Welcome back to Upcoming Comics! Merry Christmas!!!
…So, I have some news.
You guys remember the website “Gotham Spoilers”?
I do. In fact, it’s what helped get me into comics at the beginning of the New 52 – and eventually led me to Batman News. Gotham Spoilers was a brilliant website that covered much of what we do here: ran entirely by one person, who I only knew as FHIZ. I found FHIZ to be a consistent and reliable source of opinions and information; he didn’t just make me want to read the books he was covering, but want to go to my local comic store and buy them for my collection. That collection has grown significantly since those days.
Eventually, though, FHIZ had to hang up the cowl. It bothers me greatly that Gotham Spoilers is now a deactivated website – some archives exist, but it feels to me like a lost piece of my history. The panel for this Upcoming Comics thumbnail is what he posted for his final article – and in homage, it’s what I’m posting for mine.
For those who want more information as to why I’m stepping away from Batman News, I’d advise you read my review for Dark Crisis #7. It’s nothing particularly dramatic: I don’t think DC is ruined beyond belief, nor have I lost my passion for commentary. But I’ve spent three years covering this stuff week to week – and I think right now, I want to enjoy comics as a fan, rather than a critic. Hopefully, if things go well, I’ll soon be a creator too.
Now, to be clear: It’s not a complete exit! For one, I still have two more reviews left. Riddler: Year One has a couple more issues (and if I’m honest, there are some other articles I promised myself I’d write). I’ll be posting those reviews, and maybe you’ll see me posting something else now and then. I’ll also be helping out in the transitional period between me and our new Upcoming Comics writer: Matina!
Matina was personally recommended by me for this position. I’ve spent a lot of time talking to Matina – sometimes through work, but mostly through Elden Ring. Through all that time, she has proven to be a fair, insightful and engaging commentator – one who can cultivate a safe space for people to like whatever they like, while still giving her own input on things. I can’t think of a more perfect fit for Upcoming Comics; I sincerely believe you’ll feel the same. Best of luck, Matina! (Especially with navigating Amazon’s solicits.)
Ever since Andrew gave me this role from Josh, I have felt uniquely lucky. These two – brilliant writers and friends in their own right – felt, for some reason, that I deserved the responsibility of this column. I have a lot to thank them for, along with my other coworkers: motherfucking superstars, all.
But as I leave Batman News, I really want to thank you. I want to thank the people reading this, who gave me a chance through all the bumps and learning curves that came with this role. Thank you for accepting me, and letting me be myself.
I’ll miss this.
Now, let’s see what we have for this week:
Upcoming Comics
Detective Comics #1067
Mr. Freeze encounters an Azmer, one of the demonic beings terrorizing Gotham’s villainous underground network, and then Mr. Freeze makes an offer to the Dark Detective that he cannot refuse. Then, the Orgham’s werewolf protector gives Two-Face one more chance to tell him who Batman is. In the backup story, take a stroll inside Two-Face and Harvey Dent’s mind as they try to have a secret conversation outside the listening ears of a mysterious shadow stalking them in this headspace…
Written by Ram V and Simon Spurrier
Pencils by Ivan Reis and Hayden Sherman
Inks by Hayden Sherman and Danny Miki
Colours by Dave Stewart and Nick Filardi
Cover Art by Evan Cagle
Thoughts: If I keep writing articles for this website, it’ll be about content like this. Interviewing Ram V about his Tec story was incredibly fulfilling, and I hope to grow in my interviewing skills throughout 2023!
Batman News Critic: Matina
The Riddler: Year One #2
Writer Paul Dano continues the origin tale of the character he portrayed in Matt Reeves’s The Batman. As brilliant forensic accountant Edward Nashton follows the trail of illegal payments and front companies, holding on to his own sanity becomes ever more challenging. Disturbing childhood memories that include an obsession with Thomas Wayne threaten to derail him. Meanwhile, his investigation focuses on a low-level human cog in the crime machine, which leads him to a shocking conclusion that may put his own life at risk.
Written by Paul Dano
Art by Stevan Subic
Cover Art by Bill Sienkiewicz
Thoughts: Loved the first issue. I understand it was a little basic, but it created an excellent and moody foundation for a comic that felt like it fit within the world of The Batman.
