Aside from a couple of stragglers (“Super Sons,” “Justice League of America”), September brings the last remnants of ‘Rebirth’ into our local shops. We also have a returning franchise at Vertigo, the end of a few series, a kiddie book, and more. Read on!
10. A Limited Op(eration)
When “Art Ops” was announced, it was solicited as an ongoing series but, like so many of DC/Vertigo’s titles that perhaps didn’t live up to sales expectations, it ended up as a 12-issue maxi series. This is a shame, as Shaun Simon and Mike Allred crafted a truly unique story, one that mixed ‘reality’ and high art, crime and fantasy, into something that felt fresh and different, and yet also harks back to the ‘classic’ Vertigo eras of the past.
Allred, pulling double duty on “Silver Surfer,” was handing off some of the art duties on the book, but the tone he set visually carried on in the book, even when he wasn’t there. Fare thee well, “Art Ops.”
ART OPS #12
Written by SHAUN SIMON
Art by MICHAEL ALLRED and MATT BRUNDAGE
Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED
Danny Doll, you’ve got a lot to answer for! Now that Reggie’s mom and the rest of the Art Ops are back on the scene, it’s time to find out what part Reggie’s father played in their disappearance. Is Danny really teaming up with the Neighborhood of Dads to eradicate art from the world, or is this perhaps the greatest performance piece of all time? If so, he may also be the worst grandfather of all time, as the life of Reggie and the Mona Lisa’s child hangs in the balance.
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US MATURE READERS • FINAL ISSUE
9. The Doc is Out
Despite not being labeled as a “Final Issue,” the solicit talks of the ‘climactic concluding chapter’ of the Paul Levitz/Sonny Liew “Doctor Fate” series. While Khalid’s destiny in ‘Rebirth’ is still uncertain, this series was one of the more effective of the New 52/DC You era, in terms of establishing a new character. Why Khalid wouldn’t join up with Kent Nelson in “Blue Beetle,” or join the Teen Titans, or pop up in the more magic-centered “The Hellblazer” seems beyond me, but who knows? Sometimes DC gives their characters a break after their series wraps up.
Personally? I’d love to see him be a part of new Justice Society of America, perhaps similar to how James Robinson and Geoff Johns established the team in the late 90s, as legacy characters joining with some of the ‘original’ members to form a team that was about both the past and the future.
Wherever he winds up, let’s hope it isn’t long before we see Khalid (and Sonny Liew) again.
DOCTOR FATE #16
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by SONNY LIEW
Cover by BRENDAN MCCARTHY
In this climactic concluding chapter, chaos reigns as New York City is plunged into darkness and terrifying mummies rise to wreak havoc on the streets. And in the center of it all, Osiris, has come to render judgment on Doctor Fate and the rest of mankind. But can even the combined might of two magic wielders be enough to defeat the God of Death?
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
8. Cold as Ice
Joshua Williamson is one of DC’s newest exclusive signees, and in addition to “The Flash,” he will also be launching a new Vertigo miniseries, “Frostbite.” The series, which deals with the world’s second Ice Age, sounds far more like Williamson’s Image work than anything we’ve seen from him at the Big 2 or at Dark Horse. Part of that, of course, is because it is a creator owned property, but it is also because Williamon’s Image work has always dealt with the world not being exactly as it seems – “Nailbiter” has a small town that is a breeding ground for serial killers, “Birthright” introduces an alternate dimension, etc. This seems in line with that type of a story, and I couldn’t be more excited for it.
Continued belowFROSTBITE #1
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art and cover by JASON SHAWN ALEXANDER
Long after Earth has entered its second ice age, humanity has learned to cope with the frozen elements. In this cold and bleak future, heat is power, and brutal gangs roam the icy wasteland looking for it. If that wasn’t enough, a terrible disease nicknamed “frostbite” is literally freezing people from the inside out. Once you catch it, the effect is instantaneous. There is no immunity, there is no cure.
Until now. Doctor Henry Bonham and his daughter Victoria have found the key to ending frostbite. If they can get from Mexico City to a secret government outpost in Alcatraz, they could stabilize life across the globe. But to do that they’ll need to stay alive. That’s where Keaton comes in. She and her crew have faced worse journeys before, but never with the potential consequences this one poses if they fail.
A new miniseries from acclaimed writer Joshua Williamson (The Flash: Rebirth; Nailbiter) and artist Jason Shawn Alexander (Empty Zone; BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY), FROSTBITE is a science-fiction action miniseries unlike any other.
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
7. In the great big Gotham there was a manor, and a hidden driveway, and a picture of…
As both an avid DC fan, and someone who has read “Goodnight Moon” to his kids countless times, I think “Goodnight Batcave” is a fun idea. It is actually the type of thing that I’m surprised DC doesn’t attempt to do more of, especially as MAD is part of their corporate partnership. These characters are so universally known that you can do just about anything with them, and that includes getting a little silly.
