Tag Archives: diamond comics preview

September 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

September 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

The most recent issue of Previews has been out for a couple of weeks and it is time to look at what is coming out, and what should be considered when you peruse the comic shop shelves in November.

 

Batman #25 Zero Year         Since Marvel has not been impressing me much I have chosen to look at DC Comics first. They will also be in the midst of two very exciting crossovers. First up is the amazingly written Zero Year in Batman. The powerhouse creative team of Scott Snyder (W) and Greg Capullo (A) are joined by Danny Miki (A) to begin a crossover that has its roots in Year Zero. Batman #25 brings us the Riddler with one of his earliest and most dangerous ploys as he plunges Gotham into total darkness. “Dark City” begins here and carries over in many titles.

 

Action #25         Action Comics #25 by Greg Pak (W) and Aaron Kuder (A) brings us the reintroduction of a major character while also bringing us another tale of a young Superman while he races to save Gotham.

 

Green Arrow #25 Zero Year         Green Arrow #25 continues the amazing run by Jeff Lemire (W) and Andrea Sorrentino (A) as Oliver becomes Green Arrow for the first time after his return from the island. Jeff Lemire has done a wonderful job of blending the mythos from the Arrow television show with the world of the New 52 and this Batman: Year Zero tie in is another example of Lemires writing talents With his overgrown beard, Oliver has a passing resemblance to his pre New 52 appearance, which is a nice little nod to what came before.

 

Batgirl #25 Zero Year Batwing #25 Zero Year Birds of Prey #25 Zero Year Catwoman #25 Zero Year Detective Comics #25 Zero Year
Flash #25 Zero Year Nightwing #25 Zero Year Red Hood and the Outlaws #25 Zero Year

 

 

 

 

 

This storyline also crosses over into Batgirl #25, Batwing #25, Birds of Prey #25, Catwoman #25, Detective Comics #25, Nightwing #25, The Flash #25, Green Lantern Corps. #25, and Red Hood and the Outlaws #25. With so many titles, some more surprising than others, taking part in this crossover it is going to be tough to wait for the trade so this is one crossover that might be coming home with me in single issues.

 

Forever Evil #3         While Batman’s Zero Year covers a chunk of the November solicits, Forever Evil invades several titles itself. Forever Evil #3 by Geoff Johns (W), David Finch (A), and Richard Friend (A) continues the first universe-wide event in the New 52, and if the cover art shown is any indication, it is clear that the society is going to start crumbling. I loved the first issue of Forever Evil, and while many have griped over the lack of onscreen answers as to the true events behind the disappearance of the Leagues and most of the heroes, I look forward to finding out more about what happened in between the pages. The number of times we have seen countless battles in these crossovers it is a nice change to focus more on the story and not just the fights. Plus I suspect we might find the Leagues hiding over on Earth 3, especially if that vision of Madame Xanadu’s is any indication. This story also brings a major status quo shift to Nightwing. I won’t spoil it but everything is about to change for Dick Grayson.

 

Justice League #25 Evil Justice League of America #9 Evil Justice League Dark #25 EvilSuicide Squad #25 Evil Teen Titans #25 Evil         Forever Evil also graces the pages of Justice League #25, Justice League of America #9, Justice League Dark #25, Suicide Squad #25, and Teen Titans #25.

 

 

Forever Evil Argus #2Forever Evil Rogues Rebellion #2 Forever Evil Arkham War 2          A crossover isn’t a crossover without a few axillary series and while most of the time they end up being unimportant, Forever Evil is delivering some interesting mini’s. In Forever Evil: Arkham War #2 Bane becomes the protector of Gotham, in Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #2, Captain Cold is nowhere to be found leaving the Rogues to battle the Parasite without a leader, and in Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #2 Steve Trevor brings the fight to Deathstroke.

 

Considering how wide sweeping Forever Evil appears to be DC is showing restraint in keeping the crossover tight and the stories that are happening seem to be key to the overall progress of this tale of evil conquering good. I rarely recommend crossovers but both Year Zero and Forever Evil are worth the investment with what has been revealed so far.

