In October, DC is fully invested, and rightly so, in celebrating Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary. To celebrate that, they are releasing a ton of special editions, new series, and an 100-page one-shot. That month also sees DC double down on Batman, as they tend to do all the time. Before I even got to the non-Bat/WW books in the DC solicits, I had ten items to talk about.
So, this is actually two lists; one list is of the ten best Batman and/or Wonder Woman titles, and the other is made up of ten non-Batman/WW books (though, technically, one of them features both). Let’s not waste anymore time, let’s jump right in.
Almost everything about this solicit is a lie.
So, HBO Max is going to produce a podcast called “Batman: The Audio Adventures,” which will come out in 2022. And yet, this tie-in ‘prequel,’ lists the podcast as a ‘hit.’ I mean, I doubt a Batman podcast produced by HBO would totally shit the bed, but it seems presumptuous to call it a hit six months before it gets released.
But the weirdest part isn’t lying about its hit status, it is the description of the show itself is hyper specific about characters that come from the podcast showing up here as a selling point. Again, this show does not exist yet. This feels like a solicit written when there was a different timeframe for the podcast and never updated to reflect the new change.
BATMAN: THE AUDIO ADVENTURES SPECIAL
Story by DENNIS MCNICHOLAS, BOBBY MOYNIHAN, HEIDI GARDNER, PAUL SCHEER, and MORE
Art by LEONARDO ROMERO, JUNI BA, and MORE
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
$9.99 US | 80 PAGES | ONE-SHOT | PRESTIGE FORMAT
Variant by Tom Haskard
Open Order variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
$10.99 US (Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/12/21Ah, you hear that beautiful racket? That’s the music of Gotham City—the largest city in the world, the big gargoyle, the treasure of the night—anyone who calls it a crime-infested hellhole is dead wrong. No way hell has such great pierogies. So join us here (hear?) as we bring you the stories behind the stories behind the hit HBO Max scripted original podcast with this sensational prequel one-shot, written by the very creators and talent who lent their voices to the show.
And unless you’ve been living in a cave, you know that after years of rumors we find out not only is the Batman real, not only is he one of the good guys, turns out, he’s gonna be a cop! With special appearances by King Scimitar, Stoveplate Sullivan, Billy Wristwatch, and others directly from the podcast, this oversize special brings you deeper into the mysteries behind Batman: The Audio Adventures!
9. A gritty Batman? They’re allowed to do that?
Continuing with the push to make the upcoming The Batman more integrated into the comics while not submitting to a status quo shift in the monthly titles, “Batman: The Imposter” #1 is the latest dark and dirty take on the character. The good news is that 150 pages of Andrea Sorrentino artwork across three prestige format issues is a blessing in our lives. The bad news is that none of these darker takes on Batman are ever very interesting. The character is based around a small boy watching his parents gunned down and never learning to truly trust or love again. That’s fucking dark enough.
Continued belowBATMAN: THE IMPOSTER #1
Story by MATTSON TOMLIN
Art and cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
$5.99 US | 48 PAGES | 1 of 3 | PRESTIGE
Variant cover by LEE BERMEJO
1:25 variant cover by KAARE ANDREWS
17+
ON SALE 10/12/21Bruce Wayne’s mission as the Batman has only been underway for a year or so, but he can tell he’s making a difference. Unfortunately, he’s made some powerful enemies. All the traditional power brokers of Gotham resent the disruption the Batman has brought to town…and it seems one of them has a plan to neutralize him. There’s a second Batman haunting Gotham’s rooftops and alleys—and this one has no qualms about murdering criminals, live and on tape. With the entire might of the Gotham City Police Department and Gotham’s rich and powerful coming down on his head, Batman must find this imposter and somehow clear his name…but how can you prove your innocence from behind a mask?
Director and screenwriter Mattson Tomlin (Project Power, Little Fish) has teamed up with Eisner-winning suspense and horror artist Andrea Sorrentino (Joker: Killer Smile, Gideon Falls) to create a wholly new version of Gotham City, informed by grim reality, where every punch leaves a broken bone and every action has consequences far, far beyond Batman’s imagination!
