The first wave of ‘Rebirth’ titles is settling into their routine, ‘Young Animal’ rolls out its final (initial) title, beloved characters and creators return, and more this November from DC.
10. Collecting a collection of forgotten stories
Ok, see if you can follow me: at San Diego Comic Con 2015, DC announced a slew of miniseries, featuring a lot of creators working on the characters they created under the DC umbrella. A few months later, the plan changed a bit, with three series (“Poison Ivy,” Swamp Thing,” and the forthcoming “Raven”) coming out as minis, one getting paired with another story in a Suicide Squad mini (“Katana”), while the rest were collected into “Legends of Tomorrow,” a cash-grab of a title that brought together Firestorm, Metamorpho, Sugar and Spike, and the Metal Men.
Well, now DC is splitting those four stories up, and releasing collections of (for now) “Firestorm” and “Metamorpho.” While I’m sure there is an audience for these collections, this is one of the oddest routes to compilation that I can recall.
FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MAN – UNITED WE FALL TP
Written by GERRY CONWAY
Art by EDUARDO PANSICA and ROB HUNTER
Cover by CARY NORD
Split from his other half, Jason Rusch, Ronnie Raymond will need to retrieve Professor Stein’s stolen research from Danton Black. But if Jason can’t fuse with Ronnie by the Firestorm Protocol…who can? The answer: his old friend, Professor Martin Stein! Collects the Firestorm stories from LEGENDS OF TOMORROW #1-6.On sale DECEMBER 7 • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US
9. And then there was one
With this, the final issue of “Doctor Fate,” there is only one pre-‘Rebirth,’ main universe ongoing: “Earth 2: Society,” which already operated in its own little corner of the DCU. Supposedly, “Earth 2” is due for a ‘Rebirth’ title one of these days, but at this rate, it’ll be a second or third wave – at best – title. That is both because DC’s multiverse hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire when not written by Grant Morrison, and because there is plenty of time to find a new (and more interesting) take on that concept.
And while I’ve praised “Doctor Fate” in the past, it deserves another hurrah here: this and “Earth 2:Society” are the only of the ‘DC-You’ books to last past issue #12 (well, I suppose “Justice League of America” could get there, but who knows the status of those solicited/unsolicited/resolicited/unresolicited titles), and it featured a brand new legacy character, a reunion with the classic Doc, some sticky issues, and some really interesting and unusual art. It is too bad that Sonny Liew isn’t closing out the series, but we’ll see a bit of him this month, as you’ll find out later.
DOCTOR FATE #18
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art and cover by BRENDAN MCCARTHYIn this stunning series finale, Fate is captive on the world of the Dreamspinners as their threads of doom reach out to threaten Earth. Can Khalid find the power within himself to survive in a mythology not his own?
On sale NOVEMBER 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE
8. The rarely mentioned Gotham/Krypton connection
The bond between Superman and Dick Grayson is one of the oft-ignored aspects of the DCU that I love so very much. Nightwing, the name, was taken from a Kryptonian legend (and later actual superhero…or disguised Superman pseudonym – oh, comics!) as a way to honor both Batman and Superman. Clark and Dick had an interesting uncle/nephew connection pre-“Flashpoint,” and it is always fun when that is teased again. In a “Grayson” annual, Clark and Dick interacted, but this is now the Superman who would have had a real relationship with Dick, in a much more substantial way. I look forward to seeing how Dick handles this bond that he never really experienced.
Continued belowNIGHTWING #9
Written by TIM SEELEY
Art and cover by MARCIO TAKARA
Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADORetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
“FACING DESTINY”! In this single-issue tale, Nightwing is being attacked in his dreams by Dr. Destiny, and the only person who can help him is Superman! But following Nightwing’s confrontation with Raptor and the aftermath of “Night of the Monster Men,” can Nightwing trust a Superman he doesn’t know-or will his lack of trust get them both killed?!
On sale NOVEMBER 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
7. “Sorry I ate all your dinner. Here’s a Tic Tac!”
