DC PUBWATCH – October Edition

DC Pubwatch - October

The biggest news this month came out of New York Comic Con, where Brian Michael Bendis announced his new imprint “Wonder Comics.” The imprint is focused on the teenage heroes of the DC Universe, and headlining that announcement was the returns of Bart Allen, Tim Drake, Cassie Sandsmark, and Conner Kent as an updated Young Justice. Joining Bendis on the new Young Justice book will be one of his collaborators on the Superman books, Patrick Gleason. Gleason is great at drawing teens, so this is an excellent fit. Also joining the Wonder Comics imprint are a new Dial H for Hero book by Sam Humphries and Joe Quinones, a Wonder Twins book by Mark Russell and Stephen Byrne, Naomi, a book focusing on an original character developed by Bendis and co-writer David Walker with art by Jamal Campbell, and teased for a second wave is a new Amethyst book. The other big news this month, that is definitely less exciting for me, is that Heroes In Crisis is expanding from a seven issue miniseries to a nine issue miniseries. With how much I disliked the first issue, I’m less excited at the prospect of more.

Here are the letter grades for this month’s comics:

A+

Superman #4

Brian Michael Bendis (writer), Ivan Reis (pencils), Joe Prado and Oclair Albert (inks), Josh Reed (letters), Alex Sinclair (colors)

Clark’s voice in this issue is perfect. It was especially notable in the scenes he shared with Jon in flashback. I like seeing a Clark who’s hopeful for people to pick themselves up and be better. This was a great father/son moment, and I’m happy to see Bendis tackle that part of Clark’s character. I also really enjoyed the Action Comics #1 homage with Jon in the junkyard. The entire issue was filled with spectacular art from Reis, Prado, and Albert, but that single scene stood out to me.

Rogol Zaar holding Superman's cape
Cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado

A

Action Comics #1003

Brian Michael Bendis (writer), Yanick Paquette (art), Nathan Fairbairn (colors), Josh Reed (letters)

I’m still a little worried about the Clark and Lois marriage, but other than my bad gut feeling, this issue was a delight. Bendis’s Batman and Superman interactions are exactly what I want out of the two of them. The surprise ending of the issue is something I’m curious to see play out, and hopefully soon it will lead to the family drama with the Kents being resolved. One thing’s for certain, if nothing else, Bendis knows Clark’s voice, and has alleviated at least those fears I once had.

Batman Shielding Superman from Kryptonite
Cover by Patrick Gleason

Border Town #2

Eric M. Esquivel (writer), Ramon Villalobos (art), Tamra Bonvillain (colors), Deron Bennett (letters)

The second issue of Border Town is just as good as the first, and just as political, though a bit more subtle about it. Obviously, not everything is subtle, but things like a Red Son Superman logo standing in for a man’s fears of communists, right alongside a “Feel the Bern” shirt are a little more subtle than last issue’s intense imagery. Honestly, it is the subtle things I love most in this book, like a mixed Mexican American teen having a poster of Kyle Rayner in his bedroom, who a lot of writers fail to remember is a mixed Mexican American superhero himself.

Quinteh standing over a monster
Cover by Ramon Villalobos

Harley Quinn #51

Sam Humphries (writer), Sami Basri (art), Alex Sinclair (colors), Dave Sharpe (letters)

I’m incredibly impressed with Sam Humphries’ run on Harley Quinn. I have enjoyed this book more than I have any book starring Quinn in the past, and I think part of that is the introduction of Jonni DC as a supporting character. Jonni trying to sort out the notoriously convoluted continuity of Donna Troy was a wonderful little bit. Having Harley have to fix the continuity screw ups that she caused is inspired, and I’m looking forward to the rest of this arc. Harley Quinn has gone from one of my least favorite books to read every month to one of my favorites.

Captain Triumph busting through a propaganda ad while Bombshell Harley looks on
Cover by Julian Totino Tedesco

Justice League #9

Scott Snyder (writer), Jorge Jimenez (art), Alejandro Sanchez (colors), Tom Napolitano (letters)

The thing that made this issue special for me was seeing the private rooms of each Justice League member. From how down to Earth Clark’s space was, to how private Bruce’s was. Each idea fit each member perfectly. The issue was lighter on action, but still fit the ongoing narrative perfectly, as it allowed Snyder and Jimenez to explore what makes the League work as a team. Each of the members fits like a puzzle piece, and as a whole they make the most formidable team in existence. There was also one line that perfectly captured what Wonder Woman represents, and it was so refreshing to see. Between Orlando and Snyder, Diana is recovering nicely from the Robinson run.

