The Game of Thrones premiere was last night, and that’s essentially all my social media feeds consisted of. I… Have never seen a single episode. Is that weird? Am I an anomaly? Do I read too many comics? (Trick question. You can never read too many comics!) Anyway, if you’re a GoT fan, I hope you enjoyed the season premiere. I’m certain it will continue to overtake my social media feeds each Sunday for the next few months while I sit in a corner and read comics. (And yes, I’m certain I will watch the series at some point.)
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.
APRIL 17th
MIXED
Justice League #22
The Multiverse is teetering on the brink, and Lex Luthor’s Legion of Doom is poised for victory. But as the combined intellects of Brainiac and the world’s smartest man make their move toward conquering the keys to the sixth dimension, a much bigger power grows on the horizon. At last, the final form of Perpetua takes her shape, and the DCU will never be the same again!
Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Francis Manapul
Cover by Francis Manapul
Josh’s Stance: I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m thinking. I’m sure you’re looking at this and thinking, “Mixed? Dude, it’s Justice League!” And to that, I say, “Yes, it is Justice League… Written by Tynion instead of Snyder, with a cover that boasts, ‘The origin of the multiverse revealed!’” Yeah… I’m already dreading the walls of exposition we’re going to get. *sigh*
Batman-News Critic: Brian
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Batman #69
The Dark Knight is breaking through the bad dreams and coming out the other side. But is he ready for the culprit waiting through the veil of terror? And what lasting effects might this whole ordeal have on Bruce Wayne’s psyche? With artist Yanick Paquette (WONDER WOMAN: EARTH ONE) jumping on board to tackle the art, “Knightmares” comes to a shocking close. This will be the strangest issue yet—a no-holds-barred journey through Bat-man’s psyche via the inner workings of Arkham Asylum, setting up the next big chapter of Tom King’s epic BATMAN tale. Batman’s future starts now!
Written by Tom King
Pencils and Inks by Yanick Paquette
Colored by Nathan Fairbairn
Cover by Nathan Fairbairn and Yanick Paquette
Josh’s Stance: Wait… Batman #68 wasn’t the end of “Knightmares?” Ah, %#@&!
Batman-News Critic: Josh
NO!
Nightwing #59
There’s a new team in town who will have to learn the hard way that fighting injustice doesn’t mean you’re cut out to be a superhero. As the newly formed Nightwings are forced to deal with a fiery threat they never saw coming, reluctant recruit Ric Grayson has to make the choice between a carefree life without capes or answering the call that’s been ringing his entire life—the call to be a hero. Join Ric Grayson and the Nightwings as they learn what it takes to be a team—and what happens when you fight who you truly are.
Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils and Inks by Christopher Mooneyham
Colored by Nick Filardi
Cover by Nick Filardi and Christopher Mooneyham
Josh’s Stance: I’m confident in saying that most of us just want this to end… Sooner rather than later. #DickNotRic
Batman-News Critic: Josh
NOTES:
- Titles we’ll cover in This Week in Comics: Teen Titans #29 as well as the titles listed above.
- Additional releases from DC Comics: American Carnage #6, Aquaman #47, Damage #16, Electric Warriors #6, High Level #3, Lucifer #7, Naomi #4, Pearl #8, and Scooby Doo, Where Are You #98.
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman – Detective Comics: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition – Book 4 – What will Batman do in the wake of Batwoman’s recent violence? And will that drive a wedge between cousins Bruce Wayne and Kate Kane? Then, in the aftermath of the last stand of the Gotham Knights, Batman, Batwoman, Red Robin, Orphan, Azrael, Batwing and company take down a monster they helped create. How will they deal with the physical and psychological ramifications of this epic battle? And who will hang up their capes? This new hardcover collects DETECTIVE COMICS #974-982.
