Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful day, no matter what your plans are! I also want to apologize for the delay in this post. I found this little guy on Monday!
He’s part of the reason this post is later than usual. I found him hiding underneath a car, and there’s a storm coming in, so I couldn’t leave him there. I don’t plan on keeping him, but I want to call him by a name until I find him a home, so feel free to weigh in! (But… I have been leaning towards Ollie or Rayner.)
Alright, on to business! For a collection of our opinions pertaining to last week’s releases, make sure you check out This Week In Comics. 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…
February 15th
Batman #17
“I Am Bane” part two! Barricading himself within the walls of Arkham Asylum still might not keep Batman and his allies safe from Bane’s assault. Which one of Bruce’s loved ones will be torn from him next?
Art by David Finch
Cover by David Finch
Variant cover by Tim Sale
Written by Tom King
Random Blurb of Excitement: Alright, I’m looking forward to this issue! If King and team can stay focused, this could, potentially, be the best Bane/ Batman story since Knightfall… Maybe.
Batman News Critic: Brandon
Super Sons #1
“When I grow up” part one! The sons of Batman and Superman have graduated to their own monthly comic—but if they want to survive, they’re going to have to share it! Writer Peter J. Tomasi (BATMAN & ROBIN, SUPERMAN) teams with rising-star artist Jorge Jimenez (EARTH 2) to bring you the adventures of the World’s Smallest. This debut issue looks at the lives of Robin and Superboy and their destiny to follow in their fathers’ footsteps, while we meet a new villain whose ascension parallels the boys’ own understanding of their powers—except that he believes it’s his right to rule over every being on the planet!
Art by Jorge Jimenez
Cover by Jorge Jimenez
Variant cover by Dustin Nguyen
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Random Blurb of Excitement: I. Can’t. Wait. I’ve been waiting for Super Sons for months! The best news, is that I forgot it was being released this week, so when I saw the solicitation listed, I got really, really excited!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Trinity #6
“Better Together” part six! The horror that kept our heroes trapped in nightmares of their own making is now loose in the world, and it’s taking possession of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman! When the spawn of Mongul holds the keys to the most powerful heroes in the DC Universe—no one is safe!
Art by Francis Manapul
Cover by Francis Manapul
Variant cover by Bill Sienkiewicz
Written by Francis Manapul
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m curious to see where Manapul takes this story. With the first four issues serving as a character study, the past two issues have really turned the story on its head. I feel like it’s rare for me to feel this way, but I honestly have no idea where he plans on taking the narrative – something I consider to be a good thing.
Batman News Critic: Brian
Nightwing #15
“CUPID CALLS”! In the aftermath of the “Blüdhaven” story, Nightwing has embraced his role as the city’s resident hero and met a new love interest, leader of the Run-Offs—but is a relationship between a hero and an ex-villain destined for anything other than heartbreak?
Art by Minkyu Jung
Cover by Marcus To
Variant cover by Oclair Albert and Ivan Reis
Written by Tim Seeley
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m not opposed to Nightwing and Defacer exploring a relationship, but I don’t want it to be shoved down our throats. I don’t expect that from Seeley though, so I think we’ll be ok.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Mother Panic #3
Mother Panic is hot on the trail of the murderous artist Gala! Only one person stands in her way…Batwoman?! Is there a place for Violet among the heroes of Gotham City, or will her quest for vengeance take her down a darker path? This issue also features an original “Gotham Radio” back-up feature by Jim Krueger (JUSTICE) and Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW)!
Written by Jody Houser and Jim Krueger
Pencils by Tommy Lee Edwards and Phil Hester
Inks by Tommy Lee Edwards and Ande Parks
Colored by Tommy Lee Edwards and Trish Mulvihill
Cover by Tommy Lee Edwards
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m excited to read Mother Panic, but I am a little concerned that we’re only three issues in, and there’s already been a delay. I’m also concerned that this delay is on top of a previous delay, and that another artist has come on board to support Edwards. Those aren’t signs of confidence for a consistent release schedule.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Batwoman: Rebirth #1
The newest chapter of Batwoman’s life begins here! Monster Venom is the hottest new bioweapon on the market…and to break up the syndicate spreading it around the world, Batwoman’s going to have to return to the place where she spent some of her darkest hours! Learn where Batwoman comes from, and where she’s going, in this one-shot prologue to the first big Batwoman epic, “The Many Arms Of Death”!
Art by Steve Epting and Ben Oliver
Cover by Steve Epting
Variant cover by Jae Lee
Written by James T Tynion IV, Marguerite Bennett
Random Blurb of Excitement: We’re finally getting the relaunch of Batwoman! I’m curious to see the direction that they took this book in regards to its tone – if you remember, the previous run focused heavily on supernatural elements. Whatever the case, I’m glad to have her back!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Justice League #15
“TIMELESS” part one! A new epic begins when a mysterious young woman implores the Justice League join the fight against the Timeless, a cosmic threat they’ve never faced before—because it exists at different points throughout Earth’s history! Now, the Justice League must travel to both the past and the future in a literal race against time!
Art by Matt Ryan and Fernando Pasarin
Cover by Matt Ryan and Fernando Pasarin
Variant cover by Yanick Paquette
Written by Bryan Hitch
Random Blurb of Excitement: I haven’t been a fan of Hitch’s Justice League run, but this could be different. Hitch is still following a similar formula – a cosmic threat attempts to destroy the earth – but the time aspect sounds intriguing.
Batman News Critic: Brian
Harley Quinn #14
“RED MEAT”! Red Tool lives up to his name and Poison Ivy drops by as Harley investigates what is happening to New York’s disappearing homeless population!
Art by Chad Hardin
Cover by Amanda Conner
Variant cover by Frank Cho
Written by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti
Random Blurb of Excitement: More than anything, I really want to see what Harley’s mindset is after the previous arc!
Batman News Critic: Elena
Green Lanterns #17
“DARKEST KNIGHT” part two! The finale of the Dark Knight/Emerald Knights team up! Scarecrow’s mastery over fear shakes Simon to his core. Can Jessica rally her own will to save her partner and stop the fear mongering maniac? Will Batman save the people of Gotham City from a new fear toxin more insidious than ever before?worked so hard to forge?
Written by Sam Humphries
Pencils by Eduardo Pansica
Inks by Julio Ferreira
Colored by Blond
Cover by James Harren
Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ll admit, I expected less from the first half of this story, but it was actually entertaining. Because of that, I’m looking forward to the second act. I mean, Scarecrow using abilities from the yellow rings… That’s kind of cool!
Batman News Critic: Jay
Injustice: Ground Zero #6
In the shadow of Wayne Manor, Shazam and Black Adam are duking it out, while deep underground, Batman and his allies have unearthed the ultimate weapon against Superman from its hiding place. But just as Batman begins to believe he may be able to turn the tide, two of Superman’s allies burst into the Batcave and attack! Has the Resistance come this far just to lose again?
Art by Juan Albarran, Marco Santucci, and Daniel Sampere
Cover by Renato Guedes
Written by Chris Sebela
Random Blurb of Excitement: The cracks in the foundation are starting to show, and that concerns me for the remaining issues of this title. It’s not a definite sign of doom, but it does diminish some hopeful prospects…
Batman News Critic: Elena
Teen Titans Go! #20
Robin’s “Poetry Jam” was supposed to be romantic, but things are about to get really gross instead. We’re shocked. Then it’s time for spring break! Swapping their uniforms for bathing suits, the Titans zoom to the beach…only to discover that the H.I.V.E. Five had the same idea for a “Beach-Party a Go-Go”!
