Welcome back to Upcoming Comics! First I just want to comment on how big of a week this is for bat comics. If you were looking for a time to jump in (or back in), there'd be few better. Two brand new series are starting along with three brand new creative teams for existing titles. DC promised big changes for October and at the very least they've delivered on that.
The second is that NYCC is starting on Thursday, and I'll be there reporting on all of it. I fly into New York on Monday, press pass in hand to cover as much bat news as possible for you, our loyal readers. It's my first "big" comic con, and certainly the first that I'll be covering in an official capacity. I'm excited.
Upcoming Comics
Batman & Robin: Year One #1
While Bruce Wayne adjusts to the realities of adopting orphan Dick Grayson, a mysterious new crime boss called the General has come to Gotham to claim the city by disrupting and destroying its other mobs. But what is his connection to Two-Face? Batman and his new sidekick, Robin, are out for answers, but it’ll take everything they have to navigate both sides of their relationship as father and son and dynamic duo, with Dick Grayson’s present and future hanging in the balance!
- Written By: Mark Waid, Chris Samnee
- Art By: Chris Samnee
Thoughts: Mark Waid has so far done a great job breathing new life into classic eras of DC history with his World's Finest series. I hope this can continue that trend.
Batman News Critic: Chip
Batman: Full Moon #1
An ancient and supernatural force stalks the streets of Gotham City—a Lycan so powerful it’ll defy Batman’s most trusted resources: his brilliant mind and extensive gadgetry. But are Batman’s physical strength and resilience alone enough to put the creature down for good? Or will this fight strip him down to his very bones? Even powerful magical allies like Zatanna caution that Bruce might not walk away from this one unscathed…Eisner-nominated writer Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia) and breakout artist Stevan Subic (The Riddler: Year One) tear into a horrific tale of pain and redemption as Batman meets his match: the werewolf of Gotham City!
- Written By: Rodney Barnes
- Art By: Stevan SUBIC
Thoughts: Batman vs classic movie monsters is often a winning combination
Batman News Critic: Chip
Nightwing #118
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the streets of Blüdhaven as we bid a heartfelt farewell to the dynamic duo of Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo in the epic conclusion to their award-winning run. With Nightwing’s fear of heights overcome, he returns to Blüdhaven for one final face-off with Heartless and Tony Zucco. It’s the battle you’ve all been waiting for! And if we’ve learned anything from Nightwing these last couple of years, we know he never has to do it alone. One thing’s for certain though: Blüdhaven will never be the same after this!
- Written By: Tom Taylor
- Art By: Bruno Redondo
Thoughts: Love it or hate it, Taylor's Nightwing certainly left a mark on the character and turned Taylor into one of DC's golden boys. Let's see how he sticks the landing.
Batman News Critic: Aaron
Catwoman #69
Selina Kyle does not know why the attempt on her life was made, nor does she know who ordered it. As she desperately searches for clues as to who has suddenly orchestrated this lethal manhunt against her, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the answers don’t lie in her life as the Catwoman of Gotham City. To save her own life, Selina Kyle must re-enter the world of a sinister international syndicate that years ago helped to transform her into the world’s foremost thief. A tale of identity, broken alliances, and pulse-pounding action begins here!
- Written By: Torunn Gronbekk
- Art By: Fabiana Mascolo
Thoughts: I'm totally unfamiliar with Gronbekk's work, so I'm curious to see her take on Catwoman. Also, does the suit on the cover remind anyone else of Halle Berry's from the 2004 film?
Batman News Critic: Akash
Titans #16
A league of their own! After the events of Absolute Power, the team looks towards the future and their place in it. Will their failure to control Amanda Waller mean lasting consequences for the hero community?
- Written By: John Layman
- Art By: Pete Woods
Thoughts: Let's see how the Titans get on now that they've been demoted from premier DC team.
Batman News Critic: Andru
Batman/Superman: World's Finest #32
Even the combined might of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight Detective cannot overcome the reincarnation of the literal wrath of God…sounds like our heroes are going to need some reinforcements. It’s the World’s Finest debut of the Justice League as night falls on the DCU!
- Written By: Mark Waid
- Art By: Adrian Gutierrez
Thoughts: Looking forward to seeing how the Justice League plays in this series.
Batman News Critic: Jackson
Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #4
The snow falls heavier and ice zombie hoards grow thicker as Slade and Alec battle their way through the frozen badlands in search of the dark wizard who commands the Allwinter. But even once they manage to secure some semblance of shelter, will the truths of their pasts that emerge bring them together…or tear them apart for good? And in the backup tale by Dark Knights of Steel mastermind Tom Taylor and superstar artist Riccardo Federici, the king of Atlantis will stop at nothing to ensure his legacy, even if it means tearing the surface world apart to find the rightful heir he long thought was dead!
- Written By: Jay Kristoff, Tom Taylor
- Art By: TIRSO, Riccardo Federici
Thoughts: Sometimes I wonder if these creators just want to be making fantasy comics but know that it has to have a marketable superhero on the cover to sell.
Batman News Critic: Aaron
Beyond the Bat
Welcome to Beyond the Bat, where we take a quick look at the rest of DC’s comics coming out this week.
Graphic Novel Watch
No bat graphic novels this week, sorry.
Ratings
Most Excited: Batman & Robin: Year One #1- I have a lot of high hopes for Waid's interpretation of this era
Least Excited: Titans #16- Of all the new lineups announced, this is the one that most fell with a "meh" for me.
Wild Card: Catwoman #69- Brand new writer could possibly lead to a really interesting run for Selina.
Well that’s it for this week! Let us know in the comments what comics you’re looking forward to.
