Last week we got some information pertaining to some creative changes and cancellations. We’re unfortunately saying goodbye to Super Sons in May, but Tomasi went to Twitter to confirm that the cancellation wasn’t because of poor sales, and that Jon and Damian would be moving on to other things. We also learned that Batgirl & the Birds of Prey would be coming to close. I love this brand, but I’m not a fan of the current creative team, and I think too much damage has been done at this point to save the book with a creative change… Maybe in a few months. Other than that, Ben Percy will take over Nightwing, and we know Tynion will be leaving Detective Comics, which means someone else will be stepping in! Who do you think it will be? Who do you want it to be? Sound off in the comments section!
Alright, on to business! For an overview of our coverage for last week’s releases, check out This Week In Comics: Everyone Loves Ivy. 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
The Silencer #2
The world’s deadliest assassin thought she was out…but the past won’t let her leave! Talia al Ghul’s violent disappearance has led to a mystery that could cost Honor Guest the lives of her family, and to defend those she loves, Honor must once again don the mantle of the Silencer! Seeking information from the neutral ground of the assassin’s armory, Silencer gets more than she bargained for as the most monstrous forces of the underworld descend for the kill!
Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils by John Romita Jr.
Inks by Sandra Hope and Dean V. White
Colored by Arif Prianto and Dean V. White
Cover by Hi-Fi, Sandra Hope, John Romita Jr., and Dean V. White
Josh’s Stance: So far, The Silencer is the best book to come out of DC’s New Age of Heroes. If you didn’t check out the debut, then pick up issues one and two this Wednesday! You won’t regret it!
Batman-News Critic: Josh
INTRIGUED
Batgirl #20
As the temperature drops even lower, Batgirl feels the pressure to find the maniac behind the worst blizzard that Gotham has seen in years! All signs point to the city’s latest villain turned hero: the Penguin. Could his efforts to help be a front for a greater crime in the making? What does his brilliant yet corrupt son, Black Sun, have to do with it? Find out in the thrilling conclusion to our wintry tale!
Written by Hope Larson
Pencils by Sami Basri and Chris Wildgoose
Inks by Sami Basri and Jose Marzan Jr.
Colored by Jessica Kholinne and Mat Lopes
Cover by Dan Mora
Josh’s Stance: The beginning of this arc was surprisingly fun, so I have to give credit to Hope Larson. The story is silly, and unashamed of it, so if you’re ok with that, this might be a good pick for you. I still prefer the more mature and balanced Barbara Gordon, but at least this version of her is executed well for the moment.
Batman-News Critic: Elena
Justice League of America #25
“NEW LIFE AND DEATH” finale! The battle for the soul of Angor rages on. Batman and Black Canary face down Lord Havok and his mad army of loyal servants while under the gaze of the cosmic being known as the Adjudicator. The Adjudicator will decide who is just, who will have say over Angor’s rebuilding and who will die!
Written by Steve Orlando
Pencils by Minkyu Jung and Miguel Mendonca
Inks by Dexter Vines
Colored by Chris Sotomayor
Cover by Mikel Janin
Josh’s Stance: I was disappointed with how “Queen of Fables” wrapped. It almost felt as if we were cheated out of a really good story because the moment Orlando’s arc really found its momentum, it ended. Despite that, I’ve still been enjoying JLA lately, and Batman’s return this week should give all of us something to look forward to!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
Doom Patrol/ JLA Special #1
“MILK WARS” finale! As RetCo’s foundation shatters, the Young Animal teams come together with the Justice League and even more DC Universe heroes to finish the job. The only problem is, Milkman Man and RetCo still stand in their way. To right reality, the heroes of Young Animal and the DC Universe will have to unlock an outrageous power never before seen on any world!
This mind-blowing conclusion will establish new realities for all of the DC’s Young Animal titles. Look for the return of Cave Carson, Shade and Mother Panic next month!
Written by Steve Orlando and Gerard Way
Pencils and Inks by Nick Derington, Dale Eaglesham, Ibrahim Moustafa, Michael Avon Oeming, and Marley Zarcone
Colored by Tamra Bonvillain
Cover by Marissa Louise and Clay Mann
Josh’s Stance: In my opinion, “Milk Wars” hit its lowest point with the Cave Carson/ Swamp Thing crossover, but even then, I still found the story enjoyable… and weird. I have no idea what Steve Orlando and Gerard Way have planned to wrap this crazy story, but I hope it ends on a high note!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
MIXED
Detective Comics #975
“THE TRIAL OF BATWOMAN”! In a 30-page anniversary story, Batwoman faces scrutiny from Batman and Red Robin but stands up for her actions. Will Batman allow her to continue bearing his symbol after everything she has done?
Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils by Alvaro Martinez
Inks by Raul Fernandez
Colored by Brad Anderson
Cover by Raul Fernandez, Alvaro Martinez, and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: I feel like Tynion’s Detective run is all over the place. In the previous issue, Tim took a strong stance against Batwoman’s actions, and now he supports her? Plus, we all expected to deal with Batwoman in #974, only for the issue to essentially say, “Meh… We’ll deal with this next time.” I wasn’t impressed, and I’m not convinced this chapter will do much to impress me either.
