After last month’s deluge of new titles, DC continues to tweak their line, adding some new creative teams, one new book, and generally doing their best to sure up their comics. The results may not be as sexy as last month, but there is still plenty of good stuff to be gleaned from November’s solicits.
10. We all asked for it, so we got it: Lego Variants?
The gimmick variants continue for DC, this time going with the insanely popular Lego theme. Look, I get why DC does this: collectors flip over variants, and with the Lego variants, there is a good chance that a younger fan could pick up a book because of its cover being more appealing to a kid. However, they’re going to get a rude awakening when they open the book up and none of it looks remotely like the cover. Here’s an idea: a digital first Lego DC book. It would fill the hole being left by the Scribblenauts book coming to an end.
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #6
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II and JOE SILVER
Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
Lego Variant cover
1:25 Variant cover by ROD REIS
On sale NOVEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for details.
The Infinitus Saga continues as a displaced Legion of Super-Heroes tries to prevent the destruction of the 31st century by killing Ultra the Multi Alien! Complicating matters is the fact that Multi is a young innocent in the current time period, forcing the Justice League United to stand in the Legion’s way!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
9. “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” Wraps
Yes, the series is relaunching in December (it even says as much in the solicit), but this is still notable for a few reasons. First of all, that Stjepan Sejic cover is amazing. Secondly, it is a minor miracle that the series lasted 19 issues, especially after James Robinson left the book after the first issue and DC had to scramble for a few issues to find a tone for the series. And finally, it is one of the most instantly identifiable of the 80’s toy/TV properties, but DC hasn’t seemed to be able to get the sort of traction that IDW gets with similar properties, and yet, DC isn’t giving up on the license. This seems significant to me – DC has more than enough iconic properties of their own, and yet, they are still really trying to make He-Man work. This means that they see potential for the franchise in the future – let’s hope that “The Eternity War” sees some of that promise come to light.
HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #19
Written by ROB DAVID
Art by JOELLE JONES
Cover by STJEPAN SEJIC
On sale NOVEMBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • FINAL ISSUE
The secrets of the House of Grayskull are revealed! Flash back to Prince Adam’s childhood, when rebellion struck King Randor’s throne. What does this moment in time mean for the future war in Eternia? Find out in this prelude to MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: THE ETERNITY WAR #1!
8. New Creative Team for “Superman/Wonder Woman”
Despite the problems with the book from jump street (the idea of a second Wonder Woman book existing only to show her as a romantic foil, the general New-52-ness of the enterprise), Charles Soule has done a commendable job writing the book, showcasing a lot of heart in the stories, and keeping a fair amount of action as well. So, it is with a bit of sadness that he is leaving the book – however, his replacement is coming in, alongside a new artist, and I, for one, can’t complain.
Continued belowPeter Tomasi has been the shepherd on two of the strongest “supporting” titles DC has had in the past 5 years – “Batman and Robin” and “Green Lantern Corps.” His work is solid, and few have been able to build up characters the way he has – just look at how his time writing Damian Wayne pushed the character forward more than anyone, even dare I say Grant Morrison, was able to do. So, bringing him to this book makes perfect sense.
Toss in Doug Mahnke, one of the most consistent artists, both in terms of quality and release schedule, in DC’s stable, and I’m in. Bring it on!
SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #13
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE
Lego Variant cover
On sale NOVEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Welcome the new creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi (BATMAN AND ROBIN) and Doug Mahnke (JUSTICE LEAGUE)! The unity between Superman and Wonder Woman will be tested as never before as a mysterious group of villains make their New 52 debut – but first, Atomic Skull and Major Disaster cause trouble for our favorite heroic couple!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
7. The Finchs Roost at “Wonder Woman”
In fairness to Meredith and David Finch, almost anyone would feel like a step down after the Brian Azzarello/Cliff Chiang team left this book. However, between the initial controversy regarding whether or not she is a feminist (something, to be fair, David Finch walked back in a, I think, appropriate way), and Finch’s general style being far more sexualized than Chiang’s, the general feeling around this book is that it is going to be a real bummer.
