November 2014 Solicits Part 2: The Rest of the Issues

So I spoke about the solicit for Supergirl #36 and the new creative team here. Now it is time to cover the rest of the DC solicits for November.

Here is the Newsarama link to view all the solicits: http://www.newsarama.com/21907-dc-comics-full-november-2014-solicitations.html

Between Multiversity, Worlds' End, a New Gods Green Lantern crossover, and a ton of new non-Batman Batman stuff, DC is making a mark. But outside of Multiversity, Batgirl, and Gotham Academy, I don't think I can afford anything else to be added to my pull.

On to the super-titles.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #6
Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II and JOE SILVER
Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON

Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for details.
The Infinitus Saga continues as a displaced Legion of Super-Heroes tries to prevent the destruction of the 31st century by killing Ultra the Multi Alien! Complicating matters is the fact that Multi is a young innocent in the current time period, forcing the Justice League United to stand in the Legion’s way!

I have absolutely loved this title so far but this solicit has me a bit worried.

 No Legion I know would ever willingly be looking to kill someone, even a threat. It is in their constitution! It is grounds for expulsion from the team. I am thrilled to see the Legion again. But a murdering Legion?? Not so much.

Second, at the Boston Comic Con, I learned from Mike McKone that he was off JLU. I don't know if I would have chosen Timothy Green as someone to take over. Green's style is so rough and warped. It worked fine on a quasi-horror book like Animal Man. But a Silver Age-y book like JLU needs someone whose style is smoother.

I need this book to remain awesome.

ACTION COMICS #36
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER

A new epic begins! The deck is stacked against Superman when Smallville is poisoned by the appearance of dark magic and ancient horrors! Can Superman figure out what’s going on and save his hometown before this evil epidemic spreads across the entire world?

Doomed is over! Pak and Kuder remain on the book! A phenomenal iconic cover! And a mystical new story. 

Hurrah! Hope this book gets back to the excellence we saw pre-Doomed.

SUPERMAN #36
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON

Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. continue their stunning work on SUPERMAN with “THE MEN OF TOMORROW” chapter five! Superman and Ulysses are an unstoppable team, thwarting the plot of one super-villain after another, but when Ulysses sees a larger menace threatening Earth why does the Man of Steel refuse to help him? Plus, Superman is about to undergo a metamorphosis...but what is it?

I have liked the first couple of issues under Johns/Romita. We have seen some return of more classic Superman ideas here. Thwarting super-villains sounds like big action! So glad to see both Superman main titles have some solid creative teams and plots.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #16
Written by GREG PAK
Art by ARDIAN SYAF and SANDRA HOPE
Cover by ARDIAN SYAF and DANNY MIKI

New artist Ardian Syaf joins the hit series as a mystery begins! An unseen terror launches deadly strikes against major cities…and the only clue is Kryptonite! Can Batman and Superman bring an invisible foe to justice before more damage is done?

I am not surprised that there is a new artist on the book as Jae Lee (while superb) seemed unable to keep up with deadlines. I liked Syaf's work on Brightest Day and Green Lantern so he should be great on this book.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #13
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE

Welcome the new creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi (BATMAN AND ROBIN) and Doug Mahnke (JUSTICE LEAGUE)! The unity between Superman and Wonder Woman will be tested as never before as a mysterious group of villains make their New 52 debut – but first, Atomic Skull and Major Disaster cause trouble for our favorite heroic couple!

Every time I think I'm out they pull me back in.

I thought I might be leaving this book once Tony Daniel left the book. But then DC goes ahead and puts a great creative team on the book. I have liked Tomasi's writing on Batman & Robin and Green Lantern Corps. And I think Doug Mahnke's art is fantastic. So looks like I'll be sticking around here a bit.

And some classic villains too!

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11: CHAOS #4

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA
Cover by CAT STAGGS

As Supergirl and Superboy battle the Eclipso-infected horde in Metropolis, Hank Henshaw takes the battle into the Hive-Mind that controls them, while Lex’s soldiers make plans to avoid the blame! As usual, Lex is one step ahead of everyone else – except Superman.

