June is going to be a huge month for DC, and narrowing my picks down to ten was incredibly difficult. However, I think if you look at this list, you’ll see that there is something for all stripes of comic fans from DC in June, which is something they haven’t been able to say in a very, very long time. Dig in and enjoy.
10. Diversity in the Pages
Sure, we aren’t getting too many brand new creations getting their own books, but we are seeing some minor characters being elevated to star in their own books. “Midnighter” is a great example of what they’re trying to do: a Wildstorm character that has been on the periphery since the start of the New 52, Midnighter is also one of DC’s few openly gay characters, written and illustrated by up and coming creators who are bringing an unexpected take on the character. The approach should be exciting for long time fans and new readers alike.
MIDNIGHTER #1
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art and cover by ACO
1:25 Variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
On sale JUNE 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Spinning out of GRAYSON comes a solo series starring the man who can predict your every move… but no one will be able to predict what he’ll do next! A theft at the God Garden has unleashed a wave of dangerous biotech weapons on the world, and Midnighter intends to put that genie back in the bottle by any means necessary. But something else was stolen from the Garden as well…the secret history of Lucas Trent, the man Midnighter once was!
9. The Return of the Miniseries
“Prez,” one the wilder concepts being brought forth as part of this mini-relaunch, is a 12 issue miniseries. “Bat-Mite” is a six issue mini, as is “Section Eight,” as is “Harley Quinn and Power Girl” (as is the next book I’ll be talking about). All five of the newly announced minis target different sections of DC’s potential audience, and each one is an interesting and smart roll of the dice. The trend lately has been to announce a book as an ongoing, and then pull the carpet out after 6-12 issues (“Klarion,” “Arkham Manor,” “Secret Origins”) – DC is straight up calling these minis, and I hope that fans resist the urge to simply trade wait them, but actually support them. Read the below solicit, and tell me that doesn’t sound like a winner of a book. Then, read it again, and tell me if you think in today’s comics climate, that book could last at DC past 12 issues. I think this is a wise move on DC’s part, and can’t wait to check out at least 3 of the aforementioned minis.
PREZ #1
Written by MARK RUSSELL
Art and cover by BEN CALDWELL
1:25 Variant cover by BRET BLEVINS
On sale JUNE 17 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 12, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Meet Beth Ross, the first teenaged President of the United States. In a nation where corporations can run for office, the poor are used as human billboards, and tacos are delivered by drone, our only hope is this nineteen-year-old Twitter sensation. But the real question isn’t whether she’s ready for politics – it’s whether politics is ready for her. Don’t miss the start of this new, 12-issue miniseries!
8. All Ages Again
First of all, thank goodness that Bizarro is back – not the Luthor-created clone thing – actual Bizarro. But, on a much bigger and more important note, thank goodness that DC is bringing in some all-ages content. Between this and “Bat-Mite,” there might be a book that I could buy for my 4 year old nephew who loves superheroes being published by DC. That’s huge – of course, DC decided to go all ages with books that feature characters that resemble the heroes they already know, but aren’t starring their favorite heroes, but that’s a whole other gripe.
Continued belowPlus, the solicit is written in classic Bizarro speech. I’m in.
(Note: I’m in because the book sounds good – all ages shouldn’t mean for kids, it should mean for all ages. I’m not ashamed for buying all ages books, and neither should you be – grow up and embrace your inner child.)
BIZARRO #1
Written by HEATH CORSON
Art and cover by GUSTAVO DUARTE
1:25 Variant cover by KYLE BAKER
On sale JUNE 3 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED E
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
“Hate HARLEY QUINN? Then you will super hate BIZARRO! Bizarro star of worstest comic ever! Go ahead and miss it! If there’s one thing this issue not have it these two things: Jimmy Olsen and Chupacabras!” Don’t miss the start of this six-issue all-ages miniseries!
7. An Underutilized Character, Vol. 1
DC tends to stick some of their iconic creators on books in pairs, or at least with other creators that share their general aesthetic, and I understand why. But that’s boring, yo. You know what isn’t boring? Paul Levitz and Sonny Liew on a new book together. Levitz had a career in comics before Liew has born – and look at the above cover (though I doubt that is actually the cover and not just a character sheet acting as placeholder) – did you ever think you’d ever see Levitz writing dialogue for a book that looks like that? Of course not – and that is why this looks so great.
