I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and that my Jewish friends are having a happy Hanukah! As with Thanksgiving, this was the first Christmas I spent with my family in ten years, so it was a special one! I got quite a few things, but I think my favorite gift may have been this (super awesome) Nightwing mug!
What can I say, I’m easy to please! (I’m also addicted to coffee.) I also got some movies, books, and some sweet Batman planners as well. If Batman brightened your family’s Christmas, be sure to share it with us in the comments!
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. The polls will only be open until Friday though, and then I’ll post variant cover polls for October, November and December, so we can move on to the Q-4 Poll, and finally the Best Cover of 2016 cover poll! 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 28th
Detective Comics #947
“THE VICTIM SYNDICATE” conclusion! Has the First Victim succeeded in dividing and conquering Batman’s team? The final attack will come from someone they’d all put their faith in…
Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils Alvaro Martinez
Inks Raul Fernandez
Cover by Jason Fabok
Random Blurb of Excitement: Detective Comics (with Nightwing a close second) is my favorite Bat book at the moment. I’m curious to see how this arc wraps considering it appears to be more of a bridging narrative to set-up future stories. That sense of set-up alone has me super excited for the future though!
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Justice League vs Suicide Squad #2
The first major event storyline of DC’s Rebirth era begins with a day Amanda Waller always knew would come: the Justice League discovers the existence of the Suicide Squad! This government-sponsored black-ops team of super-villains with bombs implanted in their brains is obviously a deal-breaker for Earth’s paragons of truth and justice! But you can bet the Wall and her Task Force X won’t go down without the fight to end all fights as this weekly series gets under way!
Written by Joshua Williamson
Pencils by Jason Fabok
Cover by Jason Fabok
Random Blurb of Excitement: The first chapter was a solid turnout, and I expect that this chapter is where things get real. I’m still hopefully optimistic, but the realist in me continuously reminds me that “major events” tend to leave me wanting more.
Batman News Critic: Brian
Mother Panic #2
Mother Panic is on the hunt, which means Violet Paige is out on the town, making a splash among Gotham City’s elite. But what role do missing kids play in her thirst for vengeance? And what does her target have to do with the mysterious death of her father?
Written by Jody Houser
Pencils and Inks by Tommy Lee Edwards
Cover by Tommy Lee Edwards
Random Blurb of Excitement: I loved last month’s debut. This is a darker book, that sits in that pocket that I like. Some people referred to it as “just a Rated R Batman story,” and I won’t disagree with them. My thing, is that is – realistically – how I picture this lifestyle. I don’t think every book should be written at this level, but it’s nice to have that option considering the reality.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Dark Knight III: The Master Race #7
Batman and Superman are back together again—but is their reunion too late?
Written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller
Pencils by Klaus Janson and Andy Kubert
Inks by Klaus Janson
Cover by Andy Kubert
Random Blurb of Excitement: Let’s start with the positive. Dark Knight III is way better than I ever thought it would be! The negative: I honestly don’t even remember what happened in the last issue, so I’m going to need to pick that up again before I read this chapter.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Batgirl #6
“RETURN TO BURNSIDE”! On what should be a relaxing flight back home, Babs finds herself and her fellow passengers in mortal peril from…Poison Ivy? Batgirl must get to the bottom of Ivy’s attack and save the plane if she ever wants to see home again!
Written by Hope Larson
Pencils and Inks by Rafael Albuquerque
Cover by Rafael Albuquerque
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve got to give Hope Larson and Rafael Albuquerque a hand. They’ve managed to turn Batgirl around in way where they respected the Batgirl we know and love, but also managed to keep the “Fletcher era” infused. Overall, it’s been a fun book, and I’m excited to see what happens when Larson brings Babs back to Gotham. (I’m less excited about the Burnside portion… Mainly because of the hipsters.)
Batman News Critic: Elena
Teen Titans #3
“DAMIAN KNOWS BEST” part three! After Ra’s al Ghul and the Demon land a devastating blow against the Teen Titans, the team is forced to regroup. Facing an enemy that knows them better than they know themselves, what chance does this young team have? And how can they trust Damian after everything he’s put them through?