Batman-News Critic: Brandon
Teen Titans #17
“THE FOLLOWING” part two! When Robin’s murder investigation casts suspicion on Beast Boy’s new employer, Nevrland, Beast Boy finds himself the odd man out on the Teen Titans. Caught between his best friends and his new purpose in life, Beast Boy sets out to prove that Nevrland is completely aboveboard…but what he finds will lead Beast Boy down a dangerous path!
Written by Benjamin Percy
Pencils by Alisson Borges and Scot Eaton
Inks by Alisson Borges and Wayne Faucher
Colored by Jim Charalampidis
Cover by Dan Mora
Josh’s Stance: Will we actually see the debut of “The Following” this week? I have no clue! After the mediocre turn from Wolfman last month, I would like to see Percy return, even if it’s just for a sense of consistency. I also wonder if Percy will continue writing Teen Titans, or if we’ll learn there are even more shake-ups in the future!
Batman-News Critic: Casper
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Batman Beyond #17
“THE LONG PAYBACK” part four! Following his defeat at the hands of Stalker, Batman is delivered into the arms of the mysterious villain pulling all the strings—someone he never expected! Humiliated by past defeats, this deadliest of enemies wants to drag Batman through the streets of Neo-Gotham en route to a public execution. With Bruce Wayne hampered by injuries, the rescue mission falls to a complete unknown, with dire consequences!
Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils by Phil Hester
Inks by Ande Parks
Colored by Michael Spicer
Cover by Bernard Chang and Marcelo Maiolo
Josh’s Stance: I’m not quite sure what happened, but Batman Beyond shifted from a solid book to a complete mess in no time. Dan Jurgens took an issue or two off a few months back, and if I’m being honest, I’m still wondering when he’s going to come back… I’m hoping things improve here, but I’m not holding my breath.
Batman-News Critic: Dan
Suicide Squad #36
“HACKED” part two! As Harley, Deadshot and Killer Croc race to save themselves from Hack’s plan to destroy her former team, a new patriotic hero threatens to usurp the Squad’s missions as the Wall emerges as America’s newest (and most deadly) hero.
Written by Rob Williams
Pencils by Eduardo Pansica
Inks by Julio Ferreira
Colored by Adriano Lucas
Cover by Ethan Van Sciver, Jason Wright, and David Yardin
Josh’s Stance: Whatever magic Williams had early in his run… it feels as though it’s been depleted. Suicide Squad isn’t bad, but it’s bad compared to what it used to be. If I were to look for a silver lining though, at least this arc is starting better than “The Chosen Juan.” Now if we can just lay off the heavy-handed Trump stuff. I’m not saying I want to ignore politics (before anyone accuses me of that), it’s just that I can’t escape it anymore.
Batman-News Critic: Casper
Notes:
- Additional DC titles releasing this week: Action Comics #998, Blue Beetle #18, The Demon: Hell is Earth #4, The Flash #41, Gotham City Garage #10, Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #39, The Hellblazer #19, Mera: Queen of Atlantis #1, Raven: Daughter of Darkness #2, and Wonder Woman #41.
- The Terrifics debuts this week under the New Age of Heroes line. (Yay!)
Graphic Novel Watch:
Batman: Super Powers – From Marc Guggenheim (Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow) and Jerry Bingham (Batman: Son of the Demon) comes Batman’s first encounter with the Justice League of America and Bruce Wayne’s first super-powered team in Batman: Super Powers!
A young Batman stalks the streets of Gotham! When a woman dies in his arms, he won’t rest until he finds those responsible. Tracing the case back to an early Justice League of America mission, Batman learns that there are some evils in this world a single person can’t overcome. Triggering memories of a time not so long ago, Bruce Wayne relives the early globetrotting adventures that set him on the path to becoming the Dark Knight! Collects Batman Confidential #50-54.
Justice League Vol. 5: Legacy – The Justice League is dead…or worse. It’s 22 years in the future, and Earth is a wasteland, crushed under the heel of a dread goddess known only as Sovereign. But the world’s greatest heroes have left one thing behind that can save the world.
Their legacy.
The children of the Justice League, now heroes in their own time, must travel back in time to stop Sovereign before she kills their parents and seizes power. As the original Leaguers process the shock of meeting grown sons and daughters they didn’t know they’d have (in some cases with their teammates), their offspring search for clues to Sovereign’s rise.
But when it seems like one of the Justice League is fated to become Sovereign, will the team battle their own flesh and blood?
Writer Bryan Hitch (The Authority) and artist Fernando Pasarin (Green Lantern Corps) introduce the next generation of heroes in these tales from Justice League #26-31!
Teen Titans Vol. 2: The Rise of Aqualad – The Teen Titans are settling into their new lives in Titans Tower in San Francisco…even if answering to Damian Wayne takes a lot of getting used to. But Beast Boy, Raven, Starfire and Kid Flash soon have a lot more than an overbearing Robin to worry about—a prison breakout has led to a string of disappearances, and some of them hit close to home.
Now, to rescue the kidnapped, the Titans will have to go toe-to-fin with King Shark, and the Titans are out of their depth…literally!
But a new teen hero named Jackson Hyde has seen the Titans in action, and he’s headed to Titans Tower to try to join the team. Will Aqualad be enough to turn the tide for the Teen Titans…or will the mystery of his powers unleash an even deadlier threat to the team?
Writer Benjamin Percy (Green Arrow) and artist Khoi Pham (X-Force) continue the adventures of the heroes of tomorrow, today! Collects TEEN TITANS #6-7, #9-11 and #13-14