Superman battling an alien
Cover by Jorge Jimenez

Justice League Dark #3

James Tynion IV (writer), Alvaro Martinez Bueno (pencils), Raul Fernandez (inks), Brad Anderson (colors), Rob Leigh (letters)

I’m a bit surprised that the Upside-down Man arc was so short. It was really good and really creepy, and set up the premise of the book quite well, but with the hype the villain got on Twitter, I thought he’d at least be sticking around a bit longer. In all, this was a satisfying conclusion, even if I thought it was a bit shorter than I wanted. Tynion has won me over on the Justice League Dark, and I can’t wait to see how the “Witching Hour” plays out.

The Upsidedown Man
Cover by Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez

Justice League Dark #4

James Tynion IV (writer), Alvaro Martinez Bueno (pencils), Raul Fernandez (inks), Brad Anderson (colors), Rob Leigh (letters)

Speaking of the “Witching Hour,” holy crap Tynion is not pulling any punches. Three issues into the story, and the stakes are the highest they’ve ever been for the mystic heroes of the DC Universe. Nanda Parbat is in ruins, and the Parliament of Trees is in peril. Wonder Woman has been activated as one of Hecate’s sleeper agents, and everything looks bleak as we head into the last two issues. I’m curious who the other two sleeper agents are, since we only know three of of five (Wonder Woman, Manitou Dawn, and Black Orchid). Either way, the magical side of the DC Universe is never going to be the same after this series.

JL Dark infront of a full moon
Cover by Riley Rossmo

The Terrifics #8

Dale Eaglesham & Jeff Lemire (storytellers), Michael Atiyeh (colors), Tom Napolitano (letters)

I still don’t know how I feel about Doctor Dread, because my biggest complaint about the “New Age of Heroes” books remains that they are just flat carbon copies of Marvel properties. The Terrifics at least had a little more going for it with the team having to stick close or get blown up. Now that limitation seems to also be gone, but the different worlds they went to made up for it. Plastic Man and Pneuman in “Funnyland” alone was worth the price of admission in this issue.

The Terrifics and Tom Strong fighting plants
Cover by Dale Eaglesham

Titans #26

Dan Abnett (writer), Brent Peeples (pencils), Matt Santorelli (inks), Hi-Fi (colors), Dave Sharpe (letters)

Unlike the other Titans team in comics right now, this team is really starting to come together. I love the addition of Ben Rubels to the team. Ben was a great part of Steve Orlando’s Supergirl run, and I’m glad the character gets to have a continued existence now that Kara is off in space. The team still has some communication problems, but at least they’re staring to come together under Dick’s leadership. Makes one wonder how this is going to play out with the events of Nightwing though. Over there he’s been shot in the head and is amnesiac. So it’s only a matter of time before this book has to reference that.

The Titans encased in gooey red substances
Cover by Brandon Peterson

B

Adventures of the Super Sons #3
Aquaman #41
Cover #2
Green Arrow #45
Green Lanterns #57
Harley Quinn #52
Hawkman #5
House of Whispers #2
Injustice 2 #35-36
Justice League #10
Lucifer #1
Nightwing #50
Pearl #3
Supergirl #23
Superman Giant #4
The Flash #55
Teen Titans Giant #3
The Dreaming #2
The Unexpected #5
United States Vs Murder Inc #2
Wonder Woman #55-56
Wonder Woman/Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour #1

C

Batgirl #27
Batman #56-57
Batman: Kings of Fear #2
Batman Beyond #24
Catwoman #4
Damage #10
Deathstroke #36
Doomsday Clock #7
Green Lanterns #56
Justice League Giant #4
Justice League Odyssey #1
Michael Cray #12
New Challengers #6
Plastic Man #5
Raven: Daughter of Darkness #8
Scarlet #2
Sideways #9
Silencer #9
Suicide Squad #47
Teen Titans #23
The Curse of Brimstone #7
The Flash #56
The Titans #27

D

Detective Comics #989-990

James Robinson (writer), Stephen Segovia (art), Ivan Plascencia (colors), Rob Leigh (letters)

I’m grouping these together mostly so I don’t have to write about the same thing multiple times. James Robinson continues to write Batman poorly in his thankfully short Detective run. I’m counting the weeks before Tomasi comes on to the book. I’m just really tired of slugging through multiple issues written by my least favorite writers every month. That said, this month’s issues were slightly better than last month’s issues. My biggest gripe here was that Batman was too bantery in fight scenes. That’s Dick’s schtick not Bruce’s.

