Brian and Jay have been up to some devious scheming lately, and recently announced a new podcast they’re hosting, Comics Now. In fact, less than 48 hours after the announcement, they had their first episode up! I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited about it, and look forward to seeing what these two gents do in the future! Make sure you check it out and subscribe!
Alright, on to business! For an overview of our coverage for last week’s releases, check out This Week In Comics: Apes With Capes. 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.
February 21st
TAKE MY MONEY
Injustice 2 #20
As Amazo battles Zod, Batman hurries to save a dying ally. But in order to save one friend, will he have to kill another? Both alternatives could lead to the resurrection of a forgotten hero from the past.
Art by Juan Albarran and Bruno Redondo
Cover by Juan Albarran and Bruno Redondo
Written by Tom Taylor
Josh’ Stance: Once Tom Taylor has wrapped up all of his work on Injustice, can DC give him a book that’s in continuity? The dude can write! Also, can I go ahead and get all completed future issues of this book now? Thanks!
Batman-News Critic: Elena
Super Sons #13
“MOTHER’S DAY” part one! Talia al Ghul returns for her son Damian, whom she trained from birth to be an assassin. With the evil in Robin’s past finally revealed to Superboy, it might be too much for the Sons’ partnership to survive…especially when the boys find out her next victim is one of the most important people in their lives!
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils by Carlo Barberi
Inks by Art Thibert
Colored by Gabe Eltaeb and Alejandro Sanchez
Cover by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Adriano Lucas
Josh’s Stance: Super Sons is already an excellent book full of heart, emotion, excitement, and moments of great depth… Talia entering the fray should only enhance all of these aspects! Take my money!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
INTRIGUED
Batman #41
“EVERYONE LOVES IVY” part one! Mikel Janin returns to BATMAN for a brand-new epic! Pamela Isley’s influence can spread as far as vegetation will allow, putting the whole world at her fingertips. Can Batman and Catwoman stand their ground against an entire planet of Poison Ivys?
Written by Tom King
Pencils and Inks by Mikel Janin
Colored by June Chung
Cover by Mikel Janin
Josh’s Stance: More than anything, I’m curious to see what King does with Pamela. Like most of Batman’s rogues, she’s a very complex, intricate character, and we all know King does well with the morally ambiguous. And as much as I love Mikel Janin, this is an arc that I wish Joelle Jones were covering because I feel she would add a unique quality to Ivy’s presence.
Batman-News Critic: Brandon
Batman: Sins of the Father #1
Based on the acclaimed videogame series from Telltale Games, this new digital-first comic tells the story of events between the first and second seasons. Someone is killing people associated with Arkham Asylum during the time Thomas Wayne was forcibly committing people there. Suspicion falls on the families suing Bruce Wayne to pay for the harm caused by his father. Batman has other ideas, but his investigation leads to him becoming the target of a deadly assassin.
Art by Raffaele Lenco
Cover by Raffaele Lenco
Variant cover by Christos Gage
Josh’s Stance: I’m not too familiar with the Telltale series, but I am quite familiar with Christos Gage’s work. Based on that alone, I’m pretty damn excited for this book!
Batman-News Critic: Dan
Batwoman #12
After her deadly trip around the world hunting the infamous Many Arms of Death, Batwoman returns to Brussels, the site of her most brutal losses and memories. As the clock begins to tick on a new cycle of violence, Kate must overcome her haunted past to ensure her terrorist foes don’t begin the New Year with a bang! Don’t miss the issue we’ve been building to all year, with a twist no one saw coming!
Written by Marguerite Bennett
Pencils and Inks by Scott Godlewski
Colored by John Rauch
Cover by Dan Panosian
Josh’s Stance: Alice will be brought back into the fold soon, so that has me looking forward to the upcoming arcs. The first two arcs didn’t feel very engaging, and if I’m being honest, were slightly on the boring side. I’m hoping that more familiar faces will add some needed momentum to the book!
Batman-News Critic: Dan
The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman #1
Don’t miss the start of a new, six-issue miniseries written and illustrated by Liam Sharp (WONDER WOMAN)! When a Celtic god’s murder leads to a war between the fairy folk and a possible breach between worlds, Wonder Woman must find the murderer and keep the peace while Batman investigates strange occurrences in Gotham City. As Diana must turn to the World’s Greatest Detective for help, the two heroes quickly learn their cases may be connected.
Written by Liam Sharp
Pencils and Inks by Liam Sharp
Colored by Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Cover by Romulo Fajardo, Jr. and Liam Sharp
Josh’s Stance: I’ve never read anything Liam Sharp has written… I’m not even certain if he has written anything in the past. What I do know, is that he’s an incredible storyteller that can deliver beautiful art! At the very least, we know those elements will be spectacular!
