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Soliciting Multiversity: DC’s Top 10 For June 2017

By | March 28th, 2017
Posted in Columns | 2 Comments

We’ve now reached the one-year milestone of ‘Rebirth,’ and that is reflected in many of the issues listed below. We see DC putting out over-sized 25th issues, the potential end of creative teams, and the general shift towards the next big event. Strap in.

10. A thousand pages of Justice League

“Justice League” #1, commonly referred to as “Justice League International” #1 due to the title change after six issues, is an historic piece of comics. It begins the most beloved chapter of Justice League stories of the modern era, if not ever, and established Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire as the signature creators for DC’s signature superhero team for a generation.

Collected here in this gigantic omnibus are 73 issues that spun out of that first issue – seeing the team go from simply the Justice League to International to America, to Europe. This was a time when DC was settling after “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” and these stories helped establish a tone that was still lighthearted, while retaining a more serious overall presentation. Without this run, we wouldn’t have care about Maxwell Lord killing Ted Kord, nor would Guy Gardner be much of a concern, nor would Booster Gold have ever established himself as one of the most important characters of the modern age of DC.

But still – I’d much rather pay $50 a piece for 2 500 page omnibi than $100 for 1000+ pages. I’m gonna get a hernia reading this.

JUSTICE LEAGUE BY GIFFEN AND DEMATTEIS OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art by KEVIN MAGUIRE, KEITH GIFFEN, MIKE McKONE, STEVE LEIALOHA, TY TEMPLETON, ADAM HUGHES, BART SEARS and others
Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE

The classic 1980s super-team series is collected in a giant Omnibus starring Batman, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Ice, Fire and dozens of other colorful heroes! This first volume includes JUSTICE LEAGUE #1-6, JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #7-25, JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA #26-46, JUSTICE LEAGUE EUROPE #1-21, SUICIDE SQUAD #13, JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL #1-3, JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA ANNUAL #4, JUSTICE LEAGUE EUROPE ANNUAL #1 and more!
On sale SEPTEMBER 27 • 1,080 pg, FC, $99.99 US

9. Sucker!

Are you one of the folks that bought the “DC Universe: Rebirth” Omnibus already? Well, syke – DC is re-releasing it with the later ‘Rebirth’ issues, like all the JLA tie-ins and “Batwoman: Rebirth.” Hope you didn’t really need that C-note!

DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH OMNIBUS EXPANDED EDITION HC
Written by VARIOUS
Art by VARIOUS
Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

DC’s Rebirth event began with a bang in June 2016, relaunching every DC hero from Aquaman to Wonder Woman! Now, the entire collection of REBIRTH specials are gathered in a massive new hardcover, expanded to add newer issues including BATWOMAN: REBIRTH #1, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: REBIRTH #1, DC REBIRTH HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1 and the one-shots starring the Atom, the Ray, Killer Frost and Vixen!
On sale SEPTEMBER 13 • 792 pg, FC, $99.99 US

8. Who Loons the Looney Tunes?

Just when you thought Hanna-Barbera and the Watchmen coming in contact with DC heroes was the end of the crossover line, here it comes: the Looney Tunes invasion! There are some interesting pairings here – Batman and Elmer Fudd, Bugs Bunny and the Legion of Superh-Heroes, but nothing makes as much sense as Martian Manhunter and Marvin the Martian. Is Marvin a third species of Martian, alongside Green and White Martians? If he a disguised White Martian?

Most likely, that won’t be addressed, because why would it be really? This is a weird idea, but could lead to some fun stories.

MARTIAN MANHUNTER/ MARVIN THE MARTIAN SPECIAL #1
Written by STEVE ORLANDO and FRANK BARBERE
Art by AARON LOPRESTI and JEROME K. MOORE
Cover by AARON LOPRESTI
Backup story written by JIM FANNING
Backup story art by JOHN LOTER
Variant cover by STEPHEN DeSTEFANO

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
Martian Manhunter tries to halt Marvin the Martian’s determination for world domination. J’onn is conflicted with his own Martian identity as he attempts to stop the hapless, determined Marvin from blowing Earth to bits in order to gain a clear view of Venus. And the bonus Looney Tunes backup story features DC characters written by Jim Fanning with art by John Loter!
On sale JUNE 14 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Continued below

7. The long suffering Steve Trevor

Steve Trevor is a really interesting character in DC’s history. In many ways, he’s Wonder Woman’s answer to Lois Lane, but without the effort put in to expand his stories. I understand why, too – there’s nothing intrinsically interesting about Trevor, and few creators have tried to give him anything resembling an arc that separates himself from Wonder Woman at all. Sure, Geoff Johns tried in 2013’s “Justice League of America,” and Greg Rucka is doing some fine Trevor work in the current “Wonder Woman” run, but let’s all agree: he’s the least developed of the Trinity’s sidekicks.

