This week, we’re getting two issues that should lead into some interesting developments. One, obviously, is Detective Comics which is on the cusp of its 1,000th issue, and the other is Heroes in Crisis, which will hopefully receive a jolt of momentum now that we’re in the back-half. Will it actually happen though? We’ll have to wait and see… And then there’s the final issue of the Batman/ The Flash crossover, but I’m sure most of us are just looking to move on from that story.
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.
FEBRUARY 27th
TAKE MY MONEY
Detective Comics #999
The truth behind the gauntlet Batman has been forced to run—a violent odyssey that endangered the lives of everyone who made him who he is—is revealed at last…and the mastermind working to unmake the Batman must be seen to be believed! Is there a goal here beyond destruction? Will Batman emerge stronger…or with a mortal wound at the exact moment that his most dangerous challenge yet is on the horizon in next month’s DETECTIVE COMICS #1000?
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils by Doug Mahnke
Inks by Jaime Mendoza
Colored by David Baron
Cover by David Baron, Doug Mahnke, and Jaime Mendoza
Josh’s Stance: I’ll admit, the previous issue was a little… odd. I’m still intrigued though, and I’m curious to see who is actually behind all of this. Also, the next issue is Detective Comics #1000!!!! If you can’t tell, I’m quite excited for that!
Batman-News Critic: Elena
INTRIGUED
Batgirl #32
Coming to you live from Gotham City! The people’s-choice congressional candidate Luciana Alejo is all set to give a televised interview that could secure her victory, but the Cormorant is ready to silence her for good. Can Batgirl protect the candidate without making her alter ego, Barbara Gordon, lose her campaign job in the process?
Written by Mairghread Scott
Pencils by Paul Pelletier
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Colored by Jordie Bellaire
Cover by Emanuela Lupacchino and Dave McCaig
Josh’s Stance: There are many strong elements to Scott’s Batgirl, and a few that fall just a little short. The pros definitely outweigh the cons though, and as long as we can continue to avoid drama between Babs and her dad, I’ll probably be happy. More than anything, I’m curious to see what kind of long-game Scott has planned for the book.
Batman-News Critic: Dan
Heroes in Crisis #6
Get a deeper look into the inner workings of Sanctuary. When heroes visited the facility, they relived their trauma through virtual reality, contending with the events that brought them there in the hope of reaching a meaningful resolution. That is, until the trauma took over and escalated these personal events into a full-blown crisis! Find out what pushed one of the superheroes over the edge and how it broke the machine. This special issue reunites the Eisner Award-winning MISTER MIRACLE team of writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads!
Written by Tom King
Pencils and Inks by Mitch Gerads and Clay Mann
Colored by Mitch Gerads and Tomeu Morey
Cover by Rainier Beredo, Mitch Gerads, Trevor Hairsine, Clay Mann, and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: It appears as if this issue will finally start pulling everything together. I’m hopeful, but I’m not necessarily holding my breath. After this chapter, there’s only three issues left, so it’s kind of now or never for King.
Batman-News Critic: Josh
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
The Flash #65
“THE PRICE OF JUSTICE” part four! The two greatest detectives in the DC Universe take on the one cold case that will tear them apart!
As chief architect of the Sanctuary program that cost so much for so many, especially Wally West, Batman will be held accountable…by the Flash!
A cold case from the Justice League’s past has mysteriously re-opened, and Batman and the Flash—the only two heroes who stand a chance of cracking the case—are at each other’s throats! Our heroes must combat a demon from the past while burying their own inner demons in the process…and neither the World’s Greatest Detective nor the Fastest Man Alive will ever be the same again! But who is really pulling the strings here? And how does Gotham Girl fit into all this? Friendships will be tested and blood will be spilled in this titanic crossover event…
Written by Joshua Williamson
Pencils by Rafa Sandoval
Inks by Jordi Tarragona
Colored by Tomeu Morey
Cover by Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn
Josh’s Stance: I don’t want to trash this story. It hasn’t been a complete dumpster fire, but it’s been as mediocre as mediocre can be, with some terrible moments thrown in. To be fair, there have also been some highlights here and there, but mostly, I’m just ready to move on… To more filler in Batman as we continue to kill time before returning to the main plot.
Batman-News Critic: Josh
NOTES:
- Titles we’ll cover in This Week in Comics: Batman Beyond #29, Justice League Odyssey #6, Old Lady Harley #5, The Silencer #15, as well as the titles listed above.
- Additional releases from DC Comics: Action Comics #1008, Freedom Fighters #3, Martian Manhunter #3, Shazam #3, Sideways #13, The Terrifics #13, and Wonder Woman #65.
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman: Shadow of the Bat Vol. 4 – Following the events of “Knightfall,” Batman returns to Gotham City to take back the streets. First, a string of seemingly random kidnappings leads Batman to one person: The Joker. Plus, Anarky makes his return too, but this time he teams up with the Dark Knight to take on a new foe who has prophesized Gotham City’s end and will do anything to make sure it happens! Collects Batman: Shadow of the Bat #32-42.