8. I thought this book was ancient Historia
More than three years ago, DC announced the ‘inaugural’ slate of Black Label titles. One of the announced books was “Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons” by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Jimenez. Since then, there has been scarce news on the title. That is, until the solicits dropped last week. It turns out, the book is still happening, which is a great thing, and that is is coming out in October. Yay!
WONDER WOMAN HISTORIA: THE AMAZONS #1
Story by KELLY SUE DeCONNICK
Pencils and inks by PHIL JIMENEZ
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
$7.99 US | 72 PAGES | 1 OF 3
PRESTIGE PLUS | 8 1/2″ X 10 7/8″
Variant cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
1:25 “Library” faux leather design variant ON SALE 10/19/21The wait is over, and the entire story of the Amazons can finally be told! Millennia ago, Queen Hera and the goddesses of the Olympian pantheon grew greatly dissatisfied with their male counterparts…and far from their sight, they put a plan into action. A new society was born, one never before seen on Earth, capable of wondrous and terrible things…but their existence could not stay secret for long. When a despairing woman named Hippolyta crossed the Amazons’ path, a series of events was set in motion that would lead to an outright war in heaven—and the creation of the Earth’s greatest guardian!
Legendary talents Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Jimenez unleash a reading experience the likes of which you’ve never seen, with unbelievably sumptuous art and a story that will haunt you—with subsequent issues featuring art by modern masters Gene Ha and Nicola Scott! One of the most unforgettable DC tales of all time begins here!
7. All hail the Queen
One of the more interesting status quo shifts from “Infinite Frontier” #0 was the crowning of Nubia as the queen of Themyscira. While she’s been used sparingly in that role since that issue, it’s nice to see a miniseries that will explore her royal status a little bit, and show how the Amazons are dealing with their new queen. It’s a bit of a bummer that this is happening just as Diana returns to Earth, as I was hoping that Nubia would fill that void slightly.
NUBIA & THE AMAZONS #1
Story by Vita Ayala and Stephanie Williams
Pencils by Alitha Martinez
Inks by Mark Morales
Cover by Alitha Martinez
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | 1 of 6
Variant by Maika Sozo
1:25 Variant by Joshua Swaby
$4.99 US (Card Stock)
17+
ON SALE 10/5/21After the thrilling events of Infinite Frontier, Nubia becomes queen of Themyscira, but the new title also brings challenges. With the unexpected arrival of new Amazons, our hero is forced to reckon with her past and forge a new path forward for her sisters. Little does she know, a great evil grows beneath the island and it’s up to this former guardian of Doom’s Doorway to unite her tribe before paradise is lost forever!
This unforgettable miniseries from writers Vita Ayala and Stephanie Williams, along with all-star artist Alitha Martinez (Future State) brings the fan-favorite character back to the DCU for good. After Nubia, the world of the Amazons will never be the same!
6. Arkham City: Order of the World
At first glance at the cover, I presumed that this was a prestige, perhaps Black Label/out of continuity miniseries from Dan Watters and Dani, both of whom have been extremely impressive lately with their DC work. But no, this story spins out of “Infinite Frontier” #0 and the infamous Joker attack on Arkham. But with this creative team – especially colorist Dave Stewart – it seems like DC is trying to elevate this above ‘normal’ Gotham miniseries status. So it’s not quite prestige, not quite mundane. That’s a fun sweet spot we haven’t seen DC attempt in a long time.
Continued belowARKHAM CITY: THE ORDER OF THE WORLD #1
Story by DAN WATTERS
Pencils by DANI
Inks by DAVE STEWART
Cover by SAM WOLFE CONNELLY
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | 1 of 6
Variant by FRANCESCO MATTINA
1:25 B&W Ratio Variant by STEVE BEACH
US $4.99 (Both Covers Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/5/21The Joker’s attack on Arkham Asylum left the long-standing Gotham establishment in ruin, most of the patients killed or missing, and only a handful of surviving staff—a few nurses, a gravely injured security guard, and one doctor. In the chaos of the assault, it is believed that several of the asylum’s patients escaped and scurried off into the dark nooks and crannies of Gotham City. Now, these Arkhamites walk among us, and it’s up to the Asylum’s one remaining doctor, Jocasta Joy, to round up her former patients.