Hmmm ... sounds like Supergirl might be leading the way in this issue. So no complaints there! Seeing Supergirl and Superboy fighting back to back harkens back to the days of Team Superman in the late 90s and early 00s!

Beautiful cover by Cat Staggs here. I love that Supergirl costume!

TINY TITANS: RETURN TO THE TREEHOUSE #6
Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR

In this final miniseries issue, Cyborg uses his connections to the Justice League to build an awesome new tower! But it just doesn’t feel like home. Can anything be done to get the old treehouse back?

And lastly, some fun!

It's the last issue of the Tiny Titans. This book has given me some smiles ... some much needed DC smiles. Love the look of the book. Check out the Donna Troy costume - a sort of dress version of her red jumpsuit costume! And a Wonder Woman wearing pants ... that looks good!

Hope this sells well enough to come back in some form or another later.

 

Review: Tiny Titans Return To The Treehouse #2

There is some serious silliness going on in Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #2 by creative duo Art Baltazar and Franco. While the character that is showcased the most in this issue is the Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle, the issue itself is so steeped in Superman mythology that this could have easily been labeled a crossover issue with the missed Superman Family Adventures by the same creative team.

You can see that emphasis on Superman right on the cover, the tiny Titans all donning the S-shield. And the Fortress ... or Fortress technology ... is also a key part of this issue so it also gets some cover love. As always, I marvel at how much the Donner movie still influences comics and Superman. In this issue, the Fortress and Kryptonian technology is all crystal based.

On to the fun!

One other thing to note before we get to the actual story. I love the role call that Franco and Baltazar put on the first page, showing us which Titans are predominantly seen in the issue.

But it looks like Supergirl might be getting some extra love from now on as DC places the Siegel Family acknowledgement.

In last issue, Brainiac 5 and Psimon shrank and stole the Titans treehouse leaving the team without a headquarters. Supergirl decides that Superman's fortress is the best place to try to track where the two 'villains' have gone. Unfortunately, she doesn't seem to know how to get there.

Finally, Cyborg is able to find it eliciting an overly excited squeal from Supergirl. It reminded me of Lucy's response to Schroeder's playing of Jingle Bells.

I love this happy Supergirl.

As I said, this felt like something of a crossover with Superman Family Adventures (although Supergirl and Superboy are definitely in Titans mode). That includes seeing the SFA Superman again!

Unlike the prior Tiny Titans book (where all we saw where adults feet), we get to see Superman in all his glory. Like I said when Adventures were coming out, somehow Art Baltazar is able to make the New 52 super-suit look good!

Superman doesn't stick around too long. He is called away by Jimmy's signal watch. That first panel is pure Superman Family Adventures.

You might recall that a con I went to Art Baltazar said they had plots for 40 issues of SFA. Too bad DC pulled the plug. I can only imagine the fun they would have with Superman:Doomed.

With Superman gone, Supergirl uses the crystal technology of the Fortress like a "super cell phone" and calls Brainiac. Initially Brainiac denies having anything to do with the theft of the Treehouse. But Psimon and Brainiac 5 show up. Having shrunk the Treehouse, they are proudly wearing a Brainiac club shrinking badges.

Suddenly Brainiac is proud of his boys and disconnects.

Now why Brainiac 5 is doing something with the bad guys I don't wholly understand. I hope that somehow Supergirl is able to talk him into helping the Titans. I can never get enough of Kara and Querl together.

Franco and Baltazar take something of a left hand turn in the book, moving away from the Treehouse plot to bring in Bizarro, Match, and BizarroGirl for some funny moments.

I also can't get enough of BizarroGirl. There is something charming about her. Too fantastic.

Superman ends up making a mini-fortress for the Titans but it is made of ice and melts away. The quest for the treehouse  must continue.

I am happy that this irreverent all ages book exists. I always chuckle when I read it. Thankfully, DC keeps giving Franco and Baltazar a forum for the work.

Overall grade: B+

Review: Tiny Titans Return To The Treehouse #1

After lamenting the overall dark nature of the New 52 recently, I was thrilled when DC threw me something of a bone, announcing that All Ages dream team of Art Baltazar and Franco were going to return to some beloved material, the Tiny Titans.