Batman-News Critic: Casper
Harley Quinn #38
“ANGRY BIRD” part two! The Penguin didn’t come to Brooklyn alone this time…he’s put out an open invitation for some of Gotham City’s worst to join him in his new criminal empire, as long as they’re willing to hold off Harley Quinn! And when we say “worst,” we mean worst! Film Freak? Egghead? Condiment King?! Nateman’s Hot Dogs is gonna have a lot to say about that…
Written by Frank Tieri
Pencils and Inks by Mirka Andolfo
Colored by Alex Sinclair
Cover by Amanda Conner and Alex Sinclair
Josh’s Stance: Frank Tieri has held his own quite well since taking over Harley Quinn, and optimistic to see how the book will grow and develop as he becomes more comfortable with it. For now, it’s an enjoyable read that’s worth your time and money!
Batman-News Critic: Elena
Justice League #39
“JUSTICE LOST” part six! An environmental disaster unites both Justice League teams as Cyborg faces the first test of his leadership while still being overshadowed by Batman. Meanwhile, the Green Lanterns struggle with internal conflicts while being recruited by a mysterious visitor for an unspecified deep-space mission.
Written by Christopher Priest
Pencils and Inks by Ian Churchill
Colored by Alex Sollazzo
Cover by Adriano Lucas, Paul Pelletier, Cam Smith, and Pete Woods
Josh’s Stance: Why is everybody pimping Jessica out? First Hitch with the Flash, now Priest with Batman… In other aspects, I’m thoroughly enjoying what Priest is doing, so let’s keep it going! And since we know his Justice League run will be coming to an end soon, can I recommend seeing him take on the likes of Suicide Squad? I think he could have an EPIC run on that title!
Batman-News Critic: Brian
MIXED
Nightwing #39
“THE UNTOUCHABLE—FACE OFF”! In a flashback issue with art by Phil Jimenez, witness the second early encounter between Nightwing and the Judge, when Dick Grayson was a college student and a Teen Titan—a meeting that haunts him still.
Written by Sam Humphries
Pencils by Jamal Campbell and Phil Jimenez
Inks by Jamal Campbell and Matt Santorelli
Colored by Jamal Campbell and Alex Sinclair
Cover by Romulo Fajardo, Jr. and Phil Jimenez
Josh’s Stance: This is another flashback issue, and the previous flashback left a bad taste in my mouth. Also, the way these flashbacks are inserted is extremely jarring to the story! This is the comics publication version of “Red Light. Green Light.” if I’ve ever seen it. Humphries built an outstanding foundation to “The Untouchable,” but I’m worried that foundation is crumbling.
Batman-News Critic: Josh
Teen Titans Go! #26
A new time-wasting gadget has become Jump City’s latest craze, and no one’s getting anything done. Beast Boy and Cyborg seem immune to its spell, but can the team’s LEAST-motivated members find the Fun Gus “Among Us”? And the Titans discover a new neighborhood treat when Jump City becomes “Grounds Zero” for the caffeine craze sweeping the nation!
Art by Marcelo Di Chiara and Jeremy Lawson
Cover by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini
Written by Sholly Fisch and Ivan Cohen
Josh’s Stance: With DC releasing it’s new “young reader” lines, I have to wonder what will happen with titles like Teen Titans Go! Will it transition into one of these umbrellas, or remain a separate entity? Regardless, this is most likely a favorite for your young kiddos, so if you’re picking up comics for yourself, go ahead and get something for them!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
Trinity #18
“NO HOME FOR YOU HERE” part two! Stranded on the lost world of Skartaris, the Trinity are alone and depowered as they face the bestial armies of Deimos! As the layers are peeled back and the mystery of Deimos’ plan deepens, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman must overcome the crippling effects of Skartaris to survive! But help is on way in the form of Travis Morgan…the one and only Warlord!
Written by James Robinson
Pencils and Inks by Patch Zircher
Colored by Gabe Eltaeb
Cover by Guillem March and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: For me, Trinity has been falling in that range between “mediocre” to “ok.” That’s not resounding praise, but it’s better than being awful…
Batman-News Critic: Dan
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Batman & the Signal #2
As Bruce Wayne fulfills his corporate duties at Wayne Industries, Duke Thomas (a.k.a. the Signal) embraces his role as Gotham City’s daytime protector while battling a deadly new rogues gallery. Could these teenage villains be connected to the recent metahuman population boom in the Narrows? To find out, the Signal must learn to work with a different kind of ally…the GCPD!