Meet these Arkhamites: a woman with no face, a pyggy in search of perfection, a man who feels nothing and burns everything, a woman who must devour life to save herself, a man unfit for the waking world who looks instead for Wonderland, a body with more than one soul, a being unbound from time who lives in the present and the past, a boy who seeks the comfort of vermin, and the twisted man who sees them all for who they are.
And witness the avenging angel who stalks them.This fall, join writer Dan Watters and artist Dani on an odyssey through the deepest depths and darkest shadows of Gotham City and find all-new reasons to fear the night.
5. [Catherine O’Hara voice] KEVIN!
The current “Harley Quinn” series has been a delight, in part because of Riley Rossmo’s fantastic artwork, and in part because Stephanie Phillips is making Harley into a more three dimensional character that isn’t just making dumb jokes every panel – now, it’s more like every fourth. But one of the best additions to the book has been Kevin, a reformed former Joker gang member who has a Joker tattoo on his massive neck and chins. This issue’s solicit text seems to imply that Kevin is the star of this issue, and that’s a welcome change of pace. Let’s hope that Kevin sticks around for quite some time.
HARLEY QUINN #8
Written by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Pencils and inks by RILEY ROSSMO
Cover by RILEY ROSSMO
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES
Variant by DERRICK CHEW
$4.99 US (Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/26/21Sorry, Harley’s not here right now, but this is her trusted sidekick Kevin, and I’m happy to be keeping watch over the streets of Gotham. The city’s gone a little crazy with the Magistrate’s forces cracking down. I just hope that Harley’s mission to Alley Town with Catwoman and the Gardener is successful in finding the missing piece of Poison Ivy that could be the very key to saving Gotham. In the meantime, I’ll help put fires out around Gotham…literally…and I might get some unexpected help in the process! Fear State part two continues here!
4. A return to a classic
“Batman: The Long Halloween” is one of the most beloved Batman stories of the last 30 years. To celebrate its quarter-centennial, Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale are returning to that setting for a new, oversized one-shot. While there are Batman stories that are much more important to me personally, I think it’s great that DC is letting Loeb and Sale add to their story and let them have their roses while they’re still around.
BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
Story by JEPH LOEB
Pencils and inks by TIM SALE
Cover by TIM SALE
$7.99 US | 48 PAGES | PRESTIGE FORMAT
Variant cover by TIM SALE
1:25 Variant cover by TIM SALE
ON SALE 10/12/21Twenty-five years ago, you thought you knew the whole story of Batman: The Long Halloween. Now, legendary creators Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale return to Gotham City to reveal that no secret remains buried forever!
Join us for the return of the Batman Halloween specials and a mystery that could destroy Batman, Commissioner Gordon, Two-Face, and…well, that would be telling, wouldn’t it?
3. Back to Earth
Ever since ‘Death Metal’ wrapped up, Diana has been in the realm of the gods, not quite dead but not quite alive either. It seemed like a fun excuse to put Diana into different locales and settings, but after far too many issues set in Asgard, the concept was getting a little thin. That said, it’s still sort of shocking to see, less than a year since she ‘died,’ Diana return to Earth in the pages of “Wonder Woman.” Let’s hope that the run can pick up the pace a little once it is back on terra firma.
WONDER WOMAN #780
Writers: BECKY CLOONAN and MICHAEL W. CONRAD
Artist: TRAVIS MOORE
Cover: TRAVIS MOORE
Variant Cover: BECKY CLOONAN
$4.99 US | 40 PGS | $5.99 US VARIANT (Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/12/21After the events of Death Metal, Diana finally makes it back from her unforgettable odyssey through the Sphere of the Gods! Has the world moved on without her? This special oversize story paves the way to an exciting new future for the greatest hero of them all!
2. 100 pages ain’t enough
DC has done a fantastic job in celebrating the 80th anniversaries of so many important characters as of late and, in general, is quite adept at honoring these important characters through these volumes. That said, Wonder Woman is the one character – moreso than even Batman or Superman – that 100 pages feels insignificant. Maybe that’s because Batman gets almost 100 pages a month, and Superman gets close to 50 most months, while Diana is limited to just one ongoing series.