Tiny Titans Return to the Treehouse #1 came out this last week and was a blast of fresh summer air. I know that this is meant for a younger crowd but as usual Baltazar and Franco inject enough DC history and characters into the book to make it a delight for DC fan of ... well ... of all ages.

And, frankly, it is a delight to see some old school costumes as well, away from the overly dreary New 52 versions. I mean this is basically what Raven should look like not the feather-faced thing currently in Teen Titans. And look, a yellow garbed Kid Flash with hair visible!

Simply put, there is joy here, a stark contrast to some of the main stream books.

But wait, there's more.

Kid Devil! Both Donna Troy as Wonder Girl and Cassie! M'Gann! and Speedy!

But I simply had to love that Superboy and Supergirl got some special credit, outside the face bubbles and taking a place of honor! I am sure it is a coloring error but nice to see Kara in the red skirt version of the costume!

This comic does bring back the somewhat sad memory of the Superman Family Adventures, a really fantastic comic that was canceled by DC way too quickly.

At least Baltazar and Franco make mention of it here as the super-family streaks to join the Titans.

I can never get me enough Streaky!

There is a wrinkle though. Brainiac 5 and Psimon are in the Brainiac club and have an assignment. They need to shrink something and put it into a bottle. So why not the treehouse, even if Terra, Raven, and Beast Boy are in there?

Brainiac was something of the big bad in the Superman Family Adventures so I wonder if Franco and Baltazar are trying to recapture some of that here. But is odd to see Brainiac 5 doing something like this. And I thought Psimon hated being called 'Brainiac'.

But this also makes me realize how much I miss the Legion.

The Treehouse gets shrunk and the Supers know they need a detective. So they enlist Robin.

I like how Ace's collar is a pouchy utility belt sort of thing.

Well, in something that would only work in an All Ages book, Robin makes a 'wood detector' to find the treehouse. It leads to some nice cameos!

Like Swamp Thing!

And Solomon Grundy (his coffin was detected).

And Metamorpho's wooden leg is a nice chew toy for Ace.

That is ridiculous. And wonderful. And inspired lunacy!

I love it!

Well, the wood detector doesn't turn up much so Supergirl decides to do the obvious ... use her super-powers to find it. Luckily or serendipitously it is right next to her as Brainiac 5 and Psimon are in the same park.

How could I not scan an action pose of Kara in this book?

Raven uses her magic to free the trapped Titans inside the bottle.

But before the treehouse can be saved the ship carrying the rest of the Brainiac Club arrives.

And it is Brainiac's ship.

Hmmm ... maybe Baltazar and Franco are using some of the SMA plotlines here.

Regardless, I had all sorts of love for this book. I was smiling while I was reading it because it again is a simple and joyous and fun.

Looking for a primer on the DCU that all can enjoy? Buy this book.

July 2014 Solicits

The DC July solicits came out over this week and I have to say there are some pretty significant ups and downs that month. While I am relatively thrilled with the Supergirl proceedings, the whole Doomed storyline looks like it is heading down a path I won't be thrilled about.

Here is a link to Newsarama's complete solicits: http://www.newsarama.com/20913-dc-comics-full-july-2014-solicitations.html

And now the super-solicits!

SUPERGIRL #33
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by JEFF JOHNSON and CAM SMITH

“Red Daughter of Krypton” – the finale! Faced with a threat from Worldkiller-1 and staggering allegations about her past, Supergirl is forced to question her role as a Red Lantern – and as a hero! Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to this epic adventure – and its shocking final pages!

Amazingly, the Red Daughter  storyline actually looks like it will be only a few issues long. And it sounds like the right sort of solicit with Kara rediscovering her role as a hero.

And trust me I was thrilled to see this cover with the ring off her finger. Hopefully this arc purges the character of much of the angsty baggage she was carrying and will make her start a true hero's journey.

SUPERGIRL: FUTURES END #1  
Advance solicit • On sale SEPTEMBER 17 32 pg, FC • RATED T 3-D Motion Edition: $3.99 US 2-D Standard Edition: $2.99 US Orders due May 29 • Not offered on FOC  

At last, Supergirl reconciles with her father, Cyborg Superman – in the most horrific way possible!








