As anticipated and feared by me for a while, Demon Knights solicit says Final Issue. I am going to be very sad to see this title go away. Also Dial H and Threshold also get the ax. And one more title is being cancelled... Legion of Super-Heroes.
It pains me to see another incarnation of the Legion fail but sales were abysmal and, to be honest, the title itself felt stalled and stale most of the time. I can't imagine Legion being away for too long. But what will emerge? A "new" Legion? A complete reboot? A dark and edgy version (shivers)? We have seen all these things but for some reason Legion just can't seem to find a new audience. I can't blame DC that much. They gave the Legion 2 titles in the New 52. And I don't know the solution. What I don't want is a new problem. Don't make them dark and edgy ... that still won't sell because it is 'Legion' and it will irk long time fans.
On to the super-solicits:
SUPERGIRL #23
Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON
Art and cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
Supergirl struggles to survive against one of the most dangerous villains in the entire universe – Cyborg Superman! But what could superman’s robotic doppleganger want with Supergirl? The answer will blow your mind—and set the stage for a massive story this fall!
How fantastic to see the Cyborg Superman back in the DCU. And I love the fact that such a powerful foe is becoming a Supergirl rogue. We will be 4 issues into the Michael Alan Nelson era so we should have a feel for the direction of the book then.
Add to that this sort of art deco super-slick cover by Mahmud Asrar and I am excited to see this book.
Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON
Art and cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
Supergirl struggles to survive against one of the most dangerous villains in the entire universe – Cyborg Superman! But what could superman’s robotic doppleganger want with Supergirl? The answer will blow your mind—and set the stage for a massive story this fall!
How fantastic to see the Cyborg Superman back in the DCU. And I love the fact that such a powerful foe is becoming a Supergirl rogue. We will be 4 issues into the Michael Alan Nelson era so we should have a feel for the direction of the book then.
Add to that this sort of art deco super-slick cover by Mahmud Asrar and I am excited to see this book.
ACTION COMICS #23
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Backup story written by FRANK HANNAH
Art and cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
Backup story art by PHILIP TAN and JONATHAN GLAPION
Superman battles the constructs of an immense alien civilization that has built a feudal system based on pure evil! Plus, in the backup story, Jor-El and Lara try to save the Science Council from the colonel who seeks to make all of Krypton kneel before him!
The double dose of Scott Lobdell Superman books continues. I am a Tyler Kirkham fan so I am interested in seeing his take on Superman. But the story solicit is pretty sparse.
The Jor-El and Lara back-up story continues. It seems as though the military man who broke into the Science Council last issue might be Colonel Zod. Interesting.
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Backup story written by FRANK HANNAH
Art and cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
Backup story art by PHILIP TAN and JONATHAN GLAPION
Superman battles the constructs of an immense alien civilization that has built a feudal system based on pure evil! Plus, in the backup story, Jor-El and Lara try to save the Science Council from the colonel who seeks to make all of Krypton kneel before him!
The double dose of Scott Lobdell Superman books continues. I am a Tyler Kirkham fan so I am interested in seeing his take on Superman. But the story solicit is pretty sparse.
The Jor-El and Lara back-up story continues. It seems as though the military man who broke into the Science Council last issue might be Colonel Zod. Interesting.
SUPERMAN #23
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
The “Psi-War” epic begins! Psi-War erupts as Hector Hammond tries to take control of H.I.V.E. from its queen, but there are other forces in play as well, as a new Psycho Pirate emerges, and Superman is caught in the middle, unable to protect those closest to him.
I give credit were credit is due. I think the Psi-War storyline sounds very intriguing simply because it is an obvious threat to Superman. And the art by Kenneth Rocafort continues to wow. I like the new look for the Queen Bee.
And a new Psycho Pirate?? I hope he still remembers the Crisis ... that was a bunch of Crises ago.
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
The “Psi-War” epic begins! Psi-War erupts as Hector Hammond tries to take control of H.I.V.E. from its queen, but there are other forces in play as well, as a new Psycho Pirate emerges, and Superman is caught in the middle, unable to protect those closest to him.
I give credit were credit is due. I think the Psi-War storyline sounds very intriguing simply because it is an obvious threat to Superman. And the art by Kenneth Rocafort continues to wow. I like the new look for the Queen Bee.