 

Harley Quinn #0         A couple of non-crossover books to take note of include the Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti written Harley Quinn #0. 22 different artists grace these pages including Darwyn Cooke, Sam Keith, Paul Pope, Walter Simonson, and so many more. With a whose who of artists this book is worth taking home. Here’s hoping that this book re-injects some fun into a character that hasn’t felt quite right since the launch of the New 52.

 

Red Lanterns #25Green Lantern New Guardians #25Green Lantern #25         The “Lights Out” crossover in the Green Lantern family of titles has ended but it definitely had some interesting fallout. The Red Lanterns protect Earth’s sector now, with no Green Lantern in sight. Who leads the Red Lanterns in sector 2814? Guy Gardner. This is intriguing enough to make me want to check out this book. This would be the first time since issue #4 that I wanted to check out a Red Lantern book.

 

DC Comics Super Villains Power Ring Ultraman Superwoman AF DC Comics Super Villains Harley Quinn AF DC Comics Super Villains Captain Boomerang AF DC Comics Super Villains Deadshot AF

 

 

 

 

 

The last thing I am personally excited about from DC would be the addition of Ultraman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and Deadshot, to my growing action figure collection. I cannot express enough love for the line of New 52 figures and with these villains hitting shelves in February I look forward to putting together a proper hero vs. villain display.

 

Well that is our look at product shipping beginning in November. See you soon with our look at the Marvel offerings.

August 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

August 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

Forever Evil #2          Let us turn our attention to DC Comics this time, and DC related product starting to ship in October of 2013. In October we find that villains have won and that the line changing Forever Evil kicks into high gear when issue #2 of the Forever Evil mini-series by Geoff Jones (W), David Finch (A), and Richard Friend (A) hits the stands. With the “adults” of the Justice League out of commission, the Teen Titans try to do what the adults couldn’t. With Batman shown on the cover I am curious who is under the mask because it may or may not be Bruce Wayne.

 

Forever Evil Directors Cut #1         We are treated to another Director’s Cut with Forever Evil Director’s Cut #1. These are amazing resources that allow you to see behind the scenes of a comic’s creation. With the original script by Geoff Jones and the amazing pencil work by David Finch on display, this is a way to see the story in its rawest form.

 

Forever Evil Argus #1         A cross-over always brings tie ins, and Forever Evil is no different. Steve Trevor rally’s what’s left of the troops and attempts to help the civilians caught in the wave of global sweeping evil. With ARGUS essentially wiped out, including their headquarters and most of their agents, Steve has an uphill battle in Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #1 by Matt Kindt (W), and Manuel Garcia (A).

 

Forever Evil Arkham War #1         Arkham Asylum and Blackgate Prison hold the worst of the worst, and unfortunately for the people of Gotham there is no Dark Knight defender when the villainous population of both facilities is let loose in the city without a protector. Peter J. Tomasi (W), Scot Eaton (A), and Jaime Mendoza (A) shows us what happens when some of the scariest members of the New 52 rogues can roam unrestrained and unwatched, or are they? Forever Evil: Arkham War #1 brings the bad in October.

 

Forever Evil Rogues Rebellion #1         The third tie in by Brian Buccellato (W), and Patrick Zircher (A), focuses on perhaps the most well known rogues gallery, that of the Flash. With the status quo upset and the pecking order of the world’s villains drastically changed can the Rogues stick together or will they split apart when push comes to shove? Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1 hits in October.

 

Teen Titans #24 EvilSuicide Squad #24 Evil         For completists Forever Evil also invades Suicide Squad #24 by Matt Kindt (W), and Patrick Zircher (A), and may show us a new Suicide Squad team, one that Waller didn’t form. Teen Titans #24 by Scott Lobdell (W), Angel Unzueta (A) and Art Thibert (A) show us a splintered team, who, according to the solicits, are definitely not together.

 

Justice League 3000 #1         I was going to talk about my excitement over Justice League 3000 #1 but that excitement is going to have to wait as Keith Giffen has been pulled from the title, and the job of creating a darker future for the Leaguers falls into the hands of Howard Porter. Look for a re-solicitation of this title in December, complete with a new solicitation blurb.

 

Superman Wonder Woman #1         I can’t help but feel that Superman/Wonder Woman #1 is the start of the first soap opera comic of the New 52. With Superman in the title I am sure this will sell but I cannot see this title maintaining itself for very long without looking past the super relationship of the DC Universe, and there are a countless number of Superman titles where that occurs. I wish this would have been announced as a 12 issue maxi-series and Wonder Woman would have gotten a second solo series. If she does get a second series I will be on board, this title though, not so much.

