I love when DC releases their solicitations! My mind starts racing to try and figure out how we’ll get to this point in the comics, what will happen, who will pop up, etc… Also, this is typically when I begin my love fest with the covers… It’s just exciting all around. There aren’t any new announcements with these solicitations, but we can see the shape of things to come! Still no word on JLA or JSA, so I’m pretty sure they’re saving that to announce at NYCC. I can wait until then… (but if anyone reads this from DC, please make sure the roster for Justice League and JLA aren’t the same…)
Alright, let’s get to business! Below you’ll find the solicitations for each issue, as well as the cover art (if DC has released it). In a surprise addition, I’ve included information pertaining to the creative teams! I figured they deserve all the recognition they can get, so they’ll be included each month going forward. And yes, at your request, I’m still including my blurbs for some of the titles. Make sure you give me a piece of your mind in the comments! I want to hear what you’re excited about, worried about, your predictions, etc… If you have something to say, I want to know!
November 2, 2016
Batman #10
“I am Suicide” part two! Batman now has his team, but are they ready for the most dangerous mission of their lives? As the Dark Knight prepares his squad to infiltrate Santa Prisca, he may find that it’s up to him alone to face Bane.
Art by Mikel Janin
Cover by Mikel Janin
Variant cover by Tim Sale
Written by Tom King
Batman is building his own Suicide Squad? And he’s going to face Bane? Hell yeah! I’m glad to see Selina in the mix as well! Maybe we’ll find out if there’s been any changes to continuity concerning their characters. Regarldess, I’m looking forward to this!
Harley Quinn #7
“EAT TO THIS BEAT” part 3! Harley’s punk-rock epic concludes with her and her bandmates in way too deep on their undercover mission to take down a brutal gang of thieves and murderers!
Art by John Timms
Cover by Amanda Conner
Variant cover by Bill Sienkiewicz
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner
I KNOW this will be different… but all I can think is Black Canary, and that makes me want to run away…. And cry a little, but mostly run away. (And no, it’s not because I miss the Black Canary solo series).
Justice League #8
“OUTBREAK” part one! Someone is hacking into the Justice League’s computers, causing the Batcave’s weapons and security systems to turn against the Dark Knight and the Watchtower satellite to plummet to Earth—with Cyborg trapped on board.
Art by Daniel Henriques and Neil Edwards
Cover by Matt Ryan and Fernando Pasarin
Variant cover by Yanick Paquette
Written by Bryan Hitch
So here’s my opinion on Justice League: I feel like every story that’s going to be released under Hitch is going to be one of those “big, epic, the entire world/universe is going to die” types of stories… and that’s going to get old REALLY QUICKLY. It’s ok to tell smaller, more intimate stories sometimes… in fact, it’s needed!
Nightwing #8
“RISE OF THE RAPTOR” conclusion! Raptor’s true colors have been revealed as he takes Batman hostage! Nightwing will have to use every skill he’s ever learned to save his old mentor from the wrath of his new mentor.
Art by Javier Fernandez
Cover by Javier Fernandez
Variant cover by Joe Prado and Ivan Reis
Written by Tim Seeley
There was some weirdness involving Nightwing’s solicitations, so I tried to correct it to what I thought was right. Anyway, Raptor? Cool character! I seriously dig that character, and I’m loving everything that Seeley has thrown at us so far! All I can think is keep it coming! (And don’t kill Raptor.)
Catwoman: Election Night #1
It’s mayoral election time in Gotham City, and while the city is up in arms, Catwoman couldn’t care less! But when the candidates get personal, the Feline Fatale decides to get involved—much to the detriment of…well, everyone! This issue contains a special bonus story featuring the return of President Beth Ross from the critically acclaimed PREZ miniseries.
Art by Ben Caldwell and Shane Davis
Cover by Ben Caldwell and Shane Davis
Variant cover by David Finch
Written by Meredith Finch and Mark Russell
Oh look! It’s a Catwoman special! This is a nice little treat for those of us who miss having a monthly title.
Batman ’66 Meets Steed & Mrs. Peel #6
Lord Ffogg’s ancestral home has become more than a simple girls’ school—it’s now a mind-bending psychedelic trap for our heroes! As Robin is surprised by the conduct of some old friends, so is the rest of the team when Michaela Gough’s icy, silent partner is revealed! Co-published with BOOM! Studios.
Art by Mathew Dow Smith
Cover by Mike Allred
Written by Ian Edginton
November 9, 2016
Mother Panic #1
Meet Violet Paige, a celebutante with a bad attitude and a temper to match, who no one suspects of having anything lying beneath the surface of her outrageous exploits. But Violet isn’t just another bored heiress in the upper echelons of Gotham City’s elite. Motivated by her traumatic youth, Violet seeks to exact vengeance on her privileged peers as the terrifying new vigilante known only as Mother Panic.
