The big book for the week is Batman #100! Will people be talking about it? Of course they will! The real question is whether or not the bizz behind the issue will be positive or negative… What are you expecting? Something great, or will you be let down?
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.
OCTOBER 6th
TAKE MY MONEY
DCeased Dead Planet #4
Time is running out for the Justice League to unlock the Anti-Life cure as they face a deadly new threat on Earth-in addition to the billions of the undead! Their final desperate attempt at finding the cure will take them off-planet for the greatest heist in the history of New Genesis!
Written by Tom Taylor
Pencils by Trevor Hairsine
Inks by Gigi Baldassini
Colored by Rain Beredo
Cover by Rain Beredo and David Finch
Josh’s Stance: I mean, if you’re not reading DCeased, then why not? Do you have something against good books? I’m kidding, clearly, but Taylor and Hairsine have consistently delivered a fun, entertaining romp that keeps you on your toes and pulls at your heartstrings at the same time.
Batman News Critic: Casper
INTRIGUED
Justice League #54
“Doom Metal” part two of five storms the stage in this essential Dark Nights: Death Metal tie-in! It’s the Titans reunion you’ve been clamoring for when Starfire and Cyborg join Nightwing in this twisted Justice League. The team is hell-bent for Brimstone Bay to free the Legion of Doom, but what horrors and desires will the Valley of Starros reveal to them-and who or what is the villain named Mindhunter?
Written by Joshua Williamson
Pencils and Inks by Xermanico
Colored by Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Cover by Liam Sharp and Dave Stewart
Josh’s Stance: You know, I wasnt expecting much from this tie-in, but I thought the first issue was rather enjoyable. I love the focus on Dick and the push to present him as a capable, standalone character again. I’m in for this chapter. I’d even say this could be better than the main Death Metal title.
Batman News Critic: Nick
MIXED
Batman #100
“The Joker War” comes to a city-shattering conclusion as Batman battles The Joker in a brutal, no-holds-barred duel! This is a fight 80 years in the making, and its outcome won’t just change Batman’s life-it will change Gotham City for years to come! Plus, catch the first glimpse of the new villain known as Ghost-Maker! And after the senses-shattering conclusion of “The Joker War” come a pair of short stories that will chart what’s to come in Gotham City and Batman. Don’t miss the first showdown between Batman and Clownhunter!
Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Jorge Jimenez, Guillem March, and Carlo Pagulayan
Colored by Tomeu Morey
Cover by Jorge Jimenez and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: I’ll just say that I’m hoping for the best, but I dont expect much. I hope I’m proven wrong…
Batman News Critic: Josh
NO!
Young Justice #19
Wonder Girl calls Young Justice together to help her with a family problem. Seems the pantheon of Greek gods is having a hard time with some of Cassie’s choices. She’s taking a stand to change rules as old as the heavens! And she is going to need her team by her side to do it.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker
Pencils and Inks by Scott Godlewski
Colored by Gabe Eltaeb
Cover by Gabe Eltaeb and John Timms
Josh’s Stance: I stopped reading Young Justice well before it was announced that it was ending. Now I just have to wonder if there’s even a point in reading it.
Batman News Critic:
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman Adventures: Nightwing Rising – Witness the birth of Nightwing in these all-ages tales set in the beloved Batman animated world! Dick Grayson has been incredible at playing Batman’s sidekick-but when Robin decides to leave Batman and fight crime on his own, what does that mean for Gotham City? And as one Robin moves on, another starts his journey-Tim Drake! Also featuring The Joker, Two-Face, and Batgirl. Collects The Batman Adventures: The Lost Years #1-5 and Batman: Gotham Adventures #1.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight the Deluxe Edition – These are the unforgettable tales that pit the Dark Knight against Jack the Ripper and a death-dealer from the skies over Gotham City! The classic Elseworlds tales Batman: Gotham by Gaslight and Batman: Master of the Future are collected in a new, deluxe edition, also including Convergence: Shazam! #1-2 and Countdown Presents: The Search for Ray Palmer: Gotham by Gaslight #1.
Super Sons: Escape to Landis – Finishing the thrilling adventure that began in The PolarShield Project, a mysterious new foe plans to release a deadly virus, launching the sons of the world’s two greatest superheroes on their biggest mission yet!
With the news of the Four Fingers taking refuge in the land of Landis, Batkid, Superboy, and Tilly begin their journey to stop the deadly virus from being unleashed onto the world. Meanwhile, Candace has found her way to Landis and is taken underground to a group of people who still believe her to be the true queen of Landis. Our team is reunited in an action-packed adventure through the desert of Landis, an unknown territory filled with unknown dangers!
New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson (Kingdom Keepers) and artist Ile Gonzalez bring the epic conclusion to a story three books in the making. Don’t miss the Super Sons of Superman and Batman as they spring into action on what might be their final mission!