Batman News Critic: Myself
Tales from Earth-6: A Celebration of Stan Lee #1
Over 20 years ago, Stan Lee reimagined the entire DC Universe. A criminal turned nocturnal warrior for justice, a champion from the Brazilian Amazon, an intergalactic lawman, and more sprang to existence from Stan’s mind with the help of Michael Uslan. To celebrate the legendary comic book icon’s 100th birthday, dive into 10 new adventures featuring his version of the DC Universe! Batman faces down a villainous new threat, the Choker! Green Lantern digs deep when Nekron arrives to consume the World Tree! The Justice League teams up with a familiar face in order to save the day! Shazam ventures into a top-secret facility to face off against a mind-blowing (and brain-burgling) enemy! The Flash uses her time-bending speed abilities to attempt to reverse the tragedies of her past, but may rob herself of her powers in the process! Chaos ensues when Wonder Woman becomes the editor of the National Exposer!
Written by Michael Uslan, Mark Waid, Becky Cloonan and Michael Conrad
Pencils by Lee Weeks, Pablo M. Collar, Juan E. Ferreyra and Karl Mostert
Inks by Lee Weeks, Pablo M. Collar, Juan E. Ferreyra, Karl Mostert, Hayden Sherman, Belén Ortega, Jerry Ordway, Mark Morales, Max Dunbar and Kevin Maguire
Colours by Juan E. Ferreyra, Romulo Fajardo, Jordie Bellaire, Dave Stewart, Dee Cunniffe, Nick Filardi, Sebastian Cheng, Glenn Whitmore and Trish Mulvihill
Cover Art by Jim Cheung and Jay David Ramos
Thoughts: Reaching across the aisle to pay respects to one of the industry’s greatest legends is a classy move, and I’m glad DC is doing it. Rest in peace, Stan Lee – I saw his forehead from a distance once. True story!
Batman News Critic: Jeremy
Tim Drake: Robin #4
Bernard has been kidnapped and only one person can save him: his boyfriend, Tim Drake! Plus, the Gotham Marina continues to be the target of both political unrest and a string of bizarre crimes. With every part of Tim’s life seemingly ready to explode, can the young sleuth crack the case of his abducted admirer before it’s too late?
Written by Meghan Fitzmartin
Pencils and Inks by Riley Rossmo
Colours by Lee Loughridge
Cover Art by Ricardo López Ortiz
Batman News Critic: Jeremy
Punchline: The Gotham Game #3
PUBLIC ENEMY number one! Punchline crossed a dangerous line at ACE Chemicals, and crossed Batman in the process. Now every masked vigilante and officer of the law is after Punchline, but this is exactly what she wants. What’s the point of being a public enemy if you’re not going to be public enemy number one? But the scariest person in the Gotham world isn’t the Bat…it’s the Cat. Catwoman will hunt Punchline and make her pay.
Written by Tini Howard and Blake M. Howard
Pencils and Inks by Gleb Melnikov and Max Raynor
Colours by Luis Guerrero
Cover Art by Gleb Melnikov and Vasco Georgiev
Thoughts: Oh, I certainly won’t miss Punchline, I can tell you that much.
Batman News Critic: Aaron
Harley Quinn #25
There can be only one Harley Quinn…or, ya know, maybe like 100? The Multiverse is a strange place. Old Lady Harley, Harley Who Laughs, Harley who joined a bowling league in Indiana for the free chicken wings…we’ve got the whole gang together and we’re ready to put the fun in this Multiversal murder mystery, and maybe also cause more murder with a side of mayhem. Join the team for an epic 25th issue of Harley Quinn!
Written by Stephanie Phillips
Pencils and Inks by Matteo Lolli and David Baldeon
Colours by Rain Beredo
Cover Art by Matteo Lolli and Jonboy Meyers
Thoughts: I know comics are stupid, but the Harley Who Laughs really broke me in the worst possible way.
Batman News Critic: Theresa
Batman: The Audio Adventures #4
It’s a chase through the sewers of Gotham as Batman races to catch Killer Croc, still delusional, and the mighty sword of King Scimitar! Can the Dark Knight retrieve the fabled blade, or will Croc make his escape into the city’s underworld? Meanwhile, Robin is interrogated by the villainous Penguin!