Art by Tommy Lee Edwards
Cover by Tommy Lee Edwards
Variant cover by Bengal, Paul Pope
Written by Jody Houser
This is a new title intended for “mature audiences.” The book takes place in Gotham, and features a new, female protagonist (am I the only one thinking of Joey Cavalieri’s Huntress from the 80’s?). This book is part of Gerard Way’s new collection that’s receiving a lot of hype, so I’m kind of excited…
All Star Batman #4
“My Own Worst Enemy” part four! So close and yet so far from his goal, Batman must now wrangle Two-Face out of his own assassin-filled riverboat casino before it plunges over Niagara Falls to their deaths! The Dark Knight will have to go all-in on the most deadly gamble of his life if he intends to make it out alive.
Art by Danny Miki and John Romita, Jr.
Backup Written by Declan Shalvey
Cover by Danny Miki and John Romita, Jr.
Variant cover by Jock and Declan Shalvey
Written by Scott Snyder
Look, I’m keeping an open mind… but all I see is “assassin-filled riverboat casino before it plunges over Niagara Falls” and I can’t help but give this a little side-eye. I thought the first issue of All Star was fun, but a structural mess… Hopefully those issues will be worked out by this issue, and we can just enjoy the fun factor!
Batgirl & the Birds of Prey #5
“Who Is Oracle” part five! Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress come face-to-face at last with the new Oracle…and unlock a mystery they never saw coming!
Art by Claire Roe
Cover by Yanick Paquette
Variant cover by Kamome Shirahama
Written by Shawna Benson and Julie Benson
Throw Huntress on the cover and you’re going to make me happy… But, this book has a lot of promise in general! I loved the Rebirth issue, but issue #1 missed the mark in a few ways. I’m going to consider it growing pains and remain excited because the Oracle approach is a brilliant idea that I’m surprised hasn’t been used yet. (So… should we start a betting pool on who Oracle is? The Calculator? Frankie?)
Detective Comics #944
“The Victim Syndicate” part two! The mysterious First Victim has launched an assault on Batman and his team, forcing them to fight an enemy they know nothing about, who seems to have the support of an entire network of strange new foes!
Art by Eber Ferreira and Eddy Barrows
Cover by Jason Fabok
Variant cover by Rafael Albuquerque
Written by James T Tynion IV
I don’t care what’s actually happening, or who is being featured, just give me this book!
Red Hood & the Outlaws #9
“DARK TRINITY” part four! The unimaginable has happened—Black Mask has gained control of one of the most powerful beings in the world: Bizarro! Can the Red Hood stop him before Black Mask’s reign of terror begins?
Art by Dexter Soy
Cover by Cam Smith and Giuseppe Camuncoli
Variant cover by Matteo Scalera
Written by Scott Lobdell
So far, I have to applaud Scott Lobdell for Red Hood & the Outlaws. It’s been incredibly good, and I’m honestly surprised! If he can continue to tell stories of this quality, I’ll continue to sing his praises!
Suicide Squad #6
“THE BLACK VAULT” part six! With the secret of the Black Vault revealed, Rick Flag and Amanda Waller come to blows over what to actually do with it—assuming they can even control it! Can “The Wall” give up the deadliest weapon in the world—maybe in the galaxy? And what effect is the Vault having on everyone in Belle Reve?
Art by Scott Williams and Jim Lee
Cover by Scott Williams and Jim Lee
Variant cover by Lee Bermejo
Written by Rob Williams
I want to like it… I do… I REALLY want to like it, but I’m just nervous that this format isn’t going to work for me… 12 pages is the point where I begin to actually feel invested in a story and jive with it, and that’s when the arcing story will end each and every issue…
Teen Titans #2
“Damian Knows Best” part two! Ra’s al Ghul’s forces make their move! But are Damian and the newly assembled Teen Titans ready to take on such a deadly threat?
Art by Jonboy Meyers
Cover by Jonboy Meyers
Variant cover by Chris Burnham
Written by Benjamin Percy
The fact that the first story is titled “Damian Knows Best” makes me wish that this book would just hurry up and release!
Gotham Academy: Second Semester #3
Could it be? Maps Mizoguchi has abandoned Detective Club for…Witch Club?! The gang refuses to believe that their fearless cartographer would ever betray them. A mystery must be afoot! But who is behind it and what sinister plans do they have for the Academy?
Art by Sandra Hope, MSASSYK, and Adam Archer
Cover by Karl Kerschl
Variant cover by Fiona Staples
Written by Becky Cloonan, Karl Kerschl, and Brenden Fletcher
I once called Gotham Academy the shining light of Gotham City… I’m looking forward to saying that again once these kids return to school!
