Yesterday, DC did something really interesting – they released both the July solicitations and the September solicitations simultaneously. Part of this is due to the fact that September is a “flash forward” month, tying into the weekly “New 52: Futures End” series. Because of that, the solicits are not exactly spoiler-y, and the early release could, in theory, build buzz about both the weekly series and the upcoming monthly initiative. However, those solicits feature no creative teams; in addition, the DC3 will be doing a piece about those September solicits later this week. Today, we will focus on the July solicits, as well as a quick list of ten questions/observations from the September solicitations.
10. John Romita, Not So Super
SUPERMAN #33
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Illustrated by JOHN ROMITA, JR.It’s up, up and away as the titanic team of Geoff Johns, John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson continue their epic run on the Man of Steel! In their second issue, we learn more about the mysterious Ulysses and what his emergence will mean to Clark Kent and the world. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure is targeting Metropolis with strange mechanical creations…but why? And what dark secret from Clark’s past does it connect to?
A big deal was made, and rightly so, about John Romita, Jr. coming over from Marvel to work on “Superman.” He is a superstar artist with a huge pedigree, and fans were rightly excited. But so far, all of the images we’ve seen of his Superman have been, at best, meh.
The above cover is probably the best Superman we’ve seen from Romita, and it is still a bit of a mess. The image looks almost like it is going for a pop art/indie comics vibe, but when you look at it closer, it is just an odd cover. I don’t hate this; it just doesn’t represent the best that Romita can do. If his interiors look like his covers, his “Superman” work is not going to be very popular. At least this is better than the grimacing flying mope we see in the pages of DC books.
9. Andrea Sorrentino, So Super
GREEN ARROW #33
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Illustrated by ANDREA SORRENTINOAs Richard Dragon systematically takes apart Oliver Queen’s world in Seattle, we introduce a new person under Green Arrow’s hood!
On the other hand, Andrea Sorrentino’s covers for “Green Arrow” have been the perfect encapsulation of the interior work. His covers, all suitable for framing, give the book an air of intrigue and set the book apart of the shelves, especially among DC books.
8. “Earth 2” Is Becoming Important
EARTH 2 #25
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Illustrated by NICOLA SCOTTIn this extra-sized issue, Val-Zod finally accepts his role as the new Superman of Earth 2 as he faces the twisted, brutal original Superman, who once protected the planet but now prepares it for Apokolips and the forces of Darkseid.
We have heard that “Earth 2” was meant to be important – not just a book to stand on its own, but a cornerstone of the DCU. Up through now, though a really enjoyable book, we haven’t seen much of that. But this month begins Earth 2’s ascent. “Worlds’ Finest” brings Huntress and Power Girl back to Earth 2, we have a new Superman, and the seeds are being sowed for “Earth 2: World’s End,” the third (and, theoretically, final) DC weekly launching in October. DC doesn’t really have an “Ultimate” line – “Earth 2” can be that sort of world, but it needs to be built up. This appears to be the first step towards that.
7. Insufferable Character Visits Insufferable Convention
Continued belowHARLEY QUINN INVADES COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO #1
Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Illustrated by AMANDA CONNER and othersThe title says it all! Our favorite little troublemaker, Harley Quinn, takes on Comic-Con International: San Diego in this over the top issue! She’ll have to battle long lines, crazy crowds and the dread con crud, all in the quest to get her own comic book published!
Cheeky headline aside, this could be fun. It could also be absolutely horrendous. This is the definition of a wild card book; if done properly, this could be absurdist fun, lambasting comics culture form within, all done lovingly and with tongue firmly in cheek. If done improperly, ick. My big question is this: is this really what people want to buy? This is a five dollar comic – for a buck more you could get two other books, presumably ones with less cosplay jokes and caricatures of what DC editorial thinks of its fans.
6. Superdoom?
ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #3
Written by GREG PAK
Illustrated by AARON KUDERAs an epic space battle rages above the Earth, how will humanity and the other heroes of the DC Universe cope with this Day of Doom?
From the start, we have been told that “Superman: Doomed” wouldn’t be a rehash of “The Death of Superman” – the above image, and the other Super-solicits this month, show why: because there is a “Doomsday Virus,” and at some point, Superman gets it. While this still doesn’t look like the second coming of “All-Star Superman,” at least the writers have a take on the character that we haven’t really seen before. I guess that’s progress?