So, we were supposed to get a second “Prez” miniseries, after the 12 issue series was trimmed down to a six issue one. Instead, we get a 20ish pager as part of a Catwoman comic (?) to wrap up the story. Boo!
Having a Catwoman story about the Gotham mayoral election makes sense, I guess, except that the solicit says that she doesn’t care. If this was framed as Genevieve Valentine-penned Gotham crime boss Selina Kyle, not Meredith Finch-written Catwoman, that would be one thing. This just screams of ‘unused stories dumping ground,’ and both characters deserve better.
CATWOMAN: ELECTION NIGHT #1
Written by MEREDITH FINCH and MARK RUSSELL
Art and cover by SHANE DAVIS and BEN CALDWELL
Variant cover by DAVID FINCHRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
It’s mayoral election time in Gotham City, and while the city is up in arms, Catwoman couldn’t care less! But when the candidates get personal, the Feline Fatale decides to get involved-much to the detriment of…well, everyone! This issue contains a special bonus story featuring the return of President Beth Ross from the critically acclaimed PREZ miniseries.
ONE-SHOT • On sale NOVEMBER 2 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
6. A “Super Sons” prelude (probably)
One of the announced, but unsolicited books of ‘Rebirth’ was “Super Sons,” a Damian Wayne/Jon Kent book that had many of us at Multiversity quite excited. Well, that book is delayed, but this appears to be laying the groundwork for that series, bringing Damian and Jon together for the first time. That cover is pretty incredible, and the arc sounds like it’ll be a blast.
SUPERMAN #10
Written by PETER J. TOMASI and PATRICK GLEASON
Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
Variant cover by KENNETH ROCAFORTRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
“IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER” part one! For the first time, the Man of Tomorrow and the Boy of Steel team up with the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder in a father-son adventure you won’t want to miss! Damian Wayne has been hearing a lot about this mysterious new Superboy, and now’s his chance to find out who he is…
5. Answers!
This annual looks to actually answer a mystery posed in “DC Unvierse: Rebirth” #1! I can’t believe it; well, to be fair, I still don’t. I believe that this will begin to answer the question of “if Superman isn’t what he thinks he is, then what is he?,” but it won’t give any definitive answers just yet, if ever.
But hey, it’s something!
SUPERMAN ANNUAL #1
Written by PETER J. TOMASI and PATRICK GLEASON
Art and cover by JORGE JIMENEZ“EARTH TO EARTH, ASHES TO ASHES”! Mr. Oz told Superman he was not what he thought. Now, Swamp Thing comes hunting for the Man of Steel to discover what strange connection this new Superman has to the planet. But their contact is something neither is prepared for, leading to Kal-El battling the Earth elemental who wants to bury him
On sale NOVEMBER 30 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
4. The Shade! Ahhhhhh
The Shade, over the past two decades or so, has rarely appeared outside of a James Robinson-penned comic. Well, with Robinson’s departure from DC looking more and more permanent (or at least long term) with each passing day, it makes sense that someone would use him eventually. Here is where it gets interesting: “The Flash” is one of the books that seems likely to tie into “DC Universe: Rebirth” pretty directly, and having a Jay Garrick villain pop up in that book seems to suggest that, perhaps, the Justice Society is closer to returning than previously discussed. This is exciting, and there are few writers I would trust more with the character than Joshua Williamson. This book consistently makes me excited for what’s coming next.
Continued belowTHE FLASH #10
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by FELIPE WATANABE and OCLAIR ALBERT
Cover by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
Variant cover by DAVE JOHNSONRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
“THE SPEED OF DARKNESS” part one! A villain from The Flash’s history returns for the first time in years when The Shade visits Central City. But what does Opal City’s master of shadow want with Barry Allen and the newly christened Kid Flash?
On sale NOVEMBER 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
3. Art and Franco, not Tom Scioli
OK, so this is a bit odd: at SDCC, it was announced that Tom Scioli was doing back-ups for a ‘Young Animal’ book under the title of “Super Powers,” the Jack Kirby DC book, as well as the title of the toy line that spun out of Superfriends. Well, as of November, that hasn’t been officially solicited, but what has is a different project calling itself ‘Super Powers’ – the latest Art and Franco all-ages miniseries.
