As much as I want to say I’m focused on Wednesday’s comic releases… I can’t. I’m still wrapped up in Avengers: Infinity War! The intensity and experience of that movie is still with me, and I saw it Friday. To quote today’s kids, “I am shooketh.” It was a fun experience with great action and great character moments, so if you haven’t seen it, go see it! Also, if you have seen it, try to be respectful of those that haven’t! I COMPLETELY understand wanting to discuss the film, but let’s do it in a “safe space” over on our sister site SuperheroNews.com! But, with that being said, I am excited for Wednesday as you see by my anticpation scale!
Alright, on to business! 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.
May 2nd
TAKE MY MONEY
Batman #46
“THE TRAVELERS” part two! Booster Gold’s wedding present has screwed up Batman’s past, and done even more damage to his present. Now, with the Caped Crusader himself refusing to cooperate, the only way for Booster to correct this runaway timeline is to get Catwoman on his side. But with her own past altered, can he make Catwoman recognize the qualities in her husband-to-be that brought them together in the first place? Plus, if Batman isn’t doing his job, Gotham City may become way more dangerous than our bumbling time-traveler might be ready for.
Written by Tom King
Pencils by Tony Salvador Daniel
Inks by Livesay, Tony Salvador Daniel, and Sandu Florea
Colored by Tomeu Morey
Cover by Tony Salvador Daniel, Danny Miki, and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: “What if Bruce’s parents were never killed?” isn’t a new question for us, but I’d dare say that despite that, there’s still something gratifyingly fresh and original about what Tom King is doing here… And that’s probably because Booster Gold is the Catalyst of all of this! I had a lot of fun with the first chapter and can’t wait to see how it plays out!
Batman-News Critic: Brandon
DC Nation #0
Just in time for Free Comic Book Day, this special comic features three brand-new stories from a lineup of superstar talent—and each tale serves as a prelude to some of the biggest DC events of 2018!
First, find out how The Joker reacts when he discovers Catwoman has turned her back on crime and plans to marry his archnemesis. Can the Clown Prince of Crime stand to see Batman happy? Writer Tom King and artist Clay Mann set up the events that lead to BATMAN #50!
Then, DARK NIGHTS: METAL shook the DC Universe to its deepest foundations—now it’s time to rejoin legendary writer Scott Snyder, along with all-star artist Jorge Jimenez and co-writers James Tynion IV and Joshua Williamson, for the prelude to JUSTICE LEAGUE: NO JUSTICE! Discover what universe-shattering mysteries have emerged from the most wondrous and chaotic corners of the cosmos to hunt the Justice League in DC’s summer blockbuster event!
Plus, get your first glimpse at Superman’s new world in this exclusive preview of the upcoming six-issue miniseries MAN OF STEEL, written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by José Luis García-López. With Truth, Justice and the American Way all under attack, both Superman and Clark Kent find there’s never been a more important time to stand up for what they believe in.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Tom King, Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Joshua Williamson
Pencils by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Jorge Jimenez, and Clay Mann
Inks by Jorge Jimenez, Clay Mann, and Dexter Vines
Colored by Jordie Bellaire and Alejandro Sanchez
Cover by Jorge Jimenez and Alejandro Sanchez
Josh’s Stance: This book will cost you $0.25, and features teaser stories for the three big events that will run through the summer… Why wouldn’t you get this?
Batman-News Critic: Casper
Deathstroke #31
“DEATHSTROKE VS. BATMAN” part two! The war between Deathstroke and Batman escalates when the Dark Knight foils one of Deathstroke’s assassination attempts! Meanwhile, a mysterious package brings Commissioner Gordon to Bruce Wayne’s doorstep, and Adeline Kane—Slade Wilson’s ex—sets her sights on Batman!
Written by Christopher Priest
Pencils by Carlo Pagulayan and Roberto Viacava
Inks by Jason Paz
Colored by Jeromy Cox
Cover by Brad Anderson, Daniel Henriques, Robson Rocha, and Lee Weeks
Josh’s Stance: I’ll admit, I had reservations coming into this story after learning it would be a “Who’s your daddy?” plot… But I was happily surprised with the direction that Priest took the narrative! Because of how he set up this arc, I’m now incredibly intrigued! It’s smart and dark with the right amount of realism and comic-booky goodness!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
Harley Quinn: Harley Loves Joker #1
“HARLEY LOVES JOKER” flashback tale that ran as a backup in HARLEY QUINN last year! As far as The Joker’s concerned, the new headquarters Harley built for them is absolutely perfect…but only she knows the whole place is rigged to come crashing down around them—and she doesn’t know how to stop it!
Written by Paul Dini
Pencils and Inks by Bret Blevins
Cover by Amanda Conner and Paul Mounts
Josh’s Stance: When Paul Dini had his back-up running in Harley Quinn, he mentioned he wanted to follow it up with Harley Loves Joker… Well, folks, here it is! I’m expecting this to be one fun, zany, ride!