November 16, 2016
Batman #1 Director’s Cut
Join writer Tom King and artist David Finch as they launch Batman into a brave new era in this new pencils-only DIRECTOR’S CUT special! In this tale, 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?
Art by David Finch
Cover by David Finch
Written by Tom King
Batman #11
“I am Suicide” part three! Plunging into the belly of the beast, Batman and his team of misfits infiltrate Santa Prisca. Betrayal and savagery unfold as Batman races to steal Bane’s prized possession…and not everyone will make it out alive.
Art by Mikel Janin
Cover by Mikel Janin
Variant cover by Tim Sale
Written by Tom King
I know some people are weary of Bane, but I feel confident that King is going to write him quite well! This should be errmazing as far as I can tell! Errrrrrmazing, I tell you! (And seriously… look at that cover from Janin…)
Harley Quinn #8
“LIFE’S A BEACH”! Harley owes Ivy a trip to the Bahamas…and delivers way more than either of them expected!
Art by Joseph Michael Linser
Cover by Amanda Conner
Variant cover by Bill Sienkiewicz
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner
Justice League #9
“OUTBREAK” part two! The Justice League is under attack from an unseen foe with a vendetta against Earth’s greatest heroes—someone with the power to reprogram Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz’s Green Lantern rings to kill any member of the Justice League.
Nightwing #9
“FACING DESTINY”! In this single-issue tale, Nightwing is being attacked in his dreams by Dr. Destiny, and the only person who can help him is Superman! But following Nightwing’s confrontation with Raptor and the aftermath of “Night of the Monster Men,” can Nightwing trust a Superman he doesn’t know—or will his lack of trust get them both killed?!
Art by Marcio Takara
Cover by Marcio Takara
Variant cover by Joe Prado and Ivan Reis
Written by Tim Seeley
Supes and Nightwing together? Yes please!
Trinity #3
“BETTER TOGETHER” part three! The deadly White Mercy has Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman in its terrifying grasp! But who would dare to orchestrate this attack—and why? All will be revealed as the three most powerful heroes in the DC Universe fight for their very souls!
Art by Clay Mann
Cover by Clay Mann
Variant cover by Steve Epting
Written by Francis Manapul
I’m greatly looking forward to this arc! I’m still not completely sure of Manapul as a writer (I think I’ve read two issues from him – one I feel was good, and the other was decent), but I LOVE Clay Mann’s art! If this team can hit the ground running with a good story, then this should be an amazing book!
November 23, 2016
Batman Beyond #2
“THE RETURN” part two! Terry is tested in a way he hasn’t been since he returned as Batman. In Jokerztown to rescue Dana, he’s not up against one foe but an entire community of clown-worshipping crazies, all led by the deadly Terminal. Is it possible his crime-fighting career—and his life—will both end just as he’s starting over?
Art by Bernard Chang
Cover by Bernard Chang
Variant cover by Martin Ansin
Written by Dan Jurgens
Batgirl #5
“BEYOND BURNSIDE” conclusion! Batgirl faces down Teacher in the streets of Shanghai, but will fists be enough against the intelligence—enhanced foe? Babs will have to conquer the pathways of her own mind in order to defeat this vicious predator once and for all!
Art by Rafael Albuquerque
Cover by Rafael Albuquerque
Variant cover by Francis Manapul
Written by Hope Larson
Detective Comics #945
“The Victim Syndicate” part three! Batman is trying his best to hold his team together, but Spoiler might have every reason to walk out the door…and others might follow!
Art by Eber Ferreira and Eddy Barrows
Cover by Raúl Fernández and Alvaro Martinez
Variant cover by Rafael Albuquerque
Written by James T Tynion IV
DC, if we can just get me all of the issues up to this point, as well as this one (like, right now), I wouldn’t mind… At all… I’d be rather happy…. Giddy even….
Suicide Squad #7
“THE BLACK VAULT” part seven! While Task Force X’s overseers debate the team’s purpose, the Suicide Squad gets a well-deserved day off—until the dark energies of the Black Vault drive everyone in Belle Reve Penitentiary to acts of violent, bloody madness. Everyone except the crown princess of crazy, Harley Quinn, who’s somehow been…cured?
Art by Scott Williams and Jim Lee
Cover by Scott Williams and Jim Lee
Variant cover by Lee Bermejo
Written by Rob Williams
In this issue: Everyone goes crazy…. Accept Harley, because she’s already a few nuggets short of a Happy Meal!
Titans #5
“The Return of Wally West” part five! Wally West will do anything to save his friends—even at the cost of his own life! The full extent of Abra Kadabra’s greatest trick is finally revealed!
