It feels like Christmas! I’ve been waiting for Rebirth to launch, and it’s finally here! 80 pages of (what I hope to be) complete awesomeness… and it’s only $2.99! $2.99 people! On top of that, we’re also getting the finale to Justice League: Darkseid War and “The Final Days of Superman,” as well as the closing chapter of a number of other titles! I’m going to be in nerd overload on Wednesday! The only thing I’ll need to top off the day is a cup of coffee and some pancakes! Also, just in case you missed it, solicitations for August 2016 were posted last week. If you want an even deeper peek into Rebirth, you should check them out.
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). We also have the results from our April Variant Cover Poll, so make sure you check that out as well! 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…
May 25th
DC Universe: Rebirth #1
It all begins here. Do not skip to the last page. Do not let a friend or message board ruin this comic for you. The future (and past) of the DC Universe starts here. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils Gary Frank, Phil Jimenez, and Ethan Van Sciver
Cover by Gary Frank
Random Blurb of Excitement: It’s here!!! It shouldn’t be a surprise that this is at the top of my list… I’ve been anxiously awaiting this for months now. BUT, I am going to make sure I read Justice League and Superman before this… **Also** Some sites have already released reviews of this book that contain spoilers. If you’ve read those reviews, please do not spoil anything in the comments for our readers.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
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!
Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils and Inks Jason Fabok
Colored by Brad Anderson
Cover by Brad Anderson and Jason Fabok
Random Blurb of Excitement: Seriously… like I said earlier… Christmas! If this and Rebirth were the only things getting released this week… I’d still be as giddy as an 8th grade girl meeting Ryan Gosling. I can’t wait to see how Johns ends this story, and I’m really looking forward to the ripple effect it might have in the DC Universe with Rebirth.
Batman News Critic: Josh
We Are Robin #12
The Robins go after Smiley and the Jokers, who have taken their brand of chaos beyond the walls of Middletown High. Can Duke, Riko, Izzy, Dax and Dre take him down before all of Gotham City falls?
Written by Lee Bermejo
Pencils and Inks by Jorge Corona
Colored by Trish Mulvihill
Cover by Lee Bermejo
Random Blurb of Excitement: This has been a great run, and is easily one of the best books at the moment. I was unsure of this title at first, but it has consistently gotten better over the course of the past year. Bermejo doesn’t get enough credit for the work he does, and he’s the ONLY writer at the moment that I feel correctly (and believably) captures the skillset of younger, less experienced vigilantes like the Robins.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Superman #52
“The Final Days of Superman” epic concludes in one explosive fight as the new master villain uses Superman’s own solar super flare power against everyone. Can even two Supermen, Supergirl, Wonder Woman and Batman be enough to stop this onslaught? And how will the tragic outcome of this battle change the life of one of the Lois Lanes forever?
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils and Inks by Mikel Janin
Colored by Mikel Janin
Cover by Mikel Janin
Random Blurb of Excitement: The last issue! Considering what we know is going to happen, I hope they leave some room for some nice character moments. I’m going to be a little disappointed if most of the issue is action. In a perfect world, I’d have around a third to half of the issue consist of the final battle, and the rest of the issue consist of the aftermath… unless that entirely what Rebirth will be… who knows.
Batman News Critic: Brian
Grayson #20
With one of his closest allies now his greatest foe, Dick Grayson will have to make his greatest sacrifice to save those he loves.
Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing
Pencils by Roge Antonio
Inks by Roge Antonio and Carmine Di Giandomenico
Cover by Mikel Janin
Random Blurb of Excitement: I kept going back and forth on where to place this title (as well as Batgirl) in my ranking. On one hand, it’s the last issue of Grayson, so I’m expecting (hoping) for some really nice moments! The only downside is that Seeley and King aren’t writing… but it’s still their roadmap, so the big picture should still be there… Now let’s cross our fingers for great execution! (And to clarify, I think Kelly and Lanzing are perfectly capable writers, it’s just difficult to compare people to the awesomeness of King and Seeley.)
Batman News Critic: Jay
Batgirl #52
With her friends starting new lives and Burnside changing all around her, it’s time for Batgirl to decide what her next adventure will be—and it just might take her around the world!
Written by Brenden Fletcher
Pencils Eleonora Carlini
Cover by Babs Tarr
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m sure you’re a little surprised that I placed Batgirl this high… Trust me, I surprised myself a little. I think it comes down to a few things though… First, last month’s issue felt like a step-up compared to the quality we’d been receiving… and I completely think that’s because Fletcher was the only writer. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that outside of the first volume of this new Batgirl, Fletcher has probably only been working in a story development/ advisor type role. I have no basis to make that statement on, I’m just assuming that based on the quality of writing compared to what he typically delivers… So… that gives me hope that this will be good. And considering this is his last romp with Babs, I have a hunch that he’s going to deliver.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Bombshells #13
It’s back to the home front for an adventure with the Batgirls. Batwoman is still away, fighting the good fight on the European front. So it’s up to Kathy, Nell, Bette, Harper and the rest of the gang to see that the streets of Gotham City are safe from both common criminals and international spies!
