Upcoming Comics: September 14, 2016

We have an epic week ahead of us! First, there are quite a few books we’ll be covering this Wednesday, and I’m pretty excited to read most of them! Mostly, I can’t wait to see what happens in Detective Comics! I’m crossing my fingers and holding my breath to see what happens to Tim. After months of rumors and speculation, we’ll find out if he dies or not. Tynion has remained mostly quiet on Twitter, but he’s spoken to the outcome of the issue a few times, initially stating:

https://twitter.com/JamesTheFourth/status/771335102039228416

I’m not going to lie… I felt relieved when I saw that! Then a few days later, he followed up with:

https://twitter.com/JamesTheFourth/status/775154633723359232

I immediately thought, “Why are you nervous James? You have no reason to be nervous, because you’re not killing Tim, right? Right? Crap, I want pancakes now because I’m getting depressed.” I don’t know what to expect, but I’m with him on feeling excited and nervous! I’m hoping for the best, but you can bet that I’m going to download this book as soon as I can… As in, I’ll be refreshing Comixology constantly late Tuesday night/ early Wednesday morning until I can purchase the issue. I’ll probably stress eat some type of pastry while reading as well. And then, depending on how things turn out, I might cry. Don’t make me cry Tynion. It’s bad for my reputation.

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. We also have the results for our August Variant Cover Poll at the bottom of the page. Then, as always, you’ll find graphic novels scheduled for release this week, along with their cover (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…

 

September 14^th

Detective Comics #940
“Rise Of The Batmen” part 7! This epic concludes with a battle against the Colony that will change Batman’s world forever—and in a way you’d never expect! Whether they win or lose, they’ve already lost…

Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils by Eddy Barrows
Inks by Eber Ferreira
Cover by Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas

Random Blurb of Excitement: I just spent my entire intro discussing this title, so if anyone is shocked that it tops my list this week, then go ask the nearest person for a hug…. And some coffee. But seriously, I CAN’T WAIT to get my hands on this issue… I’m also going to see James on Saturday, so if Tim dies, I promise I’ll become an emotional mess in front of him on behalf of everyone that reads our site. I’m talking full on crying, collapsing, and shoe throwing while screaming “Why!?! How could you!?! I trusted you!?! Little Timmy! LITTLE TIMMY!!!!!” (I’m completely kidding. Please don’t expect me to do any of these things.)

Also… please note that the cover has been updated to not include Tim… 

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #17
Superman is laid low by the effects of the Kryptonite poisoning administered by Hawkman. Batman and the Resistance continue to hold Cyborg as they try to transmit the video that will show the public how Superman slaughtered a group of unarmed demonstrators. Meanwhile, Luthor may have finally found a means to take down the Man of Steel.

Art by Tom Derenick
Cover by David Yardin
Written by Brian Buccellato

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve said this before, but you should be reading this book… If you’re not, then you can’t join the “Cool Club.” And yes, this is peer pressure, but it’s for your own good. Have I ever given you bad advice? That’s rhetorical… Don’t answer. Just nod and pick up Injustice on Wednesday, because Year Five is kicking some major ass!

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

All Star Batman #2
“My Own Worst Enemy” part 2! All aboard the train ride from hell! Batman and Two-Face continue their journey to Harvey Dent’s cure through an assassin-infested landscape. But can the Dark Knight continue his crusade across the countryside when Two Face turns one of his greatest allies against him?

Written by Scott Snyder
Pencils by John Romita Jr. and Declan Shalvey
Inks by Danny Miki and Declan Shalvey
Colored by Jordie Bellaire and Dean White
Cover by Danny Miki, John Romita Jr., and Dean White

Random Blurb of Excitement: After the first issue was released, the team e-mailed each other to discuss out thoughts on this title. When it came down to it, our biggest issue really fell on story structure (and Duke). I understand what Snyder was trying to do, but when reading on a month-to-month basis, I just didn’t think it was successful. Now that the foundation has been established though, I’m honestly looking forward to this issue! The debut may have been a little mediocre for me, but I have a feeling this issue will receive a higher opinion from us. Well… I hope so anyway.