Now DC is also doing Future's End issues in September with lenticular covers like last year's Villains Month. And to get ahead of order snafus that plagued them a year ago, DC is advance soliciting. There are no covers or creative teams.

But there is a blurb about the story. And we get a reconciliation with Zor-El. Now a horrific ending sounds bad but I am hoping that isn't something horrible. How about Zor breaks his conditioning and has to sacrifice himself?

Now plenty of this Future's End business sounds dismal. But I am just happy to see Supergirl be part of the event!

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #3 Written by JEFF LEMIRE Art and cover by MIKE McKONE
So many questions hang over this nascent team. Will Hawkman sacrifice himself to save Rann, one of Thanagar’s enemies? Will Alanna and Adam ever be reunited? Can Miiyahbin face her fears and become the hero she’s meant to be? And the answer to all of this spells death for one of them.

 The jury is still out on this title and for me it will hinge on how Supergirl is used in the book. If she is a brooding Hulk or Wolverine character, there to make Equinox and Stargirl all the sunnier I'll be unhappy.

And that would be a shame because I think that Lemire probably has great stuff in store for this book. I just don't want him to misuse Kara.

ACTION COMICS #33 Written by GREG PAK Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Superman finally succumbs to the Doomsday virus and transforms into SUPERDOOM! Is anybody in the universe safe from his vast power and fury? How can Superman possibly find a cure for his condition when the Monster of Steel has completely taken over his mind?

And then we move to the Doomed issues.

Just what the DCU needs, more problems to make humanity distrust and hate Superman.

Can even Pak and Kuder make this right? Can't we have a heroic Superman? The inspirational hero?

ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #3 Written by GREG PAK Art by AARON KUDER and KEN LASHLEY Cover by AARON KUDER
As an epic space battle rages above the Earth, how will humanity and the other heroes of the DC Universe cope with this Day of Doom?

And it sounds like, of course, the other DC heroes have to unite to defeat Superman. In The Death of Superman, Superman was the ultimate hero, coming in when the other heroes failed and sacrificing himself. Now, the roles are actually reversed. Superman is the monster.

What is wrong with the DCU??

SUPERMAN #33 Written by GEOFF JOHNS Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON
It’s up, up and away as the titanic team of Geoff Johns, John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson continue their epic run on the Man of Steel! In their second issue, we learn more about the mysterious Ulysses and what his emergence will mean to Clark Kent and the world. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure is targeting Metropolis with strange mechanical creations...but why? And what dark secret from Clark’s past does it connect to?

No surprise that the Johns/Romita book is kept separate from Doomed. 

I loved Johns' Superman stuff in the past. I am hoping he can continue to fix Superman's image. Let Pak and Johns bring the classic hero back!

SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #8 Written by SCOTT SNYDER Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
It’s all going to hell as cosmic-level war breaks out! The full truth of who — or what — Wraith is finally comes to light!

I talked about this last month. I'll believe it is coming out in July when I see it.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #10 Written by CHARLES SOULE Art by TONY S. DANIEL and MATT BANNING Cover by TONY S. DANIEL
Twelfth level intellect Lois Lane uses all her new Psi Power against the God of War, Diana, in the ultimate showdown! And Superman must go up against the new Cyborg Superman as an invading armada arrives in space!

Hmmm ... Cyborg Superman showing up. I wonder if Supergirl gets involved at some point.

But the main thing is that we get the cat fight that DC has been angling for ... Lois vs. Diana. Terrible. 

Lois hasn't been a big part of the New 52. Now she is a villain. Fighting Superman's girlfriend. Terrible.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN ANNUAL #1 Written by CHARLES SOULE Art and cover by ED BENES
Only an Annual could contain this chapter of “SUPERMAN: DOOMED”! It’s an all-out assault by the heroes of Earth (superpowered and not) on the God of War, Wonder Woman, who’s leading the charge against all manner of alien attackers. The monstrous Superman smashes through everything friend or foe as his de-evolution reaches a critical stage. It all leads to their best hope: the Phantom Zone?!

