Welcome back to Upcoming Comics! I was pretty skeptical at the outset, but both the Absolute Universe and DC's All In have seriously impressed me so far. It's been a long time since I've said this, but it feels like DC is in a good place right now. It has a lot of really solid titles along with some promising new ones on the way. Don't get me wrong, they could definitely find a way to screw it all up down the line, but right now I'm cautiously optimistic.
Upcoming Comics
Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween #2
In 1996, writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale teamed up for Batman: The Long Halloween, an award-winning 13-chapter saga that spawned multiple sequels and stands as the most influential Batman story of its era. Now, Loeb returns to the world of The Long Halloween for its long-anticipated final act—Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween, an all-new 10-part mystery continuing the story from 2021’s The Long Halloween special. In each issue, Loeb will be joined by one of the top artists in comics in a beautiful and lovingly crafted tribute to Sale’s art and legacy. Hoping to bring an end to the terrible tragedy that has struck Gotham, Batman and Robin descend into the hellish depths of Arkham Asylum seeking answers and come face-to-face with some of the city’s most nefarious criminals.
- Written By: Jeph Loeb
- Art By: Klaus Janson
Thoughts: This series got off to a strong start, and Risso even did a good Sale impression. Now let's move on to the next artist in rotation and see if they can keep it up.
Batman News Critic: Chris
Poison Ivy/Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1
There is something wrong with the trees. A presence screaming out in pain—tearing, gnashing, and gnawing through the very fabric of the Green—calling out for blood. In its wake, a trail of viscera and carnage is left—leading to a mystery that the Parliament of Trees has conscripted Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing to solve. Can the Verdant Villainess and the Avatar of the Green make their way into the heart of this homicidal wilderness and discover the source of this horror, or will they find themselves the next victims of these feral trees? This story, brought to violent life by G. Willow Wilson and Mike Perkins, will answer these questions. But beware, this terrifying tale is not for the weak of heart.
- Written By: G. Willow Wilson
- Art By: Mike Perkins
Thoughts: Ivy and Swamp Thing always seem like such an obvious team up, but it's always interesting to see how different writers interpret their relationship.
Batman News Critic: Andru
The Penguin Special #1
At first glance, the Penguin may seem like a harmless, if peculiar, businessman with a fondness for fine cuisine, tailored suits, and exotic birds. But those in Gotham’s underworld know that beneath the dapper attire and gentlemanly demeanor lies a calculating and ruthless criminal who isn’t afraid to take whatever he thinks he deserves. And should you happen to be in the way of something he wants, know that this bird is just as deadly as any other raptor. Discover the man behind the new Max streaming series in this special issue showcasing the Penguin’s 1941 debut in the pages of Detective Comics #58, twisted recollections of his formative years from Secret Origins Special #1 and Joker’s Asylum: Penguin #1, and a brand-new, exclusive story written by Jeremy Adams and illustrated by Howard Porter that shows the Penguin’s next moves during All In.
- Written By: Jeremy Adams
- Art By: Howard Porter
Thoughts: Most of this is reprints of old Penguin stories, but Jeremy Adams' new entry could be interesting. It also seems to imply that there will be more Penguin (or at least Penguin-focused) comics down the line.
Batman News Critic: Jack
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
Sometimes you need more than floppies. Sometimes you want something that can sit nicely on your shelf that proudly displays your favorite stories. That’s when you turn to graphic novels. Let’s see what bat collections are coming out this week:
Ratings
Most Excited: Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween #2- I haven't been completely wowed by this third entry in the Halloween saga (or fourth if you count When in Rome), but it has a lot of potential.
Least Excited: The Penguin Special #1- I wasn't a big fan of King's Penguin series, but maybe Adams can inject some new life into the character.
Wild Card: Poison Ivy/Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1- Wilson has been doing a really good job on Poison Ivy, and I'm curious to see how she writes Swamp Thing.
Well that’s it for this week! Let us know in the comments what comics you’re looking forward to.