Art by Mirka Andolfo
Covers Ant Lucia
Written by Marguerite Bennett
Random Blurb of Excitement: In my opinion, the best way to describe this book, is “consistently good.” There’s something that should be said about that. Every time I pick up this title, I know I’m going to enjoy it, and that it will range from good to great. I never have to question of an issue will be a doozey or miss the mark, because Marguerite Bennett delivers EVERY TIME!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Batman ’66 Meets the Man From U.N.C.L.E. #6
Final issue! Trapped at the bottom of the sea, surrounded by the deadliest villains of Gotham City—all led by the most diabolical criminal mastermind of the age! How can Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Napoleon and Illya possibly survive the deepest deathtrap of all? Impossible—unless some of the villains happen to be double agents…
Art by Karl Kesel and David Hahn
Cover by Mike Allred
Written by Jeff Parker
Random Blurb of Excitement: Ah… this team-up comes to an end before a new team-up begins! I know this book isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a riot of fun. Much like Bennett is with Bombshells, Parker is consistently good with this title.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Deathstroke #18
After a bitter betrayal by a trusted comrade, Slade Wilson finds reluctant allies in his estranged children, Rose and Jericho. But as an all out battle looms, he must also join forces with the one and only Ra’s al Ghul…who may have his own hidden agenda. Could this uneasy family reunion spell doom for Deathstroke?
Written by James Bonny
Pencils and Inks by Paolo Pantalena
Colored by Arif Prianto
Cover by Tyler Kirkham and Tomeu Morey
Random Blurb of Excitement: Oh, look at that! More Ra’s al Ghul! I never expect much depth from this title, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun, and the action is great. But it’s not completely lacking of emotion. There’s enough of a focus on Slade and his love for his guides – however misguided his actions may be at times – that it gives this narrative enough weight to keep you coming back each month.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Suicide Squad’s Most Wanted: Deadshot/ Katana #5
After Will Evans murders his own teammate, Floyd Lawton escapes Belle Reve and takes the fight straight to the impostor! But which Deadshot will survive?
Meanwhile, Katana is proven right as Kobra’s hidden plan is revealed—but no one could have anticipated what will happen when the villain’s plot is overturned. Is the Suicide Squad prepared to deal with a rogue Aurakle?
Written by Mike W. Barr and Brian Buccellato
Pencils 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: It’s always difficult to discuss Most Wanted as a single book, because both stories are vastly different in quality. If this just consisted of Deadshot, it would rank much higher on my list… but Katana is included in this, and it’s not nearly as strong.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Secret Six #14
It’s a big turning point for the Secret Six and all of their friends are attending the party. It’s Strix versus Shiva! The Six versus the League of Assassins! The return of a beloved DC hero! All this and scrambled eggs too, in this funky, freaky issue.
Written by Gail Simone
Pencils and Inks by Tom Derenick
Colored by Rex Lokus and Jason Wright
Cover by Dale Eaglesham and Jason Wright
Random Blurb of Excitement: In theory, I should be sad this is the last issue, but I’m honestly indifferent. I loved the original run of Secret Six, but this installment never found it’s footing in my opinion. The narrative has been all over the place, and even the reason for the team’s existence is a little forced. So at the moment, I’m ok that we’re losing this title, and hope that it will reappear more organically in the future.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Teen Titans #20
The Fearsome Five is back! These deadly Teen Titans villains are gunning for Raven as if their lives depended on it. What dark secret drives their mission? It’s one Red Robin doesn’t want the team to learn! A new game-changing epic begins in “All For One.”
Written by Tony Bedard
Pencils by Ian Churchill
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Colored by Tony Avina
Cover by Mike McKone and Rod Reis
Random Blurb of Excitement: I gave up on this title months ago. Ironically, it’s one of the titles that’s going to continue will into the Rebirth launch… go figure…
Batman News Critic: Brian
Justice League 3001 #12
The end of the future may be in sight! Eclipso and the Legion of Death have the Justice League cornered—now, who will live…and who will die?
Written by J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen
Pencils and by Colleen Doran and Timothy Green II
Colored by Hi-Fi
Cover by Hi-Fi, Scott Kolins, and Howard Porter
Random Blurb of Excitement: Speaking of giving up on books… *crickets*
Batman News Critic: Cat
The Flash #52
The Riddler has seized control of Central City. If The Flash moves, he’ll put everyone he loves in mortal danger. To save the city—and himself—he’ll need help from the unlikeliest of allies.
Written by Van Jensen
Pencils by Jesus Merino
Cover by Joe Prado, Ivan Reis, and Alex Sinclair
Random Blurb of Excitement: Much like last month, The Flash is at the bottom of my list because I haven’t been reading it. Anyway, it’s the final chapter of The Flash in the New 52, and it’s the second installment that features the Riddler.
Batman News Critic: Elena
Notes:
- Justice League #51 has been pushed back to June 8th.
- The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1 has been pushed back to
April 20thMay 25thJune 15th - The Dark Knight III: The Master Race #5 has been pushed back to June 29th.
- Justice League of America #10 has been pushed back to
May 25thJuly 7th - Justice League of America #11 has been pushed back to July 27th.
- 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 May 18th, 2016 is Titans Hunt #8 by Hi-Fi and Paulo Siqueira with 26% of the votes.
- Robin, Son of Batman #12 by Ramón F. Bachs, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz (22%)
- Harley Quinn #28 by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair (17%)
- Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death #5 by Clay Mann and Ulises Arreola Palomera (16%)
- Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #10 by David Yardin (12%)
- Superman/ Wonder Woman #29 by Karl Kerschl (8%)
Graphic Novel Watch:
Graphic Ink: The DC Comics Art of Jim Lee – This new, oversized art book captures some of Jim Lee’s most dynamic artwork from his decades in the comic industry. From his early work with WildStorm Productions to his recent turns drawing the greatest heroes in the DC Universe, GRAPHIC INK collects more than hundreds of pages of cover art as well as little-seen short stories from throughout this artist’s career. See why Jim Lee is considered the greatest comics artist of his generation with this extraordinary collection!
Teen Titans Go!: Heroes on Patrol – In these epics from issues #7-12 now printed at DC’s standard format, Starfire’s sister Blackfire comes for a visit, Starfire and Beast Boy’s new clothes have a sinister effect on anyone who sees them, and more!
