Well LA, this is a wrap! My entire apartment is packed in boxes, and movers come tomorrow morning! After that, I’ll have a long drive ahead of me! Once I get settled, I’ll go back to being more social on here and on twitter. I’m also behind in posting the September Variant Cover Poll and the Q-3 Cover Poll, but I’ll make sure they’re up by the end of the month!
Other than that, NYCC was this past weekend and we were treated to some exciting announcements! Batwoman will return in February, Batman ’66 will meet Wonder Woman, and Super Hero Girls will get its own series as well. Brian was in attendance for the site, and gained confirmation that Khoi Pham would be taking over art duties for Teen Titans, which naturally makes me wonder what Jonboy Meyers will be working on following his run on the title. Only time will tell. Until then, be sure to check out Brian’s twitter (@mrwarshaw) for a glimpse of his NYCC experience!
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. 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…
October 12th
Deathstroke #4
“The Professional” part four! After an attempt on The Ravager’s life, Slade Wilson and his daughter head to Gotham City in an attempt to track down Rose’s would-be assassin.
Written by Christopher Priest
Pencils by Joe Bennett
Inks by Mark Morales
Colored by Jeromy Cox
Cover by ACO and Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ll be honest, I’m one of those people who have always enjoyed Deathstroke, but I’ve never been on the “You MUST read this title!” train when it comes to his solo series… Until now. Priest is an excellent writer, and he has been killing it with Deathstroke. I found Tony Daniel’s run entertaining, but Priest’s work blows it away in my opinion. This issue sends Slade to Gotham, and I can’t wait to see how Priest writes Bruce. Honestly, I could even see Priest writing Batman someday… Or a Huntress series/mini… Yeah, that would rock. Can you make that happen DC?
Batman News Critic: Jay
Suicide Squad #4
“THE BLACK VAULT” part four! It’s chaos in Belle Reve when the cosmic contents of the Black Vault are released, causing everyone on the Suicide Squad to turn against each other in a violent rage. Everybody, that is, except for the strangely sane Harley Quinn, who must fight her way through the heavily guarded facility before [REDACTED] can [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] the [REDACTED] forever!
Written by Rob Williams
Pencils by Gary Frank and Jim Lee
Inks by Gary Frank and Scott Williams
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Jim Lee, Alex Sinclair, and Scott Williams
Random Blurb of Excitement: I have to admit, Suicide Squad has been a ton of fun so far, and it feels like Williams is having fun writing it! The squad is currently in the middle of a huge conflict, and I’m curious to see where the team takes the story from here. If I’m going to be completely honest though, I’m looking forward to the short more than I am the main story. The shorts have been so good. I originally thought this format was going to be a terrible idea, but it’s turning out to be a brilliant move. We get the high energy, action romp in the main story, then the grounded character spotlights in the short stories. But what makes it even better, is that the shorts are starting to complement the narrative in the main story!
Batman News Critic: Josh
Red Hood & the Outlaws #3
“Dark Trinity” part three! Red Hood and Artemis set aside their differences when they discover the powerful weapon that Black Mask has been after: a fully-formed clone of Superman! But what should they do with it? They can’t possibly let something this powerful fall into the hands of the nefarious Black Mask, and perhaps if they play their cards right, he could become a powerful ally…but is the risk worth the reward?
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 was worried that the quality of Red Hood might drop with the introduction of Artemis, but that wasn’t the case. I prefer for Jason to be a little more edgy, and I feel that out of the entire Bat family, he should be the one character that rides that line of potentially killing (aside from Huntress). That’s exactly the feeling Lobdell is delivering with Jason so far. I completely view Jason as a hero, but I believe he’d kill in a heartbeat if in a situation that he deems calls for it. As for this issue itself, I’m looking forward to the third element of the “Dark Trinity” to get introduced!
Batman News Critic: Brian
Gotham Academy: Second Semester #2
Despite Olive’s new friendship with the rebellious Amy, she, Maps, Kyle, Colton and Pomeline are back together at last. The only thing they’re missing…is a mystery! Maps campaigns to recruit new cases, but stumbles on a threat that might be too big for even the Detective Club.
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: I adore this book. I always have aside from the Yearbook period, which I’m choosing to scratch from my memory. But seriously, if you need a little happy in your life, then you need to read Gotham Academy. Maps = happy. There’s also a fun Harry Potter/ Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Scooby gang” vibe that is completely infectious!