Written by Dennis McNicholas
Pencils by Anthony Marques and J. Bone
Inks by J. Bone
Colours by Dave Stewart
Cover Art by Dave Johnson
Batman News Critic: Aaron
DC vs. Vampires #12
The cataclysmic final issue of the bestselling series will end with a bang and a whimper! Green Arrow will lead humanity’s final charge from the blood mines of Smallville. Supergirl’s mission to get off-world comes to an explosive end. And it’s Batgirl versus Nightwing for the fate of the entire planet-the stakes couldn’t be higher as the future of humankind is on the line!
Written by James Tynion and Matthew Rosenberg
Pencils by Otto Schmidt
Inks by Otto Schmidt and Francesco Mortarino
Colours by Otto Schmidt and Pierluigi Casolino
Cover Art by Otto Schmidt and Guillem March
Thoughts: A thoroughly entertaining series – glad I was here for its full run!
Batman News Critic: Aaron
Batman: Beyond the White Knight #7
After a freak accident, Derek Powers has been transformed into the super-villain Blight! With his metahuman abilities, he’s more powerful than ever and it’s only a matter of time before Gotham becomes his forever. The Wayne family’s reign is over unless the heir to the name, Bruce, and his found family of heroes can figure out a way to take Powers down. Find out what’s next for Neo-Gotham in this thrilling penultimate issue!
Written by Sean Gordon Murphy
Pencils and Inks by Sean Gordon Murphy
Colours by Dave Stewart
Thoughts: I’ve never liked White Knight much, but Murphy’s character designs are and always have been beyond god-like. Lovely person face-to-face, too!!!
Batman News Critic: Theresa
Batman: Gotham Knights – Gilded City #3
Written by Evan Narcisse
Pencils and Inks by ABEL
Colours by John Rauch
Cover Art by Yanick Paquette, Nathan Fairbairn, Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion and Dave McCaig
Batman News Critic: Cam
DC: Mech #6
AN ALL-OUT WAR ON ANTI-LIFE! The Justice Squadron and Darkseid’s forces go head-to-head in the last stand for Earth’s safety! The Squadron has brand-new mechs with Nth metal frames, but will it be enough to stop the wrath of Darkseid’s best generals? And will Batman be able to stop Superman before he takes his revenge on the tyrant who destroyed Krypton? An intergalactic war 80 years in the making ends here!
Written by Kenny Porter
Pencils and Inks by Baldemar Rivas
Colours by Mike Spicer
Thoughts: I adore the scale on this cover – and I’m so glad DC has been willing to do weird, unique books like this lately! Definitely one of their saving graces.
Batman News Critic: Aaron
Beyond the Bat
Welcome to Beyond the Bat! Here you can see everything else that DC is releasing this week, beyond the scope of the books we cover on the website. My recommendation this week? Please check out the final issue of The Nice House on the Lake. The more we support horror comics, the more we see them – and this has been a wonderful one!
In addition, I wanted to point out what a commenter was kind enough to highlight in an earlier thread. Blue Beetle is actually seeing a wide release in both English and Spanish editions – so if you’re Spanish, bilingual or want to give a shot at reading a comic in another language, do pick it up! I own a Batman book in French, myself.
Ratings
Most Excited: The Riddler: Year One #2. It’s not The Batman 2, but it’s still damn good!
Least Excited: Punchline: The Gotham Game #3. I’m particularly sad Gleb Melnikov is doing this over more Robin. Why couldn’t you have two Robin books, DC? You have eleven Batman books.
Wild Card: Tales from Earth-6 #1. An anthology can go a lot of ways – I’ve reviewed quite a few here. But if anyone deserves a slew of collaborators paying tribute to their work, it’d surely be Stan Lee. Nice to see this one hitting shelves as I depart.
Well… that’s it for me, I think. Please give a warm, warm welcome to Matina next week! Best wishes, Happy New Year, and – one final time – see you in the reviews.
🦇
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Author’s Twitter: @ObnoxiousFinch
