We’ve got chapter four of “Joker War” hitting stands this week, and all I can think about is, “Man, Three Jokers was pretty solid, wasn’t it? Can’t wait to get my hands on the next issue.” I guess we’ll just have to settle with this for now. Or, we could read DCeased or Justice League.
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.
SEPTEMBER 1st
TAKE MY MONEY
DCeased: Dead Planet #3
A mysterious second “garden” has been located on the other side of the planet, and John Constantine and Swamp Thing lead a mission to investigate…but what they discover will fundamentally change everything! The road to “Earth War” begins!
Written by Tom Taylor
Pencils by Trevor Hairsine
Inks by Gigi Baldassini
Colored by Rain Beredo
Cover by David Finch and Steve Firchow
Josh’s Stance: If there’s anything to be said about DCeased, it’s that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was so eager to all of these magical characters and I honestly should’ve know better…. Plastic Man, man… Plastic Man. Yikes.
Batman News Critic: Casper
INTRIGUED
Justice League #52
“The Garden of Mercy” part two of two! For the first time, the Justice League explores the planet of the Black Mercy’s origin. One flower is enough to incapacitate even the strongest hero, but with an entire planet full of them, the Justice League must steel their minds or else succumb to the withering effects of the great tree at the core. With Batman unable to cope, can Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and Green Lantern survive the horrors of their souls?
Written by Jeff Loveness
Pencils by Robson Rocha
Inks by Daniel Henriques
Colored by Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Cover by Cully Hamner
Josh’s Stance: If you didn’t read part one of “The Garden of Mercy” then you missed out! Loveness did an excellent job in setting up his story, and I wish he had another three or four issues to tell his story as opposed to this one. I’m all for two-parters, I’m just not sure how he can wrap this without making it feel rushed. Regardless, this will most likely be worth your time so grab issue #51 and this one if you didn’t bother checking it out.
Batman News Critic: Nick
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Batman #98
“The Joker War” part four of six! Batman is at his most vulnerable following a massive dose of an experimental new Joker toxin. With the Dark Knight haunted by demons and visions, it’s up to Harley Quinn to protect him while he recovers-because Punchline is on her way!
Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Jorge Jimenez
Colored by Tomeu Morey
Cover by David Finch and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: We’re halfway through the event, and nothing substantial has happened. That might be hard to understand because, yes, there are a number of things going on, but nothing has actually happened in terms of the plot. One of team members said this in a conversation, and I have to agree with him. “It feels like Tynion is more intent on selling action figures than telling a good story.” And to be clear, this was said before Tynion tweeted about wanting to see Punchline, Clownhunter, and all of his other creations as action figures so he could play with them…
Anyway, “Joker War” is not my cup of tea. I don’t want to take away from anyone who is liking it, it just isn’t connecting with me.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Young Justice #18
At last, the coolest couple in the DCU gets the spotlight! Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown have sacrificed so much. For each other. For their families. For Young Justice. Now, Tim and Stephanie must take control of their destinies as Young Justice gathers together to help overcome their criminal pasts!
Written by Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker
Pencils and Inks by Scott Godlewski and Michael Avon Oeming
Colored by Gabe Eltaeb
Cover by Gabe Eltaeb and John Timms
Josh’s Stance: I haven’t read Young Justice for a minute now because it really hasn’t had much of a purpose, and now that we know it’s getting canceled, I don’t see much of a point. I might dive into this issue since it is Tim and Steph though. (Also, Drake is still a stupid name.)
Batman News Critic: Matina
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH
DC Super Hero Girls: Midterms – Who comes out on top when Bumblebee, a journalist, and a super-villain get in a fight? Find out when Karen Beecher and Lois Lane face off in a battle of wits with… Harleen Quinzel?!
Three students top the leaderboard at Metropolis High, and the upcoming midterms will determine who’s the best in class. But each girl must first face challenges from their real lives!