 

Green Lantern #24 Green Lantern Corps #24 Green Lantern New Guardians #24 Red Lanterns #24Green Lantern Annual #2 The next cross-over for the Green Lantern family begins in Green Lantern #24 by Robert Venditti (W), and Billy Tan (A). With the lead villain being Relic, it is a safe bet that his villains month issue will be key, and thanks to the much publicized allotments, allot of people might be missing out unless they can grab the non 3D printing. As per the norm for any Green Lantern cross-over “Lanterns will die, others change allegiances, and nothing will be the same again”, do they just copy and paste that now for each GL storyline? The cross-over continues in Green Lantern Corps #24, Green Lantern: New Guardians #24, Red Lanterns #24, and comes to it’s status quo altering closing in Green Lantern Annual #2. The one thing that is nice about this cross-over is that it begins and ends in the same month, which is a refreshing change from their usual mega arcs.

 

Stormwatch #24         I have been waffling on Stormwatch but issue #24 by Jim Starlin (W), Yvel Guichet (A), and LeBeau Underwood (A) introduces Storm Control. Since Jim Starlin came on board and erased the horrible start the relaunch had, he has infused the book with a sense of history, and a legacy feel, which was never built on before. This will be coming home with me.

 

DC New 52 Villains Omnibus HC         I decided to skip on the single issues for villains month and I am happy I did. With recent allocation issues surrounding the titles shipping in September I look forward to getting DC Comics – The New 52 Villains Omnibus HC. This book totals 1,184 pages and features all 52 villain tie ins, with participation from the entire creative team from DC Comics. With an exclusive 3D Motion montage cover and so many stories, this is a far better value than purchasing the single issues separately.

 

Sandman Overture #1         The big news at DC in October takes place in their Vertigo line. The Sandman: Overture #1 by Neil Gaiman (W), and J.H. Williams (A) brings us back to the character that changed how the world viewed comics. This is the origin story that has never been told in the 25 years of this characters history. Get this book and be reminded where comics can take you besides the traditional and much loved superhero genre.

 

That brings us to the end of our look at the DC Comics Previews with items starting to ship in October of 2013.

July 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

July 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

Time to visit the latest issue of Previews Magazine. The July 2013, 298th issue, for merchandise appearing in stores beginning in September 2013.

 

Forever Evil #1

Let’s take a look at the first line wide event and the latest attempt by DC Comics to maintain some sort of relevance, possibly to justify the continued use of the term “New 52”, namely “Forever Evil”. This will show us exactly what would happen if the villains did in fact win. With the villains only taking over for the one month it is interesting that the associated mini series is 7 issues. If it is shipping monthly it makes me curious how this story will play out. Geoff Johns is writing the main mini series, with art provided by David Finch and Richard Friend.

 

The villain take over doesn’t mess up the issue numbering, instead adding a decimal point to the pre crossover month issue number. While there are several of these villain issues I would love to take home I am going to tough it out until the Omnibus edition is released. Let’s take a peek though at some of the more interesting issues that will be showing up.

e league, may 2013 diamond comic previews, superman, trinity war, upcoming comics septemb

Justice League #23.2 Lobo         Each time I see a post Liefeld Lobo I breathe another sigh of relief that he did not create any type of new standard for that character. He takes over in Justice League #23.2: Lobo. It looks like they are crafting the bad ass Lobo that comic book fans know and love. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

 

Justice League #23.3 Dial E         Justice League #23.3: Dial E by the Dial H writer China Mieville, and a roster of 20 artists including such favorites as Jeff Lemire, David Lapham and many, many others, brings us what appears to be the actual final Dial H story. I am happy that DC allowed this. I believe this shows allot of respect for what they were trying to do with the title. With the theme of the month being one that tells the story of when evil wins, four criminals find a lost E Dial and find themselves pursued by someone, or someones, in the shadows. 20 pages and 20 artists is a fitting way to bring this story to a close until it get’s dusted off again.

