September Solicits

The DC Relaunch is happening in September. The solicits are finally out on the DC website here: http://www.dccomics.com/dccomics/comics/?dat=20110907&sort=date

While I usually review just the Super-titles, I thought I would share what I am doing in September. In the end, despite being against this reboot, I am going to give DC the benefit of the doubt and see what some of the books have to offer. It doesn't help that this is a 'sorta reboot' with some comics not effected at all, some kinda effected, and others starting from scratch ( http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/06/19/more-from-the-dc-retailer-roadshow/ ). So the GL books recent history is unscathed (even though that effected all the DCU in Blackest Night, but the Superman storylines get expunged. I have to say, this sounds scarier and scarier.

Here are the solicits. First the Super-books!

SUPERGIRL #1

Written by MICHAEL GREEN and MIKE JOHNSON

Art and cover by MAHMUD ASRAR

Meet Supergirl. She’s got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman – and none of his affection for the people of Earth. So don’t piss her off!

I talked about this enough before. But if I read a year's worth of 'Kill Kal-El, crystal hell', I have to give this the benefit of the doubt. Optimistic and open minded and knowing how Green/Johnson treated her in Superman/Batman, I will read this book.

I hope I am not let down.

ACTION COMICS #1

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by RAGS MORALES and RICK BRYANT

Cover by RAGS MORALES

Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS

The one and only Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) returns to Superman, joined by sensational artist Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), to bring you tales of The Man of Steel unlike any you’ve ever read! This extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe!

I trust Grant Morrison. I loved All-Star Superman. But somewhere along the way I was told that this would look at how Superman isn't trusted by the people of Earth ... and I don't know if I like that as an overarching theme.

But I am a Morrison guy and I know how much he loves Superman. Of all the super-books, I have the least worries about this book. That said, Morrison has said that Superman is the 'first superhero' of this new universe, which throws the JSA's very existence into question. I don't care how good this new place is, there has to be room for Jay Garrick, Alan Scott, etc.

SUPERMAN #1

Written by GEORGE PEREZ

Breakdowns and cover by GEORGE PEREZ

Art by JESUS MERINO

The new adventures of Superman begin here! What is The Man of Steel’s startling new status quo? How does it affect Lois Lane and The Daily Planet? There’s no time for answers now, because Superman must stop a monstrous threat to Metropolis – one that he somehow is the cause of!

Can Perez do for Superman what he did for Wonder Woman in the 80s? Can he reimagine Superman in a way to bring in new readers and satisfy the older fans? I really hope so.

But Jesus Merino seems like a wrong choice here, his muddy sort of style over Perez' layouts seems like a weird combination.

SUPERBOY #1

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by RB SILVA and ROB LEAN

Cover by ERIC CANETE

They thought he was just an experiment – and a failed one at that! Grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA, the Clone was no more than a set of data to the scientists of Project N.O.W.H.E.R.E. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon! Now the question is: Can a clone develop a conscience?

Remember when Superboy was a fun character living in Hawaii? Remember when he was a compelling character hoping he would be more Clark than Lex? Remember when Superboy was rediscovering himself in an odd Smallville? I liked those versions.

The solicit makes me more optimistic about this book than the cover alone did. Conner is probably a tabula rasa trying to find his way in humanity. I don't know much of Lobdell. But I like Silva's art. Some optimism here.

And now the books I am calling  the long term reads:

Here are the books I am thinking I will be in for the long term. I figure I am going to be in for at least the full first arc, at least six issues.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS

1:25 Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

Comics superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make history! In a universe where super heroes are strange and new, Batman has discovered a dark evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes!

Can Johns and Lee deliver? I have liked Johns work on just about everything, so I think this is worth a long look.

GREEN LANTERN #1

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY

Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

The red-hot GREEN LANTERN team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Doug Mahnke introduce an unexpected new Lantern.

Of all the books, the Green Lantern books seem the most unaffected by the relaunch. I enjoyed the book pre-reboot, my guess is I will like it afterwards.