While that probably isn’t fair, I understand the frustration. DC has been trying to raise the profile of Wonder Woman, and the first 35 issues of this series did that by focusing on a unique story that gave her a far more interesting and formidable supporting cast, clarified her origin, and gave the book a tone that felt absolutely idiosyncratic. Instead, DC has given the book a creative team that is, fairly or unfairly, not regarded for particularly subtle or nuanced comics – well, David Finch is regarded for that, as Meredith is a relative newcomer. Regardless of how the book is, quality wise, DC has an uphill battle ahead of it, perception-wise.
WONDER WOMAN #36
Written by MEREDITH FINCH
Art and cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
Lego variant cover
1:50 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH
1:100 variant cover by DAVID FINCH
Blank variant cover
On sale NOVEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with five covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Please welcome the new superstar creative team of writer Meredith Finch and artist David Finch! As this new epic begins, the fate of the Amazons is about to be revealed, major new characters will be introduced and a new villain will arrive with enough power to defeat the combined might of Wonder Woman and her Justice League teammates! Don’t miss the start of this story that guest stars Swamp Thing! It will define what it takes for Diana to fulfill her destiny as Wonder Woman!
6. Morrison/Quietly Travel to Pax Americana
I really shouldn’t have to say anything here – the solicit does the work for me. But I’ll give it a go – this is Morrison’s look at the classic Charlton characters that Alan Moore had to create analogues for in “Watchmen,” through the lens of Moore’s work. This is about as meta as comics can get, and with Quitely on board, this should be a visual feast as well.
Continued belowTHE MULTIVERSITY: PAX AMERICANA #1
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by FRANK QUITELY
1:10 B&W Variant cover by FRANK QUITELY
1:25 Variant cover by RYAN SOOK
1:50 Variant cover by PATRICK GLEASON
1:100 Variant cover by GRANT MORRISON
On sale NOVEMBER 19 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with five covers. Please see the order form for details.
Brace yourselves for the next exciting chapter of THE MULTIVERSITY as the acclaimed ALL-STAR SUPERMAN team of writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely investigate the conspiracy on Earth-4, home of Pax Americana! Told backwards through an experimental storytelling technique that reveals new mysteries with each turn of the page, PAX AMERICANA stars The Question, Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, Nightshade and Peacemaker like you’ve never seen them before! As the assassination of the U.S. president leads to political intrigue, interpersonal drama and astro-physical wonder, the truth behind the crime and those involved will blow your mind! What confidential conversation between the president and Captain Atom could reveal everything? How far will The Question take his hunt for the truth before he hurts his former friends – or himself? And who is the steel-handed bogeyman operating in the shadows?
Discover all this and more in this exciting stand-alone issue which also acts as chapter four of the MULTIVERSITY storyline. Join us, if your dare, for THE MULTIVERSITY!
5. “Batman ’66” Gets a Script by Harlan Ellison
After his unaltered Star Trek script got the comic treatment earlier this year from IDW, DC is following suit. It would have been fascinating to see how Ellison would have integrated Two-Face into the Batman universe, especially since the makeup at the time was, let’s say, far from perfect. Len Wein takes Ellison’s treatment and puts it in comic format, with help from Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez – that team seems pretty masterfully suited to bring this story to life. This one-shot looks like a blast.
BATMAN ‘66: THE LOST EPISODE #1
Story by HARLAN ELLISON
Script by LEN WEIN
Art by JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ and JOE PRADO
Cover by ALEX ROSS
1:25 Variant cover by JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ and JOE PRADO
One-shot • On sale NOVEMBER 19 • 80 pg, FC, $9.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
During the original Batman television series run, legendary science-fiction writer Harlan Ellison turned in an outline for a story that would have introduced Two-Face. The story never made it to air, and Two-Face never entered the TV show’s Rogues Gallery. Now, “The Two-Way Crimes of Two-Face” is adapted to comics by two comic book legends: writer Len Wein and artist José Luis Garcia-Lopez. Also included in this special edition are Ellison’s original prose story outline and the complete, original pencils by Garcia-Lopez.
4. “Etenal” ramps up the covers game
One of the complaints the DC3kly has had about “Batman Eternal” is the lack of great covers, like Ryan Sook provides for “New 52: Futures End.” Well, DC must have heard us, as all month we are getting 4 Raphael Albuquerque covers this month, and that is good news, especially based on the one above. While the idea of artists taking a month of covers at a clip isn’t a bad one, not all of their choices have been working very well (like Alex Garner’s current run of digital weirdness). This is much more like it, DC.
