I originally had a completely different introduction to this week’s post, but considering the events that took place in Orlando on Saturday night, as well as the threat that was prevented in Los Angeles yesterday, I felt like it would be a little too “oblivious” and inconsiderate not to change it. I’ve acknowledged and discussed acts of violence and terrorism on here before, and I won’t go as deep this time, but I do want to at least recognize what happened. If you’re in Orlando, or if you know someone there, know someone that was injured or had their life taken away too soon, my heart goes out to you. We all read comics for different reasons. I read for an escape, but they also inspire me and make me want to be a better person. So before we get into this week’s releases, I’ll leave you with this:
“We impose meaning on the chaos of our lives. We create form, morality, order. It’s a choice we have to make every second of every minute of every day.” – Batman: Absolution
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 15th
Batman #1
“I AM GOTHAM” Chapter One
No one has ever stopped the Caped Crusader. Not The Joker. Not Two-Face. Not even the entire Justice League. But how does Batman confront a new hero who wants to save the city from the Dark Knight?
CAN’T MISS: Superstar artist David Finch returns to the Dark Knight alongside writer Tom King for this five-part storyline.
Written by Tom King
Pencils by David Finch
Inks by Matt Banning
Cover by Matt Banning and David Finch
Random Blurb of Excitement: The Rebirth issues haven’t packed the punch that I had hoped for, but if Detective Comics was any sign of what’s to come, then this should be a real treat! It’s also King’s first full issue, so I’m SUPER excited to get my hands on it!
Batman-News Critic: Brandon
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #12
Batman has opposed Superman’s Regime since the beginning, while Damian (now Nightwing) threw his support behind the Man of Steel. Father and son, on opposite sides. So what act perpetrated by Victor Zsasz could be so heinous as to make these two join forces again to track him down? Don’t miss the shocking answer.
Art by Mike S. Miller
Cover by David Yardin
Written by Brian Buccellato
Random Blurb of Excitement: I got ahead of myself and read the first half of this issue… All I’m going to say, is “Oi…” Buccellato continues to knock it out of the park!
Batman-News Critic: Elena
New Suicide Squad #21
What do you get when you mix the deadly Suicide Squad with the Fist of Cain killer cult and Rose Tattoo, the resurrected goddess of murder? A very, very bad day for Amanda Waller.
Written by Tim Seeley
Pencils and Inks by Gus Vasquez
Colored by Juan E. Ferreyra
Random Blurb of Excitement: “Mister Hockey Puck!” Seeley and Ferreyra’s run on this title has been an absolute blast! I’m a little sad to see Ferreyra isn’t covering the pencils here because he adds so much to the title, but I understand that he has obligations for Rebirth. Regardless, I’m looking forward to the chaos that Seeley whipped up for this month!
Batman-News Critic: Josh
Poison Ivy: Life of Cycle & Death #6
Poison Ivy and her Sporelings battle for survival in the epic final chapter of “Cycle of Life and Death”! The monster Grim makes his final move, the murderer is revealed, and Pamela Isley’s life will be forever changed! Plus, someone, or someTHING, joins the fray!
Written by Amy Chu
Pencils by Al Barrionuevo and Cliff Richards
Inks by Sandu Florea, Scott Hanna, Seth Mann, and Cliff Richards
Colored by Ulises Arreola Palomera
Cover by Clay Mann and Ulises Arreola Palomera
Random Blurb of Excitement: Poison Ivy has been quite a refreshing step away from the “norm” in Gotham. I’m glad Ivy is getting a spotlight, and Chu has handled her really well! In fact, Chu has done a damn good job with this entire mini so far! I don’t recall her being on any Rebirth titles, and that’s a shame because she has SO MUCH potential!
Batman-News Critic: Cat
Titans: Rebirth #1
Friends. Teammates. Titans. Donna Troy, Arsenal, Garth, Lilith and Nightwing were all that and more until a mysterious force erased their memories, forcing them to forget what they could accomplish together. Reunited with their memories returned, the Titans must destroy the interdimensional demon that broke them apart and threatens reality itself.
Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils by Brett Booth
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Cover by Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund
Random Blurb of Excitement: If you read Geoff Johns’ DC Universe Rebirth Special then you can’t tell me you’re not excited for this! That being said, as I mentioned earlier, these Rebirth issues haven’t packed the punch that I expected from them. That’s not to say they’re bad, they’ve just been average. Maybe this one will surprise me considering I’ve lowered my expectations.
Batman-News Critic: Cat
The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1
Before the Dark Knight returned…
The Joker. Poison Ivy. Selina Kyle. And the last Robin.
Written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller
Pencils by John Romita Jr.
Cover by Danny Miki, John Romita Jr., and Dean White
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve enjoyed The Dark Knight III more than I expected to, and if this were another issue of that story in particular, I would have placed this book higher up in my ranking… but it’s a standalone story, and I’m honestly not sure what to expect, or if it’s even needed… I’m hoping for the best though!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
Justice League #51
It’s a brave new world in the devastation that follows “DARKSEID WAR.”
Written by Dan Abnett and Dan Jurgens
Pencils by Tom Grummett and Paul Pelletier
Inks by Sandra Hope Archer and Danny Miki
Colored by Gabe Eltaeb and Adriano Lucas
Cover by Tony Kordos, Adriano Lucas, and Paul Pelletier
Random Blurb of Excitement: This isn’t at the bottom of my list because I think it’s going to bad (I mean… it could be… Who knows?), but simply because I don’t see the point in having this issue. I feel like whatever topics are going to be touched on have already been touched in the Rebirth issues… Also, Comixology is now showing the Justice League cover with Robin on it (that was originally solicited for issue 52) as the cover for this issue… I’m not too certain which one will be the actual cover.
Batman-News Critic: Josh
Notes:
- Additional Rebirth releases this week: Green Arrow #1, Green Lantern #1, and Superman #1.
- Justice League of America: According to various reports, the remaining issues of Bryan Hitch’s JLA have been postponed until further notice. DC will apparently resolicit these issues for later dates… Maybe, just maybe, we’ll get them before 2020. It should also be worth noting that DC still has issue #9 listed for June 15th… so who knows what’s actually going on over there…
- Harley Quinn #29 has been pushed back to June 22nd.
- Suicide Squad’s Most Wanted #6 has been pushed back to June 22nd.
- 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 June 8, 2016 is Detective Comics #934 by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira with 69% of the votes.
- Earth 2: Society #13 by Matthew Clark, Jorge Jimenez, and David Lopez (9%)
- Batman ’66 Meets Steed & Mrs. Peel #1 by Laura Allred and Mike Allred (7%)
- Black Canary #12 by Annie Wu (6%)
- Red Hood/ Arsenal #12 by Robson Rocha (5%)
- Harley Quinn & Her Gang of Harleys #4 by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair (4%)
Graphic Novel Watch:
52 Vol. 1 (New Edition) – Four of the most critically acclaimed writers in comics—Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid—are joined by breakdown artist Keith Giffen and a host of the industry’s finest pencillers and inkers to create this unprecedented event in comics history.
DC’s groundbreaking publication of the weekly comic 52 tells the story of a “missing” year in the DC Universe—in real time. The cataclysmic events of INFINITE CRISIS have left the world without its three biggest icons—Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, and the question is asked: who will stand up in their absence?
Now, in the first of two volumes, 52 is collected with bonus material after each chapter, including concept designs, page breakdowns, scripts, alternate story elements, and more! Collects 52 #1-26.
