I’d planned on joking about how my birthday is on the 4th, and that I’d happily post a wish list on Amazon for anyone that felt like buying me books for my birthday, but that seems like nonsense after what happened in Las Vegas…
I’m not going to lie, the past week and a half has been an emotional one. One of my childhood friends passed away, so that’s been weighing on me a bit. It’s always depressing to lose someone, but there’s something about losing someone your age – a young age – that forces you to acknowledge your own mortality. And then yesterday, I woke up to see the news about Las Vegas – 59 dead, 500+ injured. Needless to say, it’s been a reflective week. Be kind, tell people if they’re important to you, and enjoy your escape into comics this week!
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: The Return of Tim Drake! This week’s releases are listed according to our anticipation scale, with titles listed in alphabetical order within each sub-header. For each title, I’ll include the official solicitation, the talent credits, a random comment (or rant), and the Batman News team member that will be reviewing each book. Following that, you’ll find notes pertaining to other DC Comics titles, as well as our Graphic Novel Watch. And finally, we want to hear from you! What titles are you picking up? Why are you excited? What do you hope will happen in the book? Etc. So, without further ado, review our Anticipation Scale, and comment away!
The Anticipation Scale
NO! – A comic I downright dread reading and if I wasn’t a reviewer, I would never buy it.
“You Don’t Have to Thank Us” – The idea of reviewing it doesn’t make me ill or angry, but it definitely sounds like it’s going to be a chore. Still, I’m reading it for you. I’m putting it at the bottom of the pile, but I’m reading it for you.
Mixed – A middle of the pile comic. It’s probably got the same chance of being dreadful as it does of being stupendous. I’m neither looking forward to it or avoiding it, whatever happens… happens.
Intrigued – I think this comic has potential to be a fantastic read. There’s some slight hesitation there, but it’s definitely going to be at the top of the pile.
TAKE MY MONEY – Everything about this issue has me excited. If I don’t get to read this book on Wednesday, I will be furious. I would pay extra just to have it in my hands right now! That’s how much I’m looking forward to it!
And as a reminder, our review scale is based on a 10-point system. A rating of “5” means the book is mediocre/average, and the more toward “10″ we go, the more awesome/worth buying it is. The more toward “1″ we go the more awful/not worth buying it is. That’s how we rate things. It’s not like most video game review scores where everything under 8 is crap, and it’s not like a school report card where everything under a 7 is failing or close-to-failing. Please keep this in mind when reading our reviews.
October 4th
TAKE MY MONEY
Batman #32
“THE WAR OF JOKES AND RIDDLES” finale! This is the finale everyone will be talking about for years to come! In BATMAN #24, we gave you the question; in BATMAN #32, you get the answer. As the Riddler and The Joker desperately fight for supremacy in Gotham City, Batman reveals how far he had to go to end the war. Now, knowing Batman’s greatest sin, Catwoman must make her decision: Will she marry Batman?
Written by Tom King
Pencils and Inks by Mikel Janin
Colored by June Chung
Cover by Mikel Janin
Josh’s Stance: We get Selina’s answer to Bruce’s proposal! If you read USA Today, then you already know this answer cause they’ve spoiled it yet again…
Batman-News Critic: Brandon
Batman: White Knight #1
He’s been called a maniac, a killer and the “Clown Prince of Crime” but “white knight”? Never. Until now…
Set in a world where the Joker is cured of his insanity and homicidal tendencies, The Joker, now known as “Jack,” sets about trying to right his wrongs. First he plans to reconcile with Harley Quinn, and then he’ll try to save the city from the one person who he thinks is truly Gotham City’s greatest villain: Batman!
Superstar writer and artist Sean Murphy (PUNK ROCK JESUS, THE WAKE) presents a seven-issue miniseries of a twisted Gotham City with a massive cast of heroes and villains that, at its heart, is a tragic story of a hero and a villain: Batman and The Joker. But which is the hero-and which the villain?
Written by Sean Murphy
Pencils and Inks by Sean Murphy
Colored by Matt Hollingsworth
Cover by Matt Hollingsworth, Lee Loughridge, and Sean Murphy
Josh’s Stance: Three words: Sean. Gordon. Murphy.
Batman-News Critic: Brian
Injustice 2 #11
The siege of Ra’s al Ghul’s jungle stronghold builds to a fever pitch, with Batman ensnared by a furious Poison Ivy. The team frantically searches for the kidnapped children but Damian’s not about to let anyone rescue the man who means more to him than anyone.
Art by Juan Albarran and Bruno Redondo
Cover by Bruno Redondo
Written by Tom Taylor
Josh’s Stance: Injustice hits all the right notes that the canon books aren’t hitting for me. It’s a long-form story that is consumed in doing just that – telling a story. There are no politics of stories packaging trades, crossovers, other titles, etc… Just good storytelling.
Batman-News Critic: Elena
Nightwing #30
“RAPTOR’S REVENGE” part one! Nightwing rejected Raptor’s offer to be his new protégé. And since he escaped prison months ago, Raptor has been making his plans to show Nightwing that if he didn’t want Raptor as a mentor…he will get him as the worst enemy he’s ever had! Now, Raptor is back in Blüdhaven with secrets and a plan that will tear the city apart-and could put Nightwing out of commission forever!