Continued belowThat said? This is a jam packed issue, with a rare DC appearance from Mark Waid, plus folks like José Luis García-López, Evan Shaner, Steve Orlando, and G. Willow Wilson. The name that is glaring in its omission? Greg Rucka. Make that happen, DC.
WONDER WOMAN 80th ANNIVERSARY
100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR
Story by Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, Jordie Bellaire, Mark Waid, Tom King, Steve Orlando, G. Willow Wilson,
Amy Reeder, and more!
Art by Jim Cheung, Paulina Ganucheau, José Luis García-López, Amy Reeder, Evan “Doc” Shaner, Isaac Goodheart, Gabriel Picolo and more!
Cover by Yanick Paquette
$9.99 | 96 PAGES | PRESTIGE FORMAT
Variant covers by Will Murai, Cat Staggs, Bruce Timm, Jen Bartel, Amy Reeder, Michael Cho, Travis Moore, and Cliff Chiang
ON SALE 10/5/21Put on your tiaras and prepare your indestructible bracelets! DC is inviting you to join us for a one-of-a-kind special showcasing Wonder Woman’s past, present, and future to celebrate the legacy she has created and those she will continue to inspire with her adventures for years to come. This oversize super spectacular features work from some of the very best in the comic industry along with bright young stars ready to share the spotlight with Diana. You won’t want to miss these new stories that capture timeless messages of hope and empowerment presented together in this gorgeous keepsake issue!
1. Cliff-hanger
Cliff Chiang hasn’t done regular work at DC since his “Wonder Woman” run with Brian Azzarello wrapped up in 2014. Well, he’s back, baby, writing and illustrating a four-issue miniseries starring Selena Kyle. The story is set in an alternate future and I, for one, cannot wait to see what Chiang does with this series. It’s rare that a creator is allowed to take such complete control of a project, both in terms of its setting and its lack of fellow creators. Have at it, Cliff.
CATWOMAN: LONELY CITY #1
Story by CLIFF CHIANG
Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG
$6.99 US | 48 PAGES | 1 of 4
Prestige Plus | 8 1/2″ x 10 7/8″
Variant by CLIFF CHIANG
1:25 variant by JOCK
17+
ON SALE 10/19/21Ten years ago, the massacre known as Fools’ Night claimed the lives of Batman, The Joker, Nightwing, and Commissioner Gordon…and sent Selina Kyle, the Catwoman, to prison. A decade later, Gotham has grown up—it’s put away costumed heroism and villainy as childish things. The new Gotham is cleaner, safer…and a lot less free, under the watchful eye of Mayor Harvey Dent and his Batcops. It’s into this new city that Selina Kyle returns, a changed woman…with her mind on that one last big score: the secrets hidden inside the Batcave! She doesn’t need the money—she just needs to know…who is “Orpheus”?
Visionary creator Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman, Paper Girls) writes, draws, colors, and letters the story of a world without Batman, where one woman’s wounds threaten to tear apart an entire city! It’s an unmissable artistic statement that will change the way you see Gotham’s heroes and villains forever!
I’m a little surprised to see the ‘Hill House’ books returning; that had all the makings of a one-time experiment, but I’m really glad to see it return. What I’m not surprised to see is that the creators involved are less high profile than before. Rio Youers takes over for Joe Hill, and while I’m not familiar with Youers’s work, it seems like Hill will likely be doing less writing in this wave of books, or at least launching new titles and not picking up old stories.
Continued belowREFRIGERATOR FULL OF HEADS #1
Story by RIO YOUERS
Art by TOM FOWLER
Cover by SAM WOLFE CONNELLY
$3.99 | 32 pages| 1 of 6
Variant cover by REIKO MURAKAMI
$4.99 US (Card stock)
17+
ON SALE 10/19/21Hill House Comics is back and heads are going to roll for making readers wait! The new wave of titles begins with a rancid return trip to bloody Brody Island. For a year now, the mysterious axe that unleashed pandemonium during the hurricane of ’83 has waited at the bottom of the bay but nothing that powerful stays buried. Brody Island has new visitors, and a new sheriff in town, too—not to mention a dangerous great white shark spotted in its waters—and when vacationing couple Calvin Beringer and Arlene Fields find themselves on the wrong side of Brody’s unsavory elements, their beachcombing will turn up something a lot sharper than sea glass…
Crime novelist Rio Youers joins forces with artist Tom Fowler to unleash a gonzo grindhouse expansion on the lore of the original Basketful of Heads!