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Detective Comics #942
“NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN” part six! The earth-shaking finale is here! Batman’s going one-on-one with Hugo Strange, the mastermind behind the beasts unleashed on Gotham…but the biggest and most dangerous of all the monsters was saved for last! What will the Bat-Family have to sacrifice to bring it down? And what’s the strange secret behind Hugo’s design?
Written by Steve Orlando and James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Andy MacDonald
Colored by Anthony John Rauch, Jr.
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette
Random Blurb of Excitement: For the most part, I’ve enjoyed “Night of the Monster Men,” but I’m ready for it to end. I honestly think the timing of this story is hurting it more than anything else. It plays into Batman decently, but it essentially stopped Detective Comics’ and Nightwing’s narrative in it’s tracks… and they’ve both been super entertaining! I think we’re in for a real treat once all of these titles return to their normal run, and that’s probably the biggest reason I’m ready to say goodbye to the “Monster Meh.”
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Batgirl & the Birds of Prey #3
“WHO IS ORACLE?” part four! The dangerous new Oracle is finding that Gotham’s mobs aren’t up to the task of keeping the Birds of Prey off the scent…so send in the Snakes! Copperhead, The Asp, Cottonmouth, and Lady Viper are the most venomous foes the Birds have ever faced!
Written by Julie Benson and Shawna Benson
Pencils and Inks by Roge Antonio and Claire Roe
Colored by Allen Passalaqua
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette
Random Blurb of Excitement: I have mixed feelings heading into this issue. So far, Birds has been fun, but it definitely has its fair share of problems – most notably, the art. While I’ve grown used to Claire Roe’s art, it doesn’t make it any less painful. I’m not a fan. As for the narrative, the Benson’s have the right idea, but the execution isn’t where I would like it to be. I’m still holding out for improvements.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Teen Titans Go! #18
The Teen Titans…stars of their own TV series? But which Teen Titans TV series will it be? Each of the Titans has their own idea…and one of them might just be your favorite!
Art by Marcelo Di Chiara
Cover by Daniel Hipp
Written by Sholly Fisch
Random Blurb of Excitement: I sound like a broken record with Teen Titans Go! because I don’t read it and personally can’t speak to it… That being said, Jay gave this issue some high praises in his digital review, so this should probably be much, much higher on my list.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Notes:
- Additional DC releases this week: Hal Jordan & the Green Lanterns #6, New Superman #4, Superwoman #3, The Flash #8, and Wonder Woman #8.
- The Dark Knight III: The Master Race #6 has been pushed back to
August 24thOctober 19th. - Harley’s Little Black Book #5 has been pushed back to
September 14thOctober 5thOctober 26th - Justice League of America #10 has been scheduled for
August 31stSeptember 14thTBD
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 October 5th, 2016 is Justice League #6 by Tony Salvador Daniel, Sandu Florea, and Tomeu Morey with 28% of the votes.
- Batman #8 by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette (20%)
- Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #19 by David Yardin (18%)
- Nightwing #6 by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette (17%)
- Harley Quinn #5 by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair (11%)
- Batman ’66 Meets Steed & Mrs. Peel #4 by Mike Allred (6%)
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batman by Ed Brubaker Vol. 2 – BRUCE WAYNE IS A WANTED MAN.
Vesper Fairchild, former girlfriend of Bruce Wayne, has been found shot to death in Wayne Manor. Bruce-the police’s prime suspect-is immediately taken into custody, awaiting trial for murder. But how can Batman prove his alter ego’s innocence if he’s stuck behind bars?
As the case unfolds, Bruce Wayne’s life and reputation in Gotham are all but destroyed. Batman is left with a choice: cling to his now-shattered civilian life as Bruce Wayne? Or abandon that name completely and embrace his other identity, living solely as Gotham’s Dark Knight?
Awarding-winning writer Ed Brubaker (GOTHAM CENTRAL, SLEEPER), along with artists Scott McDaniel (NIGHTWING) and Andy Owens (GREEN ARROW), make the Caped Crusader into Gotham’s most wanted fugitive!
Collects BATMAN #598-607.
Catwoman Vol. 8: Run Like Hell – Leaving the mob and Gotham City behind, Selina Kyle heads to New York City and returns to doing what she does best. No sooner is Catwoman back on the prowl than her favorite fence hires her for a job. The job: stealing the Frost Diamond, one of the rarest black diamonds in the world, for an anonymous client and a monstrous payday.