And a new Psycho Pirate?? I hope he still remembers the Crisis ... that was a bunch of Crises ago.
SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #3
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Backup story art by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Retailers: This issue will ship with ten covers.
Superman’s found out the secret the U.S. Army tried desperately to keep from him—or more specifically, that secret’s found him! But with hijacked drone aircraft tearing Tokyo apart, there’s not much time for mystery…and with Lois Lane on the case as well, what’s in the darkness will come to the light!
This is the cover for the first issue which makes me worried that Jim Lee is already falling behind on art. Or maybe the real cover has a reveal they are hiding.
I am glad to hear that Lois is active in the story. Snyder's interviews make me think his Lois will be treated right here.
And what could that secret be? Has to be Bizarro. You heard it here first.
Lastly ... ten covers! TEN??
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Backup story art by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Retailers: This issue will ship with ten covers.
Superman’s found out the secret the U.S. Army tried desperately to keep from him—or more specifically, that secret’s found him! But with hijacked drone aircraft tearing Tokyo apart, there’s not much time for mystery…and with Lois Lane on the case as well, what’s in the darkness will come to the light!
This is the cover for the first issue which makes me worried that Jim Lee is already falling behind on art. Or maybe the real cover has a reveal they are hiding.
I am glad to hear that Lois is active in the story. Snyder's interviews make me think his Lois will be treated right here.
And what could that secret be? Has to be Bizarro. You heard it here first.
Lastly ... ten covers! TEN??
SUPERBOY #23
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by R.B. SILVA and ROB LEAN
Cover by KEN LASHLEY
“Psi-War” continues! Superboy’s ultimate nemesis is revealed as the secret head of H.I.V.E. steps forward! Bonds will be broken and the game will change in this important issue, as a major threat to the DC Universe debuts!
It is really incredible just how much I have turned around on this title based on Justin Jordan's debut issue. In a recent interview he said the book wouldn't be too dark, more Buffy than Walking Dead, and that also made me happy. It is like that last issue was a tiny little sorbet ball that cleansed the palate from the prior stuff. And his telekinesis powers make his inclusion in Psi-War sensible.
Any guesses about the secret head of H.I.V.E.? Queen Bee seems logical given the name. I doubt it is Doctor Light. So???
They had me a "Cover by Bruce Timm'. But the rest of this solicit reads as classic as that pose on the cover. A Luthor/Brainiac team-up? A meteor heading to Earth? Abnett and Lanning? Pete Woods?
It all sounds great.
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by R.B. SILVA and ROB LEAN
Cover by KEN LASHLEY
“Psi-War” continues! Superboy’s ultimate nemesis is revealed as the secret head of H.I.V.E. steps forward! Bonds will be broken and the game will change in this important issue, as a major threat to the DC Universe debuts!
It is really incredible just how much I have turned around on this title based on Justin Jordan's debut issue. In a recent interview he said the book wouldn't be too dark, more Buffy than Walking Dead, and that also made me happy. It is like that last issue was a tiny little sorbet ball that cleansed the palate from the prior stuff. And his telekinesis powers make his inclusion in Psi-War sensible.
Any guesses about the secret head of H.I.V.E.? Queen Bee seems logical given the name. I doubt it is Doctor Light. So???
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #4
Written by DAN ABNETT, ANDY LANNING, TOM DeFALCO and ROB WILLIAMS
Art by WES CRAIG, PETE WOODS and CHRIS WESTON
Cover by BRUCE TIMM
Join comics’ finest talents as they celebrate The Man of Steel himself: Superman! This issue features The Last Son of Krypton in timeless tales of truth and justice, featuring appearances by Lex Luthor and Brainiac! Plus: A meteor that’s headed straight for Earth!
Written by DAN ABNETT, ANDY LANNING, TOM DeFALCO and ROB WILLIAMS
Art by WES CRAIG, PETE WOODS and CHRIS WESTON
Cover by BRUCE TIMM
Join comics’ finest talents as they celebrate The Man of Steel himself: Superman! This issue features The Last Son of Krypton in timeless tales of truth and justice, featuring appearances by Lex Luthor and Brainiac! Plus: A meteor that’s headed straight for Earth!
