I am/ have been focused on a big work project for my day job, so I’m going to keep this short and sweet. We’ve got a mixed range of titles this week, and I’m curious to see what you’re excited to read! There are titles that I’m definitely looking forward to reading, and others I could honestly do without (I’m looking at you Old Lady Harley.)
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.
October 24th
TAKE MY MONEY
Batgirl #28
Even millennial superheroes are moving back in with their parents! While recovering from the injuries she suffered battling Grotesque, Barbara Gordon’s been living with her police commissioner dad while she recuperates. To get Barbara out of her funk, Jim Gordon hires her to do some I.T. grunt work at the GCPD. Unfortunately, he just gave full security clearance to one of the best hackers on the planet! Batgirl now has access to the police database in hopes of capturing Grotesque…who also seems to be using the database as well! Is this an inside job?
Written by Mairghread Scott
Pencils by Paul Pelletier
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Colored by Jordie Bellaire
Cover by Matt Hollingsworth, Sean Murphy, and Julian Totino Tedesco
Josh’s Stance: Overall, I’m not happy about the direction of a lot of the Bat books, but that isn’t the case with Batgirl. Maighread Scott is delivering some great work both in terms of overall direction and the actual writing itself! If you haven’t been reading Batgirl because of previous teams, it’s time to pick it up again!
Batman-News Critic: Elena
Wonder Woman #57
“The Witching Hour” part four! As Hecate’s new world is born, Wonder Woman is under the goddess’ total control! This is magic’s darkest hour—one of the most powerful magicians of all time may not survive!
Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils by Emanuela Lupacchino
Inks by Ray McCarthy
Colored by Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Cover by Yasmine Putri and David Yardin
Josh’s Stance: I’m loving everything related to Justice League Dark at the moment, and “The Witching Hour” is no exception. Tynion should be very proud of his work here!
Batman-News Critic: Josh
INTRIGUED
Batman Beyond #25
In this special oversized issue, legendary DC scribe Dan Jurgens is joined by superstar artist Cully Hamner (Batman and The Signal) to bring back the biggest baddie of them all in “The Final Joke.”
The dedication of a new building commemorating a special Wayne family event-the 100th birthday of Thomas Wayne-brings out all of Neo-Gotham’s familiar faces, including one who was definitely not on the guest list. The Joker makes his long-awaited return to Neo-Gotham, and no one is safe! Will he strike at Batman, Robin, Commissioner Barbara Gordon or the original Caped Crusader himself, Bruce Wayne? Decades after his last fight with the Dark Knight, the Clown Prince of Crime returns home to take his city back once and for all.
Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils and Inks by Cully Hamner and Marco Santucci
Colored by Val Staples
Cover by Viktor Kalvachev
Josh’s Stance: Finally… FINALLY, we’re touching on the Joker! I can’t believe Jurgens introduced him in the first arc and hasn’t done anything with him since… I’m not saying he needed to be the focal point, but at least remind readers that he’s out there. Anyway, I’m happy to see this is finally happening, and I’m happy, overall, with the recent trajectory of Batman Begins in general.
Batman-News Critic: Dan
Batman: Kings of Fear #3
There’s nothing to fear but fear itself—unless, of course, the Scarecrow is trying to scare all of Gotham City to death with his fear gas! Dr. Jonathan Crane has undergone an intense therapy session in order to “cure” Batman of his various psychoses. That involves Batman and Scarecrow battling through the streets of Gotham City, with the Caped Crusader not knowing what’s real and what’s fake. Can Batman handle this sudden influx of personal demons into his psyche? Or will the next cell in Arkham Asylum be reserved for Bruce Wayne?
Written by Scott Peterson
Pencils and Inks by Kelley Jones
Colored by Michelle Madsen
Cover by Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen
Josh’s Stance: While I know Jones’ expressionist style artwork isn’t for everyone, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the first two chapters of Kings of Fear, and am greatly looking forward to this chapter as well!
Batman-News Critic: Casper
Detective Comics #991
Batman’s newest partner…Two-Face? As Harvey Dent’s persona asserts fragile control over the villain’s psyche, the Dark Knight, Commissioner Gordon and their ally-turned-enemy-turned-ally must work together to stop Kobra’s terrorist attack against Gotham City.
Written by James Robinson
Pencils and Inks by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colored by Ivan Plascencia
Cover by Carmine Di Giandomenico and Stephen Segovia
Josh’s Stance: James Robinson’s run has been solid so far. The last issue fell a little short for me, but not enough to question whether or not I should pick up this issue. I am waiting for Tomasi to debut though… We’re all going to be in for a real treat when he does!
Batman-News Critic: Elena
The Silencer #10
The Silencer finds herself in a deadly showdown with a pair of killers—Quietus and Gunn—as well as a giant kaiju monster at a Superman theme park! (No refunds given, park-goers.) If she can shoot her way out of that trouble, she’ll still have to track down Talia’s body before Leviathan can resurrect her. Of course, them being a secret evil criminal organization and all, they’ll probably have backup plans inside of contingencies wrapped up in their true motivations. At any rate, someone’s getting their soul eaten whether they like it or not!
Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils and Inks by Patch Zircher
Colored by Mike Spicer and Dean V. White
Cover by Viktor Bogdanovic, Romulo Fajardo, Jr., Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascencia, and Dean V. White
Josh’s Stance: Last month’s issue felt like a wasted opportunity, so I hope this chapter redeems itself a little. I will admit, typically with The Silencer, when I feel an issue is under par, Abnett usually comes back to wow me! I’m hoping that’s the case here!
Batman-News Critic: Josh
MIXED
Justice League Odyssey #2
Cyborg, Starfire, Green Lantern Jessica Cruz and Azrael debate whether so-called “God of Evil” Darkseid should have joined the team. (Too late—that evil horse has left the barn!) But before the team can resolve this conflict, they’re forced into action when Vril Dox takes an interest in the Coluan refugees, attacking their ship with a new Manhunter army of his own creation. ’Cuz more violence is always the answer!
Written by Joshua Williamson
Pencils and Inks by Stjepan Sejic
Colored by Stjepan Sejic
Cover by Stjepan Sejic
Josh’s Stance: Clearly, I wasn’t a huge fan of JLO’s debut. Many of you were quick to say you disagreed with me, but I have a tendency to see the tiny cracks in things before they start falling apart, and that’s how I’m viewing Justice League Odyssey. There were a lot of technical problems with the script, and if I see more of it this month, I’m not going to be able to look past it. Mostly though, I just want to have fun…
Batman-News Critic: Josh
Titans #28
Then, in a tie-in to the road to “Drowned Earth,” the Titans get a visit from an old teammate when Atlantean mage Tempest guest-stars in the ish. What’s got Garth’s fishnets in a twist? He’s there to help the new Titans lineup take on a major oceanic threat, whose attack comes straight out of the pages of Justice League and Aquaman. Guess you could say that prelude “spills over” into TITANS this month.
Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils and Inks by Clayton Henry and Brandon Peterson
Colored by Marcelo Maiolo and Ivan Plascencia
Cover by Leonardo Manco and Brandon Peterson
Josh’s Stance: As has been the case since day one of the change in direction, I have a love/hate relationship with Titans at the moment. There are some interesting things going on, but I hate what they’re doing to the characters. I’ve grown to accept Beast Boy and actually find his situation interesting, but I hate what they’re doing to Donna, Raven, and Dick (because of Batman/ Nightwing) at the moment… I just keep reading hoping for the best.
Batman-News Critic: Dan
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Old Lady Harley #1
After liberating New York City from her now-feral Gang of Harleys, poor Harley wants nothing more than to slip back into retirement in her coastal (and heavily guarded) paradise. But the Laughing Boys Gang has another idea—they’ll follow her to the ends of the Earth, to drag her back to their leader! It can’t actually be…him! Right?! He couldn’t possibly still be alive, could he? After all…Harley killed him herself with her bare hands! Should she turn to President Power Girl for help? Or flee to the 51st state, Atlantis? Step into an insane vision of a future DC Universe we all better hope we don’t live to see!
Written by Frank Tieri
Pencils and Inks by Inaki Miranda
Colored by Eva de la Cruz
Cover by Mauricet and Paul Mounts
Josh’s Stance: Uh… We’ll see. I can’t help but feel that this is one of those, “Yeah, it was funny for an issue, but that’s all… So… Why are you giving us an arc?” type of scenario. I want to be wrong, but I was looking forward to the one-shot Old Lady Harley issue a few months back, and it ended up being mediocre at best.
Batman-News Critic: Casper
NOTES:
- Additional releases from DC Comics: Action Comics #1004, The Flash #57, Raven, Daughter of Darkness #9, Scarlet #3, Scooby Doo Team-Up #93, and Terrifics #9.
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman Vol. 7: The Wedding – 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.
Written by generational talent Tom King and featuring art by Mikel Janín, BATMAN VOL. 7 features one of the biggest milestones in DC history! Collects BATMAN #45-50.
Batman: Detective Comics: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition – Book 3 – The next wave of tales from the smash-hit series are now available in one deluxe hardcover in Batman: Detective Comics: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 3! Including the complete storylines of “Longer Chains”, “A Lonely Place of Living” and “Fall of the Batmen.”
Having exiled herself from Batman’s world, Spoiler has nearly destroyed herself trying to expose the corruption of Gotham City’s vigilantes. Fortunately for her, help has arrived…but unfortunately for the city, it’s in the form of the mysterious Anarky! Is he truly on the side of the people, or is he a dangerous lunatic?
Then, it’s the story you’ve demanded: Where in the world (or otherwise) is Tim Drake? Red Robin faces a crossroads…escape the most devious prison ever devised, or find himself abandoned beyond time and space for all eternity! Not much of a choice, right? But when he finds out just who is locked in there with him, Tim’s world will change in ways he never imagined! This is one of the biggest stories of the Rebirth era, setting the stage for an explosive Detective Comics epic!
Find all the answers here in Detective Comics: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 3. Collects issues #963-974 and Annual #1.
Additional Graphic Novels being released by DC Comics this week: Deathstroke by Tony Daniel Omnibus, The Flash: Starting Line (DC Essential Edition), Scarlet: Book One, and The United States of Murder Inc. Vol 1: Truth.