9. This sounds like the title of a fake story from a bad movie
DC has been recommitting to horror for a few years now, but it has all been in these limited series, and often times written by non-comic creators. This continues with the hosts of the Last Podcast on the Left penning “Soul Plumber.” Now, I’ve never listened to the show, and won’t pretend to know its quality, but I’m not sure why DC isn’t letting more established comic talent – who always talk up their love of horror – tackle horror books.
Now, these dudes may be really talented, and maybe this will lead to more work for them in the future. That’s the optimistic outlook. The pessimistic one is that this is a cash grab that DC won’t properly advertise, and will be a one-time collaboration that will go nowhere.
DC HORROR PRESENTS: SOUL PLUMBER #1
Story by Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, and Ben Kissel
Art by John McCrea
Cover by John McCrea
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | 1 of 6
Open Order variant cover by Tom Neeley
1:25 variant by RILEY ROSSMO
$4.99 US (Card stock)
17+
ON SALE 10/5/21From the creators of The Last Podcast On The Left, exorcism just got a whole lot easier. After attending a seminar hosted in a hotel conference room by a mysterious group called the Soul Plumbers, Edgar Wiggins, disgraced former seminary school student, discovers what he thinks is the secret to delivering souls from the thrall of Satan. But after stealing the blueprints and building the machine himself, out of whatever he can afford from his salary as a gas station attendant, Edgar misses the demon and instead pulls out an inter-dimensional alien with dire consequences for all of mankind.
8. Speaking of horror…
This is the other type of horror story that DC does now: alternate universe where heroes fight [insert horror creature here, but usually zombies]. This has the potential to be really fun, like what “DCeased” was in the past, but it also has the potential to be a big, heaping bowl of nothing. 12 issues? Aside from knowing we will get 12 months of Otto Schmidt art, I can’t see why this needs to take a year.
DC vs. VAMPIRES #1
Story by James Tynion IV
and Matthew Rosenberg
Pencils and inks by Otto Schmidt
Cover by Otto SchmidT
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | 1 of 12
Variant by FRANCESCO MATTINA
1:25 Ratio Variant by JORGE MOLINA
Retailer Team variant cover by EJIKURE
$4.99 US (Both Covers Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/26/21The Justice League has long protected Earth from all manner of foreign and alien invaders over the years, always keeping a vigilant eye to the skies for the next threat. But what if the threat was already walking the Earth…hiding in plain sight…watching…waiting for their moment to strike…
In the tradition of DCeased comes a terrifying new series from the twisted minds of James Tynion IV (Nice House on the Lake; Something is Killing the Children), Matthew Rosenberg (The Joker Presents: A Puzzlebox; 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank; Hawkeye), and Otto Schmidt that will tear the Justice League apart in their war with the undead!
7. “You’ve killed Zombie Bane!” “He was a zombie?”
Sometimes I praise books for embracing being ‘dumb comic books,’ and this is exactly what I mean when I say stuff like that. Jason Todd leading a team of reanimated Gotham villains is such a silly idea, but if done right, could be the type of stupidity that makes comics awesome. It could also be a colossal waste of everyone’s time if not handled well. But this sort of addresses the points I was making above: this is a way to bring some horror ideas into the DC Universe without making it an alternate reality or an unconnected miniseries. I’m cautiously optimistic for this title.
And yes, technically, this should’ve been included in the Gotham section of books, but this seems more like a “Suicide Squad” title with Gotham characters than a Gotham book. Come at me, bro.
Continued belowTASK FORCE Z #1
Story by MATTHEW ROSENBERG
Pencils by EDDY BARROWS
Inks by EBER FERREIRA
Cover by EDDY BARROWS
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES
Variant cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
1:25 Variant by DAN MORA
Retailer Team variant cover by RODOLFO MIGLIARI
1:50 Arkham Knight Variant by KYLE HOTZ
1:100 Mono-Chrome Variant by KYLE HOTZ
$4.99 US (Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/26/21In life, they’ve terrorized the people of Gotham. Now, they are Gotham’s last hope.