Written by Tony Patrick and Scott Snyder
Pencils and Inks by Cully Hamner
Colored by Laura Martin
Cover by Cully Hamner and Laura Martin
Josh’s Stance: I wasn’t overly excited about this title when it was announced. I gave it a shot, and my opinion didn’t really change. I thought that would be the end of this equation, but unfortunately, it’s not… thanks to Sean Gordon Murphy. The best portrayal – and projection for that matter – of Duke Thomas, is what Sean’s doing in White Knight. DC, stop this signal nonsense, and start sending him that direction.
Batman-News Critic: Dan
NO!
Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #4
With Bane, Bebop, Rocksteady and the entire Foot Clan pumped up on Venom, the odds are severely stacked against Batman and the Turtles. All looks lost until Master Splinter steps in—only to fall victim to the treacherous Bane! The heroes on the half-shell live to fight another day, but at what cost? Donnie thinks he has a plan for victory, but Batman warns against it.
Written by Ryan Ferrier and James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Freddie E. Williams II
Colored by Jeremy Colwell
Cover by Jeremy Colwell and Freddie E. Williams II
Josh’s Stance: The fun levels in Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II is about as flat as my mom’s hair on a rainy day… Basically what I’m trying to say, is this book isn’t the one thing that it should be – fun.
Batman-News Critic: Jay
Notes:
- Additional DC titles releasing this week: Aquaman #33, Blue Beetle #18, Bomshells United #12, Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye/ Swamp Thing Special #1, Damage #2, Green Lanterns #41, Superman #41, and Wonder Woman/ Conan #6.
- We will have a Break From the Bat posting this week featuring “Milk Wars” and “New Age of Heroes!”
Graphic Novel Watch:
Mother Panic Vol. 2: Under Her Skin – MOTHER PANIC VOL. 2: UNDER HER SKIN is the latest chapter in the action-packed series from the acclaimed creative team of Jody Houser, John Paul Leon, Shawn Crystal and DC’s Young Animal mastermind Gerard Way!
Before she was Violet Paige, the wild-child toast of Gotham City’s social scene…and before she was Mother Panic, the white-clad terror of its richest, most untouchable criminals…
She was Seventeen, a tortured experimental subject in the sinister institution known as Gather House. There, she was broken in mind and body, meshed with cybernetic implants and brutally shaped into the ultimate fighting machine—until she turned on her masters and broke free to become Gotham’s most violent vigilante. But while Gather House is gone, its ghosts remain.
The implants that give Violet her extraordinary powers are starting to freeze up, leaving her dangerously—and unpredictably—vulnerable in combat. Meanwhile, an old “classmate” whom she thought was long dead has resurfaced, bringing bad memories with her—all while new serial killers are preying upon Gotham’s citizens and the Batman is steadily working toward uncovering her secrets.
Can Mother Panic solve the riddles of her past and put Gather House behind her once and for all? Or will her one-woman war on the one percent come crashing down around her? Collects issues #7-12.
Robin: Year One Deluxe Edition – This deluxe edition collects the full ROBIN: YEAR ONE miniseries by Chuck Dixon (NIGHTWING), Scott Beatty (BATGIRL: YEAR ONE) and Javier Pulido (SHE-HULK) for the first time, along with behind-the-scenes sketches and designs.
After months of training to become Batman’s crime-fighting partner, young orphan Dick Grayson is finally ready to take to the night as Robin. But this job requires more than just his fists. As he squares off against the Mad Hatter, Mr. Freeze and Two-Face for the first time, Robin grapples with the hard choices and sacrifices that come with the life of a masked hero.
His first year on the job is a trial by fire; can Robin fly high enough to stay out of the flames? Collects ROBIN: YEAR ONE #1-4.
Young Justice Book Two – Who says you need to be an adult to save the world? Certainly not the members of Young Justice, a group of teenage superheroes out to make the world a safer place.
The team’s members are a formidable group: Robin, Batman’s protégé; Superboy, with the awesome powers of his namesake; Impulse, heir to the legacy of the Flash. They’ve added three powerful young women—eagle-eyed Arrowette, brave Wonder Girl and supernaturally powerful Secret—to their team, making them stronger than ever.
Young Justice soon forges an alliance with Supergirl after they discover an evil man who calls himself Dante running a literal hell on Earth. Supergirl must use her powers as an Earth angel to stop Dante from allowing his army of demons to run free, but she can’t do it alone. It’s up to Young Justice to help her in this quest. Can Young Justice stop these forces of evil and keep the world from being overrun by demons?
Find out in these classic stories by Peter David (SUPERGIRL), featuring art by Todd Nauck (TEEN TITANS GO!), Lary Stucker (TEEN TITANS) and others. Collects YOUNG JUSTICE #8-17, YOUNG JUSTICE 80-PAGE GIANT, YOUNG JUSTICE IN NO MAN’S LAND, SUPERGIRL #36-37 and bonus content from YOUNG JUSTICE SECRET FILES #1.