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Red Hood & the Outlaws #2
“Dark Trinity” part 2! Red Hood’s investigation takes a painful turn when he encounters a mysterious woman named Artemis! Outmatched by this powerful Amazon, Jason’s only hope for survival is finding a common ground with his attacker—that is, if Artemis gives him the chance!

Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencils and Inks by Dexter Soy
Colored by Veronica Gandini
Cover by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith, and Dean White

Random Blurb of Excitement: I have to give credit where credit is due! Scott Lobdell is proving some amazing work with Red Hood at the moment! If you’re not reading this book, grab the Rebirth and issue #1, along with this issue on Wednesday! You won’t be disappointed!

Batman News Critic: Brian

 

 

Batgirl & the Birds of Prey #2
“WHO IS ORACLE?” part 3! Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress must team up with the GCPD to protect a mafia capo from an attack by his one-time friends! He’s the only man with a lead on the nefarious new Oracle…but dead men tell no tales! Of course, it’s hard to make a team-up work when the team’s ready to tear itself apart on its first mission!

Written by Julie Benson and Shawna Benson
Pencils and Inks by Claire Roe
Colored by Allen Passalaqua
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m not sure how to feel going into this issue. I loved the Rebirth issue, but issue #1 left me a little underwhelmed. There were some issues I found with the narrative, and I honestly am hoping that it’s just growing pains as the Benson sisters become familiar with writing in this medium. My fingers are crossed, and I’m saying a prayer because I REALLY want this book to succeed!

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

Gotham Academy: Second Semester #1
GOTHAM ACADEMY is back with an all-new storyline for its second semester! When you’re Olive Silverlock, winter holidays can be a drag. Luckily, when a new student shows up at Gotham Academy to keep her company while the other students are away, Olive finds what could be a brand new friend…or a whole lot of trouble!

Written by Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher, and Karl Kerschl
Pencils by MSASSYK and Adam Archer
Inks by MSASSYK and Sandra Hope
Colored by MSASSYK and Serge Lapointe
Cover by Karl Kerschl

Random Blurb of Excitement: Ah, we will finally return to arcing stories with this issue! Gotham Academy has a special place in my heart, so I’m genuinely looking forward to it!

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Batman ’66 Meets Steed & Mrs. Peel #3
An army of robots has found the Batcave—and if Batman’s anti-oil spray runs out, our heroes will have to rely on a more dangerous solution to the problem! Bruce Wayne pays a call on Miss Michaela Gough, but it’s up to Robin, Steed, and Peel to save him when she orders the Cybernauts to clean up this loose end. Co-published with BOOM! Studios.

Art by Mathew Dow Smith
Cover by Mike Allred
Written by Ian Edginton

Random Blurb of Excitement: Every time I read one of these Batman ’66 crossover stories, I can’t help but wonder what they’ll follow it up with. I hope there’s a long line of these planned because they’re so much freaking fun to read!

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Suicide Squad #2
“THE BLACK VAULT” part 2! What was meant to be a routine mission to retrieve a “cosmic item” from an undersea fortress has become a nightmare beyond anything the Suicide Squad ever expected. And with half the team down, it’s up to Harley Quinn, Katana, and a demon-possessed graphic designer named June Moore to save the Squad from the most dangerous man in the DC Universe. That’s right…they’re screwed.

Written by Rob Williams
Pencils by Jim Lee
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Jim Lee, Alex Sinclair, and Scott Williams

Random Blurb of Excitement: I have this sinking suspicion that everything that happens in the main story is basically revealed in the synopsis… I hope that isn’t the case, but with only twelve pages, I’m concerned that we’re going to leave off with Harley, Katana, and Enchantress preparing to go at it alone… If so, it’ll be like those movie trailers that basically tell you everything that happens in the movie, and I hate that.

Batman News Critic: Josh

 

 

Teen Titans #24
In this climactic issue, the team is forced to make a decision: continue fighting crime as the Teen Titans…or go their separate ways.

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: Everyone dies!!! (They don’t… Actually, I don’t know what happens. I’m just being dramatic.)

