We’ve got a light week ahead of us, but I think the real spotlight will be on Strange Adventures by Tom King, Mitch Gerads, and Doc Shaner. I know I’m excited, but I’m hoping this is more along the lines of Mister Miracle or Sheriff of Babylon and not Heroes in Crisis.
Alright, on to business. This week’s releases are listed according to our anticipation scale, with titles listed in alphabetical order within each sub-header. For each title, I’ll include the official solicitation, the talent credits, a random comment (or rant), and the Batman News team member that will be reviewing each book. Following that, you’ll find notes pertaining to other DC Comics titles, as well as our Graphic Novel Watch. And finally, we want to hear from you! What titles are you picking up? Why are you excited? What do you hope will happen in the book? Etc. So, without further ado, review our Anticipation Scale, and comment away!
The Anticipation Scale
NO! – A comic I downright dread reading and if I wasn’t a reviewer, I would never buy it.
“You Don’t Have to Thank Us” – The idea of reviewing it doesn’t make me ill or angry, but it definitely sounds like it’s going to be a chore. Still, I’m reading it for you. I’m putting it at the bottom of the pile, but I’m reading it for you.
Mixed – A middle of the pile comic. It’s probably got the same chance of being dreadful as it does of being stupendous. I’m neither looking forward to it or avoiding it, whatever happens… happens.
Intrigued – I think this comic has potential to be a fantastic read. There’s some slight hesitation there, but it’s definitely going to be at the top of the pile.
TAKE MY MONEY – Everything about this issue has me excited. If I don’t get to read this book on Wednesday, I will be furious. I would pay extra just to have it in my hands right now! That’s how much I’m looking forward to it!
And as a reminder, our review scale is based on a 10-point system. A rating of “5” means the book is mediocre/average, and the more toward “10″ we go, the more awesome/worth buying it is. The more toward “1″ we go the more awful/not worth buying it is. That’s how we rate things. It’s not like most video game review scores where everything under 8 is crap, and it’s not like a school report card where everything under a 7 is failing or close-to-failing. Please keep this in mind when reading our reviews.
FEBRUARY 19th
INTRIGUED
Batman #90
The mysterious master criminal known only as the Designer once brought together Gotham City’s greatest criminals to plot the perfect crime, and now his plan has been unleashed upon the city in all its might. Batman will go to any length to uncover the grand design, but Catwoman is the one who holds the greatest secret. If Batman wins against the Designer, he will lose everything.
Written by James Tynion IV
Pencils and Inks Jorge Jimenez
Colored by Tomeu Morey
Cover by Jorge Jimenez and Tomeu Morey
Josh’s Stance: I’m not completely sold on the Designer, but I’m curious to see why he’s feared by Gotham’s rogues. I’m also interested to learn what this “perfect crime” is that the rogues keep referencing. Mostly, I’m just hoping that it lives up to the hype that Tynion is trying to build.
Batman News Critic: Josh
Justice League #42
The Justice League suffers defeat after defeat in the ever-tightening grip of the Eradicator. But do the heroes have a greater plan? It’s up to the Flash to outwit and outrun the onslaught of Daxamites, but his next step may be his last.
Written by Robert Venditti
Pencils by Aaron Lopresti
Inks Matt Ryan
Colored by David Baron
Cover by Brad Anderson and Bryan Hitch
Josh’s Stance: So far, Venditti’s only two issues into his Justice League run, and it’s been good, but he hasn’t necessarily delivered in the way that I expected. I’m hoping to see things grow and improve – he’s definitely one of the writes who excels by building on foundations.
Batman News Critic: Nick
MIXED
Harley Quinn #71
Harley thought a little trip to Los Angeles would help her cope with grief, but grief followed her all the way to the West Coast. When a new friend of hers dies, she knows in her heart there is foul play at work. She’ll have to put down her mallet and pick up a magnifying glass to prove her friend was murdered. And will Booster Gold help her investigation or only hinder it?
Written by Sam Humphries
Pencils and Inks by Sami Basri
Colored by Hi-Fi
Cover by Tomeu Morey, Arif Prianto, and Riley Rossmo
Josh’s Stance: I really like the idea of Harley being in Los Angeles, but I’m still not quite sold on the current run. Full disclosure though, I am still on a bit of a burnout with Harley Quinn.
Batman News Critic: Michael
GRAPHIC NOVEL WATCH:
Batman: White Knight – The Deluxe Edition - Collecting the Eisner Award-nominated series in Deluxe Edition format! Batman: White Knight follows the transformation of The Joker into a sane citizen of Gotham City known as Jack Napier. After reconciling with his long-suffering partner, Harley Quinn, he sets in motion a carefully plotted campaign to discredit the one person whom he views as Gotham City's true enemy: Batman. Napier's crusade exposes a decades-long history of corruption within the Gotham City Police Department and transforms him into a city councilman and civic hero. But when the sins of his past return to threaten everything that he has accomplished, the distinctions between savior and destroyer begin to break down for both The Joker and Batman alike-and with them, any hope for Gotham's future. Collecting the acclaimed eight-issue miniseries, plus extras including sketches, designs, and Sean Murphy's original inked pages, and a brand-new cover by Murphy!
Robin: Year One - Taking place after the events of Batman: Dark Victory, this epic tale recounts the beginning of Dick Grayson's career as Robin, the Boy Wonder. The devious Two-Face is very interested in recent reports that Batman now has a teenage sidekick. Indeed, Bruce Wayne has taken young Dick Grayson under his tutelage as Robin, the Boy Wonder! Alfred Pennyworth is unsure if the inclusion of Dick Grayson in Batman's nightly adventures might not end up in disaster, but the butler cannot deny the positive influence the lighthearted boy has on his master. Collects Robin: Year One #1-4.