And then things get even crazier. Now it sounds like the heroes of Earth are attacking Wonder Woman. While Superman smashes friends and foes alike.

There hasn't been one thing about Doomed that has made me think it is going to be good. 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #13 Written by GREG PAK Art and cover by JAE LEE
A new arc begins following the events of “FIRST CONTACT.” The worlds of Batman and Superman come to an explosive clash as something terrible happens to the World’s Finest team, and a Dark Knight who is not quite himself must team up with Lois Lane to find a missing Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle encounters a person of amazing strength who has no idea who he is.

Another issue which has been resolicited so many times I don't think I need to cover it. I am hoping this book also rights itself, coming out more consistently.

WORLDS’ FINEST #25 Written by PAUL LEVITZ Art by TYLER KIRKHAM Cover by BARRY KITSON
Power Girl and Huntress return to the ruins of Earth 2, but they question whether their trip was worth the effort as they discover the state of their former home and friends.

Finally heading back home! They shouldn't be too shocked at the state of their former home as they saw it through the portal in First Contact. I don't think I am going to get the Earth 2 weekly. So will this be a jump-off point for me??

I keep waiting for a new creative team. I like Kirkham fine.

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11: LANTERN #4 Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER Art by MARCIO TAKARA Cover by CAT STAGGS
Fighting a pitched battle against the strength of Parallax, John Stewart is able to regain his Green Lantern will. But will the change come in time to defeat Parallax’s minions?

Loving this series. This sounds great. But when ... when!! .... will the Crisis happen!

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #15 Written by RON MARZ Art and cover by EVAN “DOC” SHANER
When a giant robot from outer space crashes into Metropolis Harbor, Superman makes the shocking discovery that the robot was built by none other than his own father, Jor-El!

I love Marz work. I love Doc Shaner's work (check out Flash Gordon!). So this seems fine. Although it seems like a lot of the Adventures seemed to mine Krypton and Jor-El for ideas.

Still. I am going to enjoy this book while it is around.

TINY TITANS: RETURN TO THE TREEHOUSE #2 Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
The Tiny Titans journey to the Fortress of Solitude, where they meet up with the Man of Steel! Can he help them get their treehouse back? Only if he’s not super-busy!

A super-issue with all the Titans sporting S-shields! I am there. This will be a nice palate cleanser after a month of Doomed.

So will Kara shedding the ring be enough to offset Doomed? We shall see!

June 2014 Solicits

DC's June solicits have been released and it is going to be a busy month with a number of Supergirl sightings and one nice semi-surprise. If you want to review all the solicits, head to Newsarama here:
 http://www.newsarama.com/20593-dc-comics-full-june-2014-solicitations.html

On to the solicits which grabbed me.

SUPERGIRL #32
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO and RAY McCARTHY
Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

“Red Daughter of Krypton” rages though this issue! Supergirl’s Red Lantern powers – and allies – are about to be tested as a Worldkiller1 arrives from Kara’s past to destroy her!
Retailers: This cover was originally scheduled to appear on SUPERGIRL #31.

So we see the same cover solicited for #31 and #32 which means the cover for #31 will be a surprise.

As I said before, the reveal that Kara isn't World Killer #1 is a great addition to her history, removing one of the potential stains on her past. It also diminishes Zor-El's sins.

Plus, I like a bruiser as an addition to Kara's Rogues gallery. Maybe this will be her equivalent of Mongul.

Still a Red Lantern.

RED LANTERNS #32
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by J. CALAFIORE
Cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

Guy Gardner has a difficult decision to make: deciding if the newest Red Lantern, Supergirl, is fit for battle…especially when that battle is against Atrocitus himself! The war between the two factions of Red Lanterns is on, and there will be blood!

And it looks like she will be battling another big bad in Atrocitus in her team book Red Lanterns. "There will be blood!" Let's hope Supergirl maintains some control during this stage of her life.

I can't wait to see Califiore draw Kara. I love the commission I have from him.

Still a Red Lantern.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #2
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by MIKE McKONE

It’s all out battle issue as Hawkman has a showdown with Lobo as the League is teleported to Rann to face the shape-changing alien called Byth! This looks like a job for Supergirl!

