December 2010 Solicits

 The DC December solicits are up on Newsarama and looks like a good month for comics. Here is the link for all the solicits: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/december-2010-dc-solicitations-100920.html

And here are the Super-titles with my usual comments.

SUPERGIRL #59

Written by STERLING GATES

Art by JAMAL IGLE

Cover by AMY REEDER

A dangerous new foe has it in for Cat Grant, and as much as Supergirl'd like to see Cat get what's coming to her, The Girl of Steel has no choice but to get involved! This one's got it all - Arkham Asylum, Superwoman, the Justice League of America, and a couple of twists and turns you won't see coming!

I am glad that the Toyman subplot that has been percolating for some time is coming to the forefront. I wonder if Cat changes her mind about Supergirl after this issue. The Arkham visit must be concerning the Toyman. This isn't the first time Supergirl has been there. I wonder if a reference to the Superman/Batman Kara/Tim issue will be made.

And more Superwoman. I can't wait for round 2! (Or is it round 3 given WoS?).

Glad to see Jamal Igle on the credit list.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #52


Written by JAMES ROBINSON


Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER & NORM RAPMUND

Cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER

1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

With Washington, D.C. in the hands of The Omega Man and the full extent of his horrific power revealed, the JLA is forced to make a difficult decision. Is there no choice for the World’s Greatest Heroes but to team with the World’s Worst Villains – the Crime Syndicate – in order to save both Earths? How will this desperate action be affected by Ultra Man’s betrayal of everyone. . . and the reappearance of Dark Supergirl?
 

 Okay. First off, what a doozy of a variant by David Mack. Looks like I am going to break my 'no variant' rule again.

I have been pleased with how Robinson is treating Supergirl in JLA. It is better than what we saw in Cry for Justice. And I am thrilled to see Dark Supergirl coming back. As I said before, I never was pleased with the resolution of that story so hopefully Robinson is able to make more sense of it.

And I really hope Supergirl kicks the snot out of Ultra Man.

BRIGHTEST DAY #15-16

Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI


Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON,
ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO


Covers by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS

1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS

The hottest series in comics blazes on as the legacy of the new Aqualad is forged and the extent of his powers is revealed! Plus, Aquagirl joins the battle, and Firestorm seeks out the Justice League’s help!


I haven't been blown away by Brightest Day because it feels a bit too staccato for me. With a few pages devoted to each character, I don't get enough of any. I have enjoyed the Alive Man and Hawks stories the most.

Anyways, Supergirl graces the cover here so we will finally see an official Finch Kara. And as this book is DC's biggest seller, any publicity for Supergirl is welcomed.

SUPERMAN #706

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

Art by EDDY BARROWS

Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

1:10 Variant cover by SAMI BASRI

The epic "Grounded" story arc brings The Man of Steel to Des Moines, Iowa! A chance encounter there, 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's content was previously solicited for issue #705. 

So, after just a couple of months, we already are seeing an 'interlude issue' in Grounded and delays by the main creative team. I didn't have the energy to post about it when it was first announced. Am I allowed to say that the momentum for Grounded has ground to a halt? I am actually looking forward to the Lois issue ... maybe more than the main issues.

This story was solicited before but with a different cover. I wonder if this cover is supposed to be for the story after this one. I am pretty sure (whenever we read this cover's story) that this will be the first appearance of the 'new' Wonder Woman. I was hoping she wouldn't cross over into main continuity until everyone was sure that the current new timeline isn't going away.

ACTION COMICS #896

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Co-feature written by NICK SPENCER

Art by PETE WOODS

Co-feature art by RB SILVA

Cover by DAVID FINCH

Part 1 of a 2-part crossover with the Secret Six! Lex Luthor doesn't want to get his hands dirty fighting Vandal Savage (that Black Ring energy ain't gonna find itself!), so he hires Savage's daughter Scandal and her Secret Six team to take the immortal villain down for him! Continued in SECRET SIX #29!

    And in the hit new JIMMY OLSEN co-feature, Jimmy signs up for a "Win a Date" auction, but much to his surprise, so does his ex, Chloe Sullivan! While Jimmy ends up on a date with CrazyPants McGee, Jimmy's archrival snags Chloe! D'oh! And wait, are those wedding bells we hear? Better hope they don't toll for thee, Olsen!

I keep hoping and hoping that this Luthor story will grab me. I'm not a Secret Six guy so I don't think is going to help matters. 

I am getting more and more intrigued by the Jimmy Olsen co-feature. The artwork seems slick and Nick Spencer has sounded pretty excited by it. 

ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #13
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by MARCO RUDY and ED BENES
Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
While present-day Lex Luthor is busy fighting an array of the DCU's most vile foes over in ACTION COMICS, this annual takes a look back at two formative encounters Luthor had before he became the bald mad genius we know and love (to hate) today! Marco Rudy illustrates a story of young Lex and Darkseid, while Ed Benes tackles a tale starring Luthor and Batman foe Ra's al Ghul!

Nice cover by Van Sciver.

I wonder if these stories will have any bearing on the current arc or if they are just stories. I don't necessarily know if I like the concept of a young Luthor meeting Darkseid. Seems a bit contrived. Hopefully the story is solid.

But I do like the idea of Luthor and Al Ghul meeting. I wonder if they will get along or hate each other. I don't think there is room for middle ground. And I think most megalomanics hate other megalomaniacs. This one sounds good.

SUPERBOY #2

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by PIER GALLO

Cover by phil noto

1:10 Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

The vegetation of Smallville is out of control, and all evidence points to Poison Ivy as the cause! Superboy's friend Simon thinks there might be more to this than meets the eye, but he'll have a hard time convincing Superboy of that now that he's in the thrall of Ivy!

With the popularity of Batman and Poison Ivy, this crossover seems like a way to keep new readers reading. I like Ivy so it will be good to see her tussle with Conner.

And as a huge Phil Noto fan, I am thrilled he is on the title as cover artist.

So overall, a nice month. I'm almost glad there were no unanticipated issues as I am usually broke around the holidays.