Art by Norm Rapmund
Cover by Norm Rapmund
Variant cover by Mike Choi
Written by Brett Booth and Dan Abnett
I’m desperately wanting this book to be good… but I’m not holding my breath after issue #1. I’m crossing my fingers though…
Superpowers #23
Aw yeah, the World’s Greatest Heroes are back in a new, all-ages miniseries—except for Batman! Superman helps out by cleaning up in Gotham City, where he discovers a clue that sends Wonder Woman into space to find the Caped Crusader. Her journey brings her a step closer to Batman, but can she uncover the truth behind his disappearance? From the award-winning creative team that brought you TINY TITANS and SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES!
Cover by Art Baltazar
Variant cover by Franco
Written by Franco and Art Baltazar
November 30, 2016
Batman Annual #1
“SILENT NIGHT”! A hush of winter snowfall has fallen over Gotham City…but a quiet night in this place is never truly quiet. Batman and his allies—and his many foes—stalk the streets in this icy showcase of top talent.
Art by Various, Neal Adams, Riley Rossmo, and David Finch
Cover by David Finch
Written by Scott Williams, Steve Orlando, Paul Dini, Scott Snyder, and Tom King
This looks like it will be a collection of stories that all take place around Christmas. Which only makes me think of Batman: Noel. If you’ve never read that graphic novel, you need to! Yes, need.
New Talent Showcase #1
In this new one-shot, Wonder Woman unleashes her true god of war against a parade of monsters! Superman discovers a new threat that might be bigger and badder than The Joker himself! Hawkgirl solves crimes in the weird weapons unit for the GCPD! Carol Ferris and Kyle Rayner fight about ice cream in space! You’ll find all of this and so much more in NEW TALENT SHOWCASE #1, where recent graduate writers from the inaugural DC Talent Development workshop showcase some of their strongest work yet! See what they’ve learned from masters of the craft Scott Snyder, Jim Lee and Klaus Janson.
Art by Various, Khary Randolph, David Messina, Sonny Liew, Juan Ferreyra, and Barnaby Bagenda
Cover by Klaus Janson
Written by Erica Schultz, Michael Moreci, Michal McMillan, Hena Khan, Joelle Jones, Emma Beeby, Vita Ayala, Adam Smith, and Chris Sebela
This is pretty cool! I’m always interested in learning about new talent, and this is a great way to highlight that these guys in gals came directly from DC’s development project. Granted, some of these talents are household names by this point (I’m talking about the amazingly talented Juan Ferreyra).
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five Annual #1
Catch up on three untold tales from the final year of INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US. Harley Quinn goes to The Joker’s oldest hideout only to find a band of ex-Joker lackeys have taken up residence there. Ares returns from his imprisonment on Apokolips to try and win the favor of Superman’s regime, but can anyone trust him? Black Lightning—not seen since Year One—switches sides and takes a leadership role in Superman’s plans to rebuild Metropolis.
Art by Xermanico, Marco Santucci, and Mike S. Miller
Cover by David Yardin
Written by Brian Buccellato
What a run Year Five has been! Sad to see it come to a close with this Annual, but at least we know Injustice 2 is waiting for us in 2017!
Noteworthy Releases:
Superman #10
“IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER” part one! For the first time, the Man of Tomorrow and the Boy of Steel team up with the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder in a father-son adventure you won’t want to miss! Damian Wayne has been hearing a lot about this mysterious new Superboy, and now’s his chance to find out who he is…
Art by Mick Gray and Patrick Gleason
Cover by Mick Gray and Patrick Gleason
Variant cover by Kenneth Rocafort
Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Superman #11
“IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER” part two! Superman and Batman are up against the ropes, and it’s up to Superboy and Robin to save the day— but can they work together long enough to get the job done?
Art by Mick Gray and Patrick Gleason
Cover by Mick Gray and Patrick Gleason
Variant cover by Kenneth Rocafort
Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Batman and Robin appear in these two issues of Superman! It should be a lot of fun, and will undoubtedly serve as the set-up for Super Sons coming in 2017.
Suicide Squad: Most Wanted El Diablo/ Killer Croc #4
Gotham City is full of surprises, and as El Diablo delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Checkmate’s agenda, he learns there are villains in town who aim to shut him up for good. But when the villains of Gotham City show up, their most infamous protector won’t be far behind. Plus, Croc finds himself in an underground laboratory filled with monsters, with no way out and no way to contact Amanda Waller. But who’s the real monster in this equation? He may need more than just his brawn to keep the biggest and baddest of the island’s mutated beasts from destroying the world!
Art by Brian Level and Cliff Richards
Cover by Mike Huddleston
Written by Chris Sebela and Jai Nitz
Yes, it’s Batman… But we’re still trade-waiting this book.
