Upcoming Comics: August 24, 2016

DC is releasing their November Solicitations this afternoon, so I’m going to keep this short and sweet to allow time to prepare that post. I’m not expecting any major announcements, but you never know what DC has up their sleeve. They’ll most likely save their major announcements for NYCC later this year. Other than that, I’m trying to track down as many of the store variant covers for All Star Batman and Suicide Squad, so you should expect to see some cover polls for those next week. I’m also trying to work with DC to get ahead of these releases so we can announce and showcase each cover, as well as where they can be purchased, prior to its release.

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…

 

August 24^th

Detective Comics #939
“Rise of the Batmen” part six! The full scope of the Colony’s plans, and their mysterious leader, have all been revealed…so what’s it going to take to stop them? Believe us, you are not prepared for the last scene!

Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils by Eddy Barrows
Inks by Eber Ferreira
Cover by Raul Fernandez, Alvaro Martinez, and Tomeu Morey

Random Blurb of Excitement: Considering Detective Comics is probably my favorite title at the moment (it’s a tough battle between this and Nightwing), it shouldn’t surprise anyone that it tops my list. James Tynion is killing it with this title, and if you ever wondered whether or not he would have a lasting impression in the world of comics, then you should look no further. Not only has he launched an amazing story, but he’s also restored Tim Drake and Kate Kane to the characters we know and love. Plus, he continues to shape Cassandra and Stephanie for some prime-time exposure! If you’re not reading Detective Comics, then you’re missing out!

Batman News Critic: Brian

 

 

Batgirl #2
“Beyond Burnside” part two. Batgirl is off to Singapore! Following the mysterious advice of the ancient superhero known as Fruit Bat, Babs dives into the dangerous world of MMA fighting. But her first opponent may be more than just an adversary in the ring. Could she be connected to Babs’ new travel-companion-slash-maybe-crush?

Written by Hope Larson
Pencils and Inks by Rafael Albuquerque
Colored by Dave McCaig
Cover by Rafael Albuquerque

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m sure a number of you are shocked to see Batgirl as the second title in my ranking. But honestly, I thought it had a solid debut, and it appears as though Larson and Albuquerque are trying to improve on some of the elements I disliked about the previous run. I know this arc will mostly feature Barbara backpacking across the world while training, but I’m ok with that for an arc. I’m looking forward to what the team delivers.

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

Harley’s Little Black Book #4
Harley’s been to some very strange places in her bizarre life…but an alternate-reality time-travel trip is a new one even for her! Somehow, some way, Harley’s managed to find herself in the world of the Bombshells, a universe where female heroes have taken to the battlefield of World War II! And most unbelievably of all…she’s gonna meet herself?! Our heads hurt already.

Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by Joseph Michael Linsner and Billy Tucci
Cover by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair

Random Blurb of Excitement: This could be pretty fun and interesting. I’m a fan of Bombshells, so I’m curious to see how the present-day Harley reacts to the 1940’s. There should be a number of good laughs here!

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

Titans #2
“Remember the Titans” part two! As the Titans prepare to do the unthinkable in order to defeat the intergalactic demon that stole time itself from the DC Universe, enter the Fearsome Five! But are the sinister quintet acting of their own accord…or are greater forces at work?

Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils by Brett Booth
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Colored by Andrew Dalhouse
Cover by Brett Booth, Andrew Dalhouse, and Norm Rapmund

Random Blurb of Excitement: If there’s one title that has disappointed me, it’s Titans. Considering how critical Wally’s role is with Rebirth, I expected this title to carry more weight… Unfortunately, the first issue left me wanting something better. It’s early in the title’s run, so Abnett can easily turn it around, but if it doesn’t, this title might be dead in the water before it even begins… And that’s a shame! There’s so much potential with DC’s young heroes, and they just can’t seem to figure out what to do with them, or how to make them successful. I’m hoping for the best here, but I’m not expecting it.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

Teen Titans #23
When H.I.V.E. threatens to destroy New Orleans, the city turns to the Teen Titans for help! But the H.I.V.E. Queen is ready for the Titans, and has a special surprise in store for Red Robin…