Will this be the funniest book of all time? No, of course not, but it should be a lot of fun.
GOODNIGHT BATCAVE HC
Written by DAVE CROATTO
Art and cover by TOM RICHMOND
A 100% UNauthorized parody of Goodnight, Moon—as only the world-(in)famous MAD Magazine can do it!
Batman may be ready for bed—but crime never sleeps! And before the Caped Crusader can turn in for the night, he’ll have to deal with villains like The Joker, Bane, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, and the Penguin! If the Dark Knight hopes to ever catch some Zs, he’ll have to catch Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals first!
In this all-new story from The Usual Gang of Idiots at MAD Magazine, the bestselling children’s book Goodnight, Moon is parodied with the heroes and villains from the world of Batman!
On sale NOVEMBER 2 • 32 pg, 10” x 8”, FC, $14.99 US
6. In the name of the alien, and of the orphan, and of the mighty Amazonian
DC has been putting Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman together for years, but the term ‘Trinity’ is a relatively new one for the publisher, and one that they haven’t trotted out on a book since 2009. Francis Manapul, one of the more dynamic artist in their stable has been writing for DC since the start of the New 52, but this is the first time he’s had solo credit on a title. Aside from concerns about Manapul’s slower work rate, this book has all the makings of a hit for DC.
But if Manapul isn’t as sure of a bet as I thought DC would put on this title; his writing has been inconsistent, and usually bolstered by Brian Buccelatto’s presence as co-writer. And while the three characters teaming up is a classic trope, because this is pre-Flashpoint Superman showing up, this isn’t going to be a team up book in the sense of ‘the world’s greatest heroes working together!,’ but instead more of a ‘three heroes get to know/trust each other,’ which is not what we need from DC right now – we need more action! Hopefully Manapul delivers.
Continued belowTRINITY #1
Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Variant cover by TBD
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
“BETTER TOGETHER” part 1! Together again for the first time! Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The core of the World’s Greatest Heroes…but with a new Man of Steel, the bonds these three share will be tested and redefined by super-star writer/artist Francis Manapul. In this premiere issue, see the trio travel from Metropolis to Gotham City and beyond to learn what forces launched their heroic careers. But how will this journey of discovery lead them to a new threat?
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
5. “Fables” wasn’t gone very long, was it?
There is something weird about Vertigo continuing to plunder the “Fables” well after the series wrapped. I mean, I get it – it is an established property for an imprint that desperately needs to sell more books, but by the end of its run, “Fables” wasn’t the smash hit it once was. To me, this just signals the extended decay that is Vertigo in 2016, and without Shelly Bond at the head, I suspect we’ll be seeing more of this sort of stuff going forward.
EVERAFTER: FROM THE PAGES OF FABLES #1
Written by MATTHEW STURGES and DAVE JUSTUS
Art by TRAVIS MOORE
Cover by TULA LOTAY
From the team that brought you FABLES: THE WOLF AMONG US comes a new chapter of the FABLES legacy! In a post-Fables world where magic abounds, it can be wielded for the greater good or used to plant the seeds of anarchy and terrorism. The Shadow Players are a global network of agents—both Fable and mundane—tasked with policing a newly enchanted world and protecting humanity from itself. EVERAFTER features the return of series favorites Bo Peep, Peter Piper, Hansel, and Connor Wolf, as well as exciting new characters and a terrifying new villain! Written by FABLES: THE WOLF AMONG US veterans Matthew Sturges and Dave Justus with gorgeous art by Travis Moore (Fables: The Wolf Among Us, JLA All Stars), you won’t want to miss this series that FABLES creator Bill Willingham himself told us we had to get into your hands as quickly as possible!
On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
4. The Teen Titans Crew is in the spotlight
This month, we get a triple shot of “Teen Titans” goodness – both “Teen Titans” and “Cyborg” launch with ‘Rebirth’ specials, and we get the start of this six issue miniseries from Marv Wolfman and Alisson Borges, focusing on Raven. One of the most popular non-comics media featuring DC characters is Teen Titans GO!, which features Cyborg, Raven, Robin, Starfire, and Beast Boy. But with Cyborg as part of the Justice League, we’ll probably not see a book made up of those folks for quite some time.
But it is smart for DC to push these characters, who have mainstream recognition, within the comics. Raven was rumored to be having a miniseries as long ago as 2011 (when I heard it from Dan DiDio’s own lips outside of Zapp Comics of Wayne, NJ, the night that the New 52 launched).
RAVEN #1
Written by MARV WOLFMAN
Art and cover by ALISSON BORGES
“The White Carnival” part 1! In a tale set between TEEN TITANS #24 and TEEN TITANS: REBIRTH #1, Raven takes a break from the team and moves to San Francisco to stay with her estranged aunt and face her most perilous challenge yet: high school! As Raven discovers more about her human side, one of her classmates goes missing under mysterious circumstances, and she must face an evil like none she’s known before!