And she is battling another big bad in her other team book JLU! We don't see her on the cover so hard to know if she is in Red Lantern mode in this book. Regardless she'll be a bull-headed loner. I was hopeful for this book at first ... maybe not so much now.

As an old-school (Kubert) Hawkman fan and as someone who loved Tim Truman's Hawkworld, I am thrilled to see Byth back again.

ACTION COMICS #32
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER

“SUPERMAN: DOOMED” continues with “ENEMY OF THE STATE” as Superman struggles against the Doomsday virus – but is he losing the fight? How much longer can he stay in control? And how far will he be pushed when he’s faced with a world against him and a shocking betrayal at the end of this issue?

I have a bad feeling about this 'Doomed' storyline. I just don't know if I trust something driven by Lobdell and Soule to do Superman justice. Having Pak also on board is a very good thing. Pak I trust.

And I love this cover, giving a trapped feel to Superman. And it is a 'Doomsday Virus'? Hmmm...

SUPERMAN #32
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and wraparound cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON

“THE MAN OF TOMORROW” chapter 1! A NEW ERA for SUPERMAN begins as Geoff Johns takes the reigns – and he’s joined by the legendary super-talent of John Romita, Jr. in his first-ever work for DC Comics as they introduce Ulysses, the Man of Tomorrow, into the Man of Steel’s life. This strange visitor shares many of Kal-El’s experiences, including having been rocketed from a world with no future. Prepare yourself for a run full of new heroes, new villains and new mysteries! Plus, Perry White offers Clark a chance to return to The Daily Planet!

Okay. So here is the big announcement for the month as Geoff Johns returns to Superman with a big name artist. This should be big news. I loved Johns' work on the Superman books in the past. And we see Clark being offered a chance to return to the Daily Planet meaning Johns might try to return to more classic Clark than what Lobdell was doing.

That said, I have found much of Johns' recent work (on JL and Forever Evil, and his opinions on villainy and the brutal nature of the violence in his books) to be a bit coarse. I mean, in June solicits he talks about a treacherous Doom Patrol, more darkening of the DCU. Will he bring this new sensibility of evil being relative and villains more interesting and cooler than heroes to this book? I hope not.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #12
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by JAE LEE

Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for more information. This story was previously scheduled to appear in BATMAN/SUPERMAN #11.
A new arc begins following the events of “FIRST CONTACT.” The worlds of Batman and Superman come to an explosive clash as something terrible happens to the World’s Finest team, and a Dark Knight who is not quite himself must team up with Lois Lane to find a missing Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle encounters a person of amazing strength who has no idea who he is.

Deja vu!

This is the solicit we saw for Batman/Superman #11.

I liked it then and I like it now. In particular, on re-viewing, I love this cover showcasing the differences in the main characters.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #9
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art and cover by TONY S. DANIEL

“SUPERMAN: DOOMED” continues with “ENEMY OF THE STATE”! As things get more dire on Earth for him, the Man of Steel may have to go into exile in space, but the self-proclaimed protectors of Sector 2814, the Red Lanterns, don’t want him there either! Don’t miss this deadly face-off between Kal and Kara!

The issue of 'Doomed' by Charles Soule includes a 'deadly face-off between Kal and Kara!' Just what I need to see. And Superman seems rather spiky, reminiscent of Grant Morrison's Super-Doom. Sad.

I was going to drop this title but Doomed will keep me around for a bit. And I have been loving Tony Daniel's art so I will be looking forward to his drawing Kara (even if it is as a Red Lantern).

WORLDS’ FINEST #24
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by R.B. SILVA and JOE WEEMS
Cover by BARRY KITSON

Get ready for action as Power Girl and Huntress begin their journey back to Earth 2! Plus, Desaad returns!

Kitson as a cover artist is a brilliant stroke. I love his style and would love for him to be doing the interiors over RB Silva's devolving style.

But it sounds like the Worlds' Finest duo might be heading back home. Interesting. Maybe when they relocate we'll get a new creative team for a 'bold new direction'.