Plus, Dr. Fate is one of DC’s most ignored iconic characters. The great thing about Fate is that it is only the helmet that matters – sure, some people have favorite wearers of the helmet, but that’s usually the second or third most important aspect of the character. So, this allows Levitz and Liew to take a concept that is almost as old as DC itself, and add an entirely new spin on it, without succumbing to the need to fabricate a lame reason for the new person under the helmet. There’s a new person under the helmet because that happens at least one a decade it seems. Deal with it.
DR. FATE #1
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art and cover by SONNY LIEW
1:25 Variant cover by IBRAHIM MOUSTAFA
On sale JUNE 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
You thought global warming was bad? Anubis, the Egyptian Lord of Dead, is preparing the flood to wash the world away. Standing in his way? An overwhelmed Brooklyn med student who’s been handed the helmet of Fate, without an instruction manual.
6. An Underutilized Character, Vol. 2
First off, I don’t know where this cover is coming from – the signature says Andrea Sorrentino, but he isn’t credited. Regardless – DC, can you sell a print of this?
Martian Manhunter, the Pete Best of the New 52 Justice League, is finally stepping out from behind the various team books he’s been featured in (“Stormwatch,” “Justice League United”) to star in his first ongoing title since 2001. Here is a character that is so fun to write – he’s a shapeshifter, he’s a fierce individual who actually works well with others, he’s an alien, he has incredible powers, he’s sort of a dick – why has he been so ignored?
Throw in the fact that Rob Williams is writing it, and I’m so, so in.
Continued belowMARTIAN MANHUNTER #1
Written by ROB WILLIAMS
Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
1:25 Variant cover by GABRIEL HARDMAN
On sale JUNE 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Shape-shifting Martians are invading Earth – so where is J’onn J’onzz to stop them? Trust no one as the Martian Manhunter tries to stop these ruthless alien terrorists from destroying everything!
5. A Weird Reprint That Sounds Awesome
In the midst of all of these brand new books, DC continues to not ignore its reprint division. I am a huge JSA fan, and yet this 1985 miniseries was a total shock to me – it sounds so amazingly DC in the 80s, which is where my love of comics comes from, that I am salivating at the thought of reading this.
AMERICA VS. THE JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA TP
Written by ROY THOMAS
Art by RAFAEL KAYANAN, RICH BUCKLER, JERRY ORDWAY, ALFREDO ALCALA, HOWARD BENDER and others
Cover by JERRY ORDWAY
On sale JULY 22 • 160 pg, FC, $14.99 US
Following the end of World War II, Batman accuses the Justice Society of America of collaborating with the Nazis, which leads to a Congressional investigation that could mean disgrace for the JSA! Collects AMERICA VS. THE JUSTICE SOCIETY #1-4.
4. Fixing the New 52’s Mistakes
I once referred to Starfire’s New 52 persona as “tabula rasa/fuck machine,” and I stand by that. Taking her out of the sweaty clutch of Scott Lobdell, and placing her in the caring hands of Conner and Palmiotti, giving her a less ridiculous (but still sort of ridiculous) costume, and giving her a focus that isn’t just to be the hot sidepiece of a former Robin is a win. Starfire was once a brand new character introduced as an attempt to make a stale property seem both younger and sexier (sound familiar?), but she worked because of the care placed in the character. This book has the ability to do that again – let’s hope it does.
STARFIRE #1
Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
1:25 Variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
On sale JUNE 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
From the writers of the outrageous smash hit HARLEY QUINN comes former Outlaw Starfire in her all-new ongoing series! She’s an alien warrior princess trying to find peace on Earth, and she’ll fight anyone and anything to get it!