 

Justice League Dark #23.2 Eclipso         Dan Didio is writing Justice League Dark #23.2: Eclipso. That just does not sound like a good fit to me and I wonder why someone more familiar with the characters, like Lemire, or Fawkes, didn’t give it a go. Either way I will read it in the Omnibus but it would be one I would be on the shelf about as a single issue.

 

Earth 2 #15.2 Solomon Grundy         On the other hand, putting someone like Matt Kindt, who produces Mind MGMT, an amazing book, onto Earth 2 #15.2: Solomon Grundy, you cannot help but be intrigued. Matt Kindt crafting the origins of a classic DC character, even on an alternate Earth, is rife with possibilities. This book should be a must buy, and has sleeper hit written all over it.

 

Action Comics #23.1 Cyborg Superman         All I can say, looking at the dynamic cover for Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman, is that DC needs to produce Cyborg Superman as an action figure in their New 52 line. Michael Alan Nelson (W) and Mike Hawthorne (A) brings to light the connection between Krypton and Cyborg Superman.

 

Batman and Robin #23.2 The Court of Owls         Batman and Robin #23.2: The Court of Owls by James Tynion IV (W) and Jorge Lucas (A) is not only one of the creepiest covers and makes me think of the disturbing film, The Strangers, but a chance to see just how far they will go to maintain control once evil has won.

 

Detective Comics #23.1 Poison Ivy         My favorite DC villain, but one that I find has been handled wrong since the launch of the New 52, Poison Ivy, is taking over in Detective Comics #23.1: Poison Ivy. Derek Fridolfs, whose writing credits are mainly with the digital arm of DC, including: Batman: Li’l Gotham, Arkham Unhinged, Justice League Beyond, and Arkham City, is taking to the printed page as he and artist Javier Pina, and bringing us a story about her evolution in the absence of the Batman. I hope this brings the character to a place where she will truly shine and become an integral part to the New 52.

 

Batman Black and White #1         Batman fans have a reason to celebrate in September when the Eisner Award-winning series, Batman Black and White returns in the form of a six issue mini series. The roster of creators is massive and includes such luminaries, and fan favorites, such as: Chip Kidd, Neal Adams, John Arcudi, Sean Murphy, and many more. With the creators involved it doesn’t matter what the stories are, they are virtually guaranteed to give Batman fans what they want.

 

Superman a Celebration of 75 Years HC         The 75th anniversary of the Man of Steel is being celebrated by DC Comics with two different collections. First up is Superman: A Celebration of 75 Years HC. This is 384 pages of stories from all periods throughout his career. With a whose who of comic creators: Jerry Siegel, Joe Kelly, Alan Moore, Joe Shuster, Curt Swan, and many more, this is for fans of the stranger from Krypton.

 

Lois Lane a Celebration of 75 Years HC         Superman could not have reached this milestone without intrepid reporter Lois Lane. She gets her own celebration in Lois Lane: A Celebration of 75 Years HC. Also 384 pages with Jerry Siegel, John Byrne, Gran Morrison, Greg Rucka, Phil Jimenez and several others contributing, this represents some of the best and most memorable moments with Lois Lane.

 

Injustice Gods Among Us vol 01 HC         Having read nothing but good things about Injustice I am excited to order Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 1 HC. This collects the first six issues of the digital series in one collection. The chance to go further in depth into the dark, and morally split DC Universe that Injustice takes place in is exciting. With Justice Lords being my favorite characters in the animated Justice League universe, I look forward to seeing another take on that story.

 

Astro City #4         Having read the first two issues of Astro City, I cannot heap enough praise on this series by Kurt Busiek (W), Brent Anderson (A) and Alex Ross (Cover) which brings us back to a city, and characters that hold a special place in our comic book hearts, and injects new life into something that was already perfect to begin with.

 

 

DC Comics Super Villains Deathstroke AFDC Comics New 52 Swamp Thing Deluxe AF         DC continues to roll out the amazing figures in the New 52 line. In December they bring the deluxe action figure Swamp Thing to comic shop shelves. This is going to be a wonderful edition to the line, with a height of 9.75” and a 15” wingspan, it will be one of the biggest released to date. Another villain joins the line up as we get the New 52 version of Deathstroke in action figure form. The only one I am missing to date is Darkseid and I regret not ordering him at the time. One day he will be mine.