Written by Tony Bedard
Pencils by Miguel Mendonca
Inks by Diana E. Conesa
Colored by Tony Avina
Cover by Rod Reis and David Williams

Random Blurb of Excitement: Yep… I’m just sitting over here… Waiting for this to “Rebirth.” I’m sure nobody wants this more than Brian at the moment though…

Batman News Critic: Brian

 

 

Notes:

• For an overview of our thoughts on last week’s releases, click here!
• Additional Rebirth releases this week: Action Comics #962, Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1, Deathstroke #1, Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps #3, The Flash #5, The Hellblazer #1, and Wonder Woman #5. 
• Harley Quinn & Her Gang of Harleys #5 has been pushed back to August 31^st.
• Harley’s Little Black Book #5 has been pushed back to September 14^th.
• The Dark Knight III: The Master Race #6 has been pushed back to August 24^th October 19^th.

Justice League of America Release Dates (per dccomics.com):

• Justice League of America #9 has been scheduled for August 17^thAugust 31^st.
• Justice League of America #10 has been scheduled for August 31^st September 14^th.
• Justice League of America #11 has been scheduled for September 14^th.
• Justice League of America #12 has been scheduled for September 28^th.
• Justice League of America Annual #1 has been scheduled for November 30^th.

 

 

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.

 

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Batgirl Vol. 3: Mindfields – THE BATTLE FOR BURNSIDE IS ON!

She rides a cool motorcycle, swings a mean right hook, and has backup from the best crime-fighters in the biz, but Batgirl’s greatest weapon has always been her mind. As the brilliant Barbara Gordon, she’s on the verge of a tech breakthrough that could transform her beloved Burnside neighborhood, and all of Gotham City to boot—though if it falls into the wrong hands, it could just as easily devastate them.

But how can Batgirl stop a hacker who can break into her brain itself?

A sinister figure has been haunting Batgirl’s nightmares and stealing all her secrets, from her high-tech innovations to her hidden identity. And he’ll use that knowledge to destroy her forever.

Now Batgirl must assemble a band of her best friends and closest allies—including Spoiler, Black Canary, Batwing and more—to stop the most dangerous enemy she’s ever known, or Burnside and the entire Bat-family will burn…

It all comes down to this! The revolutionary creative team of Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, and Babs Tarr bring the saga of the Batgirl of Burnside to a close in BATGIRL VOL. 3: MINDFIELDS. Be there for the shocking climax to one of the greatest Batgirl stories ever told!

Collects BATGIRL #46-52.

 

Graphic Ink: The DC Comics Art of Gary Frank – The latest title in the GRAPHIC INK book series celebrates the work of Gary Frank, one of DC’s greatest artists. In these tales starring Supergirl, Batman, Superman and more, Frank’s art features a sharp, iconic style that pays homage to classic DC artists while pushing the characters into the future.

 

Teen Titans Vol. 3: The Sum of its Parts – A WORLD AGAINST THEM

The Teen Titans were the greatest team of young heroes ever assembled. Now, in the eyes of millions, they’re heroes no more.

After the shocking revelations about Superboy shook the team to its core, they’re divided amongst themselves and hunted by the outside world. Their leader, Red Robin, is more isolated than ever—even as a legion of idealistic but dangerously untested young people takes to the streets of Gotham City, using his identity as an emblem for revolution.

To survive as outlaws, the Titans will have to come together as never before and count on the help of unlikely allies—including former Batman protégé the Red Hood, no stranger to outlaws himself. And if they make it through, even more stunning secrets await them…

Writers Will Pfeifer (RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS), Scott Lobdell (SUPERBOY) and Greg Pak (ACTION COMICS) join a talented team of artists including Ian Churchill (SUPERGIRL), Miguel Mendonça (WONDER WOMAN) and more for TEEN TITANS VOL. 3: THE SUM OF ITS PARTS—a thrilling chapter that takes the team from Gotham City to Themyscira and beyond!

Collects issues #14-19.