It's that time again, lads! Let's feel old together. I've been meaning to do this "storytime" for a month, which is why I'm posting November solicits (also because that was the month I fully got into reading monthlies, and because December solicits are just plain more boring).
Depending on how fast we're done with this thread, I'll do Marvel and Image threads next or tomorrow. Strap the fuck in!!!
>BATMAN, INC. #1
>Written by GRANT MORRISON >Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE >1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT >1:200 Sketch variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
>Grant Morrison continues his earth-shattering run on the Batman titles with this exciting, new ongoing series! Featuring art by the remarkable Yanick Paquette (SEVEN SOLDIERS: BULLETEER), BATMAN, INC. marks the next stage of evolution for The Dark Knight. This can’t-miss series will star not just Bruce Wayne as Batman, but also a huge number of guest-stars! Don’t miss out on this all-new start to a stunning direction for Batman! >Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
To this day I still don't understand why DC thought Finch is such a big deal his exclusive contract would merit a whole promo campaign with variants for various books and a whole goddamn Batman series all for himself.
Questionable quality of his art aside, what is even his claim to fame? Aphrodite V? Avengers Disassembled which was six years old by that time? A truly bizarre mystery.
>BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1
>Written by DAVID FINCH >Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS >Cover by DAVID FINCH >1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE >1:200 Sketch variant cover by DAVID FINCH
>Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best – Scott Williams – on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone’s must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne’s childhood friends…and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman’s life! >Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
The fact that this issue actually came out but the rest of the series was delayed means DC wasn't even thinking of their next big relaunch until January 2011. Let that sink in. Whether you liked the end result or not, it was undeniably a mess.
>BATWOMAN #0
>Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III & W. HADEN BLACKMAN >Art by J.H. WILLIAMS III and AMY REEDER with RICHARD FRIEND >Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III >1:10 Variant cover by AMY REEDER
>“I suspect that Batwoman is socialite Kate Kane. I intend to prove it beyond a shadow. I need to know if she can be trusted, what her motivations are. I’m going undercover.” – Batman: Mission Log Entry 2756 >Featuring a unique story composition that combines the art of Eisner Award-winner J.H. Williams III (DETECTIVE COMICS, PROMETHEA) and Amy Reeder (MADAME XANADU), this special #0 issue acts as a new introduction into the life of Batwoman! Things pick up roughly where the BATWOMAN: ELEGY HC left off, and this issue acts as a primer for the upcoming new series featuring multiple award-winning creators! >Retailers please note: This issue ships with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
>Written by TONY DANIEL >Art and cover by TONY DANIEL
>Welcome back Tony Daniel as regular writer/artist on BATMAN! >Bruce Wayne may have returned, but when an aging but wealthy technology developer comes to Gotham with his beautiful daughter, it turns out he’s in search of a joint project with WayneTech. DNA tracking is the name of his game, and there are others interested in his proposal. But when the developer goes missing, Batman finds that his tracks stop in the city’s violent Chinatown neighborhood, where a new deadly Triad gang has taken root. Guest-starring I-Ching!
>On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
"Welcome back?" Does anybody actually like Tony Daniel Batman comics?
I think it was just about the only example of a non-event non-relaunch series climbing up in monthly sales within like two-years radius.
>DETECTIVE COMICS #871
>Written by SCOTT SNYDER >Art and cover by JOCK >Co-feature art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
>Up-and-coming writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and acclaimed artist Jock (THE LOSERS) make their debut as the new ONGOING creative team of DETECTIVE COMICS! >In “The Black Mirror” part 1 of 3, a series of brutal murders pushes Batman’s detective skills to the limit and forces him to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils. >Plus, in the start of a COMMISSIONER GORDON second feature also written by Scott Snyder, when a figure from the past returns to Gotham, Jim Gordon must face some of his darkest demons. Featuring art by Francesco Francavilla (GARRISON).
Nope. Another a-lister thats only so because of DCs marketing
Colton Johnson
This issue and arc got delayed and replaced with an extremely-hastily-written three-parter by Paul Cornell. The actual Tomasi arc, when released, was the first time I realized what "out of character" means when Damian was acting like a shit and calmed down after Gordon threatened to slap him.
I'm not a Damianfag by any means by I do have a big soft spot for his arc in Morrison's B&R.
>BATMAN & ROBIN #17
>Written by PETER J. TOMASI >Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MARK IRWIN >Cover by PATRICK GLEASON >1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA
>From the pages of the best-selling BRIGHTEST DAY and GREEN LANTERN CORPS comes the new regular creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason! Kicking off the action is “Dark Knight, White Knight” part 1 of 3, as Bruce Wayne returns from the dead, and Gotham City finds itself locked in the grip of chaos! Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne come face-to-face with what could possibly be the strangest Bat Villain yet. Who is the White Knight, and why is he hell-bent on making Gotham City into Heaven on Earth? >Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
Can't believe it's been ten years. Fuck that's depressing.
Kevin Howard
Speaking of Paul Cornell and Batman & Robin... Is this one good?
