Saturday, May 21, 2011

August 2011 Solicits

The August solicits for DC Comics are up on their website. Here is the link to the main August page: http://www.dccomics.com/dccomics/comics/?dat=20110807&sort=date
This month is the beginning of Flashpoint and that meant the cancellation of a handful of titles. August is the end of Flashpoint, the end of another series that 'changes everything' and so I wonder what havoc will be wrought on DC's ongoing titles. Will September look very different? Because it sure looks like DC might be clearing the decks this month and I am only really looking at the Super titles.

Here are the solicits for August.


Supergirl #67
Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK; Art by CHRISCROSS and MARC DEERING; Cover by RB SILVA and ROB LEAN
Between abductions, no chicken fingers in the cafeteria, and the killer robots, Supergirl has about had her fill of college. But before she can leave, first she has to save the kids of the Silk Pajama Society, stop the bad guy from unleashing his devastating plan upon the world, and attend one last orientation session!
On Sale August 17, 2011

This is the last issue of Kelly Sue Deconnick's short stint as writer. And the descriptions of the books make it sound like it will be a fun story to read. I definitely like the RB Silva cover which has a sort of reverse Sleeping Beauty feel to it.

This is the end of this arc.

But most importantly ... it does not say FINAL ISSUE, which was my big worry. So who is coming on board as the creative team next? I hope it is someone prepared to be here for the long haul, someone with a feel for the character.


Supergirl:Bizarrogirl Trade Paperback
Written by STERLING GATES; Art by JAMAL IGLE, MATT CAMP and JON SIBAL; Cover by AMY REEDE and RICHARD FRIEND
Enter Bizarro Supergirl! But how did she get to Earth and what does she want? The real Supergirl better find out fast, or else there won't be much left of Metropolis to save! And to make things worse, an even bigger threat looms on the horizon with an eye for the Girl of Steel. Collected from SUPERGIRL #53-59 and ANNUAL #2.
On Sale August 24, 2011
This is a nice big trade collecting the end of Sterling Gates' great run on Supergirl. The trade will really run the emotional gamut from the depression of the early BizarroGirl issues to the optimism at the end of the Doll Maker run with a great palate cleanser of the Legion story in the Annual sandwiched in the middle. It really doesn't get better than this as Gates shook the New Krypton shackles off and gave us great Supergirl stories. Add to that the wonderful art from Jamal Igle, Bernard Chang, and Matt Camp and this is simply a winner.
I am hoping hoping ... begging really ... for an introduction or foreword by Gates and Igle. But I don't think I am going to get it.


Justice League of America #60
Written by JAMES ROBINSON; Art by DANIEL SAMPERE; Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO; 1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK
In the aftermath of "Eclipso Rising," the team faces an uncertain future. Be here for a tale of love, friendship and heroism when this incarnation of the JLA must decide whether they have anything left to offer the DC Universe. And the mystery of Jesse Quick's wavering speed powers is solved in a revelation that will shock everyone.
On Sale August 17, 2011

Sounds like the end of this League, doesn't it? Too bad. I was really happy to read about this group: Dick, Donna, Jessie, Jenn, and Kara. It felt like a fresh take on the JLA concept. And yes ... I know I am biased as a Supergirl fan. But my guess is we aren't going to see this lineup any more.
This is the end of this arc. Get ready to read that phrase a lot.

Action Comics #904
Written by PAUL CORNELL; Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT; 1:10 Variant cover by JERRY ORDWAY
Earth has fallen. The multiple Doomsdays have defeated Supergirl, Superboy, Steel, and the Eradicator. Now it all comes down to a weakened Superman versus the monster known as Doomslayer in this, the epic finale of "Reign of the Doomsdays"!
On Sale August 24, 2011

The addition of someone called Doomslayer is enough to get my attention. And with no mention of the Cyborg Superman, I wonder if it is a merger of Henshaw and Doomsday. Too bad the Superman Family sounds like they are down for the count. But it usually comes down to Superman vs. Doomsday one on one.
I really can't wait to see Rocafort's interiors on these stories.

This is the end of this arc.

Superman #714
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI and CHRIS ROBERSON; Art by ALLAN GOLDMAN and EBER FERREIRA; Cover by JOHN CASSADAY; 1:10 Variant cover by EDDY BARROWS
Superman hits Seattle for his last stop on his "Grounded" walk across the country, and it is in that city where everything will come to a head! The mysterious woman who has been following Superman all year makes a desperate final move, one that may cost the Man of Steel that which he holds most dear!
On Sale August 3, 2011

Is this 'last stop' mean this is the last chapter of 'Grounded'? There is no mention of Lois so I wonder if there will be an epilogue after this issue where Superman patches up his relationships with everyone. But I could be wrong. This could be the end of this arc ... hurray?