3. Learning From the New 52’s Triumphs
It took 3+ years, but “Batgirl” is currently one of the more beloved books DC is publishing. DC realizes this, and takes one of its writers and gives him free reign over a frequent “Batgirl” guest star, Black Canary. Placing her, with her ear piercing sonic scream, as the singer in a band is pure genius, and Annie Wu is an incredible get on this book. This feels the most like “DC learned a lesson” of all of the titles – but it also has the dubious risk of being the most easily written off as just a poor man’s version of “Batgirl,” so the pressure is on. But I have faith – “martial arts, super-spies and rock ‘n’ roll” – how can you not fall in love with that?
BLACK CANARY #1
Written by BRENDEN FLETCHER
Art and cover by ANNIE WU
1:25 Variant cover by BABS TARR
On sale JUNE 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
Dinah Lance hits the road! After years as a soldier and vigilante, the LAST place Dinah saw herself is on stage…but she’s quickly learning she’d die to protect the gang of misfits she’s fallen into. And she just might have to – for some reason, the newly rechristened band Black Canary seems to be a magnet for trouble…and Dinah’s not gonna believe it when she finds out the reason why! Martial arts, super-spies, and rock ‘n’ roll combine, from Brenden Fletcher (BATGIRL) and Annie Wu (Hawkeye)!
2. A Redefinition of The Big Three
When the New 52 launched, the three books that everyone considered the ‘big 3’ of their line were “Justice League,” “Batman,” and “Action Comics.” Well, it seems like DC is shifting the Super-portion of that triumvirate to “Superman” now. All three are getting shaken up in some way or another: “Justice League” is launching into a big event, Darkseid War, Superman gets a haircut/costume change and a big crossover among all the Super books, “Truth,” and Batman now looks like a bunny.
Continued belowI kid, Capullo, I kid.
What is exciting about all of this is that DC is pushing its biggest books past their comfort zones – “Justice League” less so – and trying to do exciting things with their biggest properties.
That is the most endearing thing about this entire experiment that is June in the DCnU – it seems like the company is looking for creators to do bigger stories, be bolder, and not fall back on what has worked in the past. And that is why I love comics in the first place – so bring it on, DC!
BATMAN #41
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by GREG CAPULLO and DANNY MIKI
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
THE JOKER Variant cover by SEAN MURPHY
On sale JUNE 10 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The all-new Batman makes his debut! Who is he, and what happens next? Find out here as a new era begins in Gotham City!
1. An End to a 13 Year Epic
I’m not a “Fables” reader, but I feel that this deserves the top spot more than any other this month – despite it being an advance solicit for a book that doesn’t come out until July. First of all, this is billed as both a graphic novel and an issue, because it is 150 pages of new content. This is a pretty amazing way to end such an icon series, and in a way, also closes the book on a certain era of Vertigo. Right now, Vertigo is struggling to find its voice again – don’t get me wrong, there are good books happening, but there used to be a certain energy to the imprint that just isn’t there anymore. “Fables” was the last book that felt like it belonged to a different era of Vertigo, so with it ending, it should be an opportunity for the higher ups there to look at the line and be able to make it into something new and fresh.
Fare thee well, “Fables.”
FABLES VOL. 22 TP
Written by BILL WILLINGHAM
Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM, STEVE LEIALOHA, ANDREW PEPOY, MARK SCHULTZ, GENE HA, NEAL ADAMS and others
Wraparound cover by NIMIT MALAVIA
On sale JULY 22 • 160 pg, FC, $17.99 US • MATURE READERS • FINAL ISSUE
It’s the final trade paperback volume of FABLES! No, wait – it’s FABLES #150, the grand finale of the best-selling, award-winning comic book series! And it’s also an original graphic novel in the tradition of 1001 NIGHTS OF SNOWFALL! Yes, it’s all this and more! Join us for 150 – that’s, right, 150! – pages of new stories starring your favorite Fables, all from the mind of Bill Willingham. It all starts with an 80-page lead story illustrated by series regulars Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha, plus stories illustrated by Mark Schultz, Gene Ha, Neal Adams, Andrew Pepoy and many more!
Don’t miss the final bows for Boy Blue, Stinky, Lake and more in this once-in-a-lifetime issue that also features a foldout cover by Nimit Malavia that opens into a four-panel mural! It’s even got metallic ink!
The full solicitations can be found at Comic Book Resources.
