Upcoming Comics: June 1, 2016

So Rebirth was released last week…. And it was f#@#&%$ amazing!!! Make sure you check out Brandon’s review if you haven’t already done so. And if you thought I was excited about Rebirth before, I’m even more excited now that I’ve read Geoff Johns’ amazing launch! This week, we get Batman Rebirth #1, and I’m close to peeing my pants with excitement! I can’t wait to see what Tom King does with Batman, and I’m expecting some great things. Other than that, it is a relatively light week for us in terms of reviews – compared to last week anyway – but it looks as though it will be completely satisfying!

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…

 

June 1st

 

Batman Rebirth 1
Batman: Rebirth #1
Longtime Batman and Eisner Award-winning writer Scott Snyder co-writes with rising-star writer Tom King! EVIL 365: Gotham City faces the threat of the Calendar Man!

Written by Tom King and Scott Snyder
Art by Mikel Janin
Cover by Mikel Janin

Random Blurb of Excitement: I. Can’t. Wait. Tom King, in my opinion, is the best writer in comics at the moment. Between his work on Grayson, Omega Men, Vision, and (especially) Sheriff of Babylon… the guy is as good as they come! This will be a transitional issue with King and Snyder teaming up to seamlessly shift the book into Rebirth, but I still think it will be well worth our time and money! And in case you forgot… it’s only $2.99!

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Injustice 5 11
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #11
It’s on! Harley has a lot to get out of her system, and the first person who’s going to get a dose of it is the guy she had a brief crush on—Shazam. But “Shazzy’s” not buying what’s Harley’s selling, so things are about to get…complicated. Meanwhile, Superman pays a visit to a man who once head-butted him.

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

Random Blurb of Excitement: What? We get treated to Injustice this week as well? DC, you’re making my heart incredibly happy at the moment! I’m loving all of these great books! Let’s continue this trend! As for this title specifically, Brian Buccellato is doing some great things at the moment, and I highly recommend your jump back into the Injustice pool if you haven’t rejoined the party yet.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

Batman Beyond 13
Batman Beyond #13
Past and present overlap as Batman and Barbara Gordon attempt to unravel the secret of Rewire. It’s no longer the same man behind the suit, so who is it? Meanwhile, we get a glimpse into the past as Terry McGinnis Batman conducts a search for a possibly resurrected Joker. What light can this parallel search from the past shine on the mystery of the present?

Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils and Inks by Bernard Chang
Colored by Marcelo Maiolo
Cover by Elmer Santos and Philip Tan

Random Blurb of Excitement: Jurgens is doing a great job with this title at the moment, and it’s honestly the best interpretation of Tim Drake since the New 52 launched! Tim is eager, driven, and striving to do the best he can… Where has this Tim been for the past few years?

Batman News Critic: Cat

 

 

Bombshells 14
Bombshells #14
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy make it to Berlin to find the Joker’s cabaret in the hands of the Joker’s Daughter, who has banished a magic-less Zatanna and Constantine onto the streets of Nazi-occupied Germany. Meanwhile, find out what happened to Mera at the Battle of Britain after being captured by Nereus as a prisoner of war.

Art by Mirka Andolfo and Laura Braga
Cover by Ant Lucia
Written by Marguerite Bennett

Random Blurb of Excitement: I continue to think this book is a ton of fun! Not only does it predominately feature female characters, but it takes place during the 1940’s. I can’t help but think this title is going to slowly grow/ be remembered with high favor over the years. It really is a fantastic run!

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

TT Go 16
Teen Titans Go! #16
After a stunning bank heist, the Amazing Mumbo Jumbo uses his magic to scramble the superpowers of the Teen Titans! What will Robin, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven and Cyborg do with their newfound abilities?

Art by Derek Fridolfs and Marcelo Maiolo
Cover by Daniel Hipp
Written by Sholly Fisch and Derek Fridolfs

Random Blurb of Excitement: Eh, Teen Titans Go! Is at the bottom of my list because I don’t plan on reading it. If you’re looking for something to pick up for the kiddos though – or if you just want a light-hearted romp with some of your favorite characters – this is the book for you!

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Noteworthy Releases:

Europa DC
Batman: Europa – Director’s Cut #1
Superstar artist Jim Lee returns to the Dark Knight with this premiere issue, now presented in pencil form in this new DIRECTOR’S CUT Special! The impossible has happened and Batman is on the verge of being taken down by an enemy he cannot defeat: a virus for which there is no cure! And the only hope for his salvation is The Joker! Who infected Batman, what does the Clown Prince of Crime know, and how will the Dark Knight get that information?

 

Notes:

  • Additional Rebirth releases this week: Superman Rebirth #1, Green Lanterns Rebirth #1, and Green Arrow Rebirth #1
  • Justice League #51 has been pushed back to June 8th.
  • The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1 has been pushed back to April 20th May 25th June 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 25th July 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.

Spoiler

Best cover of May 25th, 2016 is DC Universe: Rebirth #1 by Gary Frank with 32% of the votes.

DC Rebirth

 

  1. Justice League #50 by Brad Anderson and Jason Fabok (28%)

Justice League 50

 

  1. Grayson #20 by Mikel Janin (12%)
  2. Deathstroke #18 by Tyler Kirkham and Tomeu Morey (5%)
  3. Superman #52 by Mikel Janin (4%)
  4. We Are Robin #12 by Lee Bermejo (3%)
  5. Batgirl #52 by Babs Tarr (3%)
  6. Secret Six #14 by Dale Eaglesham and Jason Wright (3%)
  7. The Flash #52 by Joe Prado, Ivan Reis, and Alex Sinclair (3%)
  8. Suicide Squad’s Most Wanted: Deadshot & Katana #5 by Cary Nord (3%)
  9. Bombshells #13 by Marguerite Bennett (2%)
  10. Batman ’66 Meets the Man From U.N.C.L.E. #6 by Jeff Parker (1%)
  11. Teen Titans #20 by Mike McKone and Rod Reis (0%)
  12. Justice League 3001 #12 by Hi-Fi, Scott Kolins, and Howard Porter (0%)

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Legends 30 Anniversary
Legends 30th Anniversary Edition
– In the wake of CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, the heroes of the DC Universe must find a new purpose and direction in the battle for justice! When G. Gordon Godfrey arrives on behalf of Darkseid to create a hate campaign that outlaws super-heroic activities, the world’s greatest find themselves fighting the very people they swore to protect! Don’t miss this new edition collecting the 6-issue miniseries, including the first appearance of the modern Suicide Squad!