I hope Roberson gets the chance to write some non-Grounded Superman.


Superboy #10
Written by JEFF LEMIRE; Art by PIER GALLO, PETE WOODS and CAFU; Covers by KARL KERSCHL
In SUPERBOY #10, learn how the threat currently facing Superboy and Smallville stretches all the way back to the time of ancient Atlantis! Guest-starring Arion and the Viking Prince, with art by Pete Woods and CAFU!
On Sale August 3, 2011

It's a double shot of Superboy this month. Frankly, I was just thrilled to see that my earlier guess that Arion was part of the plot here turned out to be right. And the Viking Prince! Love those Joe Kubert stories (or what I have seen of them in Brave and Bold reprints).

But add to that the very New Krypton art team of Gallo, Woods, and Cafu and I am very happy.


Superboy #11
Written by JEFF LEMIRE; Art by PIER GALLO, PETE WOODS and CAFU; Covers by KARL KERSCHL
In SUPERBOY #11, Jeff Lemire and Pier Gallo bring the saga of "The Hollow Men" to its explosive conclusion! Superboy, Lori, Simon and Psionic Lad must fight for the very soul of Smallville hundreds of miles beneath the town's surface!
On Sale August 17, 2011

And then the second part of the double shot. First off, nice homage cover by Karl Kerschl of Rafale Alberquerque's cover for Superboy #1. Only 10 issues later and an homage cover. Nice!

But it also sounds like this issue marks the end of Jeff Lemire's first big plot line. Hmmm, another ending of another arc.


DC Retroactive Superman: The 80s
Written by MARV WOLFMAN; Art by SERGIO CARIELLO; Cover by DAN JURGENS and LIVEAY
Fan-favorite writer Marv Wolfman revisits the legendary character he helped define in the 1980s in this epic tale of The Man of Steel. A true "lost tale," this issue connects to CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS in an exciting and unique way! Rounding out this issue is a tale from the 1980s, also written by Wolfman.
On Sale August 10, 2011

A Crisis related story? Think Supergirl makes an appearance? Gets mentioned? Anyways, I would love a Monitor-based story. I hope we see Monitor testing Superman and maybe get the reason behind Monitor's pick of Kal-L (not Kal-El) for his first team.



DC Retroactive Superman: The 90s
Written by LOUISE SIMONSON; Art and cover by JON BOGDANOVE
The epic Retroactive event continues as the fan-favorite team of Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove return for a "lost" adventure of The Man of Steel. As Lex Luthor is slowly losing his mind, he hatches a scheme that could increase his wealth and kill Superman – but will he destroy Metropolis in the process? Plus, don't miss a classic tale by the same team from the 1990s!
On Sale August 24, 2011

A re-teaming of the 'Steel' team from the 90s! I always thought Jon Bogdanove's art was warped and exaggerated but always compelling. And I think we are dealing with the red-haired and bearded Luthor, the 'son' of Lex. My guess is a wave of nostalgia is going to wash over me here.

Batgirl #24
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER; Art by PERE PEREZ; Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Stephanie Brown has done her best to put her past behind her, but as the Repears' mysterious client stands revealed, Batgirl's going to learn the hard way that those who fail history are doomed to repeat it. This issue has it all: Secrets unearthed! Alliances broken! Splash pages!
On Sale August 10, 2011

I am a sucker for 'has it all' issues. I can remember a bunch of 70s Marvel comics I had as a kid which trumpeted that. Plus, this cover looks like a Batgirl 80pg Giant doesn't it? I collect Batgirl already, but the inclusion of Supergirl would have made this a must buy.

By the way, this sounds like it might be the end of this arc for Batgirl, althought it isn't clearly stated as such.


Superman Beyond #0
Written by TOM DEFALCO; Art by RON FRENZ and SAL BUSCEMA; Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN; 1:10 Variant cover by RON FRENZ and SAL BUSCEMA
From the hit comic series BATMAN BEYOND comes the adventures of The Man of Tomorrow in the DC Universe of the future. As Superman feels his super-powers beginning to decline, The Last Son of Krypton is called back into action to stop a villain more powerful than any he's faced before. This looks like a job for Superman Beyond!
On Sale August 24, 2011

I only know about Superman Beyond from the show Batman Beyond. He was a Starro controlled dupe on that show, although redeemed at the end. I am not reading the Batman Beyond book, but I like the show enough to give this Elseworld's sort of Superman story a try.