Task Force X saw villains working their way to freedom. Task Force Z will see dead villains working for a new chance at life! On A-DAY, the attack on Arkham Asylum left hundreds of Gotham’s most cunning and deranged criminals dead…now, a mysterious benefactor has activated the government’s TASK FORCE clause to bring them back as the ultimate army of the night! To lead this team of the undead, only a person who knows exactly what it feels like to be brutally murdered and brought back to life can handle the job…enter: RED HOOD. But when Jason Todd unravels the mystery surrounding Task Force Z’s creation, will he try to destroy it…or embrace it? BANE. MAN-BAT. THE ARKHAM KNIGHT. SUNDOWNER. MR. BLOOM. RED HOOD. THEY ARE TASK FORCE Z, AND DEATH WAS JUST THE BEGINNING…!
6. Maybe he’s not totally forgotten after all?
It’s amazing how fast DC went from having the wretched ‘Bendis is Coming!’ ads to him seeming like a complete afterthought. The “Checkmate” miniseries was supposed to come out over a year ago and, reading it, you are made impossibly aware of the fact that it isn’t exactly fitting into the current status quo. His “Justice League” series, while not as anachronistic, still seems a bit out of step with the rest of the DC Universe right now. But it looks like, starting in October, Bendis will attempt to take the ideas/concepts from “Checkmate” and incorporate them into “Justice League” and, hopefully, work throughout the DC Universe.
We’ll see.
JUSTICE LEAGUE #69
Writers: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS and RAM V
Artists: SIYA OUM and SUMIT KUMAR
Cover: DAVID MARQUEZ
Variant Cover: ALEXANDER LOZANO
$4.99 US | 40 PGS | $5.99 US VARIANT (Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/19/21The superspies of Checkmate poke their sneaky noses where they do not belong, and the Justice League are NOT happy about it. In fact, most of the League isn’t even happy Checkmate exists, setting up Checkmate versus the Justice League! The superspies versus the super…guys.
In Justice League Dark, Zatanna is locked in a battle with the greatest sorcerer of all time—Merlin!
5. Too short
At press time, we are only one issue into “Shazam,” but the story that it is telling feels like a first chapter in a longer tale. This cover hints at a really sad outcome for what Billy’s mission in the mini is and, while I don’t want it to come to fruition, it would certainly shake up the status quo considerably. I think it’s ultimately a tease/cop out, but Tim Sheridan has yet to make me doubt his storytelling at DC. Let’s hope he gets more time with these characters, and soon.
SHAZAM! #4
Writer: TIM SHERIDAN
Artist: CLAYTON HENRY
Cover: CLAYTON HENRY
Variant Cover: WILL MURAI
$3.99 US | 32 PGS | 4 of 4 | $4.99 US VARIANT (Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/19/21Once inside the Rock of Eternity, Shazam comes face to face with an old acquaintance…who is also a complete stranger. Confused? So is Billy! The questions keep piling up as the stakes mount, leaving him with an impossible life-and-death decision on which the futures of his best friend, the Teen Titans Academy, and the entirety of existence now hinges!
4. This is fine
DC appears to have totally shifted Tom King into ‘prestige maxi-series’ land, and that is totally fine. It makes sense for the stories he likes to tell, and it allows him to do things that are out of continuity and not fucking up the main line with his bad ideas, as the entire second half of ‘Rebirth’ seemed to be fallout from “Heroes in Crisis” and Alfred’s stupid, stupid death.
Also, I’m sure there are Christopher Chance stans out there who will dislike what King is doing here, but it seems like an easy assignment that may make some new fans or will go basically uncommented on. I don’t know why King would want that, but I definitely know why DC would.