But how do you reconcile the GL history remaining untouched while everyone else starts fresh.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA

Cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY

When deadly conflicts emerge across the universe, it’s up to Guy Gardner, John Stewart and an elite Green Lantern strike force to keep the peace – or else.

Similar to GL, I am onboard for GLC. I am a Guy Gardner fan.

HAWK AND DOVE #1

Written by STERLING GATES

Art and cover by ROB LIEFELD

Hank Hall is not happy. He’s not happy to have Dawn Granger as a new partner in his war on crime. He’s not happy that she’s dating the ghostly Super Hero, Deadman. He’s not happy to learn that someone is trying to plunge the United States into a new civil war! Now it’s up to Hawk and Dove to root out the forces behind this conflict and stop them before they turn the U.S. into a wasteland!

And who is the monster lurking in the shadows, watching Hawk and Dove from afar? Find out in this new series from Sterling Gates (FLASHPOINT: KID FLASH LOST) and artist Rob Liefeld (X-Force, Youngblood)!

This is the new book I am most excited for. This book seems like it is right in Sterling Gates' wheelhouse. Liefeld will return to some of his past glory on this book. And I am an old Hawk and Dove fan so I am glad they will have their own book again.

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #1

Written by PAUL LEVITZ

Art by FRANCIS PORTELA

Cover by KARL KERSCHL

The Legion of Super-Heroes has been decimated by the worst disaster in its history. Now, the students of the Legion Academy must rise to the challenge of helping the team rebuild – but a threat of almost unstoppable power is rising at the edge of Dominator space, and if the new recruits fail, the Legion Espionage Squad may be the first casualties in a war that could split worlds in half!

Much like Green Lantern, the main Legion book will be picking up where it left off (outside of the Lost Legionnaires). Looks like we'll see some Academy graduates elevated into the main team which will inject some freshness into the roster. And I really like Francis Portela's art so I am glad to see that name in the credits.

LEGION LOST #1

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by PETE WOODS

Seven heroes from the 31st century have traveled back to the present day. Their mission: Save their future from annihilation. But when the future tech they brought with them fails, they find themselves trapped in a nightmarish world that, for them, is the ultimate struggle to survive!

Don’t miss the start of this all-new LEGION series illustrated by Pete Woods – fresh off his spectacular run on ACTION COMICS – who is joined by writer Fabian Nicieza (RED ROBIN)!

I did not read the Legion Lost book by DnA. But I like what I have read of Nicieza in the past. I have loved Pete Woods on everything. And this is a book starring Wildfire and Dawnstar. While I don't like the Legion stuck in the past, this book has a lot going for it.

And I would love for this to be the eventual team Supergirl lands on.

And now,  the short term reads:

Here are the titles that will have a very short time to grab me. That might be one issue, that might be three. But these books need to show me something ... and fast ... to keep me coming back.

BATWOMAN #1

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN

Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

At last! Batwoman’s new series begins, from the multiple award-winning creative team of J.H. Williams III and Haden Blackman!

In “Hydrology,” part 1 of 5, Batwoman faces deadly new challenges in her war against Gotham City’s underworld – and new trials in her life as Kate Kane.

Who or what is stealing children from the barrio, and for what vile purpose? Will Kate train her cousin, Bette Kane (a.k.a. Flamebird), as her new sidekick? How will she handle unsettling revelations about her father, Colonel Jacob Kane? And why is a certain government

I have loved the Batwoman stuff by Williams before, but those were stories written by Greg Rucka. It is the art that is the main thing driving this purchase, this Batwoman. But art is only part of the product. I need a good story to go with it. Will the stories mesh with the art? Will the book be on time? If it is late, I am dropping it.

WONDER WOMAN #1

Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO

Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG

The Gods walk among us. To them, our lives are playthings. Only one woman would dare to protect humanity from the wrath of such strange and powerful forces. But is she one of us – or one of them?

It is an interesting team. I love Chiang's art. But I need more than a warrior Diana. I need the full Wonder Woman persona. We'll see. As I have said before, I always want to read Wonder Woman. But the book doesn't always deliver.

GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #1

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art and cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT

Kyle Rayner has assembled the most powerful team in all the universe, selected from the full spectrum of corps. But can he even keep this volatile group together?

I like Bedard. I like Kirkham. And I like Kyle Rayner. But can a book with this cast grip me? Will I get enough GL from the other 2 books? Do I really need to read 3 GL books? We'll see.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art by MIKEL JANIN

Cover by RYAN SOOK

The witch known as The Enchantress has gone mad, unleashing forces that not even the combined powers of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg can stop. And if those heroes can’t handle the job, who will stand against this mystical madness?

Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna and John Constantine may be our only hope – but how can we put our trust in beings whose very presence makes ordinary people break out in a cold sweat?

This book has so much potential. I love Milligan as a writer, especially his Shade the Changing Man. I love Ryan Sook. And the roster is filled with my favorites. I am a huge fan of all the versions of Shade the Changing Man. I love John Constantine. I loved Wagner's Madame Xanadu. I collected Zatanna. I have a fondness for The Enchantress.

But can these guys work in a mainstream DC book? Will it be too Vertigo? Not enough Vertigo? Will it be dark by going the easy route of sex and gore? Or will it be a deeper horror? I am hopeful.

ANIMAL MAN #1

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by TRAVEL FOREMAN and DAN GREEN

Cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN

Buddy Baker has gone from “super” man to family man – but is he strong enough to hold his family together when Maxine, his young daughter, starts to manifest her own dangerous powers? Find out in this dramatic new series from writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and artist Travel Foreman (The Immortal Iron Fist).

Okay, Lemire's Superboy was interesting. I loved Morrison and Milligan and Delano's Animal Man. So I am willing to give this a try. Weird cover for a first issue. We'll have to see.

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1

Written by DAN JURGENS

Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN

Cover by AARON LOPRESTI

With the growing presence of super beings around the world, the United Nations resolves to create a new group called Justice League International.

Batman, Booster Gold, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, August General in Iron, Fire, Ice, Vixen and Rocket Red are charged with promoting unity and trust – but can they reach that goal without killing each other first?

I don't necessarily like these characters. I was hoping Donna Troy was on the team. (Where is that woman in the left lower corner?)  I am really looking at this book for one reason ... Aaron Lopresti's art. Will it be fantastic enough to keep me coming back?

CAPTAIN ATOM #1

Written by J.T. KRUL

Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

Charged by nuclear energy, possessing vast molecular powers, Captain Atom has the potential to be a literal god among men – a hero without limits. But the question is: Will he lose himself in the process?

Don’t miss the start of a legend from writer J.T. Krul (GREEN ARROW, TEEN TITANS) and artist Freddie Williams II (JSA ALL-STARS)!

I don't necessarily like the character. I don't know much of Krul outside of some Blackest Night mini-series. I am really looking at this book for one reason ... Freddy Williams' art. Will it be fantastic enough to keep me coming back?

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1

Written by PAUL JENKINS

Art by BERNARD CHANG

Cover by RYAN SOOK

It’s the start of a new series spotlighting some of the DC Universes’s most exciting super heroes! First up is Deadman, straight from the pages of BRIGHTEST DAY, in a five-issue epic where the body-hopping hero meets his match in a new foe who wants to make sure the souls that Deadman helps out go straight to Hell!

Another interesting solicit. I am not a Deadman guy by any means. I don't know how you can write him long term. But I love Jenkins work ... on Hellblazer, on Spectacular Spiderman (one of the only runs of Spiderman in my collection). And I love Chang's work. I feel obligated to get this book to honor his Supergirl work. And covers are by one of my very favorites Ryan Sook. I hope the creative team brings some magic to this character.

That's 18 books ... 18! It seems like I am rewarding DC for the relaunch. Shouldn't I vote with my dollars? I'll re-tally in February. We'll see how many I am still getting then.

Any books I am not getting that any of you are excited about?