Batman throwing batarangs
Cover by John Paul Leon

Nightwing #51

Scott Lobdell (plot), Fabian Nicieza (additional script), Travis Moore and Garry Brown (art), Hi-Fi and Nick Filardi (colors), Deron Bennett (letters)

Speaking of Dick, hoo boy. It’s a good thing I hated Heroes In Crisis so much, because otherwise this would take the bottom slot. I hate everything about this new arc, save the pretty art. I hate that Scott Lobdell keeps being given book after book, despite being a horrible writer and a worse human being. I hate the clumsy story and the convenient incorrect portrayals of brain trauma. If someone has enough trauma to forget 15 years of their life, they have enough brain trauma that their muscle memory would be gone too. Most of all, I hate Ric. It’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever read, and I got through 20 issues of James Robinson’s Wonder Woman. One last thing, we just did this story: Batman family member gets amnesia, so a cop takes the heroic identity of the amnesiac. I know you share a first name, but you’re not Scott Snyder, Lobdell.

Nightwing falling and throwing an escrima stick
Cover by Mike Perkins

Red Hood Outlaw #27

Scott Lobdell (writer), Pete Woods (art), ALW’s Troy Peteri (letters)

Green Arrow #45 was a remembrance issue for Roy Harper done right. Red Hood was the opposite. It felt cold and lifeless, with one exception. The only part that felt like real mourning was Jason’s phone call to Roy. Otherwise, I don’t buy for a second that Jason would take the news of his “best friend” dying so lightly. The best part of this issue was the part not involving Roy. The vibe of the town was really unsettling. R.I.P. Roy, you deserved better than this for a memorial.

Jason Todd beating someone off panel with a bloody crowbar
Cover by Yasmine Putri

F

Heroes In Crisis #1

My full review of this book can be found here.

The DC Universe heroes all in morning
Cover by Clay Mann

Solicits

YOUNG JUSTICE #1
written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON
variant cover by PATRICK GLEASON
AMETHYST variant cover by TBD
IMPULSE variant cover by TBC
ROBIN variant cover by TBD
SUPERBOY variant cover by TBD
WONDER GIRL variant cover by TBD
blank variant cover available
Superboy! Wonder Girl! Robin! Impulse! Amethyst! They’re all united in YOUNG JUSTICE #1, the debut issue of a brand-new series that also introduces new heroes Teen Lantern and Jinny Hex!
When the nightmare dimension known as Gemworld invades Metropolis, these teen heroes reunite to deal with the situation—but they’re shocked to discover the battle may be the key to the return of Conner Kent, a.k.a. Superboy! This mix of fan favorites and new legacy heroes will be the center point for some of the biggest goings-on at DC! As if that weren’t enough, Bendis reunites with all-star artist Patrick Gleason (SUPERMAN, ACTION COMICS, GREEN LANTERN CORPS) to bring the new heroes of DC’s Wonder Comics to life!
ON SALE 01.09.19
$4.99 US | 40 PAGES

Superboy, Robin and Impulse jumping or flying at the camera

How could I not start with this? Tim, Bart, Cassie, and Conner are all some of my favorite characters, and I’m glad to have them all back and hopefully without the stink of what the New 52 did to any of them.