I do somewhat understand the twisted logic behind putting Daniel on Batman: the dude drew the super-best-selling R.I.P. just a year prior, let's give him a carte blanche until he stops selling or something... With Finch am truly flabbergasted.
>KNIGHT & SQUIRE #2
>Written by PAUL CORNELL >Art by JIMMY BROXTON >Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHAEL LACOMBE
>In this second issue, our trusty heroes venture into rural England – or as they know it, home. But when someone starts using dangerous dark magic, they spring into action only to face a surprising and unassuming enemy. Can they take down a powerful magical enemy and still make it home for supper?
>Written by HOWARD CHAYKIN >Art and cover by HOWARD CHAYKIN
>The Cavalier – that’s the Z-lister with the swords, right? So how’d he manage to frame Catwoman for a run of burglaries? And how on Earth did he manage the more spectacular crime of cleaning out the Wayne Enterprises pension fund and framing Bruce Wayne for the deed? However impressive he may appear to be, The Cavalier will quickly learn that frame-ups like that cut both ways, as both Batman and Catwoman begin tracking the Gotham City villain in this stand-alone one-shot from comics legend Howard Chaykin!
>ONE-SHOT • On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US
This one, on the other hand, is a true time tested classic.
Neal Adams-sama... I kneel.
>BATMAN: ODYSSEY #5
>Written by NEAL ADAMS >Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS >1:25 Black and white variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
>Batman knows his Odyssey must happen soon before he loses himself, but Deadman invades The Dark Knight’s world and only sees the inevitable crash and burn of his old friend. Should Deadman add to Batman’s “crash” – or hold off and give the Caped Crusader a few last moments of relative peace? This is Deadman we’re talking about – of course he’s going to step in! >Oh, and there’s one more thorn in Batman’s side – in this issue, The Joker arrives! >Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
>Written by PAUL DINI >Co-feature written by FABIAN NICIEZA >Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS >Co-feature art by TBD >Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
>With Bruce Wayne soon to return to Gotham City, the secret past lives of his parents Thomas and Martha have come back to haunt the family legacy! What bizarre experience in their past is connected to the horrible plan that Tommy Elliot has set in motion? Find out here in part 2 of the 5-part sequel to the best-selling “Heart of Hush”! >Plus, don’t miss the start of a new Ragman co- feature, written by Fabian Nicieza (RED ROBIN)! This 5-part story finds Rory Regan starting a new job at the city morgue as his tenement neighborhood is threatened by the Mayor’s “renewal plan” and Firefly, an arsonist who might be on the city payroll!
I dropped this book as soon as Dini split --- any opinions? I don't even know who the hell Peter Calloway's supposed to be.
>GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #17
>Written by PETER CALLOWAY >Art by LEE GARBETT >Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
>Catwoman’s been kidnapped, and now Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn must team up with Talia al Ghul and Zatanna to free her before she gives up her most valuable secret – a secret that will force Talia to desperate measures!
Wow Nguyen actually drew the interiors here and not just the covers? Not a typo. I might have to track this one down.
>BATGIRL #15
>Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER >Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS >Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
>It’s a new year and a new look for Batgirl as superstar artist Dustin Nguyen (DETECTIVE COMICS) joins the creative team! The unsinkable Stephanie Brown’s second semester at Gotham U. starts like any other – new classes, new allies, a vigilante stalker – everything a gal could want! But what Gotham City’s Batgirl isn’t prepared for is the arrival of the mysterious “Order of the Scythe.” Who are they, and why have they set their sights on her? “The Lesson” begins here!
>Written by GAIL SIMONE >Art by ALVIN LEE >Cover by ALINA URUSOV
>Dinah Lance struggles to clear herself of murder charges, leaving Huntress and Lady Blackhawk in Thailand to face the invincible Shiva without the aid of the Black Canary! And a major moment occurs in the lives of Hawk and Dove!
i thought this was 2020 solicitations and got so happy
fuck i WANT MORRISON BACK
Nolan Sanchez
I've also never read a single Azrael comic, but Hine has a surprisingly large body of alright Batman comics released around that time: the Nightrunner stories in the annuals and the final issues of Batman & Robin, Arkham Reborn and something else I'm forgetting.
Has anyone read this series?
>AZRAEL #14
>Written by DAVID HINE >Art by CLIFF RICHARDS >Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
>Azrael returns to Gotham City! Now he must decide whether to continue his mission alone or accept the mysterious invitation to join the ranks of Batman, Inc.!
>Written by DAN DIDIO >Art by KEITH GIFFEN >Cover by PHILIP TAN
>Geo-Force goes on the offensive and leads Markovia’s army into battle, only to come face-to-face with the male Amazon known as The Olympian. Meanwhile, after narrowly escaping death at the hands of Simon Stagg, secrets are revealed as Freight Train leads Metamorpho and Owlman across the northern border into Canada in search of their missing teammate, Black Lightning.
I never understood why the writers of Batman Beyond comics are so hell-bent on turning it into Bruce Wayne's Lore Beyond instead of making up new shit... You know, like the cartoon did.
