Upcoming Comics: December 7, 2016

Nightwing returns to Bludhaven this week, and in case you missed it, Jay hosted an interview with the creative team behind Nightwing, Tim Seeley and Marcus To. There’s some interesting tidbits that are worthwhile if you want a glimpse into what this arc will be like, and how the team approached it. Our latest edition of Break (from) the Bat is also up, and features a number of titles from Boom Studios, so make sure you check that out as well!

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…

 

December 7^th

Nightwing #10
“BLUDHAVEN” part one! Following “Night of the Monster Men” and his battle with Raptor, Nightwing heads to Blüdhaven for a fresh start. But that doesn’t last long when he runs into a crew of former Bat-villains!

Written by Tim Seeley
Pencils and Inks by Marcus To
Colored by Chris Sotomayor
Cover by Chris Sotomayor and Marcus To

Random Blurb of Excitement: Nightwing is going back to Bludhaven! Of course I want to read this!

Batman News Critic: Jay

 

 

Harley Quinn #9
In issue #9, can anyone truly understand the mind of the world’s craziest psychiatrist? Harley’s about to get a shrink of her very own…what are the odds he won’t go insane himself?

Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by Michael William Kaluta and Brandon Peterson
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair

Random Blurb of Excitement: Harley, a former shrink, is now crazy and visiting a shrink… No, nothing could go wrong. Nothing at all. (What I’m trying to say, is that this should be a riot!)

Batman News Critic:

 

 

Batman #12
“I AM SUICIDE” part four! As Bane decimates Batman’s team, the Dark Knight must decide how far he’s willing to go—and who he’s willing to sacrifice—for those he left in Gotham City.

Written by Tom King and Mikel Janin
Pencils and Inks by Mikel Janin
Colored by June Chung
Cover by Mikel Janin

Random Blurb of Excitement: I just don’t know anymore… This arc is causing me to question so much. I’m hoping the narrative manages to course-correct somehow… someway… I just want to pretend like most of this never happened. Can we “Rebirth” again? Please?

Batman News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Injustice: Gods Among Us – Ground Zero #1
Don’t miss the start of this new series bridging the gap between the recently concluded INJUSTICE digital first series and the upcoming Injustice 2 game! The story of the first INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US videogame is told in comic book format for the first time, but from the skewed perspective of Harley Quinn. As heroes from the parallel Earth arrive to tip the balance against Superman’s regime, Harley’s determined to cause her own brand of mayhem with her newly formed Joker Clan!

Art by Tom Derenick and Pop Mhan
Cover by Ben Oliver
Variant cover by Matt Clark
Written by Chris Sebela

Random Blurb of Excitement: I haven’t been reading the digital copies, so I’m honestly not sure what to expect. On one hand, it seems a little unnecessary to re-tell a story, but then it’s told from Harley’s perspective so maybe it will be a good read?

Batman News Critic: Elena

 

 

Justice League #10
“OUTBREAK” part three! The identity of the Justice League’s mysterious new villain is revealed as the League uncovers a shocking connection to the Kindred invasion. This mysterious new foe ups the ante by releasing dozens of the team’s enemies from prisons around the world!

Written by Bryan Hitch
Pencils by Neil Edwards
Inks by Daniel Henriques
Colored by Tony Avina, Adriano Lucas, and Alex Sinclair
Cover by Scot Eaton, Wayne Faucher, Bryan Hitch, and Alex Sinclair

Random Blurb of Excitement: During an e-mail chain, Andrew mentioned that Justice League should just be reserved for events. At first I thought it was a crazy comment, but I honestly agree. Too often, I find myself thinking that Justice League is either amazing, or below average. This instance is the latter. In fact, I haven’t been impressed with any chapter since Rebirth. DC needs to do something quickly if they plan on maintaining a positive reputation for this title. As for me, I’m just looking forward to January thinking, “Is Justice League of America out yet?”

Batman News Critic: Brian

 

 

Notes:

• Additional DC releases this week: Cyborg #6, Deadman: Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love #2, Death of Hawkman #3, Green Arrow #12, Green Lanterns #12, Midnighter & Apollo #3, and Superman #12.
• Harley’s Little Black Book #5 has been pushed back to September 14^th October 5^th October 26^th November 23^rd December 14^th
• Harley’s Little Black Book #6 has been scheduled for October 24^th November 30^th December 28^th
• Dark Knight III: The Master Race #7 has been scheduled for October 24^th December 28^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.

 

I mistakenly left out the poll for last week’s cover poll, so I’ve included it as well. For a refresher on last week’s releases, click here.

 

Best Cover of Q-3:

Last week we also held our Q-3 Cover Poll! The results of the poll can be found in the spoiler tag, and are listed in no particular order. The winning covers will be featured in Best Cover of 2016 cover poll at the end of the year!

 

 

Graphic Novel Watch:

DC Rebirth Omnibus – DC’s “Rebirth” event began with a bang in June 2016, relaunching every major DC hero from Aquaman to Wonder Woman! Now, the entire collection of REBIRTH specials are collected in a massive new hardcover! Written and illustrated by top talent including writer Geoff Johns and many others, the DC REBIRTH OMNIBUS makes a perfect starting point for new fans and a great gift for any collector.

 

Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five Vol 1. – ENTER THE VILLAINS!

In the war between Superman and Batman, all the heroes have chosen sides. For five years, former friends and allies have fought bitterly, with casualties on both sides. Now, at an impasse, both Batman and Superman realize that to gain ground in their battle, they’ll have to do the unthinkable-recruit their former enemies to attack their former friends.

As Batman allies himself with villains like Flash’s Rogues who share his code against killing, Superman makes a deal with the only man to ever break the Bat. But to draw Batman out of hiding, will Bane cross a line that even Superman’s allies can’t overlook?

The world of the hit videogame INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US approaches its final conclusion, from writer Brian Buccellato (DETECTIVE COMICS) and artists including Mike S. Miller (BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED) and Tom Derenick (SECRET SIX).

 

Suicide Squad Vol. 5: Apokolips Now – In these action-packed stories from SUICIDE SQUAD #31-39, Task Force X is sent to Iran to prevent an execution, only to wind up rerouted to Apokolips—along with Shade, the Changing Man! It will take all their power to survive the onslaught of the Female Furies and find their way back home again!