This is a very important week! Yes, it is the week in which Detective Comics #1000 releases, but it’s also important for a reason that is personal for all of us here at Batman-News. This week, we say goodbye to one of our original team members… Elena.
Back in 2014, Andrew Asberry was a machine, single-handedly running the comics division of Batman News, until he decided he needed some rest. Like our own, personal Zordon, he gathered a group of Bat-fans-with-attitude to take over the comic section, and when our team was first announced, I was just excited that there was a female on the team. Little did I know that I would come to view and understand comics from a completely different perspective over time because of her.
Elena came to the site saying “There’s enough Batman for everyone,” and as someone who has read every issue of Batman ever published, she was clearly speaking from experience. She also came to the site hoping her “little feet would fill the shoes of a review giant.” After covering such a diverse range of books over the past five years, I think it’s fair to say that she’s proven that there is enough Batman for everyone, and she did, in fact, fill those shoes!
I’m sad to see her go, and as much as I’ll miss her contributions to the site, I’m going to miss her presence in our email chains more than anything. None of us contain the understated whit or wicked sense of humor that Elena has. She’s one of a kind, and Batman-News won’t be the same without her. Maybe we’ll be able to steal her for some special posts in the future. Only time will tell. But for now, we get to send her off with what seems to be the most appropriate and epic send-off one could have…. Covering Detective Comics #1000!
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 27th
TAKE MY MONEY
Detective Comics #1000
After 80 years, it’s here-the 1,000th issue of DETECTIVE COMICS, the title that literally defines DC! This 96-page issue is stacked with an unbelievable lineup of talent that will take you on a journey through Batman’s past, present and future…plus a sensational epilogue that features the first-ever DC Universe appearance of the deadly Arkham Knight! But who is under the mask? And why do they want Batman dead? The incredible future of Batman adventures begins here!
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Paul Dini, Warren Ellis, Geoff Johns, Tom King, and More…
Pencils and Inks by Neal Adams, Greg Capullo, Becky Cloonan, Amanda Conner, Tony Salvador Daniel, and More…
Colored by Brad Anderson, David Baron, Jordie Bellaire, Elizabeth Breitweiser, Mikel Janin, and More…
Cover by Jim Lee, Alex Sinclair, and Scott Williams
Josh’s Stance: TAKE! MY! MONEY!!!
Batman News Critic: Elena
INTRIGUED
Batgirl #33
It’s Election Day in Gotham City and Barbara Gordon is running ragged on both ends as she tries to balance campaigning for her new boss with keeping the peace as a superhero. Could the sudden appearance of her murderous brother, James Jr., push her over the edge?
Written by Mairghread Scott
Pencils and Inks by Elena Casagrande
Colored by John Kalisz
Cover by Mick Gray, Emanuela Lupacchino, and Dave McCaig
Josh’s Stance: More than anything, I’m curious to see if the depiction of James is consistent here with his depiction in The Batman Who Laughs. Otherwise, Batgirl has been a pretty entertaining and good book.
Batman News Critic: Dan
Heroes in Crisis #7
The Trinity may have uncovered the true killer responsible for the deaths at Sanctuary, but the artificial intelligence that ran the institution is the one thing standing between them and the culprit. Now Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman must face off with their own creation-and face the consequences for what they created. Also, as the truth is uncovered, Booster and Harley go from being enemies to allies.
Written by Tom King
Pencils and Inks by Jorge Fornes, Clay Mann, and Travis Moore
Colored by Tomeu Morey
Cover by Mitch Gerads, Clay Mann, and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: We only have three issues (including this one) to get into the story and resolve the story. I’m not going to lie, I can’t see King delivering a satisfying story within these issues, but I’m going to remain optimistic and hope for the best…
Batman News Critic: Josh
NOTES:
- Books we’ll cover in This Week in Comics: Batman Beyond #30, Justice League Odyssey #7, and The Silencer #15, as well as the titles listed above.
- Additional releases from DC Comics: Action Comics #1009, Books of Magic #6, Dial H for Hero #1, The Flash #67, Freedom Fighters #4, Goddess Mode #4, Hex Wives #6, Looney Tunes #248, Martian Manhunter #4, Scooby-Doo Team-Up #47, Shazam #4, The Terrifics #14, and Wonder Woman #67.
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batgirl: The Bonze Age Omnibus Vol. 2 – These hard-to-find 1970s tales featuring Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl, are now recut and collected in their entirety! In these stories, Batgirl teams up with heroes including Robin and Red Tornado, and faces villains including Killer Moth, the Cavalier and Madame Zodiac. Collects stories from BATMAN FAMILY #12-20 and DETECTIVE COMICS #481-499, 501-502, 505-506, 508-510 and 512-519.
Harley Quinn Vol. 2: Harley Destroys the Universe – Harley Quinn has a tough road ahead: travel through time and space to fix all the continuity errors she’s created in her many misadventures. Luckily, she’ll have help, because riding shotgun is none other than special guest star Jonni DC, Continuity Cop! Good thing, too, because if Harley fails, it means her own mom will be lost forever. Hey, that sounds more painful than funny! Learn more in these tales from HARLEY QUINN #50-54.