5. Star-Spangled Mouthful
STAR-SPANGLED WAR STORIES FEATURING G.I. ZOMBIE #1
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Illustrated by SCOTT HAMPTONMeet the soldier they call “G.I. ZOMBIE,” a man who is neither dead nor alive, who fights for his country again…and again…and again!
Is there a clunkier title in all of comics than “Star-Spangled War Stories Featuring G.I. Zombie?” I understand the final three words are insurance for if they want to switch the focus to the Haunted Tank, or Uncle Sam, or Sgt. Rock, or the Unknown Solider, or whomever they decide is worth a shot. But just call it “Star-Spangled War Stories.”
That said, G.I. Zombie sounds like it could be, potentially, a super goofy and fun character. Gray and Palmiotti have done wonders with Jonah Hex and westerns over the past 5 or so years – could war comics be their next success story?
4. “Futures End” Brings Lots of Old Favorites Back
THE NEW 52 – FUTURES END #9
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO, JEFF LEMIRE, DAN JURGENS and KEITH GIFFEN
Illustrated by PATRICK ZIRCHERCan the Masked Superman stop a Rampage in Metropolis? Plus, Batman Beyond must figure out what to do after a startling revelation threatens to change his entire mission.
THE NEW 52 – FUTURES END #10
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO, JEFF LEMIRE, DAN JURGENS and KEITH GIFFEN
Illustrated by AARON LOPRESTIA deep-space distress call gives new hope to Frankenstein and the S.H.A.D.E. team. And what makes Lois Lane question the masked Superman’s true identity?
THE NEW 52 – FUTURES END #13
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO, JEFF LEMIRE, DAN JURGENS and KEITH GIFFEN
Illustrated by PATRICK ZIRCHERFive years from now, the world turns against Batman Beyond! Plus, Barda and Emiko must face off against the NEW Secret Six!
S.H.A.D.E.! Secret Six! Rampage!
“Futures End” continues to be a repository for some of the weirder/less successful/fringier DC characters. Bringing back the Secret Six, especially without Gail Simone, is a tough sell, but one that could be a lot of fun. Because this is all part of a “possible” future, DC can use this book as a place to try out new ideas, bring back old characters, and generally take small, calculated chances within the larger framework of the apocalyptic future.
3. Relaunched and Returning
Continued belowTEEN TITANS #1
Written by WILL PFEIFER
Illustrated by KENNETH ROCAFORTRed Robin, Wonder Girl, Raven, Bunker and Beast Boy step out of the shadows of the adult heroes of the DC Universe to offer bold, exciting and sometime dangerous ideas on how to protect a world full of superpowered teenagers – any one of whom could be the next heroic figure or major villain!
Along with “New Suicide Squad,” “Teen Titans” represents the Marvel NOW! attempt at DC to revitalize quasi-successful books. Unlike many Marvel NOW! titles, these teams don’t look all that different from the pre-cancellation teams; especially “Teen Titans.” While I can understand the want for consistency, I don’t see why they would want a fresh start and consistency. I just don’t get it.
2. It’s All About the Bat Sidekicks, Baby
GRAYSON #1
Written by TIM SEELEY
Illustrated by MIKEL JANINDick Grayson. Former sidekick. Former Super Hero. Former dead man. And now…agent of Spyral?!
A thrilling new chapter of Dick Grayson’s life begins in this new, ongoing series. It’s a super-spy thriller that will shock you and prove one thing: You might think you know Nightwing – but you don’t know Dick.
Between this and “Robin Rises: Omega,” and Red Robin and Bluebird getting the spotlight in “Eternal,” this is a big month for Bat-sidekicks. “Grayson” is a project from an incredibly talented creative team (I mean, just look at that last line – “You might think you know Nightwing – but you don’t know Dick.” Genius!), but the concept seems a little too “Winter Soldier” for my tastes, and Dick is a character who has thrived when around others – he’s the most stable and emotionally responsive member of the Bat family, so pulling him out of that into his own little world seems like a less than perfect scenario. But, Seeley and Janin are a team I will give a few issues to – and if Andrew Robinson is the regular cover artist (something I have no proof of), I am even more in.