Unfortunately, only two people know the true value of the Frost Diamond: Selina’s mystery employer and the Penguin. And both will do anything to possess the gem, even placing a huge bounty on Catwoman’s head. Now Selina must fight for her life against the likes of Clayface, Killer Croc, Firefly, Victor Zsasz and Batgirl!
Writer Frank Tieri (BATMAN: GOTHAM UNDERGROUND) is joined by artist Inaki Miranda (COFFIN HILL), colorist Eva De La Cruz (COFFIN HILL) and others to put DC’s favorite feline felon through her paces with a collection that includes CATWOMAN #47-52!
Red Hood & Arsenal Vol. 2: Dancing with the Devil’s Daughter – ATTACK FROM BELOW…AND FROM WITHIN!
Jason Todd and Roy Harper—Red Hood and Arsenal—are Bats for hire, rent-a-heroes hoping to save the day and make a little money while they’re at it. But the latest challenge they’ve taken on might just be their toughest yet, and they’re working for free! She calls herself Joker’s Daughter, and she’s a teenage psychopath that Red Hood is determined to save from herself.
But can Joker’s Daughter be saved…or trusted? To find out, Jason and Roy will have to follow her down to the Nethers, a subterranean section of Gotham where a power struggle is playing out with their teenage charge caught in the middle. And what happens in the Nethers might just swallow the entire city whole!
Can these would-be heroes make it out of the underground city alive…and finally find a paying gig? Only one thing is for certain: in Gotham, nothing stays buried for long—especially the past.
Writer Scott Lobdell (RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS) and artists Javier Fernández (DOOMED) and Dexter Soy (BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT—GENESIS) send Red Hood and Arsenal as low as they’ve ever gone…but will they be able to rise back up?
RED HOOD/ARSENAL VOL. 2: DEVIL’S DAUGHTER collects issues #7-13 and a special preview of RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS: REBIRTH #1!
The DC Universe by Neil Gaiman Deluxe Edition – TIMELESS TALES OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST HEROES—FROM THE LEGENDARY CREATOR OF THE SANDMAN AND AMERICAN GODS.
What evil is so powerful that it can melt the Man of Steel—and extinguish the Green Lantern’s light?
How did Poison Ivy’s power first take root—and where did the Riddler find his calling?
Who killed the Batman—and will the legend of the Dark Knight ever really end?
The answers to all these questions and more are revealed in THE DC UNIVERSE BY NEIL GAIMAN: THE DELUXE EDITION, collecting for the first time in a single volume eight of the award-winning author’s celebrated stories of super-heroics!
Illustrated by a host of comics’ top talents—including Andy Kubert, Mark Buckingham, Simon Bisley, Michael Allred, John Totleben, Matt Wagner, Kevin Nowlan and Jim Aparo—THE DC UNIVERSE BY NEIL GAIMAN features all-star adventures from the pages of SECRET ORIGINS, BATMAN BLACK AND WHITE, SOLO and WEDNESDAY COMICS, as well as the never-before-reprinted graphic novel GREEN LANTERN/SUPERMAN: LEGEND OF THE GREEN FLAME and the complete saga of BATMAN: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CAPED CRUSADER?, with afterwords from the author and a special sketchbook section from Andy Kubert.
We Are Robin Vol. 2: Jokers – THEY WHO LAUGH LAST…
All over Gotham City, teenagers came together with the common purpose of protecting their home. Drawing inspiration from the teen heroes who’ve fought at Batman’s side, they wore his colors as they fought against crime and corruption. They were vigilantes. They were heroes. They were Robin.
But now being a Robin means being a criminal. Robin colors are illegal, and the Robins have gone back underground. Some of them—like Duke Thomas, on a quest to find his parents—have other things on their mind. Some of them are exploring new, more dangerous ways to become vigilantes.
In the void left by the Robins’ absence, a new group of teens has taken control of the city streets…but they don’t draw their inspiration from the forces of good. Led by a sadistic killer with a permanent grin, these Jokers are paying tribute to Batman’s deadliest adversary…and they want to see the entire city die laughing.
When the Jokers strike, will the Robins fly once more?
Writer Lee Bermejo (SUICIDERS) and artist Jorge Corona (BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED) bring the Robins to the end of the line in WE ARE ROBIN VOLUME 2: JOKERS, collecting issues 7-13!
