELY give this book a “NOcenti!”
Batman News Critic: Brian
Notes:
- Justice League of America #10 has been pushed back to May 25th.
- Justice League #50 has been pushed back to May 25th.
- The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1 has been pushed back to April 20th May 25th.
- The Dark Knight III: The Master Race #5 has been pushed back to June 29th.
- The Dark Knight III: The Master Race #6 has been pushed back to August 24th.
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 April 20, 2016 is Action Comics #51 by Karl Kerschl with 26% of the vote.
- Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #8 by David Yardin (18%)
- Titans Hunt #7 by Hi-Fi, Ed Benes, and Paulo Siqueira (18%)
- Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life & Death #4 by Clay Mann and Ulises Arreola Palomera (15%)
- Harley’s Little Black Book #3 by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair (11%)
- Robin, Son of Batman #11 by Ramón F. Bachs and John Kalisz (10%)
- Teen Titans Go! #15 by Daniel Hipp (2%)
Graphic Novel Watch:
DC Comics/ Darkhorse: Aliens – Thirty years ago, James Cameron’s Aliens introduced the world to a new kind of terror. Now, the stories that first brought the Aliens into the DC Universe are back in a horrifying collection!
Following the trail of a missing person from Gotham City, Batman travels to the Amazon jungle where he first discovers the horror of the Aliens—but how can the Dark Knight stop them? A few years later, an Alien is discovered in a Gotham City construction site, and it’s going to wreak havoc on Arkham Asylum!
Thinking the terrifying menace gone, Batman discovers a colony of the relentless killing machines and the unstoppable race of hunters called Predators that have been hidden away on Earth for centuries. With both unearthly menaces poised to overtake the world, only the Dark Knight and Superman can stop them!
Finally, the Alien terrors are aboard the Stormwatch space station, and it’s up to the WildC.A.T.s to save the survivors, but can even the WildC.A.T.s win a battle with the Aliens when Stormwatch has already fallen?
Collects BATMAN/ALIENS #1-2, BATMAN/ALIENS II #1-3, SUPERMAN/BATMAN VS. ALIENS/PREDATOR #1-2, WILDC.A.T.S/ALIENS #1.
Injustice: God’s Among Us Year Four Vol. 1 – New writer Brian Buccellato (DETECTIVE COMICS, THE FLASH) and artists Bruno Redondo and Mike S. Miller (BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED) continue to expand the world of the hit video game from the makers of MORTAL KOMBAT in INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US: YEAR FOUR!
When Superman and the Justice League declared themselves the ultimate authority on planet Earth, only Batman stood against them—but now Batman is defeated. His resistance army has suffered major losses and dwindled to nearly nothing. The man who always has a backup plan for his backup plans has nothing—except for one final, desperate gambit.
The gods of Olympus are real, and they’re none too pleased about Superman and the League making themselves into gods on Earth. With no other options, Batman turns to Ares, the God of War, to enlist the Greek pantheon into the battle with Superman. The Man of Steel may be strong enough to take on a god, but what happens when his closest ally (who happens to be the daughter of Zeus) is turned against him?
Collecting INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US: YEAR FOUR #1-7.