THE OTHER HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE #1
written by JOHN RIDLEY
art and cover by ALEX DOS DIAZ
variant cover by TB
Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Let It Fall) examines the mythology of the DC Universe in this compelling new miniseries that reframes iconic moments of DC history and charts a previously unexplored sociopolitical thread as seen through the prism of DC Super Heroes who come from traditionally disenfranchised groups.
This unique new series presents its story as prose by Ridley married with beautifully realized color illustrations from a selection of exciting illustrators and comics artists. Alex Dos Diaz provides art for #1, which follows the story of Jefferson Pierce, the man who will one day become Black Lightning, as he makes his way from being a young track star to a teacher and, ultimately, to his role as a hero.
Future issues focus on characters such as Karen and Mal Duncan, Tatsu Yamashiro and Renee Montoya.
Extensively researched and masterfully executed, THE OTHER HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE promises to be an experience unlike any other. You may think you know the history of the DC Universe … but the truth is far more complex. THE OTHER HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE isn’t about saving the world—it’s about having the strength to simply be who you are.
PRESTIGE FORMAT
ON SALE 01.30.19
$7.99 US | 1 of 5 | 64 PAGES

Black Lighting in front of a full moon

This one has been interesting to me since it was announced, and the fact that it is being done the same way the original History of the DC Universe series was done makes it more interesting. I’m excited for this illustrated prose book.

GREEN ARROW #48
written by COLLIN KELLY and JACKSON LANZING
art by JAVIER FERNANDEZ
cover by KEVIN NOWLAN
variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
Count Vertigo stages a jailbreak and turns Seattle into a surrealist maelstrom that threatens to consume the entire city. But when Ollie learns Vertigo’s true motivations, the Emerald Archer’s fragile psyche will be ripped to shreds. Is Ollie throwing himself into the hero game because of a death wish? Not if Black Canary has anything to sing about it.
ON SALE 01.09.19
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES

Green Arrow falling from a great height

Here’s one I’m less happy about. I’ve very much enjoyed the Benson sisters on the book, so unceremoniously dumping them after just five issues is disappointing to me. Nothing against Lanzing and Kelly; I’m just not a fan of this type of move by publishers.

THE GREEN LANTERN #3
written by GRANT MORRISON
art and cover by LIAM SHARP
variant cover by JAE LEE
When the Earth goes up for sale on the alien black market, it’s up to the Green Lantern Corps to bust up “The Slave Lords of the Stars” in the latest space saga from Grant Morrison (MULTIVERSITY) and Liam Sharp (WONDER WOMAN)! With the Justice League frozen by Gamma Gong tech, Earth ends up on the auction block, and Volgar Zo hosts a menagerie of the universe’s deadliest despots and criminals: Steppenwolf, Queen Bee, the Dominators, and much, much worse. Hal Jordan leads a squad of Lanterns into the fray—and someone’s going to pay the ultimate price before this case gets closed.
ON SALE 01.09.19
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES

GREEN LANTERN VERSUS GOD

This is one of those cases in which a cover completely sold me on wanting to read a book. Hal Jordan versus God.

SUPERMAN #7
written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
art by IVAN REIS, JOE PRADO and BRANDON PETERSON
cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
variant cover by DAVID FINCH
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: the shocking return of the son of Superman! A year spent traveling the stars changed Jon Kent. Are parents Clark and Lois ready for the all-new, all-different Superboy? Secrets are revealed, a new look debuts and Superman’s world is changed forever!
ON SALE 01.16.19
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES

Jor-El fighting Superman

Finally the return of Jon Kent. It’s going to be weird and fun having two different Superboys running around, but I’m here for it.

Bonus:

ESSENTIALS: WONDER WOMAN, THE CHEETAH, SUPERGIRL AND CYBORG SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURES
DC ESSENTIALS is a line of 1:10 scale action figures based on DC characters with universal appeal, accessible to both longtime collectors and those just starting out, which delivers authentic detail from a company with two decades’ experience creating high-quality action figures.
Allocations may occur
Final products may differ from images shown
Approximately 8 units per carton
ON SALE JUNE 2019
$26.00 US
Each figure sold separately
WONDER WOMAN – 6.8″ Tall
THE CHEETAH – 6.5″ Tall
SUPERGIRL – 6.45″ Tall
CYBORG SUPERMAN – 6.86″ Tall

Supergirl Action Figure

This is the second Rebirth Supergirl they’ve done as an action figure. While I love the first one, with the interchangeable heads and hands, she’s really not great at standing on her own without a base. I hope this figure stands better.

That’s it for this month, please join me back here next month as we see more fallout from Heroes In Crisis, and finally see the reunion of Clark and Lois!

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Cori McCreery

Cori McCreery

Cori is a life long comic nerd residing in Northern California. A life long Supergirl and DC Comics fan, she is the DC Comics Beat Reporter for Women Write About Comics.

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