BATMAN ETERNAL #31
Written by SCOTT SNYDER, JAMES TYNION IV, RAY FAWKES, KYLE HIGGINS and TIM SEELEY
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and MATT RYAN
Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
On sale NOVEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The team-up you never saw coming – Alfred Pennyworth and…Bane?!
3. “The Kitchen” cooks up something interesting
I don’t know Ollie Masters, but I love that Vertigo is publishing a book by someone I’ve never heard of – add in Ming Doyle on interiors and Becky Cloonan on covers, and I’m all in. Set it in 1970s New York and add in an unusual take on organized crime? Oh hell yes. Bring. It. On.
THE KITCHEN #1
Written by OLLIE MASTERS
Art by MING DOYLE
Cover by BECKY CLOONAN
1:13 Variant cover by MING DOYLE
On sale NOVEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 8, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
Retailers: This issue will arrive in stores with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
New York City, late 1970s. Times Square is a haven for sex and drugs. The city teeters on the verge of bankruptcy, while blackouts can strike at any moment. This is the world of THE KITCHEN.
The Irish gangs of Hell’s Kitchen rule the neighborhood, bringing terror to the streets and doing the dirty work for the Italian Mafia. Jimmy Brennan and his crew were the hardest bastards in the Kitchen, but after they’re all put in prison, their wives – Kath, Raven and Angie – decide to keep running their rackets. And once they get a taste of the fast life and easy money, it won’t be easy to stop.THE KITCHEN takes one of the most popular genres in entertainment and, like The Sopranos, reimagines it for a new generation to present a classic gangster story told from a fresh point of view.
Written by talented newcomer Ollie Masters with stunning art by Ming Doyle (Mara) and killer covers by Becky Cloonan (GOTHAM ACADEMY, Killjoys, DEMO), THE KITCHEN is not to be missed.
2. “Batmanga” Gets Collected
There are a bunch of really interesting collections coming out this month – Absolute Kevin Smith Green Arrow, Geoff Johns Green Lantern Omnibus – but none are as cool as this one. These digital first reprints aren’t coming out in single issues, and I’m almost glad, because now I don’t feel bad about not waiting for the trade. This is the first of three volumes of this legendarily weird and beautiful Batman manga, and it is longing for a place on my shelf. Plus, 352 pages for $14.99? You are high if you’re not buying this. There, I said it.
BATMAN: THE JIRO KUWATA BATMANGA BOOK 1 TP
Written by JIRO KUWATA
Art and cover by JIRO KUWATA
On sale DECEMBER 3 • 352 pg, B&W with spot color, 1 of 3, 5.75” x 8.1875, $14.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
In the 1960s, at the height of the Batman TV series’ popularity, a shonen manga magazine in Japan serialized fifty-three chapters of original comics starring The Dark Knight, all written and illustrated by Managaka Jiro Kuwata. Now, DC Entertainment is proud to publish the complete Batman Manga adventures in English for the first time in three painstakingly restored volumes. The adventure begins when the Dynamic Duo faces the insidious threat of Lord Death Man!
1. “Gotham By Midnight” launches
We all know DC publishes too many Bat-books. This is a fact of life that we have all grown to live with – but DC is taking that reality and doing something fun with it. This is the third in a series of Gotham-set books (along with “Arkham Manor” and “Gotham Academy”) that are “Bat books” by proximity, but really are genre exercises. This is a straight up horror book, starring the Spectre, framed as a Bat book. That is a glorious thing. Ray Fawkes has been killing it on the Jim Corrigan-led “Eternal” stuff, and add in Ben Templesmith on art, and this is sounding like a must buy.
GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT #1
Written by RAY FAWKES
Art and cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
On sale NOVEMBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
Strange doings are afoot in Gotham City! Look out, though – Jim Corrigan is on the case in this new series by writer Ray Fawkes (CONSTANTINE, BATMAN ETERNAL) and artist Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Ten Grand)!
There is a lot more coming, including some interesting collected editions, and more weekly comics than your budget can probably handle, so read the full solicitations over at Comic Book Resources.