I am very, very happy that both exist and are being published, but isn’t it odd to have two competing “Super Powers,” even if one is contained in a different book? Won’t the eventual collections be confusing? Why not just call the Art and Franco book, oh, anything else?
Regardless, pick this up – these guys are the best.
SUPER POWERS #1
Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
Variant cover by FRANCO
Blank variant coverRetailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for details.
Aw yeah, the World’s Greatest Heroes are back in a new, all-ages miniseries-except for Batman! Superman helps out by cleaning up in Gotham City, where he discovers a clue that sends Wonder Woman into space to find the Caped Crusader. Her journey brings her a step closer to Batman, but can she uncover the truth behind his disappearance? From the award-winning creative team that brought you TINY TITANS and SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES!
On sale NOVEMBER 23 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED E
2. They probably could have picked a better title
So, DC has been running a ‘Talent Development’ Workshop, where creators who don’t have a lot of DC experience learn the ‘DC Way’ from folks like Jim Lee and Scott Snyder. This book collects some short stories by the creators from that program, presumably that were part of their coursework.
On the plus side, DC is bringing it a lot of new talent, and we get work from great creators like Joelle Jones, Michael Moreci, Chris Sebela, Sonny Liew, Juan Ferreyra, Khary Randolph, and Barnaby Bagenda. On the flipside, aside from folks like me who love seeing new talent get a shot and/or fans of these creators, who is buying this book based on the title (“New Talent Showcase”) and cover?
Instead, if they used these as backups in their books, or as free digital comics, or as a comiXology bundle, or anything, really, it would be better. My fear is that this book’s lack of sales will be held against the creators involved, and lead to them not getting as plum gigs as they might be afforded if they had a hit with this collection. Provem e wrong, DC!
Continued belowNEW TALENT SHOWCASE #1
Written by VITA AYALA, EMMA BEEBY, JOELLE JONES, HENA KHAN, MICHAL MCMILLIAN, MICHAEL MORECI, ERICA SCHULTZ, CHRIS SEBELA and ADAM SMITH
Art by BARNABY BAGENDA, JUAN FERREYRA, SONNY LIEW, DAVID MESSINA, KHARY RANDOLPH and more
Cover by KLAUS JANSONIn this new one-shot, Wonder Woman unleashes her true god of war against a parade of monsters! Superman discovers a new threat that might be bigger and badder than the joker himself! Hawkgirl solves crimes in the weird weapons unit for the GCPD! Carol Ferris and Kyle Rayner fight about ice cream in space! You’ll find all of this and so much more in NEW TALENT SHOWCASE #1, where recent graduate writers from the inaugural DC Talent Development workshop showcase some of their strongest work yet! See what they’ve learned from masters of the craft Scott Snyder, Jim Lee and Klaus Janson.
ONE-SHOT • On sale NOVEMBER 30 • 80 pg, FC, $7.99 US • RATED T
1. Young Animal’s initial lineup is complete
While this might be the ‘Young Animal’ book I’m least personally excited about, I am most excited about what this represents. This is extremely similar, tonally, to early Vertigo, where the stories took place in the same universe as proper DC stuff, but was handled quite differently. The Bat-signal shows that his is the Gotahm we know, but the book looks completely different from your standard Bat-fare. Could this lead to a more diverse looking slate of comics? Lord, I hope so.
MOTHER PANIC #1
Written by JODY HOUSER
Art and cover by TOMMY LEE EDWARDS
Variant cover by PAUL POPE
Variant cover by BENGALRetailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for details.
Meet Violet Paige, a celebutante with a bad attitude and a temper to match, who no one suspects of having anything lying beneath the surface of her outrageous exploits. But Violet isn’t just another bored heiress in the upper echelons of Gotham City’s elite. Motivated by her traumatic youth, Violet seeks to exact vengeance on her privileged peers as the terrifying new vigilante known only as Mother Panic.
On sale NOVEMBER 9 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
Check out the full solicitations over at CBR.