 

That brings an end to our look at DC Comics. See you soon with Marvel!

June 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

June 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Justice League of America #7 Justice League Dark #23Justice League #23           While Marvel Comics heads into Infinity, DC Comics takes August to wrap up Trinity War which is the catalyst for their first company wide crossover in September. Justice League of America #7 brings us chapter 4 of this war of the Leagues. And chapters 5, and the finale, #6 happens in Justice League Dark #23, and Justice League #23 respectively. The finale promises to bring to light the secret that Pandora has been guarding about Pandora’s Box. Somehow the ending of this brings a change about that leads into the premise of the villains winning, and the League being dead. I am beginning to think the death of the League might be more metaphorical.

 

Trinity of Sin Pandora #3          There is only 1 tie-in in August, unless you count the Director’s Cut of Justice League #22 which kicked off the actual storyline. Trinity of Sin: Pandora #3 by Ray Fawkes (W), Daniel Sampere (A), and Vicente Cifuentes (A) tells a tale involving Pandora and the Seven Deadly Sins. DC, like Marvel, has lost allot of luster for me, and I am hoping the September event can help rejuvenate a line that is primarily Batman, Superman, and Green Lantern at this point.

 

Justice League of America Vibe #7          Both Katana and Justice League of America’s Vibe hit their 7th issues in August and I can’t help but wonder if they will make it past the September event and if they do, for how much longer. This is not a knock to their quality, just the way the series were launched. We never had an opportunity to get to know these characters before the #1 issues came out.

 

Katana #7          Sure Katana was in Birds of Prey but she was never portrayed as anything more than a 1 dimensional character, and even in her solo series they are still trying to find her voice. Next time don’t spring the characters off into their own books, let them be cultivated in the pages of an existing title, give the readers time to fall for the characters. While I did enjoy the first issue of Vibe’s series and even wanted it on my pull list, at the end of the day I did not have enough of a bond, nor interest in the character for him to survive my pull list cull.

 

Superman Unchained #3           Superman Unchained is proving to be the Superman I never knew I wanted but so happy to have found. Scott Snyder is my favorite writer at the moment, and with the level of quality he consistently points out he is one I will gladly follow. I know Jim Lee won’t be on this book for long, because let’s face it, he normally doesn’t stick around, but while he is on-board, the creative energy apparent between Lee and Snyder is obvious on every page.

 

Batman #23          Speaking of Snyder, he continues the telling of Bruce Wayne’s Zero Year as Batman, and in issue #23 of the hero’s title, we see the moment that millionaire Wayne becomes the caped crusader.

 

Batwing #23          Normally I would be all over the creative team of Batwing but I suspect that issue #23 of the series will be another example as to why this book should be canceled. If it wasn’t part of the Bat-family it would have been gone by now.

 

Nightwing #23          Rumors are swirling that Nightwing is deeply affected by the Forever Evil arc, with some suggesting his death, as the end result, or possibly the catalyst. Based on the cover for issue #23 it doesn’t look like Nightwing is having an easy time of it in Chicago. If it ends up being true this would be one of the roughest years for Batman, and would lead to a very Dark Knight indeed.

 

Threshold #8          August brings us a cancellation extravaganza with the recent anthology series Threshold coming to a close with issue #8, which is no surprise. I tried this book but three tries to read the first issue alone meant this was not a nut I wanted to crack. One word, boring. Which is odd since Keith Giffen usually entertains as a writer.

 

Other series finales include the should have been Vertigo book, Dial H. This book survived allot longer than I expected and closes out at issue #15. Dial H #15  The two other casualties are original launch books, Demon Knights, and Legion of Super-Heroes. These two books draw to a close with issues #23.

 

Demon Knights #23          Cast members of Demon Knights could easily be blended into other titles, such as The Demon over in Justice League Dark. There are too many great characters whose stories still need to be explored.

 

Legion of Super Heroes #23          With the Legion you know that they will be back, and I predict it will basically be a future Justice League since the success of Man of Steel in theaters virtually guarantees a Justice League movie, they will want to dilute the market with the name, just like Marvel and the countless Avengers titles. Either way they will be back.