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, 1 of 6, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
3. Back to school
Despite being mysteriously left out of the WonderCon ‘Rebirth’ announcement, “Gotham Academy: Second Semester” was one of the books that was announced for ‘Rebirth,’ but in reality was just an extension of the prior run. While the art team is different, the cast of characters and writing team will ensure that the second semester isn’t all that different than the first, and that’s a good thing.
Continued belowGOTHAM ACADEMY: SECOND SEMESTER #1
Written by BRENDEN FLETCHER, BECKY CLOONAN and KARL KERSCHL
Art by ADAM ARCHER and SANDRA HOPE
Cover by KARL KERSCHL
Variant cover by FIONA STAPLES
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
GOTHAM ACADEMY is back with an all-new storyline for its second semester! When you’re Olive Silverlock, winter holidays can be a drag. Luckily, when a new student shows up at Gotham Academy to keep her company while the other students are away, Olive finds what could be a brand new friend…or a whole lot of trouble!
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
2. Crossover! Kaiju! Orlando/Rossmo!
I am not a fan of crossovers for no reason – especially when a book is trying to establish a tone, only to have something much up the works for a few months. But ‘Night of the Monster Men’ sounds incredible – Steve Orlando and Riley Rossmo (with Yanick Paquette on covers) are bringing a story of Batman fighting giant monsters with the help of Batwoman and Nightwing, and bleeding across “Batman,” “Detective Comics,” and “Nightwing” for six issues.
Orlando and Rossmo are fearless creators who manage to inject everything they touch with a unique perspective that has both a dark side and a bit of levity (especially Orlando on the levity). I really can’t wait to dig into this crossover.
Side note: this would be an interesting way to break up arcs in the ‘Rebirth’ era – 6 issues of story, 2 issue crossover, 6 issues of story, etc.
BATMAN #7
Written by STEVE ORLANDO and TOM KING
Art by RILEY ROSSMO
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant cover by TIM SALE
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
“NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN” part 1! The first crossover of the “Rebirth” era is here! As a huge storm approaches, Batman, Batwoman, and Nightwing try and prepare Gotham City for the worst, but nothing can prepare them for enormous tall monsters rampaging through the streets! Batman will need all of his allies to unite in order to stop these mad science monsters from tearing their city apart!
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
1. Do I really need to sell you on this?
Look, if you’re not hyped on Young Animal, Gerard Way’s new DC imprint that sounds like what Vertigo could and should be, then I don’t know what to tell you. I’m sorry you hate joy. But read this solicit, and tell me that it isn’t a really fun, exciting place to find yourself this September. Again, if you don’t dig this, I don’t know what you do like. Cold oatmeal? Cat allergies? Out of tune pianos?
Buy this book, it’s gonna be dope.
DOOM PATROL #1
Written by GERARD WAY
Art and cover by NICK DERINGTON
Variant cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
Variant cover by SANFORD GREENE
Variant cover by JAIME HERNANDEZ
Variant cover by BRIAN CHIPPENDALE
Variant cover by BABS TARR
Retailers: This issue will ship with six covers. Please see the order form for details.
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
The atoms are buzzing. The daydreams crowd sentient streets, and the creative team has been warned, “Turn back now or suffer the mighty consequence of sheer, psycho-maniacal mayhem.” Generation-arsonists unite—this is DOOM PATROL, and the God of the Super Heroes is bleeding on the floor.
A blenderized reimagining of the ultimate series of the strange, DOOM PATROL combines elements from classic runs, new directions, and things that could not be. Our entry point is Casey Brinke, a young EMT on the graveyard shift to abstract enlightenment, with a past so odd that she’s not entirely sure what is real and what is not. Along with her partner, Sam Reynolds, the pair blaze a path through the city and its denizens, finding the only quiet that exists at 3am is the chaos of the brain. When the pair answer a hit-and-run call, they find themselves face to face with a familiar figure: Cliff Steele, AKA Robotman.
“It gets weirder from here,” writer Gerard Way had to say about the book, with artist Nick Derington gripping tightly on the wheel of the ambulance. The pair’s only communication? Shouting out of the open windows while at high velocity. Who needs a new roommate? Who names a cat “Lotion”? And when do we get to see all those muscles?
Find your answers inside the pages of this comic book, as we set the stage for new beginnings, as well as the re-introduction of some classic DOOM PATROL characters, including Niles Caulder, Negative Man, Flex Mentallo, and Crazy Jane.
The debut title of DC’s Young Animal line kicks off with a removable sticker on its cover: Pull back the gyro to reveal its secrets, but be warned—there is no turning back.
Check out the full solicitations over at Comic Book Resources.