1. Wonder Woman Winds Down
WONDER WOMAN #33
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Illustrated by CLIFF CHIANGIt’s the beginning of the end as writer Brian Azzarello and artist Cliff Chiang kick off the astonishing finale of their epic run! Olympus must fall, and its rightful ruler must be restored – but in Diana’s depraved family of demigods and gods, who can be trusted to rule with decency and justice?
Perhaps the most acclaimed run of the New 52 is coming to an end – and while it is an astounding run, ending on its own terms, it is still a bummer to it winding down. While we still don’t know exactly when the run will end (my bet is August), this is the home stretch, folks. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Top 10 for September 2014
I don’t want to take too much time for this, because the DC3 is going to tackle this – but here are some quick takes on some of the September solicits:
10. Where Is All-Star Western?
The series is set a hundred years in the past, so the idea of a “5 years later” book doesn’t really work, so it makes sense that it is missing. Or – could it be cancelled? I’d call the odds 50/50 at this point.
9. New Avatars
SWAMP THING: FUTURES END #1
The Avatars of the Green, Red and Gray go to war with the avatars of Bacteria and Metal! It’s five years later, and Alec Holland is trying to mediate a ceasefire that could also be his last stab at reconnecting with humanity!
Any guesses as to who would be the avatars of Bacteria and Metal? Poison Ivy and Robotman?
8. Martian Manhunter – Evil?
JUSTICE LEAGUE: FUTURES END #1
The mystery of the Martian Manhunter is revealed at last as his decades-long plan for world domination comes to fruition! Continues in this month’s JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED: FUTURES END #1!
If there is one hero best set up for a “heel turn,” it is probably Martian Manhunter.
7. Future Flash Spoiled?
Continued belowTHE FLASH: FUTURES END #1
It’s the final showdown between The Flash and his future self for control of the Speed Force – with Wally West’s life hanging in the balance!
People have been wondering who the “Future Flash” is – could it just be Barry?
6. Mera Ascendant
AQUAMAN: FUTURES END #1
Mera has claimed the throne of Atlantis for herself – and she’s sentenced her unfaithful husband, Aquaman, to death!
One of Geoff Johns’s favorite characters is Mera – he’s been using her consistently since “Blackest Night” – and while he isn’t actually writing her this month, his influence is clearly felt here.
5. The Riddler – Batman’s Greatest Ally?
DETECTIVE COMICS: FUTURES END #1
Batman takes his war on crime to the next level, but he needs the help of his greatest ally – The Riddler?!
This isn’t the first time the Riddler has appeared to be reformed, but I have a real fondness for that era of Paul Dini-scripted “Detective Comics,” and there are worse things to try again than a Riddler acting as a hero.
4. Who is Robin?
BATMAN AND ROBIN: FUTURES END #1
Bruce continues to feel the fallout from his extreme new crime fighting methods — is he ready to face the might of Heretic?
The series has been referred to as “Batman and ____” lately – but here, the title is back to its original “Batman and Robin” name, which begs the question – who is Robin five years from now?
3. Wedding Bells
HARLEY QUINN: FUTURES END #1
Harley and The Joker make it legal at last! Follow the happy couple to their secret honeymoon spot, where it’s literally till death do they part!>
Ick. Just ick.
2. Black Lanterns Are Back (In Black)
GREEN LANTERN: FUTURES END #1
Across the universe, the dead are rising — the Black Lanterns are back! Only one being knows what it will take to destroy them this time…the one who understands the spectrum inside and out: Relic! But there’s no way Hal Jordan is prepared for the part he’ll have to play in order put an end to the Black Lanterns once and for all!
While “Blackest Night,” as a concept, is what brought me back to comics, can we all agree that they are, perhaps, not the best executed characters in comics? That said, bringing them back are a move that will sell books, but reeks a little of desperation.
1. Booster Gold Returns?
BOOSTER GOLD: FUTURES END #1
Trapped out of time on a world that defies reason, Booster Gold struggles to escape the fate that has held him and so many forgotten heroes captive!
As I reported yesterday, there appears to be a new Booster Gold series. Sure, this could just be a one-shot, but it seems odd to announce just one one-shot in a month focusing on all the monthly titles. Let’s hope that August or October brings the announcement of an actual “Booster Gold” #1.