Batman-News Critic: Elena
INTRIGUED
Nightwing #44
“THE BLEEDING EDGE” part one! Change is on the horizon when a new technologist sets his sights on Blüdhaven, creating a holographic, interconnected city where everyone is an individual and also part of a larger network. It’s the Internet made physical! Gentrification on gigabyte-laced steroids. But when this new utopia encroaches on his turf, Nightwing starts to uncover a sinister plot based not on revenge…but on a reckoning. “The Bleeding Edge” begins here, setting Dick Grayson on a path to clarify the ideals at his very core: his sense of home and identity.
Written by Benjamin Percy
Pencils and Inks by Christopher Mooneyham
Colored by Nick Filardi
Cover by Jordie Bellaire and Declan Shalvey
Josh’s Stance: Benjamin Percy’s run starts here! I’m excited, but I can’t say I’m overly excited. This isn’t a knock on Percy – I genuinely enjoy his work – but for me, he peaked with his first DC story (Detective Comics’ “Terminal”), and he’s never lived up to that quality of writing since then… I’m hoping he can manage that here with Dick.
Batman-News Critic: Josh
Notes:
- Additional releases from DC this week: Action Comics Special #1, Bombshells United #17, The Curse of the Brimstone #2, Cyborg #22, Green Arrow #40, Green Lanterns #46, and Shade, the Changeling Woman #3.
Graphic Novel Watch:
Harley Quinn Vol. 5: Vote Harley – Time to hit the polls, New York City. Harley’s on the ballot in Harley Quinn Vol. 5: Vote Harley!
If you thought politics were a dirty business already, wait till you get a load of Quinn!
Ever since Harley Quinn relocated from Gotham City to the Big Apple, corrupt Mayor DePerto has been a thorn in her side-and a knife in her back, and a bullet in the face, and a mallet to the noggin. But our favorite reformed super-villainness isn’t taking this lying down. She’s taking her battle to the ballot box and running for Mayor of New York City herself!
But if Harley wants to really rock the vote, it won’t be easy. She’ll have to call in favors from friends and foes alike, including some of the nastiest bad guys in Batman’s rogues gallery. And from her gal-pal Poison Ivy to her old frenemy the Penguin, everyone’s taking sides.
It all comes down to the craziest Election Day in city history. Will New Yorkers have to call Harley “Hizzonner”? Or will the power-hungry mayor make her and her supporters pay?
Find out in Harley Quinn Vol. 5: Vote Harley-an action-packed tale of democracy in action from Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti and a national committee of talented artists, concluding the fan-favorite run! Collects Harley Quinn #28-34.
Nightwing: The New Order – The year is 2040, and Dick Grayson has turned his back on his costumed past. As commander of the federal paramilitary organization known as the Crusaders, he now enforces the legal ban on all metahuman activity by medically inhibiting or incarcerating anyone-hero or villain-who manifests superpowers of any kind. But when his son, Jake, suddenly reveals superhuman abilities that resist all efforts at suppression, the man once known as Nightwing must return to the legacy he abandoned and seek help from the very people he has condemned.
After joining forces with his ex-partners from the Titans-including his estranged wife (and Jake’s mother), Starfire-Dick sets out to free Jake from the Crusaders’ high-tech prison. But the Pentagon has taken a special interest in the case, which means that former Batwoman Kate Kane has made it her mission to crack the secret behind Jake’s mysterious immunity-and what she discovers could mean the end for the Graysons, the Crusaders and most of humanity!
The team behind the best-selling Batman: Gates of Gotham-acclaimed writer Kyle Higgins (Nightwing, Deathstroke) and super-stylish artist Trevor McCarthy (Batwoman, Batman Eternal)-reunites for Nightwing: The New Order, collecting the startling six-issue miniseries.
Suicide Squad – The Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 2 – There’s something rotten in Belle Reve Penitentiary, and it’s not just the swamp water leaking into the basement. Someone in the Suicide Squad has turned traitor, leaving America’s deadliest super-team open to attack from a vast international conspiracy bent on destroying everything that Task Force X director Amanda Waller has built.
Considering that “The Wall” relies less on loyalty and trust and more on brain-implanted bombs to control her crew of conscripts, finding the culprit is going to be a tall order. Any one of the rogues in this gallery-including Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Enchantress and Killer Croc-would almost certainly climb over a pile of their teammates’ corpses for the chance to escape.
But even when she’s down for the count, Waller has a few aces up her sleeve, including 1) the deranged Kryptonian war criminal, General Zod, and 2) her own unequaled, bloody-minded ruthlessness.
Bending Zod to her will, however, means striking a bargain with one of Superman’s deadliest enemies-and one of the only people on the planet smarter and more tenacious than Waller herself. But no matter how powerful the leverage she finds to use against him, in the end Zod kneels for no one. Will Waller’s plan to make this living weapon of mass destruction a full-fledged member of the Suicide Squad live up to its enormous potential? Or will it literally and figuratively blow up in her face?
Acclaimed author Rob Williams is joined by artists John Romita Jr., Tony S. Daniel, Riley Rossmo, Giuseppe Cafaro and Stjepan Sejic in Suicide Squad: Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 2. Collects Suicide Squad #9-20 as well as the one-shot Suicide Squad Special: War Crimes, written by the Squad’s own original gangster, John Ostrander!
