So, not only am I traveling this week, but I’m traveling and I’m sick… This is the first time I’ve ever been sick and away from home. It’s the worst. I repeat, THE WORST! On a positive note, we have a decent slate of books landing this week, and I’m really excited to get my hands on a number of these! *Cough* Justice League and Adventures of the Super Sons *Cough*
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.
SEPTEMBER 5TH
TAKE MY MONEY
Adventures of the Super Sons #2 – Kids today, amiright? What with their vaping, texting, emoji-ing and whatnot—never mind what happens when teen villains the Gang get their hands on Gold Kryptonite! That’s exactly what the young bad guys plan to do to impress the Earth’s biggest villains! Super Sons Robin and Superboy stand face to face with Rex Luthor, Joker Jr. and other psychos pulled right from your nightmares. The Gang has already robbed Superboy of his powers, and now they’re ready to reveal their grand plan!
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils by Carlo Barberi
Inks by Art Thibert
Colored by Protobunker
Cover by Dan Mora
Josh’s Stance: I’ve basically become a Peter J. Tomasi fangirl! Practically anything the guy touches is golden. When Super Sons was cancelled, I was really sad… but DC threw us a bone in Adventures of the Super Sons and I couldn’t be happier!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
Injustice 2 #33
The battle against Starro comes to a tragic conclusion. And while Blue Beetle engages with one intergalactic menace, Superboy and Wonder Girl are taken prisoner by a new one—Brainiac!
Art by Xermanico
Cover by Tyler Kirkham
Written by Tom Taylor
Josh’s Stance: If you’re reading the digital issues of Injustice 2, then you’ve already completed the run. If you’re like me and reading the physical copies, then we only have a few issues left to enjoy… Let’s savor this greatness while we can!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
Justice League #7
It’s wall-to-Source-Wall Justice League action as artist Jim Cheung rejoins writer Scott Snyder! Hawkgirl takes wing against Legion of Doom leader Lex Luthor; John Stewart faces off with old foe Sinestro; the Flash must run down the Still Force-empowered Gorilla Grodd; and Wonder Woman tackles the tag team of Black Manta and Cheetah—underwater, no less!
Written by Scott Snyder
Pencils and Inks by Jim Cheung
Colored by Tomeu Morey
Cover by Jim Cheung, Mark Morales, and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: Do I have a few questions about some plot points? Yes. Do I think Justice League is perfect? No. Should you read this book? ABSOLUTELY! When it comes down to it, this is the best Justice League book in years – the only story rivaling it would be Johns’ “Darkseid War” – and it’s one hell of a fun read! If you’re on Twitter, make sure you let Scott know how much you love this book!
Batman-News Critic: Brian
INTRIGUED
Deathstroke #35
In this corner: Deathstroke, suffering from a traumatic brain injury at the hands of Batman! In the other corner: Batman, with Deathstroke’s knife in his gut! All of this with the feds invading Wayne Manor-and now they’re in the catacombs under the mansion, which lead to the you-know-what-cave! If they’re going to escape, Batman and Slade are going to have to work together.
Written by Christopher Priest
Pencils by Carlo Pagulayan
Inks by Andy Owens and Jason Paz
Colored by Jeromy Cox
Cover by Brad Anderson, Daniel Henriques, Robson Rocha, and Lee Weeks
Josh’s Stance: We’re finally reaching the finale of “Batman vs Deathstroke” and I’m really curious to see how this wraps up. The story has shifted so far away from the “Who’s your daddy?” plot thread that kicked it off, and even though that plot is still the main driver, I’m more interested in everything else.
Batman-News Critic: Jay
MIXED
Batman #54
Dick Grayson—the original Robin—gets to spend some quality time fighting crime with his mentor for the first time since Batman popped the question to Catwoman. It’s a walk down memory lane as Bruce Wayne helps Dick get over the loss of his high-flying acrobat parents, which in turn led to his crime-fighting career. Guest artist Matt Wagner (Mage, TRINITY) jumps on board for this special issue!
