Welcome back to Upcoming Comics! Is everyone else watching Invincible? If you aren't you really should be. Season 3 just ended and the last two episode were absolutely wild - some of the best TV I've seen in a good while, and definitely some of the best superhero TV out there. The show is about half-ish way through the comics so far and I'm just incredibly excited to see it continue. Thankfully they've got their production pipeline set now and seasons should be coming out annually instead of having these huge hiatuses.
And before anyone asks, the Guy Fieri header image this week comes from Dan Mora's variant cover for Batman/Superman: World's Finest. It's fantastic.
Upcoming Comics
Absolute Batman #6
THIS IS IT – THE PARTY ENDS HERE. Bruce Wayne, a young man who has built his entire life on leveling up, on becoming a bigger man than both his enemies and the obstacles that stand in his way, will have to break down the Black Mask and his gang of Party Animals. Will he be able to do this without the help of his unlikely new MI6 ally, Alfred Pennyworth? And how do his childhood friends – Edward Nygma, Waylon Jones, Harvey Dent, and Oswald Cobblepot (among others) – play a crucial role in Batman’s legacy as Gotham’s Vigilante? Absolute Batman’s first story arc, “The Zoo” concludes with this larger-than-life story, while introducing a few new elements to come in arc 2. You’d have to be ABSOLUTELY MAD to miss it!
- Written By: Scott Snyder
- Art By: Nick Dragotta
Thoughts: This opening arc has been a blast so far, and Snyder has hinted at some pretty big names showing up in upcoming issues.
Batman News Critic: Jackson
Detective Comics #1095
Batman has employed the full force of the Bat-Family to uncover the mystery of the murders that continue across Gotham. But even Batman’s most trusted allies have failed at preventing the deaths of young men at the hands of the bloodthirsty Asema. But who is Asema? As the World’s Greatest Detective unravels the mystery, he realizes he may not want to know the answer.
- Written By: Tom Taylor
- Art By: Mikel Janin
Thoughts: Yup, we're still stretching out that mystery.
Batman News Critic: Jackson
Nightwing #124
To save the lives of one of Blüdhaven’s gangs, Nightwing must stage a heist on Spheric Solutions. But revelations of the corporation’s true sinister nature threaten to shatter his very reality.
- Written By: Dan Watters
- Art By: Dexter Soy
Thoughts: There sure are a lot of shocking revelations that change everything going around these days.
Batman News Critic: Aaron
DC x Sonic the Hedgehog #1
It’s a crossover event unlike any other! The monstrous Darkseid crosses dimensions to invade the world of Sonic the Hedgehog, seeking the ultimate power. Sonic and his friends have faced everything from mad scientists to ancient spirits, but the forces of Apokolips may be too much for them. Thankfully, the full heroic might of the Justice League arrives to back them up! Don’t miss part one of this unique crossover event!
- Written By: Ian Flynn
- Art By: Adam Bryce Thomas
Thoughts: Sure, why not?
Batman News Critic: Chip
Batman/Superman: World's Finest #37
Superman and Batman have a code against killing…but does a king of Atlantis? As the Floronic Man makes his final play for dominion over the seas, Aquaman is forced to react as a warrior, not a superhero—and the consequences will surprise you! Guest-starring Swamp Thing…and featuring a very special celebrity cameo variant from the mayor of Flavortown himself: Guy Fieri!
- Written By: Mark Waid
- Art By: Adrian Gutierrez
Thoughts: A variant cover so good they include it in the solicit. Now you see why I had to make it the header. Oh yeah, and I guess the Aquaman story wraps up too.
Batman News Critic: Jackson
The Question: All Along the Watchtower #5
As the Watchtower itself begins to crack from the strain being placed on it by an unseen villain, the Question must face an unexpected threat—her own teammates, including Batwoman! But does she have any chance of retaking JL HQ if she’s already lost control of those closest to her? As her world collapses, the Question must tap into her own inner resolve or risk losing everything.
- Written By: Alex Segura
- Art By: Cian Tormey
Thoughts: I've seen some theories that this series could be setting up Renee and Kate to get back together, which would be nice.
Batman News Critic: Akash
Batman & Robin: Year One #6
Robin is caught in the General’s clutches, and it’s up to Batman to rescue his intrepid young protégé. The Dark Knight knows he’s running headlong into a trap, but is the General really prepared for Batman like he thinks?
- Written By: Mark Waid, Chris Samnee
- Art By: Chris Samnee
Thoughts: I suppose it's fitting that even in Robin's "year one" he immediately becomes bait for a trap.
Batman News Critic: Chip
Catwoman #74
With everyone in Tokyo searching for her, Catwoman finds herself face-to-face with Alexander Belov and another unexpected foe. Can she secure the second key to the Belov fortune, or is this the end of the line for the feline fatale? Plus, the noose continues to tighten around the necks of Selina’s old acquaintances.
- Written By: Torunn Gronbekk
- Art By: Marianna Ignazzi
Thoughts: I've been middling on the comic as a whole, but that's a fantastic cover. Kudos to Sebastián Fiumara.
Batman News Critic: Akash
Titans #21
Overly emotional empath Raven has completely lost it—and she’s taking the Titans with her. Of course, she’s being nudged along by the psycho-est of the psychos, Psycho-Pirate! And he’s got a plan: first Raven, then the Titans…then the world!
- Written By: John Layman
- Art By: Pete Woods
Thoughts: I don't mean to tell Psycho, or Mr. Pirate perhaps, how to do his job, but I feel there's some pretty big steps between beating the Titans and world domination. Maybe he didn't hear that they're not the premier DC team anymore.
Batman News Critic: None
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: Absolute Batman #6- If you're looking for unabashedly over-the-top action and characterization, Absolute Batman has you set.
Least Excited: The Question: All Along the Watchtower #5- Both the premise and the execution of the title is bleh.
Wild Card: Batman & Robin: Year One #6- This series is setting up a lot of ideas that will have to wait until the end to see if they all come together in a satisfying way.
Well that’s it for this week! Let us know in the comments what comics you’re looking forward to.