 

Stormwatch #23          Stormwatch #23 is out in August and I hope that the creative shot in the arm that Jim Starlin has given this book is enough to save it from cancellation. Jim has been able to make this title enjoyable again, and I will admit that the logo change is appreciated. While it doesn’t have the same edge as the original series, it is far closer than the relaunch of the title.

 

Joker Death of the Family HC          There are a couple of collections of note, the first being The Joker: Death of the Family HC. Clocking in at 456 pages and containing the stories that marked the Jokers return to the New 52, this is the perfect way to experiencing this chilling crossover that brought change to the entire Bat-family, all courtesy of the clown prince of crime. The stories are from the entire Bat line of books, and for $29.99 is a great deal when it comes to the creative output from some of the best working in the industry.

 

DC Comics One Million Omnibus HC          I am hooked on the Omnibus format and solicited for October is the collection of one of my favorite story-lines, DC: One Million. This omnibus collects all 1,080 pages of the story and each of #1,000,000 episodes that were released. With a creative roster that includes Grant Morison, Mark Millar, Garth Ennis, James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, J. H. Williams III, Bryan Hitch, Sean Phillips, and more, this 1999 story about a sentient super-computer known as Solaris was a benchmark in crossovers and should how truly epic in scope that they could be.

 

DC Comics New 52 Pandora AFDC Comics Super Villains Black Adam AF          The final items that caught my interest is another round of New 52 action figures. This time around we get an additional villain in the form of Black Adam, and the possible cause for the Flashpoint herself, Pandora.

 

DC New 52 Super Heroes vs Super Villains AF 7 pack          The exciting addition is the new 7 pack which features a new Aquaman head sculpt, metallic paint redecos for both Flash, and Batman, and redecos for Captain Cold, and the Joker. The only duplicate I will have to deal with is Black Manta, but I think that will go to my friend Norm. Oh and also in the set is probably the most amazing Catwoman figure I have ever seen. I love the New 52 line and these additions will look great on display with the others.

 

Wake #1 Directors CutTrillium #1          Well that’s my look at DC. I know I didn’t really touch on Vertigo but other than The Wake by Sean Murphy and Scott Snyder, and Trillium by Jeff Lemire, there wasn’t allot that grabbed my attention. Just in a bit more of a superhero mood lately it would seem. Good reading and see you soon with the rest of my look at Previews.

May 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

May 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Next in Previews let’s take a look at the DC offerings for July.

 

Trinity Sin of Pandora #2 Constantine #5Trinity Sin of the Phantom Stranger #10             Trinity War kicks off and the battle royale between Justice League, Justice League Dark, and Justice League of America begins. I will be picking these up in single issue format until the end of the crossover when Justice League Dark will be going onto my trade waiting list. This crossover will hopefully add a bit more punch that the less than New “New 52” has had in recent months. A hero’s death is the catalyst and the crossover spills over into Trinity of Sin: Pandora #2, Constantine #5, and even though it isn’t listed, I would hazard a guess that Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #10 has a hint of a tie in, that’s just a guess though.

 

  Justice League Dark #22Justice League of America #6Justice League #22             Justice League #22 is the official kick off, with Part 2 taking to the pages of Justice League of America #6, and Part 3 gives us a defector who leaves the Justice League and joins Justice League Dark in #22 of their series. I do find it odd that Justice League Dark is a big part of this crossover and they didn’t do a retail/digital combo pack, at least for this crossover.

 

Wonder Woman #22             There are a small number of books that I feel the need to get monthly and Wonder Woman is one of them. Issue #22 is out in July and thanks to Brian Azzarello (W) and Cliff Chiang (A) we take our first trip to the New 52’s New Genesis, and she meets the Highfather face to face. This is one of the best series that DC is putting out and it has been consistent in quality being delivered by the creative team.

 

Justice League of Americas Vibe #6Katana #6             Even though the quality is present for the most part within the pages of Katana and Justice League of America’s Vibe, I think that July’s shipping of their sixth issues may mark the halfway point of their run’s as they are close too, if not already, in the cancellation danger zone. It’s unfortunate that these two books have yet to find a foothold and really start speaking with their own voices.

