We have a light week in terms of coverage this week, so I’m curious to hear what each of you will be picking up. With Detective Comics #1,000 not releasing until the end of the month, I’m definitely going to be missing that book this week… I mean, it is the best Bat book on the stands right now.
In other news, Break from the Bat and Cover Talk will post this week. If you follow me on Twitter, then you know that my dog’s health has had me in the vet multiple times in the past week and a half. My little guy is having surgery today, and then I’m hoping we’ll be good after that. Anyway, now that he’s in the backstretch of his care, my free won’t be spent at the vet’s office.
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.
MARCH 13th
TAKE MY MONEY
The Batman Who Laughs: The Grim Knight #1
Ripped from Batman’s greatest nightmares, the Grim Knight is his world’s most dangerous vigilante, unafraid to use any weapon and go to any lengths to stop those whom he deems worthy of death. Trained with the finest arsenal Wayne money can buy, learn the secret origin of the second-deadliest Batman, hand selected by the Batman Who Laughs to bring his dark plans to fruition. This one-shot has a big 28-page story!
Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Eduardo Risso
Colored by Dave Stewart
Cover by Jock
Josh’s Stance: I’m excited for this! The Grim Knight is a character that I’ve wanted to learn more about, so I’m anxious to dive into his origin. I’m hoping for the best because we got some great one-shots heading into Metal, and there’s no reason we can’t get the same thing here.
Batman-News Critic: Casper
MIXED
Red Hood: Outlaw #32
“Prince of Gotham” part one! After months on the road, Jason Todd has returned to Gotham City! But where the Red Hood once operated as an underground criminal mastermind, Jason Todd is a businessman. Unfortunately for the Penguin, his first order of business is a hostile takeover of the Iceberg Lounge and Casino! A bold new era for Jason Todd begins, and Batman is going to be so pissed off when he finds out about it.
Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencils and Inks by Stephen Segovia
Colored by Rex Lokus
Cover by Cully Hamner and Rex Lokus
Josh’s Stance: Red Hood needs a jolt of charisma and energy. This title started off great, and while it still isn’t bad, it’s just missing something special. Maybe Jason’s return to Gotham will bring the title back to what it used to be.
Batman-News Critic: Brian
NOTES:
- Titles we’ll cover in This Week in Comics: Catwoman #9, Justice League Dark #9, as well as the titles listed above.
- Additional releases from DC Comics: Cover #6, The Flash #66, Hawkman #10, House of Whispers #7, Scooby Apocalypse #35, Supergirl #28, Superman #9, Titans #35, Wonder Twins #2, and Wonder Woman #66.
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman vs Deathstroke – When Batman discovers a mysterious package containing DNA test results proving that he is not Damian Wayne’s biological father, the Dark Knight sets his sights on his son’s true father—Deathstroke! But Damian Wayne can’t really be Slade Wilson’s son—can he? And who sent the package—and why? The ultimate custody battle ensues as the World’s Greatest Detective and the World’s Deadliest Assassin clash in stories from the pages of DEATHSTROKE #30-35.