Continued belowHUMAN TARGET #1
Story by TOM KING
Pencils and inks by GREG SMALLWOOD
Cover by GREG SMALLWOOD
$4.99 US | 32 PAGES | 1 of 12 | Card Stock
Variants by TREVOR HAIRSINE
and DANNY MIKI
1:25 Ratio by JENNY FRISON
ON SALE 11/2/21Christopher Chance has made a living out of being a human target—a man hired to disguise himself as his client to invite would-be assassins to attempt his murder. He’s had a remarkable career until his latest case protecting Lex Luthor when things go sideways. An assassination attempt Chance didn’t see coming leaves him vulnerable and left trying to solve his own murder…as he has 12 days to discover just who in the DCU hated Luthor enough to want him dead.
Human Target is a hard-boiled, gritty story in the vein of classic detective noirs told by bestselling and critically acclaimed creators Tom King and Greg Smallwood!
3. Two great tastes that, oh hell, you know the rest
My kids, aged 9 and 5, both love Teen Titans Go! and DC Super Hero Girls, both as TV shows and in their comic forms. From this very unscientific and tiny sample size, I can only presume that other kids would also love to see these properties cross over. Amy Wolfram and Agnes Garbowska have done really special work on the Super Hero Girls books, so this seems like a really great opportunity to do something fun.
TEEN TITANS GO!/DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Writer: AMY WOLFRAM
Artist: AGNES GARBOWSKA
Cover: AGNES GARBOWSKA
$9.99 US | 160 PGS | 5 ½” x 8″| Softcover
ISBN: 978-1-77950-891-1
ON SALE 12/14/21Starfire has always wanted to be better friends with her sister, who mostly comes to Earth to cause trouble instead of enjoying sisterly bonding. But this time, Blackfire’s not even in the same universe! The Teen Titans will have to go undercover in a strange new version of Metropolis…and manage new secret identities!
2. Some bold claims, DC.
I would like to draw your attention to a particular line at the end of this solicitation: ‘Introducing new characters and a new corner of the DC Universe, the biggest Superman event since the Death and Return of Superman begins HERE!’
The biggest Superman event since the Death and Return? Holy shit DC, way to call your shot there. Looking at this cover, it is an interesting cross-section of characters (and Manchester Black), and I do like the idea of this big, bold story. But unless we’re getting triangle numbering across four titles, I cannot imagine this story every being the size and scope of ‘Death and Return.’
But hey, go for it! I want to see what this all means.
ACTION COMICS #1036
Writers: PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON and SEAN LEWIS
Artists: DANIEL SAMPERE and SAMI BASRI
Cover: DANIEL SAMPERE
Variant Cover: JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
$4.99 | 40 pages | $5.99 US Variant (Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/26/21THE WARWORLD SAGA BEGINS! After learning of an enslaved race with mysterious ties to Krypton, Superman and the Authority travel across the galaxy to dethrone the new Mongul and liberate Warworld. Introducing new characters and a new corner of the DC Universe, the biggest Superman event since the Death and Return of Superman begins HERE!
1. Please don’t be nothing
Both Aquaman and Green Arrow are without ongoings right now, and that’s a mixed bag. On one hand, if there aren’t vital stories to tell right now, that’s better than having drivel that will further bury these characters in the third tier of DC. But these are classic characters who should be represented by DC with compelling stories. A combination Arrow/Aqua miniseries is a fascinating idea, as the two don’t have a ton of history together aside from being Justice League members.
That said, this story’s description doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. I’ve liked what Brandon Thomas has been doing at DC thus far, but this story just feels slight. Prove me wrong, because these characters deserve better.
AQUAMAN/GREEN ARROW–DEEP TARGET #1
Story by Brandon Thomas
Pencils and inks by Ronan Cliquet
Cover by Marco Santucci
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | 1 of 7
Variant by Inhyuk Lee
1:25 Variant by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
$4.99 US (Card Stock)
ON SALE 10/26/21Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Aquaman and Green Arrow!
The shadowy organization known as Scorpio has resurfaced, and it’s larger than before. While looting the past for artifacts and treasure, they have somehow altered the timeline, and only Aquaman and Green Arrow can fix it! Celebrating the 80th Anniversaries of Aquaman and Green Arrow, this high-octane story takes this unlikely pair from the depths of Atlantis to the surface world.
For the full solicitations, check out Newsarama.
