Upcoming Comics: April 19, 2017

Last week I said I was going to include February and March variant cover polls in this post… but I spent yesterday and today trying to repair my computer since a Windows update didn’t load properly. I’m now terrified of Windows updates considering this is the second time this is happened to me in the past couple of years. On a separate note, I’m getting a much needed breather this week (I have 0 books to review)! Unfortunately, Jay has quite a bit on his plate, as does Elena… Thankfully, I have a feeling that most of the releases this week will be quite good, so that definitely helps when we have a larger workload!

Alright, on to business! Below, you’ll find a link to a recap of last week’s titles, as well as a variant cover poll for those same titles. 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…

 

Looking Back – April 12^th

For a recap of last week’s releases, check out This Week In Comics: Batman America: The Winged Avenger. In the spoiler tag, you’ll also find a collection of last week’s variant covers, as well as a cover poll!

 

April 19^th

Batman #21
“THE BUTTON” part one! The cataclysmic events of DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1 continue here! The Dark Knight and The Fastest Man Alive, the two greatest detectives on any world, unite to explore the mystery behind a certain blood-stained smiley button embedded in the Batcave wall. What starts as a simple investigation turns deadly when the secrets of the button prove irresistible to an unwelcome third party—and it’s not who anyone suspects! It’s a mystery woven through time, and the ticking clock starts here!

Art by Jason Fabok
Cover by Jason Fabok
Variant cover by Tim Sale
Written by Tom King

Random Blurb of Excitement: Yes! I think we’ve all been waiting for this for roughly a year now. I know we’re not going to get the “big moment” here – DC will undoubtedly save that for an event – but even the fact that Batman and Flash are exploring the Watchman universe is pretty freaking epic. Also, I’m super happy to see Fabok’s return!

Batman-News Critic: Brandon

 

 

Superman #21
“Superman black” part two! A “Superman Reborn Aftermath” tie-in! The Man of Steel is challenged to break his code against killing in front of his son as the mystery surrounding Hamilton deepens.

Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils by Patrick Gleason and Scott Godlewski
Inks by Scott Godlewski and Mick Gray
Colored by John Kalisz
Cover by Brad Anderson and Lee Weeks

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve never been one to religiously read Superman, but I’m telling you, now is the time to do so! This book has been SO GOOD since Rebirth, and is well worth your time and money!

 

Super Sons #3
“When I Grow Up” part three! It’s Super-Son vs Bat-Son as the exciting new series continues! Kid Amazo is ready to rip the hearts out of the world’s not-so-finest super duo. Face to face with their newest—and first—villain, Jonathan and Damian strike out the only way they know how…at each other!

Art by Jorge Jimenez
Cover by Jorge Jimenez
Variant cover by Dustin Nguyen
Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Random Blurb of Excitement: I know I’ve only read two issues of Super Sons so far… but I love this book! Tomasi has captured both Jon and Damian so well, and I love their dynamic together! As of this moment, I’m considering Super Sons to be the gem of 2017.

Batman-News Critic: Jay

 

 

All Star Batman #9
“Ends of the Earth” finale! It all comes down to this. After months of searching, Batman has found the mastermind behind the blight sweeping the planet, and must face off against one of his most dangerous villains in a battle of wills for the fate of the Earth.

Art by Afua Richardson
Cover by Afua Richardson
Variant cover by Francesco Francavilla, Chris Burnham
Written by Scott Snyder

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’ve really enjoyed this arc so far! Snyder has accomplished some great thing with Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Mad Hatter, and has subsequently renewed my interest in the things that are to come.

Batman-News Critic: Jay

 

Nightwing #19
“Nightwing Must Die” part four! As Dick’s worst nightmares are realized, and the demons of his past come to destroy his loved ones, he must face his own dark reflection. He must face…the Deathwing!

Art by Javier Fernandez
Cover by Javier Fernandez
Variant cover by Oclair Albert and Ivan Reis
Written by Tim Seeley

Random Blurb of Excitement: Deathing is so obscure that I had hoped we were done with him, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want Damian to have his way with him after he killed Doll-Robin. Also, the reveal at the end of the previous issue has me super excited.

Batman-News Critic: Jay

 

 

Batwoman #2
“The Many Arms Of Death” part two! The criminal haven of Coryana has changed completely in the years since Batwoman left! The biggest change of all? Her closest friends are now her enemies — or they’re corpses! It’s time for Kate Kane to cut to the heart of what’s happening here, and find out who brought the deadly bioweapon Monster Venom into Coryana…but she might get her own heart cut out in the process, by the unbeatable assassin known as the Knife!

Art by Steve Epting
Cover by Steve Epting
Variant cover by J.G. Jones
Written by James T Tynion IV and Marguerite Bennett

Random Blurb of Excitement: I’m still waiting to get a complete grasp on the overall direction and tone of Batwoman, but for the moment, I’m enjoying Tynion and Bennett’s work. There’s a subtlety to their narrative, and I’m anticipating some amazing stories over the next year or two.

Batman-News Critic: Elena

 

 

Harley Quinn #18
“Deadly Sin” part two! How can Harley protect somebody who’s vanished into witness protection? Unfortunately, Harley Sinn has a lead that she doesn’t! And in “Harley Loves Joker” part two, Harley tries to make it up to her puddin’ after her colossal blunder—but The Joker’s wrath is not easily soothed!

Art by John Timms
Backup Art by Bret Blevins
Backup Written by Paul Dini and Jimmy Palmiotti
Cover by Amanda Conner
Variant cover by Frank Cho
Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti

Random Blurb of Excitement: Look, I’m still overjoyed that Paul Dini is contributing a back-up story, so that alone reaches nearly epic proportions of excitement on its own. It doesn’t hurt that Conner and Palmiotti’s main story got off to a great start as well!

Batman-News Critic: Elena

 

 

Trinity #8
A “Superman: Reborn Aftermath” tie-in! In this essential chapter of the “Superman Reborn Aftermath” epic, Kal-El reveals to Batman and Wonder Woman what had happened to him—and how they all may be in danger!

Art by Ray McCarthy and Emanuela Lupacchino
Cover by Clay Mann
Variant cover by Bill Sienkiewicz
Written by Cullen Bunn

Random Blurb of Excitement: Superman has been AMAZING! If this tie-in can capture that same essence, then we’re in for a real treat. Bunn and Sienkiewicz are both great talent, and I’m curious to see what they bring to the issue.

Batman-News Critic: Brian

 

 

Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #6
Months after the conclusion to their adventure, Batman and the TMNT discover that the hidden threat has not passed and now Gotham is in danger! A last-ditch effort may be the only thing that saves two worlds!

Written by Matthew Manning
Art by Jon Sommariva
Cover by Jon Sommariva

Random Blurb of Excitement: It’s the final issue of what’s been a pretty fun run! If anything comes from this run though, I hope that it’s a series of crossovers like the Batman ’66 franchise. Can’t you imagine it? I’d love to see one with Gargoyles. Anyone remember that show?

Batman-News Critic: Jay

 

Injustice Ground Zero #10
Tragedy strikes when two former Superman allies face their end—and the Man of Steel plans to set an example by raining down destruction on Metropolis and Gotham City. Is this the straw that will sever his bonds with the Justice League? Meanwhile, Harley gets her mojo back and leads a new uprising against The Joker’s army.

Art by Marco Santucci and Jheremy Raapack
Cover by Stephen Segovia
Written by Chris Sebela

Random Blurb of Excitement: Yeah, so this is ok an all… but the first digital issue of Injustice 2 dropped last week… Just saying…

Batman-News Critic: Elena

 

 

Teen Titans Go! #21
Titans Tower has been condemned! The Titans don’t want to become couch surfers, but they have to find a new place to live while repairs are underway. Let’s find out if the

Batcave is available! And when the Titans get swept up in the Goblin Grab gaming craze, Beast Boy gets swept up by Control Freak. Will his teammates rescue him, or will they be distracted by the their new favorite game?

Art by Erich Owens and Derek Fridolfs
Cover by Dario Brizuela
Written by Derek Fridolfs and Ivan Cohen

Random Blurb of Excitement: Sometimes when I need something completely absurd and random, I pick up Teen Titans Go! It’s nice to have on hand for a childish, humorously quirky escape. I don’t read the issues religiously as they’re released, but I keep them readily available for those moments, and then tend to binge out for an hour or so.

Batman-News Critic: Jay

 

Justice League #19
“TIMELESS” finale! In the unbelievable conclusion, the Justice League reunites to discover they’ve been deceived. How can Earth’s greatest heroes save the world when everything they know is wrong?

Art by Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan
Cover by Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan
Variant cover by Yanick Paquette
Written by Bryan Hitch

Random Blurb of Excitement: Dear Bryan Hitch, please write a story that doesn’t involve: 1. Other worldly threats.  2. Time distortion.  3. The end of the universe.   You’re just giving us the same crap at this point. Thanks, people who would like to read Justice League again.

Batman-News Critic: Brian

 

 

 

Notes:

• Additional DC releases this week: Aquaman #21, Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #7, Deathstroke #17, Green Arrow #21, Green Lanterns #21, Superman #21, Superwoman #9, The Odyssey of the Amazons #4, and The Wild Storm #3.   

 

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.