10. Forever Evil Marches On
All three Justice League books feature a variation on the above cover, as they are the primary tie-ins, along with “Teen Titans” and “Suicide Squad,” to the “Forever Evil” miniseries. Also debuting this month are the three tie-in minis, “Arkham War,” “A.R.G.U.S.” and “Rogue’s Rebellion.” After the very self-contained “Trinity War” crossover, “Forever Evil” is returning DC to the tradition of the over-stuffed crossover. It remains to be seen if the “Forever Evil” miniseries proper is sufficient enough to sustain a story (like, for instance “Infinite Crisis”) or if it requires additional reading to really appreciate (“Final Crisis,” “Blackest Night”).
9. Damian: Son of Batman
DAMIAN: SON OF BATMAN #1
Written by ANDY KUBERT
Art and cover by ANDY KUBERTDamian Wayne, the son of Batman, has adopted the cape and cowl as his own…but what horrific events set this troubled hero on the path of his dark destiny? It’s a possible future that may never be in this epic miniseries written and drawn by one of Damian’s co-creators, Andy Kubert!
This series has been rumored for some time now, and is especially surprising due to a few factors. First of all, Damian is dead – we all know dead in comics isn’t dead in real life, but it seems odd to put the character back in the spotlight so quickly after dying. Secondly, this appears to take place in the pre-“Flashpoint” universe (based on the costume, mainly) which, as we know, is a major no-no right now. That said, I’m a Kubert fan, and as co-creator of the character, he hopefully has a good idea of how to handle this mini.
8. It’s The End of “Earth 2” As We Know It (I Don’t Feel Fine)
EARTH 2 #16
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTTThe war against Steppenwolf and the Hunger Dogs is over…all hope is lost!
This is the final James Robinson-penned issue, and that is a shame.
7. Digital Shift
This month finds the final issues collecting “Arrow,” Ame Comi Girls,” and “Legends of the Dark Knight” for the time being. This sort of makes sense, as CBR has reported, because both “Arrow” and “Ame Comi Girls” have ceased their run digitally, so these series are just being wrapped up in their delayed print runs. DC Digital plans on having series shift in and out of their publication schedule, so both may be back eventually (especially “Arrow” – look for a return come the new season of the CW show). As for “Legends of the Dark Knight,” DC is going to start printing the stories as collected editions instead of single issues. Whether or not this is a wise move remains to be seen, but it does appear that DC is taking time and care with its digital series, and that is a welcome change from how many companies new their digital properties.
6. Darwyn Cooke Can Do No Wrong
BATWING #24
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by EDUARDO PANSICA and EBER FERREIRA
Cover by DARWYN COOKEAt Batman’s direction Luke Fox takes off for Italy to compete in a Mixed Martial Arts tournament. He’s about to come face to face with Lady Vic and Charlie Caligula, so let’s hope he brought his newly modified Batwing armor!
While the new iteration of “Batwing” has left me cold, look at that fucking cover. DAY-um, yo.
5. Batman/Superman/Retcon
Continued belowBATMAN/SUPERMAN #4
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by JAE LEEIt’s the conclusion of the first arc in this series as one world dies and another lives! Plus: We discover why Superman and Batman have no memory of this tragic first adventure.
I loved “Batman/Superman” #1 – but I was perplexed as to how these characters could have met pre-“Justice League” #1 and not remembered it. Here is the answer, and while I hate lazy retcons (not to say this will be lazy, but the solicit seems a bit too on the nose to be clever), I’m glad it won’t just be a dangling question. Plus, Jae Lee, c’mon.
4. Superman/Wonder Woman
SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #1
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
Cover by TONY S. DANIELBeginning a bold new series that details the relationship between The Man of Steel and the Warrior Princess as rising star writer Charles Soule is joined by fan favorite artist Tony S. Daniel to tell the tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it—and some will try to kill for it. Some say love is a battlefield, but where Superman and Wonder Woman are concerned it spells Doomsday!
This cover is substantially better than the promo image that DC originally sent out with the announcement of this new series, which is good. It is also good that Superman is getting thrust back into the DC spotlight after abdicating his throne to Batman for the better part of the last decade. It is also good that Charles Soule, so far a solid contributor to the New 52 with “Swamp Thing” and “Red Lanterns,” is at the helm. However, this seems like the recipe for a flawed series – Tony Daniel’s work is divisive, this romantic character pairing is not a popular one, and it seems like a weird way to get a romance comic on the shelves, if it even is that. And I’m a guy on record as being pro-romance comic! I hope there are interesting stories to tell about Superman and Wonder Woman’s love life that doesn’t devolve into a Mallrats reference – and I’m a guy who loves Mallrats!
3. Batman and…Continues
BATMAN AND TWO-FACE #24
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY“The Big Burn” part one of five! Two-Face’s first epic in The New 52 sees Batman unraveling the mysterious connections between Harvey Dent’s life and the origin of Carrie Kelley!
After running through teaming Batman up with his various wards and allies, Tomasi and Gleason move over to the villains side and start a five part “Batman and Two-Face” story. I can dig this, even if the continued appearances of Carrie Kelly make no sense to me.
What is interesting is that DC now, effectively, has three team up books – “Batman and_____,” “Batman/Superman,” and “Superman/Wonder Woman,” and two thirds of them are made up of some combination of the Trinity characters. This is a good idea in principle but, again, “Superman/Wonder Woman” just seems ill fated.
2. Lights Out
A month-long, 5 part crossover? That I can dig – especially as it will allow the new Lantern creative teams some time to cross-pollinate after a few months of establishing their books’ new landscapes. If it looks lame, you’re only missing out on one month’s worth of Lantern books; if it looks good, picking up an extra book or two shouldn’t break the bank. Seems like a win/win to me.
1. Justice League 3000
JUSTICE LEAGUE 3000 #1
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by KEVIN MAGUIREDon’t miss the debut of the new series starring the heroes of today—tomorrow! But what are they doing in the year 3000? And who (or what) brought them there? Get ready for a double dose of wonder as only the stellar creative team of Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire can deliver!
Sure, this looks like a bit of a weird concept, especially as the solicit implies that these are the New 52 characters, somehow in the year 3000. But look at that creative team? Look at the promises for “BWA-HA-HA” moments? Look at the fact that this is replacing one of the dullest and least satisfying periods of “Legion of Super-Heroes” known to man? This is a cause for celebration friends, so pick this up!