Written by Tim Seeley
Pencils by Miguel Mendonca
Inks by Diana E. Conesa
Colored by Chris Sotomayor
Cover by Javier Fernandez and Chris Sotomayor
Josh’s Stance: Raptor is back AND this is Seeley’s final arc… Of course I’m excited!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
The Shadow/ Batman #1
The World’s Greatest Mystery. The World’s Greatest Detective. They can barely stand each other, so how will they possibly deal with the World’s Greatest Evil? What legacy can two of the world’s most enduring icons of justice leave once they discover an ancient evil has been living inside the world they protect for centuries, attached to its heart. Can Batman and the Shadow save the world without killing it in the process? Writer Steve Orlando (Batman/The Shadow, Justice League of America) and artist by Giovanni Timpano (The Shadow, Transformers) unite to tell an instantly classic tale of noir, mortality and generational heroes and villains.
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Giovanni Timpano
Cover by David Finch
Josh’s Stance: The other series (Batman/ The Shadow) was outstanding (give or take some issues with the conclusion), so naturally I’m excited for this release as well!
Batman-News Critic: Brandon
INTRIGUED
All Star Batman #14
“THE FIRST ALLY” finale! In the final issue of Scott Snyder’s high-octane run on ALL STAR BATMAN, he and superstar artist Rafael Albuquerque put Batman to the ultimate test! Faced with either losing his future as Batman or the person he loves most, the Dark Knight must decide which ultimate price he is willing to pay.
Written by Rafael Albuquerque, Rafael Scavone, and Scott Snyder
Pencils and Inks by Rafael Albuquerque and Sebastian Fiumara
Colored by Jordie Bellaire and Trish Mulvihill
Cover by Rafael Albuquerque
Josh’s Stance: This is the finale of “The First Ally!” So far this has been a high energy, fun story with an equally strong back-up. I do have some issue with how indestructible Snyder makes Batman, but that’s a minor note.
Batman-News Critic: Jay
Batman: The Dawnbreaker #1
As the events of DARK NIGHTS: METAL rock the DC Universe, the creatures of the Dark Multiverse stand ready to invade our world! How can even the World’s Greatest Heroes stop a horde of deadly beings that appear to be powerful, nightmare versions of familiar figures?
Written by Sam Humphries
Pencils and Inks by Ethan Van Sciver
Colored by Jason Wright
Cover by Brad Anderson and Jason Fabok
Josh’s Stance: After Batman: Murder Machine, I’m pretty excited for these dark Batmen stories! That book completely renewed my faith after Red Death left me underwhelmed!
Batman-News Critic: Brian
Harley & Ivy Meet Betty and Veronica #1
Free college tuition for all Riverdale residents?! That’s the plan-after the town drains the wetlands that lie between it and Gotham City and then builds a new campus. The only snag? A certain botany-obsessed super-villain. When Poison Ivy enlists her bestie, Harley, to kidnap both Veronica Lodge, daughter of Riverdale’s most important citizen, and her friend Betty, she’s counting on some assistance-and the mayhem that ensues will probably work as well! DC Comics and Archie are proud to present the adventure of a lifetime for all these best pals. Their hijinks are brought to you by the real-life team-up of Paul Dini (HARLEY QUINN) and Marc Andreyko (WONDER WOMAN ’77), with art by Laura Braga (DC BOMBSHELLS)!
Written by Marc Andreyko and Paul Dini
Pencils and Inks by Laura Braga
Cover by Amanda Conner and Paul Mounts
Josh’s Stance: We’ve got the world a Batman meeting the world of Archie. It’s like pineapple and pizza. You’ll either love it or hate… I’m hoping to love it!
Batman-News Critic: Josh
Harley Quinn #29
“VOTE HARLEY” part two! He’s already sent killers after her and her loved ones…what more can the Mayor do to get Harley Quinn off his back-especially now that she’s gone public in her campaign against him and become shockingly popular? The answer will surprise Harley…and you!
Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils and Inks by Mirka Andolfo and Michael William Kaluta
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair
Josh’s Stance: The entire concept of Harley running for a political office is reason enough to be excited for this! Who wouldn’t want to read something this hilariously absurd?
Batman-News Critic: Elena
MIXED
Green Arrow #32
DARK NIGHTS: METAL tie-in! “GOTHAM RESISTANCE” finale! The Gotham Resistance has fought its way through lands of fire, poison, destruction and fear, but no one was ready for the craziest showdown of all: Green Arrow and Black Canary, whose eternal lovers’ quarrel goes medieval as the team marches into the hellish, mind-bending world of The Man Who Laughs to uncover the secret to defeating the hordes of the Dark Multiverse!
Written by Benjamin Percy
Art by Juan E. Ferreyra
Cover by Juan E. Ferreyra
Josh’s Stance: “Gotham Resistance” has been a mixed bag, and considering a different writer helms each issue, that makes its quality unpredictable. The tone of each issue has also been slightly different, so that also makes the book unpredictable. So far, I’d say the story has been fun overall, but a lot of ground will need to be covered for “Gotham Resistance” to stand on its own as a solid story.