Batman News Critic: Brian

 

 

Notes:

• Additional Rebirth releases this week: Deathstroke #2, Doom Patrol #1, Green Lanterns #6, Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps #4, New Superman #3, Superwoman #2, The Flash #6, and Wonder Woman #6.
• Harley Quinn & Her Gang of Harleys #6 has been pushed back to September 28^th
• Harley’s Little Black Book #5 has been pushed back to September 14^th October 5^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 #10 has been scheduled for August 31^st September 14^th.TBD. DC Comics website shows issue #11 as the title being released this week… but clearly that can’t be right. Comixology has none of the issues scheduled, so I don’t know what is actually going on here. I’m sure Hitch will have another update (that doesn’t match anything that’s been released before) again. At this point, I’m at a “I’ll believe it when I see it on the shelf.”
• 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.

 

August Variant Cover Poll Results

Results for our August Variant Cover Poll can be found in the spoiler tag. The winning cover will advance forward to the Best Cover of Q-3 2016 cover poll next month!

 

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

Harley Quinn Vol. 5: The Joker’s Last Laugh – MAD LOVE!

Mason Macabre is more than just Harley Quinn’s neighbor in her new Coney Island digs—he just might be the man of her dreams. But to save his life, she’ll have to face the clown of her nightmares!

With Harley and her gang of merry maidens battling to keep innocents out of the crossfire of her enemies’ latest vendetta, Mason’s been whisked away to the one place our hellacious heroine never wanted to set foot in again: Arkham Asylum. Inside its horrific halls, Mason is at the tender mercy of none other than the Joker—and Harley and the Clown Prince of Crime have had the mother of all bad break-ups.

Will she and the madman who helped make her what she is kiss and make up long enough for her new beau to escape with his life? Or this time will the joke be on Harley Quinn for good?

It’s the reunion you’ve been waiting for! Courtesy of acclaimed creative team Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, HARLEY QUINN VOL. 5: THE JOKER’S LAST LAUGH proves that when it comes to true love, Harley’s not joking around! Collects issues #22-25 of the ongoing series and the special issue HARLEY QUINN: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

 

 

Suicide Squad: Most Wanted: Katana – THE ONLY THING DEADLIER THAN THE BLADE…IS THE WOMAN WHO WIELDS IT

For the assassin named Katana, this was supposed to be just another mission. She doesn’t know why the island of Markovia has been invaded by the fascist death cult called Kobra, and she doesn’t care. She simply knows that as a member of the Suicide Squad, it’s her job to stop them by any means necessary and get out in one piece.

Only one thing is certain: Katana must cut her way through the evil to the terrible truth behind her mission, or the whole world will be endangered-and her Suicide Squad puppet masters will be more than happy to let her fall on her sword…

One of the stars of this year’s highly anticipated action blockbuster gets her own turn in the spotlight in SUICIDE SQUAD MOST WANTED: KATANA, by her co-creator Mike W. Barr and artist Diogenes Neves-a razor-sharp thriller that will slice right through you!

Collects SUICIDE SQUAD MOST WANTED #1-6.

 

 

Titans Hunt – THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE TEEN TITANS REVEALED!

Robin. Wonder Girl. Speedy. Aqualad. Hawk and Dove. There was a time when these and other young heroes were synonymous with justice. They were the Teen Titans, one of the greatest superhero teams in the entire Multiverse…but that Multiverse has changed, and the time of the Titans has been wiped from the world.

So why are Dick Grayson and Roy Harper—now better known as Nightwing and Arsenal—experiencing memories of a world they never knew? What compels them to hunt for an Atlantean named Garth and an Amazon named Donna Troy? What dangerous secrets connect them to a powerful stranger, a mysterious psychic and an odd couple—and what do those secrets mean for the fate of all life on Earth?

Somehow, somewhere, somewhen, these men and women were Titans. Now the hunt is on for the force that can reunite them so the Titans can tower once more…

One of the DC Universe’s premier teams returns for the first time in years in TITANS HUNT! Join writer Dan Abnett and artists Paulo Siqueira and Stephen Segovia as they uncover the titanic mystery behind it all!

Collects TITANS HUNT #1-8, DC COMICS PRESENTS: TITANS HUNT 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR.