First things first, I just wanted to provide a huge apology to everyone that frequents the site concerning my tardiness as of late. Without going into too much detail, my life was completely uprooted, so I’ve been in the process of moving, while also traveling for my day job and working ungodly hours. Things are somewhat returning to normal now, so I appreciate everyone for their patience with me.
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 20th
INTRIGUED
Batman: White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn #1
The Joker is dead, Bruce Wayne is behind bars…and Gotham City is just starting to redefine itself without Batman.
As Harley Quinn struggles to adjust to her new life as the mother of Jack Napier’s twins, an elusive mastermind called the Producer seizes the moment to assemble a crew of villains-starting with the Starlet, a serial killer who murders Gotham’s golden age film stars in homage to their silver screen roles.
When a recent, gruesome crime scene suggests a connection to The Joker, the GTO, and FBI agent Hector Quimby turn to Harley as the one person with information that could crack the case. With some help from Bruce, Harley agrees to investigate-but to protect her children and her city from a fatal final act, Harley must flirt with madness and confront her own past.
Written by Katana Collins
Pencils and Inks by Matteo Scalera
Colored by Dave Stewart
Cover by Matt Hollingsworth and Sean Murphy
Josh’s Stance: One of the highlights of Sean Murphy’s White Knight universe is easily Harley Quinn. It’s one of the best interpretations I’ve seen of her in years, and it’s a direction that I wish continuity would take with her now that she’s fully separated from the Joker. Because of that, I’m quite excited to see what Murphy has dreamed up, and what Katana Collins and Matteo Scalera deliver!
Batman News Critic:
Nightwing #75
In the wake of “The Joker War,” Nightwing is back-but is he back for good? And does he remember Bea? With the help of Batman, Batgirl, his Teen Titans friends, and even Alfred, Nightwing must decide for himself which path to take. Then, when KGBeast discovers Nightwing is still alive, his street credibility is on the line if he doesn’t go to finish the job he started when he tried to kill Nightwing…and missed! Nightwing better watch his back is he wants to be back for good!
Written by Dan Jurgens
Pencils and Inks by Ronan Cliquet and Travis Moore
Colored by Nick Filardi
Cover by Travis Moore and Alejandro Sanchez
Josh’s Stance: Nightwing is finally back, and that, in and of itself, is exciting! I’m ready for Nightwing to have his own adventures without any amnesia nonsense. I just want some good Dick stories!
Uh… That didn’t come out right…
Batman News Critic: Michael
MIXED
Batman #101
A new day dawns in Gotham and the horrors of “The Joker War” are just being realized. A bold new direction for Batman begins as Bruce Wayne’s circumstances are forever changed. How did the Joker’s rampage affected the citizens of the city? And why does Cole Cash-a.k.a.-Grifter, now work for Lucius Fox?!
Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks by Guillem March
Colored by Tomeu Morey
Cover by Guillem March and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: Now that Tynion isn’t concerned with throwing everything and the kitchen sink at his story due to reasons (originally planned limited run, clean up from King, a desire to get everything out of him at once, etc), I’m curious to see if my opinion of his run changes. Am I expecting much? No. But I’m hoping for the best.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Catwoman #26
In the aftermath of “The Joker War,” Selina Kyle has taken up residence in Alleytown. But when she finds that her old stomping grounds have been taken over by drug-running mobsters, she hatches a plan to take the town back! However, unbeknownst to her, she is being tracked by a terrifying new foe: a hit man in priest’s clothing known only as Father Valley, who carries a bag of bibles around as trophies from each of his victims. Will she be able to loosen the mafia’s stranglehold on her, new hometown or become another victim to Father Valley’s sacred oath?
Written by Ram V
Pencils and Inks by Fernando Blanco
Colored by FCO Plascencia
Cover by Laura Allred and Joelle Jones
Josh’s Stance: After floundering about for a while, the last issue of Catwoman delivered a relatively strong set of stories, and that has me excited for this issue. Also, Ram V hasn’t really been able to make his own mark on the title, and I’m anxious to see what he brings to the table!
Batman News Critic: Michael
Justice League #55
The motley crew of “Doom Metal” sets sail for the cliffs of insanity, captained by Nightwing-or so he thinks! The team fractures, and Detective Chimp reveals the horrible secret wish in his heart. And speaking of hearts, Hawkgirl will stop at nothing to find Martian Manhunter, even if she jeopardizes the League’s mission and their souls. Part three of this five-issue tie-in to Dark Nights: Death Metal features the debut of a villain so huge he dwarfs all hope. Enter the Omega Knight.
Written by Joshua Williamson
Pencils by Robson Rocha
Inks by Daniel Henriques
Colored by Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Cover by Romulo Fajardo, Jr. and Liam Sharp
Josh’s Stance: Williamson’s “Death Metal” crossover has honestly been fun, but I’m just ready to move past all of this. I’m well past my limit for caring, and I just want to get to the new status quo.
Batman News Critic: Nick
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO THANK US”
Dark Knights: Death Metal Robin King #1
With a utility belt filled to the brim with weapons designed to kill every hero in the DCU, Robin King is the most sadistic soldier in the Darkest Knight evil army! Can anyone stop him from laying waste to Earth’s last line of defense? And how did he become one of the Batman Who Laugh’s groblins in the first place? And in the backup story, can the Robins liberate Gotham City from the Darkest Knight’s control?
Written by Tony Patrick and Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils and Inks by Riley Rossmo and Daniel Sampere
Colored by Adriano Lucas and Ivan Plascencia
Cover by Riley Rossmo
Josh’s Stance: Nah, I’m good, bro. Robin King annoys the hell out of me.
Batman News Critic: Nick
Teen Titans #46
With Damian Wayne renouncing his role as Robin and leaving the Teen Titans behind, Jon Kent returns from the future and the Legion of Super-Heroes to ask the remaining Titans some tough questions about his best friend. And when Superboy asks questions-he demands answers.
Written by Robbie Thompson
Pencils by Jesús Merino
Inks by Cam Smith
Colored by Hi-Fi
Cover by Bernard Chang and Marcelo Maiolo
Josh’s Stance: This book is still going? I thought it was cancelled. (No, this isn’t me being snarky. I literally thought that the final issue was last month’s issue.
Batman News Critic: Matina
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH
Batman Vol. 1: Their Dark Designs – It’s a new day in Gotham City, and it’s anything but the same old Batman. With Bane vanquished and one of his longtime allies gone, Batman has to pick up the pieces and step up his game. He has a new plan for Gotham City, and he’s not the only one. Deathstroke has returned as well-and that’s just the start of a conspiracy that will rock Batman’s world. Who is the mysterious master criminal known as the Designer, and what dark secret do they share with The Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and…Catwoman? And what do their machinations mean for Gotham? Plus, meet Punchline-The Joker’s new partner in chaos! Collects Batman #86-94.