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #3
Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING; Art by EDDIE NUNEZ; Cover by EDDIE NUNEZ and SANDRA HOPE
FLASH FACT: The Resistance has found Britain's last great hope, the enigmatic and immensely powerful Brittania. It's time to take back England!
On Sale August 24, 2011

I am hoping Flashpoint is good. I am hoping this mini is good. But there isn't much Lois in this description.  Is that Lois in the Union Jack armor?


Flashpoint: Project Superman #3
Plot by SCOTT SNYDER; Script by LOWELL FRANCIS; Art and cover by GENE HA
FLASH FACT: Subject Zero. Subject One. There can only be one.
On Sale August 24, 2011

Again, I am hoping thatFlashpoint will be good. And I am hoping this mini will be good. Gene Ha's art looks great. But I don't know the plot here. Moreover, is there a Supergirl in the Flashpoint universe?

So the end of Supergirl's arc, the end of Grounded (maybe), the end of Reign of the Doomsdays, the end of the Hollow Men story. Lots coming to a head in the Superman Family here. But with so many stories coming to an end this month just as Flashpoint comes to an end and with the DCU rebooting yet again(!),  I wonder what my post for September's solicits will look like.

11 comments:

Nikki said...

I think Britannia would be British right? I hope so. There is nothing classy or feminine there. Not how I imagine a Britannia

Anj said...

Yeah Nikki. You wouldn't think Lois could be the embodiment of the UK. But isn't this a Lois comic?

I am just not sure about Flashpoint.

Anonymous said...

I am guessing that a giant reset button will be hit in September. Sigh. Does anyone else remember the days when it was a big deal to reach a milestone 300th issue? Longevity seemed to count for something back then. Now the comic industry has been reduced to rebooting every couple of years to entice new readers with a new "issue #1 collector's item." I am confident that the current Supergirl title will be safe, but I am weary about what's next on the chopping block. Perhaps Flashpoint is the reason why Supergirl hasn't received new ongoing writer yet: DC is waiting for the dust to settle before deciding what to do with Kara.

Anj said...

DC is waiting for the dust to settle before deciding what to do with Kara.

Agreed. But I worry that we are going to reboot Supergirl and lose all the growth and momentum we have seen in he the last 3 years.

I don't want to see us take a step backwards on the book for the sake of a minor sales bump.

Anonymous said...

Is Supergirl about to be mustered out of the JLA? And if so, what will be her next team affiliation? All this reboot chatter has me jittery.

John Feer

Anj said...

Is Supergirl about to be mustered out of the JLA? And if so, what will be her next team affiliation? All this reboot chatter has me jittery.

Me too.

My guess is no team affiliation in the post-Flashpoint world.

Gear said...

But most importantly ... it does not say FINAL ISSUE, which was my big worry

I'm with you on that ANJ!

Supergirl Trade
I am hoping hoping ... begging really ... for an introduction or foreword by Gates and Igle. But I don't think I am going to get it.

That would be a great addition. If anyone's listening, some of us don't buy the trades because we already have the originals. But providing that sort of additional content would get a few more wallets opened.

So much information here... thanks for all the great coverage.

ANJ, you're probably right, no team affiliation post Flashpoint for Kara. JLA is almost certainly going back to the traditional line-up we've seen for fifty years (too bad, it was a refreshing change.) The Doomsday storyline is by-the-numbers, so it will come down to mano-a-mano with Kal since nobody in the Superman family can be better at anything than him. And with Grounded almost over I hope they'll spend some time on a reconciliation with Lois.

Anonymous said...

Color me unhappy and suspicious that DC is once again spinning the wheel on Supergirl's team affiliation. Every D-List snoozer that DC bought off of Charlton Comics has a team affiliation, but Superman's heir and successor gets bupkiss?
Bad Karma imho.

John Feer

Anj said...

It's so hard to know just what the DCU will look like. Who knows?

It has never felt right for her to be in the Titans for some reason. I wouldn't mind another go with her in the Legion regularly.

Anonymous said...

Supergirl should form and lead her own informal team with M'Gann and Steph in it. Something on par with the Lady Liberators and the A-Team where they only get together for specific mysteries and threats.

GENE

Anonymous said...

Yeah I agree "the no-name team" really anything built on Steph's brains and Kara's charisma would work for me. The rest of the line up I leavefor wiser heads to concoct.
:D

John Feer