Written by Benjamin Percy
Pencils and Inks by Jonboy Meyers
Cover by Khoi Pham
Random Blurb of Excitement: Talk about a turn around! Teen Titans is one of the titles that greatly improved thanks to Rebirth. It’s not without its problems, but it’s a fun, enjoyable read. So far, Benjamin Percy has captured Damian and team quite well, and I can’t wait to the places that he takes this title once it catches some momentum!
Batman News Critic: Brian
Harley Quinn & Her Little Black Book #5
Mumble-mumble) years ago, the alien race known as the Scrubb forced Superman into a boxing match for the ages, against Earth’s greatest heavyweight champion, (mumble-mumble)! Now, (mumble-mumble) years later, the Scrubb have returned…but with said champion unavailable, the Scrubb have chosen the next-best thing: Harley Quinn! This can’t end well for anyone involved. Featuring unbelievable art by the legendary Neal Adams, it’s a tribute to one of the greatest Superman stories of the 1970s, in Harley Quinn’s own particular, ah, idiom!
Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by Neal Adams
Colored by Paul Mounts
Cover by Neal Adams and Paul Mounts
Random Blurb of Excitement: Hey look! This book is finally coming out! Honestly, I don’t want to be too harsh on the delays behind this title. Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti had A LOT on their plate at one time! Not only were they writing Harley Quinn, Harley Quinn & Her Gang of Harley’s, and Harley Quinn & Her Little Black Book, but they were also planning/ writing their Rebirth run, covering art responsibilities, participating with some specials… and during all of that Amanda had a broken arm! These guys are work-a-holics, but still manage to deliver quality products. I’m glad to see this chapter out, because the Harley/ Bombshell Harley chapter was easily one of my favorite things of 2016!
Batman News Critic: Elena
All Star Batman #5
“MY OWN WORST ENEMY” conclusion! Batman, Duke and Two-Face square off in a fight for Harvey Dent’s soul. With assassins flooding in from across the countryside, Batman learns that even his most trusted allies might choose evil over good.
Written by Scott Snyder
Pencils by John Romita Jr.
Inks by Danny Miki
Colored by Jordie Bellaire and Dean White
Cover by Danny Miki, John Romita Jr., and Dean White
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m about as indifferent towards All Star Batman as a guy can get. Yes, there are aspects that I enjoy about “My Own Worst Enemy,” but there are just as many that I greatly dislike (most importantly, and indestructible Batman). I come into it looking forward to moments, not the issue itself. I’m also not crazy about Romita’s art… I’m basically just reading this to stay in the know.
Batman Beyond #3
Batman wades through the Jokerz gang and finally squares off against Terminal, their would-be ruler. But how much does he have left to take on this deadliest of foes? And finally, the moment his followers have been waiting for—the comatose Joker awakens!
Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils and Inks by Bernard Chang
Cover by Bernard Chang
Random Blurb of Excitement: I know we’re only three issues in, but this story has already gone places and moved at speeds that I didn’t expect. I wouldn’t consider this story bad by any means, but I do feel as though it could be better. For now, I’m just sitting in wait hoping that the story continues to improve and develop!
Batman News Critic: Josh
Super Powers #2
Superman has been defeated by Lex Luthor—or so the evil mastermind thinks! Trapped in a Kryptonite fortress under the sea, our hero is fading fast—but he can’t be defeated when his friends have his back! And while he is recovering, a new Kryptonian arrives on the scene! Plus, something weird has come to Central City. The Flash might provide some answers…if you can keep up!
Written by Franco and Art Baltazar
Pencils and Inks by Art Baltazar
Cover by Art Baltazar
Random Blurb of Excitement: Simply put, this is a fun, family book! If you’re looking to start something new with your kiddos for 2017, perhaps you could make a point to introduce them to comics. Share the moment with them, and make it your monthly “thing” to pick up Super Powers and read it together.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Titans #6
“THE RETURN OF WALLY WEST” part six! After making the ultimate sacrifice for his friends, Wally West finds himself lost in the Speed Force with no hope of return! Has Wally’s run come to a sudden end? Don’t miss the conclusion to this stunning first arc!
Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils by Brett Booth
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Cover by Brett Booth
Random Blurb of Excitement: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m indifferent towards Titans. Last month I finally felt something from this title. I don’t want to come off as a pessimist, but let’s see if lightning can strike twice. I’m already just wanting to move on to the next arc, but if Abnett can end this well, then I might actually be excited for the next arc!
Batman News Critic: Josh
Notes:
- Additional DC releases this week: Blue Beetle #4, Deathstroke #9, Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps #11, Scooby Doo Team-Up #21, Supergirl: Being Super #1, The Flash #13, The Hellblazer #5, Vigilante: Southland #3, and Wonder Woman #13.
- Harley’s Little Black Book #6 has been scheduled for
October 24thNovember 30thDecember 28thJanuary 25th
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 December 21, 2016 is Justice League vs Suicide Squad #1 by Jason Fabok with 27% of the votes.
- Trinity #4 by Clay Mann (26%)
- Batman #13 by Tom King (15%)
- Nightwing #11 by Marcus To (13%)
- Harley Quinn #10 by Amanda Conner (8%)
- Justice League #11 by Matt Ryan and Fernando Pasarin (7%)
- Injustice: Ground Zero by Ben Oliver (3%)
- Teen Titans Go! #19 by Daniel Hipp (1%)
Graphic Novel Watch:
Birds of Prey Vol. 3 – In these stories from BIRDS OF PREY #12-21 and NIGHTWING #45-46, Black Canary and Catwoman accidentally catch a boom tube to Apokolips, where they must outwit Lashina and face the wrath of Darkseid! Plus, the Birds capture The Joker, face off with Blockbuster’s crew and make a deal with Gorilla Grodd!
JLA Vol. 9 – THE END OF THE JUSTICE LEAGUE
In this follow-up to the best-selling IDENTITY CRISIS and prelude to the epic INFINITE CRISIS, Kurt Busiek (ASTRO CITY, JLA/AVENGERS), Geoff Johns (JUSTICE LEAGUE), Allan Heinberg (WONDER WOMAN) and others tell the story of the final days of the JLA!
The Earth has survived catastrophe after catastrophe, from alien invasions to the sun dying, but it has never reached a turning point quite like this, and neither has the JLA. While no one knows the Infinite Crisis that is coming, the members of the JLA can feel it, and it’s starting to wear on their already-frayed nerves.
The beginning of the end starts with an incursion from the antimatter universe by the Crime Syndicate of America, the JLA’s evil dimensional counterparts. As chaos reigns across Earth, the two super-teams must band together before the might of the Weaponers of Qward.
Closer to home, Batman has learned the truth behind the Justice League’s darkest secret: that they used magic to alter the minds of the Secret Society of Super-Villains. With the Society returned, seeking vengeance, the League is forced to question the fine line between hero and vigilante.
Collects JLA #107-125 and JLA SECRET FILES 2004.
Secret Six Vol 2: The Gauntlet – BLACKOUT
The magic is gone.
Something has sucked all arcane energies out of our world, leaving every practitioner of the occult arts in the dark and our entire dimension defenseless against an invasion by the Elder Gods beyond. And as far as the Earth’s greatest mages are concerned, the culprit is one teenage girl-Black Alice, the Secret Six’s most powerful member. Now it will take everything the team has to clear her name, restore the missing magic and protect our world from obliteration.
Meanwhile, another threat is lurking in the shadows. Strix was once the deadliest Talon in the Court of Owls’ arsenal of assassins, until she broke free of their cruel control and found true friends among the Secret Six. But when the Court comes calling to take back what was theirs, will the Six stand by her side?
The strangest superhero team in comics faces its final challenge in SECRET SIX VOL. 2: THE GAUNTLET, from the killer creative team of Gail Simone (BIRDS OF PREY, BATGIRL, WONDER WOMAN), Tom Derenick (INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US) and Dale Eaglesham (GREEN LANTERN)-featuring cameos by Batgirl, Swamp Thing, the Demon, Superman and more! Collects issues #7-14.
