I didn’t even go to SDCC, and I still don’t even know what day it is! Seriously though, my schedule has been insane and I’m looking forward to having a day off… Which just happens to be new comic book day! So, I plan on being lazy and reading tons and tons of comics.
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.
JULY 24th
TAKE MY MONEY
Batman: Curse of the White Knight #1
In this explosive sequel to the critically acclaimed blockbuster BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT from writer/artist Sean Murphy, The Joker recruits Azrael to help him expose a shocking secret from the Wayne family’s legacy—and to run Gotham City into the ground! As Batman rushes to protect the city and his loved ones from danger, the mystery of his ancestry unravels, dealing a devastating blow to the Dark Knight. Exciting new villains and unexpected allies will clash in this unforgettable chapter of the White Knight saga—and the truth about the blood they shed will shake Gotham to its core!
Written by Sean Murphy
Pencils and Inks by Sean Murphy
Colored by Matt Hollingsworth
Cover by Matt Hollingsworth and Sean Murphy
Josh’s Stance: I was a huge fan of White Knight, so I’m definitely looking forward to what Sean has in store for us here! We already know that art will be incredible, but I’m anxious (in a good way) to discover what story he’s going to tell!
Batman-News Critic: Brian
Detective Comics #1008
The Joker returns to Gotham City! The Joker is through working with the Legion of Doom, and he wants to get back to his roots: giving Batman absolute hell! The Clown Prince of Crime comes back with a bang—and he’s not about to take prisoners!
As if that weren’t enough, Lex Luthor delivers the cure for Mr. Freeze’s beloved wife, Nora, freeing her from cryo-stasis at last! But something else is very, very wrong with Nora…
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: Tomasi, Batman, and Joker… Hell yeah!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
MIXED
Batgirl #37
Eager to prove himself as a guardian for the criminals of Gotham City, Killer Moth has set his sights on taking out one of Gotham’s finest heroes…Batgirl! Does this insect menace really stand a chance against Batman’s smartest ally? Meanwhile, after their daring escape, the Terrible Trio is on the hunt for new ways to cause trouble for Batgirl. Little do they know, Lex Luthor has already beat them to it and is about to bring Batgirl’s worst possible nightmare to life! Oracle is back online. And she’s angry.
Written by Cecil Castellucci
Pencils by Carmine Di Giandomenico and Paul Pelletier
Inks by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colored by Jordie Bellaire
Cover by Jean-Francois Beaulieu, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Cam Smith
Josh’s Stance: Let’s just say that I’m curious. When I think of Castellucci, I think of Female Furies… And that is not a good thing. I am open though, so we’ll see how it goes.
Batman-News Critic: Josh
NOTES:
- Titles we’ll cover in This Week in Comics: Batman Beyond #34 and Justice League Dark #13, as well as the titles listed above.
- Additional releases from DC Comics: Action Comics #1013, Books of Magic #10, Dial H for Hero #5, The Flash #75, Freedom Fighters #7, Looney Tunes #250, Martian Manhunter #7, The Terrifics #18, and Wonder Woman #75.
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman Beyond Vol. 5: The Final Joke – The dedication of a new building commemorating a special Wayne family event brings out all of Neo-Gotham’s familiar faces, including one who was not on the guest list. The Joker makes his return to Neo-Gotham, and no one is safe! Will he strike at Batman, Robin, Commissioner Barbara Gordon or the original Caped Crusader, 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. Collects issues #25-30 and behind-the-scenes content!
