Last week we introduced our new team. This week some of them take on their first review after getting their toes wet with This Week in Comics. And you know what comes with additional reviewers? Full coverage of more books!
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.
AUGUST 14TH
TAKE MY MONEY
Batman: Universe #2
The quest for the secret of the stolen Fabergé egg and its buyer continues as Batman teams up with Green Arrow against the Riddler, then travels to Gorilla City. But is the egg’s strange energy adversely affecting the Dark Knight’s mind? These stories were originally published in BATMAN GIANT #5 and 6.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils and Inks by Nick Derington
Colored by Dave Stewart
Cover by Nick Derington
Josh’s Stance: After the stellar debut that Bendis and Derington delivered in the first chapter of Batman: Universe, you better believe that I’m that I’m excited and ready for this chapter!
Batman-News Critic: Jay
INTRIGUED
Event Leviathan #3
From the award-winning team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev, it’s DC’s biggest whodunit in years! The world’s greatest detectives—Batman, Green Arrow, Lois Lane, Plastic Man, the Question and Martian Manhunter—have gathered to solve the mystery behind the true identity of Leviathan’s leaders and the destruction of the world’s top intelligence agencies! Red Hood is their leading suspect—and he is on the loose! Plus, the Silencer takes her shot! This mystery will unleash a new evil on the DC Universe!
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Alex Maleev
Cover by Alex Maleev
Josh’s Stance: Last month’s issue made up for a relatively rough start for the proper Event Leviathan series. Bendis is really pushing the idea that Jason Todd is Leviathan, but I dont think that’s the case. I am curious to find out who it is though, and I’m also excited to see more of the roster featured in this book (The Question, Manhunter, Plastic Man, and, of course, Batman).
Batman-News Critic: Brian
Detective Comics #1008
“Take Your Shot” begins! Deadshot has returned to Gotham City following a long stint with the Suicide Squad, and Batman fears that without the oversight of AmandaWaller, Floyd Lawton will go back to his old ways. Meanwhile, after taking Lex Luthor’s offer, Mr. Freeze begins taking action to get exactly what he wants and killing anyone who stands in his way.
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils and Inks by Christian Duce
Colored by Luis Guerrero
Cover by David Baron, Doug Mahnke, and Jaime Mendoza
Josh’s Stance: I’m still hesitant when it comes to all of this Year of the Villain stuff, but I trust Tomasi. Plus it’s Mr. Freeze. I’m always down for a solid story featuring Mr. Freeze.
Batman-News Critic: Jay
MIXED
Batman & the Outsiders #4
At last—the Outsiders take off on their mission to rescue Sofia from none other than Ra’s al Ghul! But Ra’s has other ideas for the quartet, and with the aid of Lex Luthor’s mysterious gift, they are playing right into his hand.
Written by Bryan Edward Hill
Pencils and Inks by Dexter Soy
Colored by Veronica Gandini
Cover by Tyler Kirkham and Arif Prianto
Josh’s Stance: After Hill’s use of Ra’s last month, I’m excited to see more of him. That being said, the delays and derailments cause by Year of the Villain have negatively impacted the title, and I really just want to move past it to focus on the core team.
Batman-News Critic: Josh
Catwoman #14
A secret file out-lining the ins and outs of the criminal underworld of Villa Hermosa is on the streets, and every crook is after it. Whoever possesses this info can control everything, and some of the town’s hoods are even bringing in outside agents like Lock-Up and Gentleman Ghost to act as their champions—which, let’s face it, you’re going to need if you’re going to try to outsmart Catwoman. Making things even more dangerous for Selina Kyle, there is also a price on her head. If you can capture the database and kill the Catwoman, the payoff is double!
Written by Ram V
Pencils and Inks by Mirka Andolfo
Colored by Arif Prianto
Cover by Joelle Jones
Josh’s Stance: We have a new writer and a new artist for this issue, so I honestly have no idea what to expect. I guess we’ll find out on Wednesday…
Batman-News Critic: Michael
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Justice League Odyssey #12
The new reign of Darkseid begins in the Ghost Sector! With the death of the New Gods, he plans to use the Sepulkore to rebuild a new army, but even the great Darkseid couldn’t enslave and control the Ghost Sector alone. He’ll require the help of the New Gods’ newest heralds: Cyborg, Starfire and Azrael!
Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils by Will Conrad
Inks by Juan Albarran and Will Conrad
Colored by Rainier Beredo
Cover by Juan Albarran, Will Conrad, Ivan Nunes, Ivan Plascencia, and Daniel Sampere
Josh’s Stance: Dan Abnett is trying really hard to make up for the convoluted mess that Joshua Williamson created, but despite his efforts, it’s still hard for me to care about this book. I have faith he can turn it around, but I seriously have to wonder if it’s too late for that.
Batman-News Critic: Nancy
Additional Releases from DC Comics: Collapser #2, The Flash #76, Hawkman #15, House of Whispers #12, Titans: Burning Rage #1, and Wonder Woman #76.
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Absolute Dark Knight New Edition – Now back in print once more, this Absolute edition features an extended sketch section from THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN with commentary by Frank Miller, a look at the plot and pencils from the legendary finale to THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, an introduction by Miller, cover and slipcase art by Miller and more!
Ten years after an aging Batman retired, Gotham City has sunk deeper into decadence and lawlessness. Now, when his city needs him most, the Dark Knight returns in a blaze of glory. This Absolute edition collects THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS #1-4 and THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN #1-3.
The Joker: The Bronze Age Omnibus – The Joker’s greatest tales from the 1970s are collected in one massive hardcover featuring appearances by Batman, Robin, Catwoman and many more! This amazing collection includes the never-before-published The Joker #10! Collects Batman #251, 260, 286, 291-294, 321, 353, 365-366, 400; The Brave and The Bold #111, 118, 129-130, 141, 191; The Joker #1-10, Detective Comics #475-476, 504, 526, 532, Wonder Woman #280-283, DC Comics Presents #41 and 72 and more!
Suicide Squad Vol. 8: Constriction – Deadshot’s daughter has been kidnapped by Kobra, a group of mutant snake assassins! Amanda Waller uses all her resources to stop his escape, but he won’t allow anything to stand in the way of saving his daughter-not even his Task Force X teammates! Collects issues #41-44, #47-50 and ANNUAL #1.