Written by Tom King
Pencils and Inks by Matt Wagner
Colored by Tomeu Morey and Brennan Wagner
Cover by Brennan Wagner and Matt Wagner
Josh’s Stance: Overall, I’m not happy with Tom King’s Batman, so that alone makes me hesitant to read this book… But then I think about how well he wrote Dick Grayson in Grayson, and that gives me hope… But, I’ve heard a rumor pertaining to what happens to Dick in an upcoming issue, and I’m COMPLETELY AGAINST IT. *Sigh*
Batman-News Critic: Elena
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Harely Quinn #49
Harley’s straight-up clowning around on her latest mission, and she’s faced with a real laugher of a puzzle: How does she kill and collect the bounty on Lord Death Man, an immortal murder machine who seemingly can’t be killed? Nevertheless, she will persist with a host of attempted assassinations, all doomed to fail. Time is running out, and Harley’s running out of material, too!
Written by Sam Humphries
Pencils and Inks by Alisson Borges
Colored by Gabe Eltaeb
Cover by Guillem March and Arif Prianto
Josh’s Stance: At first, I thought exploring Harley as a Fury was a great idea, but now we’re back to the regular schtick and… It’s old. And absurd… But unlike Palmiotti and Conner’s run, “absurd” isn’t a good definition here.
Batman-News Critic: Casper
Nightwing #48
Guest-starring the Silencer! Dick Grayson is forced to participate in the world’s greatest motorcycle race, a three-day affair hosted on a remote island and populated by the greatest riders on the planet. Nightwing reluctantly complies, but only to save the life of an old friend. That brings him into competition with the Silencer, who’s also racing to save a friend. Only one rider can win…so who’s gonna leg this one out? That’s if they survive the onslaught of super-criminals in the race as well.
Written by Benjamin Percy
Pencils by Christopher Mooneyham and Amancay Nahuelpan
Inks by Klaus Janson, Christopher Mooneyham, and Amancay Nahuelpan
Colored by Nick Filardi
Cover by Jordie Bellaire, Dave McCaig, and Mike Perkins
Josh’s Stance: Initial thought, “Ooohh! Silencer! Hell yeah! Wait… This is still Percy writing Nightwing. Nevermind.” And as much as I already dislike this book, if the rumors pertaining to what happens to Dick in an upcoming issue are true, then I’m going to hate this run even more…
Batman-News Critic: Josh
NOTES:
- Additional releases from DC Comics: The Curse of Brimstone #6, Green Arrow #44, Green Lanterns #54, The Unexpected #4, and United States vs Murder Inc #1.
- Also, Superman 100 Page Giant #3 should be hitting Wal-Mart shelves this week… Unless your Wal-Mart is like mine and still hasn’t released their Batman #2 or Teen Titans #2, then it probably won’t… Just saying…
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo Box Set 3 – The final four volumes of stories from the team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo are collected in a new box set that includes Batman Vol. 7: Endgame, Batman Vol. 8: SuperHeavy, Batman Vol. 9: Bloom and Batman Vol. 10: Epilogue! In these stories, The Joker returns with a deadly new agenda. Then, a new Batman roams the streets of Gotham City in an eight-foot tall mechanical crimefighting suit while Bruce Wayne attempts to regain his memory, and the city faces the bizarre threat of Mr. Bloom!
Batman by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale Omnibus – The legendary team of writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale devised some of the most memorable Batman tales of all time—and now their stories starring the Dark Knight (not to mention Catwoman!) are all collected in a single omnibus. This amazing new title includes BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL #1, BATMAN: MADNESS #1, BATMAN: GHOSTS #1, BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN #1-13, BATMAN: DARK VICTORY #0-13 and CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME #1-6, plus stories from SUPERMAN/BATMAN SECRET FILES 2003, SUPERMAN/BATMAN #26 and SOLO #1.
Batman: The Court of the Owls Saga (DC Essential Eddition) – Hidden for years, the mysterious Court of Owls surface in Gotham City–what must Batman to defeat them and what deadly connection to they have to his past? Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s masterpiece epic is collected in its entirey for the first time ever!
After a series of brutal murders rocks Gotham City, Batman begins to realize that perhaps these crimes go far deeper than appearances suggest. As the Caped Crusader begins to unravel this deadly mystery, he discovers a conspiracy going back to his youth and beyond to the origins of the city he’s sworn to protect. Could the Court of Owls, once thought to be nothing more than an urban legend, be behind the crime and corruption? Or is Bruce Wayne losing his grip on sanity and falling prey to the pressures of his war on crime?