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11: LANTERN #3
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by MARCIO TAKARA
Cover by CAT STAGGS

A rain of yellow “stars” falls on Gotham City even as Superman and the Green Lantern John Stewart face a threat from Oa’s past that has reappeared on the moon. Batman, Nightwing, Green Arrow and the Wonder Woman from the DEO are doing their best, but they need help. When Clark returns to Earth, will John’s luck run out?

I have been thrilled to see more and more of a DCU showing up in Smallville. We have a Justice League that is growing, a group of Titans, a Bat-family. This arc has Green Lanterns showing up.

So why not Yellow Lanterns!

Digging this book so much right now. Especially love Diana.

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #14
Written by MAX LANDIS and FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by JOCK, PHIL HESTER and ERIC GAPSTUR
Cover by JOCK

The Joker’s in town...and he wants to meet Superman! Find out what happens next in this one-of-a-kind story from Chronicle writer Max Landis and legendary artist Jock (GREEN ARROW: YEAR ONE)! Plus, don’t miss Clark Kent’s babysitting adventures as he looks after none other than Sugar and Spike!

Ugh ... Max Landis.

More interested in the Sugar and Spike story.

TINY TITANS: RETURN TO THE TREEHOUSE #1
Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR

The Eisner Award-winning series is back for an all-new six-issue miniseries! Superboy and Supergirl return to the treehouse to discover…IT’S MISSING! Or is it just…really small? Who could have done such a thing?! Find out as all your favorite Tiny Titans search for answers!

Talked about this before. So thrilled to have this book back even if it is for a six month mini-series. 

A small treehouse ... Superboy and Supergirl investigating ... can anyone say Brainiac shrink ray??

SUPERGIRL VOL. 4: OUT OF THE PAST TP
Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON, SCOTT LOBDELL, JUSTIN JORDAN
and TONY BEDARD • Art by DIOGENES NEVES, YILDIRAY CINAR and others
Cover by MAHMUD ASRAR

Supergirl’s world has been shattered! Kara searches the stars for a new home, only to encounter one of Superman’s deadliest enemies in his
New 52 debut: Cyborg Superman! Collects SUPERGIRL #21-26, ACTION COMICS #23.1: CYBORG SUPERMAN and SUPERMAN #25!

DC has done a good job including some nice extras in these trades so hopefully that will continue. This trade finishes up the pre-Tony Bedard stories which include some rough appearances.

One thing that irks me is that the Cyborg Superman issue is here. It clearly was a Supergirl book. Couldn't she have merited the Villains Month issue instead of it being one of many Superman books?

DC COMICS – THE NEW 52: BATGIRL, SUPERGIRL AND NIGHTWING ACTION FIGURES
Based on their designs from their monthly comic books comes the latest action figures joining the DC Collectibles lineup.
SUPERGIRL – 6.44"
$24.95 US
On Sale September 2014 

And we get a release date for the Supergirl New 52 action figure. September 2014.

I think this figure looks pretty slick (outside of the K-knife).

I better start saving my pennies.
 

Tiny Titans Returns!

I have complained about the darkening of the DCnU. I have bemoaned the 'evil is relative', 'Lex leading the JLA' nonsense of it all.

But every so often, DC Comics gives us a glimmer of hope. Tiny Titans is returning for a 6 issue miniseries this summer!

Details of the comic were posted over on Comic Vine here:
http://www.comicvine.com/articles/exclusive-first-look-tiny-titans-return-to-the-treehouse-1/1100-148301/


And here is the solicit:

TINY TITANS: RETURN TO THE TREEHOUSE #1 Written by Art Baltazar and Franco
Art and cover by Art Baltazar
On sale JUNE 4

The Eisner Award-winning series is back for an all-new six-issue miniseries! Suprrboy and Supergirl return to the treehouse to discover…IT’S MISSING! Or is it just…really small? Who could have done such a thing?! Find out as all your favorite Tiny Titans search for answers!

I always enjoyed Tiny Titans as a true all ages comic, silly enough for little kids, savvy enough for older kids, and filled with DC Easter Eggs for old folks like me. So I am happy to see it back again. And I love that Supergirl and Superboy play an important role in the first issue. I still miss Superman Family Adventures. So this will have to do. Thanks DC!