Did anyone tune in to any of the SDCC at Home panels over the weekend? I did! While there were many aspects that I missed about SDCC – God, help me, I actually missed the mobs of people – I felt that SDCC at Home was a nice attempt to help hold us over until next year. So, thank you to the organizers and participants that made the entire event possible. And, I mean, hey… Now I can say I attended ComicCon without wearing pants. (I guess I could manage this through cosplay, but… yeah.)
You may have noticed a lack of announcements over the weekend. That is because I fully expect that the big two are holding their cards close to their chest. DC is definitely saving their announcements for FanDome, and with Marvel rumored to be organizing their own event, I suspect they’re doing the same. So, if you’re itching for some newness, I suspect we will start hearing some of that in a month or so.
And finally, some of you have asked about the book club. Yes, it is returning. I know we said July originally, but it will be hitting in August. Why are we landing a month later? Well… You’ll see when we get to it, but we believe it is worth the wait. I’ll let you speculate below. Just be on the lookout for an announcement soon pertaining to our first book.
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 28th
TAKE MY MONEY
Suicide Squad #7
Annnnd he’s out! With a pardon in his pocket, Deadshot walks away from the Suicide Squad in hopes of reuniting with his daughter, Zoe, and making things right at last. But you can’t outrun your past when it’s still looking to kill you, and their family reunion quickly takes a turn for the deadly. To whom can Deadshot turn when he’s left behind everyone who once had his back?
Written by Tom Taylor
Pencils by Daniel Sampere
Inks by Juan Albarran
Colored by Adriano Lucas
Cover by Juan Albarran, Adriano Lucas, and Daniel Sampere
Josh’s Stance: I would say that I’m happy to see Deadshot get a happy ending – not that kind of happy ending, this isn’t Tim Seeley’s Money Shot – but I know he’s going to be six-feet-under soon, so… Yeah. Regardless of what DC has spoiled for us, I’m looking forward to the book because it’s been a fun, wild ride so far.
Batman News Critic: Josh
MIXED
Batman/ Superman #10
Devastation in Gotham City! Following the events of a massive explosion in midtown, Batman and Superman pick up the pieces to learn who rigged the Atomic Skull like a bomb…and will they do it again? All will be revealed as the horrific plan of the Ultra-Humanite rains terror down on the lives of the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel!
Written by Joshua Williamson
Pencils and Inks by Clayton Henry
Colored by Alejandro Sanchez
Cover by Clayton Henry and Alejandro Sanchez
Josh’s Stance: Mmm… Batman/ Superman has definitely slipped in quality since the first arc, and it’s now one of those books that seems to be trying to find a purpose for existing. Also, Clayton Henry didn’t do much in the way of making me excited for this story over on the DC panel this weekend, so… Yeah. We’ll see what happens.
Batman News Critic: Casper
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Red Hood: Outlaw #47
The Chamber of All has been excavated by the Untitled in Qurac, which means it’s up to Red Hood, Artemis, Bizarro and Essence to prevent an unspeakable horror from wiping out all of humanity once and for all. Sounds like a tall order for the Outlaws? Don’t worry, they get help from the most unexpected (and misunderstood) super-team of all time: Red Hood and the Outlaws! All this, plus Ma Gunn learns the tragic reason Monsieur Mallah and the Brain want to teach the students of Generation Outlaw.
Written by Scott Lobdell
Pencils and Inks by Paolo Pantalena
Colored by Arif Prianto
Cover by Paolo Pantalena and Arif Prianto
Josh’s Stance: With Lobdell wrapping up his run with issue #50, I have to assume he’s just going to go full “Scott Lobdell” on it. I don’t necessarily think that’s a good thing. He started this title off with an incredible run, and I genuinely hope he finishes it that way as well.
Batman News Critic: Matina
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman: The Deluxe Edition – Book 5
In this new collection, the Penguin waddles into a turf war-and Batman is there to stop the violence. But the Penguin is on Batman’s side for once, and the crime boss sees danger on the horizon. How can he convince the Caped Crusader he’s on the level? Plus, appearances by Professor Pyg, John Constantine, and the boy who wanted to be Bruce Wayne-in the worst way possible! And then, someone is forcing Batman to relive some of his darkest, most traumatizing fears. Collects Batman #58-69.