 

             These days the threshold between launch and cancellation is shrinking, and we aren’t seeing an industry where a new title or concept can not survive from the big 2. I hate too say it but maybe DC, and Marvel, should both just stop the attempts to introduce new, Image can provide the new, and instead they can focus on what does well. Less titles, but all titles will tie into concepts, teams, or characters that have a proven pedigree and drive sales. In the long run this would help the industry and strengthen it.

 

Flash #22             Now pivotal to Flash mythology is the character known as Reverse Flash and he makes his appearance in the pages of The Flash #22, and will his New 52 appearance signal even more change for our speedster?

 

 

  Batman Zero Year Directors Cut #1Superman Unchained Directors Cut #1Superman Unchained #2                                                   Superman Unchained releases its second issue in July and I am excited to see Mr. Snyder’s take on the old boy scout. Scott has become a writer I follow and because of that I have no problem double dipping when the Director’s Cut of #1 comes out in July, one month since the original #1. The two draws for me are the artwork, presented in beautiful pencil, and second would be the full script. I cannot wait to see how Mr. Snyder works his magic with words! Not to be outdone, Batman Year Zero: Director’s Cut #1 is also out in July and features much the same, the pencil work, and a full script. Again with Snyder’s name attached this is an instant buy. Because of Snyder I now have a month Superman and Batman books to look forward too, and with Wonder Woman coming home monthly I am officially collecting the true Trinity of the DC Universe.

 

Batman Incorporated #13Legends of the Dark Knight #10 Batman and Catwoman #22             The expected conclusion of Batman, Incorporated comes to us in issue #13, even though a special has already been announced for August. The special definitely has a Legends of the Dark Knight vibe to it, giving us stories of those within the organization, that fit during different time frames. Continuing on with Batman we have him partner up with Catwoman in Batman and Catwoman #22. Call me crazy but I like the sound of that as a title, and the storytelling possibilities are endless.

 

Batwing #22             The new Batwing returns to Gotham in the pages of Batwing #22. I think they are going to try to do everything they can to make this book work, but even being tied to Batman can save a title for only so long.

 

Legion of Super Heroes #22 Threshold #7             Two titles coming in July but slated for cancellation in August, are Legion of Super-Heroes #22, and Threshold #7. Threshold was not a surprise and I was expecting this news any day, but Legion kind of surprised me. I never expected it to be top ten, but I always felt that with the right creative team it would grab a foothold on the stands and stick around for awhile. Well the Legion as a concept does not stay down long so expect another resurgence in the near future, and I am predicting it will be tied to an event.

 

Stormwatch #22             Stormwatch #22 continues the story of Lobo joining Stormwatch. Jim Starlin has made this title fun again and it is an interesting combo of retro with the hard edge that the StormWatch possess, and it works. I was skeptical because of how burnt I felt with the initial New 52 relaunch but I am happy I gave it another try and I hope it gets enough of a sales bump to stave off cancellation. PS. The return of the original logo is wonderful, thank you DC.

 

Teen Titans #22             Raven looks like she is from Silent Hill on the cover of Teen Titans #22. Don’t make a noise or she will catch you…

 

Batman 66 #1             One of the biggest launches of the summer is in Batman ’66 #1 from Jeff Parker (W) and Jonathan Case (A) and a cover by none other than Michael Allred himself, whose style works so well with the retro pastiche that is Adam West’s Batman. This is coming home with me and I look forward to following this one for months to come!

 

Batman HC vol 03 Death of the Family             I may be late to the party but I am jumping on the Scott Snyder bandwagon and that includes his recent work. Shipping in October is the Batman Vol. 3: Death of the Family HC. This includes issues #13-17 of Scott’s acclaimed run.

 

 

               DC Comics Joker AFDC Comics Black Manta AFNew 52 Captain Cold AFIn the action figure department we have new releases for my favorite line, and one of two action figure series I actively collect, the New 52 figures. We find solicitations for Captain Cold, Black Manta, Joker, and a NNew 52 Trinity War AF box setew 52 Trinity box set. DC is aware of the possibility of duplicates and for the most part try to make things different, such as the box set where we get a Wonder Woman with a different head sculpt, and Superman gets a snazzy metallic paint job. It appears that Batman is the only one that would be a duplicate. Well worth it for me, especially for Supes new paint job.

 

             That is DC for this July 2013. See you soon when we look at the rest of Previews.