Batman-News Critic: Josh
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Nothing listed in this category for this week.
NO!
Justice League #30
“LEGACY” part five! Sovereign has come, and she’s brought Olympus with her. The Great Darkness is growing, and it’s ready to consume the Earth-and the Justice League is missing! Batman, Wonder Woman and the future children of the Justice League must put aside their differences if the present and the future are to be saved!
Written by Bryan Hitch
Pencils by Fernando Pasarin
Inks by Oclair Albert, Matt Banning, Mick Gray, Scott Hanna, and Andy Owens
Colored by Brad Anderson
Cover by Bryan Hitch and Alex Sinclair
Josh’s Stance: Just a few more issues and we get a new creative team…
Batman-News Critic: Brian
Notes:
- Additional DC Releases slated for this week: Cyborg #17, Deathstroke #24, Green Lanterns #32, and Superman #32.
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batman – Detective Comics Vol. 3: League of Shadows– The sweeping new chapter in writer James Tynion IV’s acclaimed saga—featuring a league of talented artists including Marcio Takara (THE FLASH) and Christian Duce (BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL)—is here, in BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 3: LEAGUE OF SHADOWS.
Batwoman, an accomplished crime-fighter who’s overcome the darkest of betrayals. Clayface, a reformed villain whose potential is eclipsed only by his astonishing powers. New heroes like Azrael, an avenging angel, and Batwing, whose incredible armor makes him a true dark knight. Led by the Batman himself, this team of guardians stands ready to protect Gotham City.
But the secrets of the team’s most mysterious member, Cassandra Cain, are about to come to light. And that light will cast a shadow darker than anything they’ve ever seen before.
They thought the League of Shadows was just a rumor—a secret society of nihilistic killers often whispered about but never seen. But now the League is here, in Gotham. They’re destroying Batman’s team one by one. And their sinister leader, Lady Shiva, has come to reclaim her daughter—or destroy her.
Can even Batman’s arch-enemy Ra’s al Ghul and his League of Assassins stop the onslaught? Or have the Shadows come to stay? Find out in BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 3: LEAGUE OF SHADOWS. Collects DETECTIVE COMICS #950-956.
Justice League by Geoff Johns Box Set Vol. 1– The first three collections of Geoff John’s stellar run on JUSTICE LEAGUE are collected in a slipcase trade paperback! Don’t miss the fast-paced action from the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE VOL. 1: ORIGIN, JUSTICE LEAGUE VOL. 2: THE VILLAIN’S JOURNEY and JUSTICE LEAGUE VOL. 3: THRONE OF ATLANTIS, collecting JUSTICE LEAGUE #1-17 and AQUAMAN #15-16.
Justice League: Their Greatest Triumphs – Prepare for the highly anticipated film Justice League with this story written by comics greats Geoff Johns (DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH), Mark Waid (JLA: YEAR ONE), Brad Meltzer (IDENTITY CRISIS), Kurt Busiek (ASTRO CITY) and Mark Millar (Kickass), with art from the legendary Jim Lee (SUICIDE SQUAD), Ivan Reis (AQUAMAN), Doug Mahnke (GREEN LANTERN) and more. This collection of the biggest victories from the Worlds Greatest Super-Heroes, JUSTICE LEAGUE: THEIR GREATEST TRIUMPHS, offers a chance to get to know Superman, Batman, the Flash, Wonder Woman, Cyborg and Aquaman in these seven tales from the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE and JLA.
From alien invasions and hostile visitors from other dimensions to this planet’s own endless supply of super-villains, when enemies of Earth appear, the Justice League answers the call. Though the lineup of League members may vary, the mission is the same. They are humanity’s ultimate protectors, the world’s greatest superheroes. And they will triumph.
Collects JUSTICE LEAGUE #1, #16, #29; JLA #33, #107; JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #0; JUSTICE LEAGUE: REBIRTH #1.
Red Hood & the Outlaws Vol. 2: Who is Artemis – Writer Scott Lobdell (SUPERMAN, TEEN TITANS) and artist Dexter Soy (RED HOOD/ARSENAL) shed fiery light on the Outlaws’ most mysterious member in RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS VOL. 2: WHO IS ARTEMIS?
Little is known about the Amazon warrior Artemis, even by her teammates in the so-called “Outlaws.” But Red Hood and Bizarro are about to get a crash course when her past comes back to haunt all three of them—with a vengeance!
Soon the team finds itself a long way from the streets of Gotham in Qurac . Not only is the war-torn Middle Eastern country Artemis’ former home, it’s also the site of great personal tragedy for both the wayward Amazon and for Red Hood. It was in Qurac where Artemis lost her best friend, and where Jason Todd got himself murdered by the Joker, back before Robin became the Red Hood.
Now someone in Qurac is using the ancient weapon of Artemis’ people—the Bow of Ra—to commit genocide, and only an Amazon can tame its incredible power. But stopping the Bow means marching right into the middle of a war zone…and in a war between Amazons and mankind , whose side will Artemis take?
Collects RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #7-11.