>BATMAN BEYOND #6
>Written by ADAM BEECHEN >Art by RYAN BENJAMIN & JOHN STANISCI >Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
>Hush is about to take care of Batman’s Super-Villain problem forever – so why is Terry risking everything to stop him? Maybe it’s the “scorched Earth” plan Hush hopes to unleash to complete his mission! It’s the earthshaking conclusion to our first trip back to Neo-Gotham – better hope it’s not the last!
If there's one thing New 52 accomplished without fail it's making Todd an integral part of the Bat-family instead of just this almost non-character lurking in satellite Bat-titles. Why? No idea. If only the editors applied this kind of determination to a good concept.
>RED HOOD: LOST DAYS #6
>Written by JUDD WINICK >Art by JEREMY HAUN >Cover by BILLY TUCCI
>In this series finale, Jason Todd takes his final steps to becoming the Red Hood, and his last lessons are about to be learned. Confronting Talia al Ghul and meeting a new player who’s calling himself Hush are the tip of the iceberg as Jason readies himself to confront the one who “made this all possible” – The Joker. Witness the end of the beginning right here!
I remember it being pretty alright. Even when Nicieza took over.
I'd still take JPV over Lane any day, though.
Leo Cook
I'm sure Batman Inc will run for at least 20 issues and nothing will go wrong
Nathaniel Gomez
I've seen two things from this series: a page where Tim is staring at the picture/clue to Bruce's "death" that was explained months before in Batman & Robin and retroactively "figures it out" (I think it even had the "Few months earlier" caption placing it before the B&R issue chronologically) and the panel where Tim tells Bruce something along the lines of "Nevermind the fact it as me who came up with the idea of Batman Inc hehe." And that's everything I need to know about Tim Drake's comics, writers and fans.
>RED ROBIN #17
>Written by FABIAN NICIEZA >Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY
>How does the return of Bruce Wayne and the beginning of Batman, Inc. work into Red Robin’s plan to initiate an international stranglehold on crime? If Batman approves of everything Red Robin has set in motion, what will he do when his protégé decides to release the gang-leader-and-maybe-undercover-cop Lynx from prison? And guess which surprise guest star you’ll see when Red Robin takes a quick trip to Hong Kong!
Does this book have a single good arc? I've literally never ever seen anyone bring it up. Superman Confidential at least has the advantage of that opening arc by Cooke and Sale.
>BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #50
>Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM >Art by JERRY BINGHAM with MARK FARMER >Cover by JERRY BINGHAM
>Presenting an extra-sized issue featuring the return of artist Jerry Bingham (BATMAN: SON OF THE DEMON) to The Dark Knight’s world for the first time in more than 20 years! >In “Super-Powers” part 1 of 5, we flash back to an adventure starring a younger, more maverick Batman as he faces a foe who had once tangled with the Justice League of America in the Orient! >As an added bonus, you’ll also get a lost tale of the JLA featuring their first encounter with a villain from afar – the very same creature Batman tangles with in “Super-Powers”! You dare not miss: “The Case of the Vampire from Outer Space”!
Lemire's debut in ongoing superhero comics if I'm not mistaken. Was it good-good or just more sappy "muh farm life"?
>SUPERBOY #1
>Written by JEFF LEMIRE >Art by PIER GALLO >Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE >1:10 Variant cover by JOHN CASSADAY
>Superboy is back in a brand-new ongoing series! Join Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and amazing up-and-coming artist Pier Gallo as they take Superboy on a journey to a side of Smallville not even Superman knows about! What mysteries lurk beneath the surface of this all-American town – and what are their direct ties to Superboy? The start of the next great DC Universe epic begins right here! >Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
I enjoyed the hell out of this comic but it might've been due to the fact that it was a follow-up to that lackluster dragging New Krypton ordeal + the abominable Straczynski Superman in the sister title. Need to re-read both Lex and Jimmy stories.
>ACTION COMICS #895
>Written by PAUL CORNELL >Co-feature written by NICK SPENCER >Art by PETE WOODS >Co-feature art by RB SILVA & DENIS FRIETAS >Cover by DAVID FINCH & BATT
>Lex Luthor has had an incredibly difficult time of it lately, what with fighting master assassin Deathstroke, avoiding being eaten by Gorilla Grodd, and even meeting Death herself! Now he’s finally back at his office in Metropolis, so he can relax a little bit – oh shoot, Lex, watch out for Vandal Savage and that axe! >In the Jimmy Olsen co-feature, Superman’s pal has to convince a bunch of bloodthirsty aliens that Earth is too boring and staid to host the universe’s biggest (and most destructive) party. But how exactly is he going to do that? (Everyone, put on a bow tie!)
>Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI >Art by EDDY BARROWS & J.P. MAYER >Cover by JOHN CASSADAY >1:10 Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHEL LACOMBE
>“Grounded” part 5 brings The Man of Steel to Des Moines, Iowa! A chance encounter, however, suddenly thrusts Superman back in time. So somehow he’s Superboy again, the world is on the brink of nuclear Armageddon, and it’s all his fault! >Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