Tim Seeley, who has been DC’s MVP over the past few years for his take on Dick Grayson (another Trinitarian sidekick), is writing this one-shot, and might just be the guy to help take Trevor into his own. I’m not exactly sure what Trevor offers the greatest DC Universe, but I’m excited to see Seeley try to find out.

WONDER WOMAN: STEVE TREVOR #1
Written by TIM SEELEY • Art by CHRISTIAN DUCE • Cover by PAUL RENAUD • Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
When Wonder Woman saved Steve Trevor from dying on the shores of Themyscira, his life—and hers—changed forever! In this special issue, learn more about the tumultuous partnership these two have had over the years…and get a hint at where it’s going in the future! Have these two finally admitted they’re meant for each other? Or do the Fates have other ideas?
One-shot • On sale JUNE 7 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+

6. Bedrock in Peace

“The Flintstones” has been a real surprise for DC, with Mark Russell and Steve Pugh taking a comic that not many serious fans were excited about and creating something really interesting, thoughtful, and fun out of it. The series is winding down with its twelfth issue, leaving only “Scooby Apocalypse” standing of the initial Hanna-Barbera titles, before a second wave, set to include takes on the Jetsons, Top Cat, and more launch later this year.

I don’t know why “The Flintstones” didn’t survive longest (well, aside from nearly 8,000 fewer sales per month), but it’s a shame that it isn’t sticking around longer. Fare thee well, Fred and co.

THE FLINTSTONES #12
Written by MARK RUSSELL
Art by STEVE PUGH
Cover by RICK LEONARDI and SCOTT HANNA
Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
You are now leaving Bedrock! The Great Gazoo is on his way home to the stars, while Fred and company leave the Church of Gerald, and Mr. Slate leaves behind being a jerk— at least for a little while. Say good-bye to Pebbles, Bowling Ball, Philip the turtle, Fred and Barney, and the whole cast in this final issue of what critics are calling the best comic of 2016!
On sale JUNE 7 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE

5. Deathstroke goes monthly

“Deathstroke” is, hands down, the biggest surprise of ‘Rebirth.’ No one expected the tales of Slade Wilson to be must-reads, but that is where we are. All of that has to do with the creative team, led by the fearless and peerless Christopher Priest, who manages to do the impossible each month. No other book takes as many risks, brings in as many unexpected guest stars (New 52 Power Girl, anyone?), or dazzles more than “Deathstroke.”

And, it appears, that might all be ending.

With this issue, “Deathstroke” goes monthly, no longer shipping twice each month and, due to a tweet from editor Alex Antone, will get a big status quo shift in July. That pretty much seals the deal that Priest is off the book, doesn’t it? I hope I/the internet am/are wrong about this, but if it is the case, then Priest’s 21 (counting the ‘Rebirth’ issue) run on the title will make a wonderful hardcover on my shelf sometime in the near future.

Continued below

But c’mon DC, keep him on the book. You must!

DEATHSTROKE #20
Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIEST • Art by LARRY HAMA and CARLO PAGULAYAN • Cover by LEE WEEKS • Variant covers by SHANE DAVIS

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details. Includes a code for a free digital download of this issue.
“The Lazarus Contract” epilogue! As Deathstroke picks up the pieces of his life following the traumatic events of last month’s “The Lazarus Contract,” a threat years in the making boils to the surface when an old friend becomes mortal foe!
On sale JUNE 7 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+

4. Boooooooooo

I mean no disrespect to the creative team of Mark Russell and Brandon Bird, both of whom I generally really enjoy, but where the hell is Tom Scioli’s “Super Powers?” We saw ‘Vol. 1’ wrap up recently, and I want ‘Vol. 2’ right now! I need more of that weird, weird awesomeness that only Scioli can provide.

I hope ‘Vol. 2’ is coming sooner than later.

CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE #9
Written by JON RIVERA
Art and cover by MICHAEL AVON OEMING
Backup story written by MARK RUSSELL
Backup story art by BRANDON BIRD
Variant cover by MICHAEL CHO

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
Team Carson continues in hot pursuit of Cave’s cybernetic eye, which has its sights set on the emotionally draining and life-sucking Whisperer and its cult. But just where are they going? Or better yet, when?
On sale JUNE 21 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US• MATURE READERS

3. A closed story?

Despite recently saying that he saw “The Authority” as a finished story, we get this solicitation for the Absolute edition of “The Authority,” which sees a new story from Ellis, Bryan Hitch, and Paul Neary. Is this an old script/story that’s been unearthed, or is this a legitimately new story? Either is exciting, especially because this is the type of series that demands an Absolute edition.

THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY VOL. 1 HC
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Art by BRYAN HITCH, PAUL NEARY, PHIL JIMENEZ, ANDY LANNING and others
Cover by BRYAN HITCH and PAUL NEARY

In these widescreen adventures from writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch, the Authority battles a nation of super-powered terrorists, stops an invasion from a parallel world and much more! Collects THE AUTHORITY #1-12, PLANETARY/THE AUTHORITY #1 and more, including a brand-new story by Warren Ellis, Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary!
On sale OCTOBER 11 • 384 pg, FC, 8.25″ x 12.5″ $75.00 US

2. Some “Wonder Woman” theorizing

(Note: I know this is the cover to #24, but there hasn’t been an officially solicited cover to #25 yet)

So, when Greg Rucka came back to DC to work on “Wonder Woman,” he was only confirmed for a year’s worth of stories. This represents that year’s conclusion, and the solicit makes it sound like a pretty finite ending to the first year. Could this also mean the end of Rucka’s run on the title?

My guess would be yes, and my guess for who is jumping on next month is the aforementioned Tim Seeley. Seeley is writing the “Wonder Woman: Steve Trevor” one-shot that promises a look into Wonder Woman’s future. He also wrote those two Trevor-centric issues of “Justice League” that were, well, less than essential, but that’s not Seeley’s fault.

Mark my words: “Wonder Woman” #26, written by Tim Seeley, will appear here next month.

Or not, whatever.

WONDER WOMAN #25
Written by GREG RUCKA • Art by LIAM SHARP and BILQUIS EVELY • Cover by LIAM SHARP • Variant cover by JENNY FRISON

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
Writer Greg Rucka weaves together the threads of “The Lies,” “Year One,” “The Truth,” and “Godwatch”—every story in WONDER WOMAN since the start of the DC Universe Rebirth era—in this extra-sized anniversary issue!
On sale JUNE 28 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • Each RATED T

Continued below

1. Dark Days are coming

We’ve talked about this already, but with the recent events of ‘Superman: Reborn,’ it looks likely that the Bat-books will have a similar ‘awakening,’ with all of Bat-history coming together. I’m also still of the belief that the “Metal” story coming from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo will have something to do with Nth Metal and, as my pal/DC3 co-host Vince pointed out, metal is both forged and cast, the two titles of these monthly one-shots.

I’m interested to see where this goes, even if I’m not super thrilled about JR Jr drawing more Batman.

DARK DAYS: THE FORGE #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV • Art by JIM LEE, ANDY KUBERT, JOHN ROMITA JR. and others
Cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS • Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT • Variant cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.

Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for details. Includes a code for a free digital download of this issue.
DARKNESS COMES TO THE DC UNIVERSE WITH THE MYSTERY OF THE FORGE! Aquaman, The Flash and more of DC’s pantheon of heroes suspect Batman of hiding a dark secret that could threaten the very existence of the multiverse! It’s an epic that will span generations—but how does it connect to the origins of one of DC’s most legendary heroes?
The great comics event of summer 2017 is about to begin courtesy of superstar writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV and illustrated by a master class of comics artists: Andy Kubert, Jim Lee and John Romita Jr.! You do not want to miss this one!
ONE-SHOT • On sale JUNE 14 • 40 pg, FC, card-stock covers, $4.99 US • RATED T

To see the full batch of solicits, head over to Newsarama.


//TAGS | Soliciting Multiversity

Brian Salvatore

Brian Salvatore is an editor, podcaster, reviewer, writer at large, and general task master at Multiversity. When not writing, he can be found playing music, hanging out with his kids, or playing music with his kids. He also has a dog named Lola, a rowboat, and once met Jimmy Carter. Feel free to email him about good beer, the New York Mets, or the best way to make Chicken Parmagiana (add a thin slice of prosciutto under the cheese).

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