Art by Marcelo Di Chiara and Jeremy Lawson
Cover by Daniel Hipp
Written by Sholly Fisch, Paul Morrissey, and Heather Nuhfer
Random Blurb of Excitement: The last issue was a bit… much. Considering Teen Titans Go! always registers high on the “excessive energy” charts, that should say something. Hopefully this installment will return back to its normal level of wacky.
Batman News Critic: Jay
Notes:
- Additional DC releases this week: Cave Carson Has A Cybernetic Eye #5, Green Arrow #17, Raven #6, Superman #17, The Odyssey of the Amazons #2, and The Wild Storm #1.
- Harley’s Little Black Book #6 has been rescheduled for October 24th November 30th December 28th January 25th March 8th
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 February 8, 2017 is Detective Comics #950 by Eber Ferreira and Eddy Barrows with 30% of the votes.
- All Star Batman #7 by Tula Lotay (19%)
- Justice League of America: Rebirth #1 by Joe Prado and Ivan Reis (18%)
- Red Hood & the Outlaws #7 by Cam Smith and Giuseppe Camuncoli (13%)
- Titans #8 by Norm Rapmund and Brett Booth (13%)
- Suicide Squad #11 by John Romita Jr. (2%)
- Justice League vs Power Rangers #2 by Karl Kerschl (2%)
- Batgirl & the Birds of Prey #7 by Yanick Paquette (2%)
- Gotham Academy: Second Semester #6 by Karl Kerschl (1%)
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batgirl: A Celebration of 50 Years – Fifty years ago, Batgirl made her Million Dollar Debut taking down the nefarious Killer Moth. And ever since, the butt-kicking hero has been a vital part of Batman’s team and a role model for girls everywhere, squaring off against mobsters, assassins, super-villains and more.
Though many young women have worn the cowl—from unassuming librarian Barbara Gordon to deadly mute assassin Cassandra Cain to teen vigilante Stephanie Brown—all have made their distinct mark on the DC Universe.
Now BATGIRL: A CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS collects all the greatest triumphs and most tragic moments of the many Batgirls in one volume, offering a crash course in the character, from Babs’ first appearance by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino to her modern-day adventures by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, Babs Tarr, Gail Simone and more.
Batman: The Golden Age Vol. 2 – American popular culture has produced few heroic figures as famous and enduring as that of the Batman. The dark, mysterious hero who debuted in 1939’s DETECTIVE COMICS #27 as the lone “Bat-man” quickly grew into the legend of the Caped Crusader. After his landmark debut and origin story, the Dark Knight was given many seminal elements including his partner in crime-fighting, Robin, the Boy Wonder, and such adversaries as the Joker, the Penguin and Scarecrow.
This second volume of BATMAN: THE GOLDEN AGE collects the Dark Knight Detective’s early adventures from BATMAN #4-7, DETECTIVE COMICS #46-56, WORLD’S BEST COMICS #1 and WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #2-3.
Batman & the Outsiders Vol. 1 – For years, the Batman has waged war on crime. Whether patrolling the streets of Gotham City or battling evil worldwide with the Justice League, he will face any foe, no matter the cost.
But wars have a way of spreading. And when a deadly conflict abroad hits close to home, the Dark Knight must abandon his old allies and form a new force for justice-a team of heroes who aren’t afraid to operate outside the rules.
Katana. Black Lightning. Metamorpho. Geo-Force. Halo. Some are experienced combatants who’ve been driven to the fringes of the metahuman community. Others are new to their powers-and the danger that comes with them. But together, under the shadow of the Bat, they will redefine what it means to be a superhero team…
From comics legends Mike W. Barr (BATMAN: SON OF THE DEMON) and Jim Aparo (BATMAN: A DEATH IN THE FAMILY) comes BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS VOL. 1. Guest-starring the New Teen Titans, it’s the start of the classic saga that takes the Dark Knight outside all expectations!
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS VOL. 1 collects THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #200, BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #1-13, and NEW TEEN TITANS #37.