Considered one of the greatest stories in the Dark Knight’s historic lore, BATMAN: THE COURT OF OWLS SAGA is an epic tale told by two of comics’ finest storytellers. Collects issues #1-11 of BATMAN, as well as bonus material including sketches, scripts, design concepts and variant covers.
Batman: Preludes to the Wedding – Wedding bells are ringing in Gotham City…and the criminal underworld is determined to silence them! Following The Joker’s discovery that Batman and Catwoman are getting married, Gotham City’s villains jump into action. If they are going to lose one of their own, it’s not going to be so that their greatest enemy can be happy!
Spinning out of the pages of DC Nation and leading up to Tom King’s Batman Vol. 7, Batman: Preludes to the Wedding is a collection of five one-shots starring Batman’s friends and foes, all trying to celebrate–or sabotage–the Dark Knight’s big day.
Harley Quinn knows a thing or two about dysfunctional relationships. When she hears that her old flame is trying to get in the way of a happy life for one of her best friends, the Maid of Mischief tracks The Joker down to give him a piece of her mind–and maybe a few blows from her hammer, too. Meanwhile, Nightwing fulfills his duty as best man by picking up the engagement ring when Hush interferes; Ra’s Al Ghul attempts to recruit Damian as the heir to the family business; Batgirl and the Riddler engage in a battle of wits; and Anarky taunts Red Hood as a failed Robin.
Writer Tim Seeley (Grayson, Nightwing, Green Lanterns), teams up with an all-star cast of artists to expand the world of Tom King’s critically acclaimed series, Batman!
Collects Robin vs. Ra’s Al Ghul #1, Nightwing vs. Hush #1,Batgirl vs. The Riddler #1, Red Hood vs. Anarky #1 and Harley Quinn vs. The Joker #1.
Batman & Catwoman: The Wedding Album – The Deluxe Edition – The day has finally arrived: the nuptials of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. But their road to wedded bliss won’t be easy. With visitors from this time and beyond, the Bat and the Cat will have to undergo even more trials and tribulations before they walk down the aisle.
The historic wedding of Batman and Catwoman is commemorated in this must-have collector’s item, featuring never-before-seen photos from the wedding album, behind-the-scenes design sketches and variant covers.
Written by the critically acclaimed Tom King, this edition celebrates one of the biggest milestones in DC history and features art by superstar artists Mikel Janín, David Finch, Joëlle Jones, Mitch Gerads, Lee Bermejo, Rafael Albuquerque, Neal Adams, Andy Kubert, Becky Cloonan, Ty Templeton, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, and more! Collects BATMAN #44 & 50.
Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 7: Batmen Eternal – Following the tragic death of one of their own, Batman’s team of vigilantes falls apart! With his squad completely shattered, Batman must confront Red Robin about the future of their partnership…if there even is one in BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 7: BATMEN ETERNAL!
Following her deadly actions in their last adventure, 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? And will the fallout put these cousins–Bruce Wayne and Kate Kane–at irreconcilable odds with one another?
Following her deadly actions in their last adventure, 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? And will the fallout put these cousins–Bruce Wayne and Kate Kane–at irreconcilable odds with one another?
Batman: Prelude to Knightfall – Bane, the man destined to one day destroying the Batman has his sights set on taking over Gotham City! The event that changed Batman’s world forever kicks off with this new volume, including never before collected material in BATMAN: PRELUDE TO KNIGHTFALL.
Bane has spent a lifetime on the South American island of Santa Prisca. The time he spent as the toughest inmate in their worst prison led him to develop berserk strength, savage intellect, and unparalleled megalomania. In Gotham City, Batman begins to feel he has lost his edge as he is forced to deal, in rapid succession, with the returning villain Black Mask and his gang a crazed killer called Metalhead, and a sharpshooter assassin hired by an imprisoned mobster to murder Commissioner Gordon.
Part of a massive 25th anniversary re-cut of the entire BATMAN: KNIGHTFALL saga, this graphic novel, collects BATMAN: VENGEANCE OF BANE #1, BATMAN #484-491, DETECTIVE COMICS #654-658.