They had me a "Cover by Bruce Timm'. But the rest of this solicit reads as classic as that pose on the cover. A Luthor/Brainiac team-up? A meteor heading to Earth? Abnett and Lanning? Pete Woods?
It all sounds great.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #3
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by JAE LEE
1:25 Variant cover by PATRICK GLEASON
It’s a showdown that could shatter two worlds when Batman and Superman battle the Superman and Batman of Earth 2!
At first I wasn't sure what to think about this Superman/Batman/Superman/Batman crossover. But then I remembered that this is the 'work boots' Superman, early in his Earth 1 career. Maybe the point of this story is to show the novice E1 Batman/Superman that they can be close friends and work together when they see just how close the E2 versions are.
Should I review this book here?
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by JAE LEE
1:25 Variant cover by PATRICK GLEASON
It’s a showdown that could shatter two worlds when Batman and Superman battle the Superman and Batman of Earth 2!
At first I wasn't sure what to think about this Superman/Batman/Superman/Batman crossover. But then I remembered that this is the 'work boots' Superman, early in his Earth 1 career. Maybe the point of this story is to show the novice E1 Batman/Superman that they can be close friends and work together when they see just how close the E2 versions are.
Should I review this book here?
SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 #16
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by JORGE JIMENEZ
Cover by CAT STAGGS
“Olympus,” part 1! Twenty years ago, a young boy washed up on a mysterious island and met a princess. Now, that princess has come to look for the mother who disappeared when she took the boy back. But if Smallville is prepared for strange beings, Washington, DC, certainly is not!
Wonder Woman in Smallville! I cannot wait for this. Smallville has not let me down as a comic book. Can't wait to see Diana in action!
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by JORGE JIMENEZ
Cover by CAT STAGGS
“Olympus,” part 1! Twenty years ago, a young boy washed up on a mysterious island and met a princess. Now, that princess has come to look for the mother who disappeared when she took the boy back. But if Smallville is prepared for strange beings, Washington, DC, certainly is not!
Wonder Woman in Smallville! I cannot wait for this. Smallville has not let me down as a comic book. Can't wait to see Diana in action!
WORLDS’ FINEST #15
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art and cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Power Girl and Huntress find that a major player from Apokolips is stuck on Earth just like they are! How will their next move affect Earth 2?
I think Emanuela Lupacchino is a good choice to take over on art for this book.
I hope this solicit isn't talking about DeSaad but instead another major player from Apokolips. Is that DeSaad on the cover? Or someone else. The hood reminds me a bit of Himon ... maybe it's a good guy who's trapped.
So that's August! Break out the black armbands for the Legion. And great solicit for Supergirl.
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art and cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Power Girl and Huntress find that a major player from Apokolips is stuck on Earth just like they are! How will their next move affect Earth 2?
I think Emanuela Lupacchino is a good choice to take over on art for this book.
I hope this solicit isn't talking about DeSaad but instead another major player from Apokolips. Is that DeSaad on the cover? Or someone else. The hood reminds me a bit of Himon ... maybe it's a good guy who's trapped.
So that's August! Break out the black armbands for the Legion. And great solicit for Supergirl.
Not sure if you were going to cover this, Anj, but in other (sort of) upcoming comic book news... http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/05/17/man-of-steel-preview-comic-shows-supergirl-exists-in-film-universe/
ReplyDeleteI don't think this story is necessarily exclusive to comicbook.com (I couild be wrong!) but I think their headlines says it best: "Man Of Steel Preview Comic Shows Supergirl Exists In Film Universe"
I agree part of the problem of LSH is it going the dark and edgy way of the rest of the 52 universe.
ReplyDeleteLife is depressing enough these days, watch a evening of the news and try to fell hopeful afterwards.
There was little hope during the current run unlike it used to have during the early Levitz LSH issues they used to have a hopeful, positive outlook for the future. It wasn't all sunshine and lollipops they did have tough times too.
Even better it did not have any trace of this XENOPHOBIA junk that has soaked into the DC world. It looks like Xenophobia is DC's gimmick while mutant phobia is Marvel's.
A major flaw with the past couple of volumes of LSH there was no connection to Superboy/Superman in any direct way.
I had read the boards talking about the Legion cancellation saying if the next incarnation of LSH has NO direct link to Superman they will walk away and wait until there is a Legion series where there is one.
When I read this comment it really clicked with me. These was no direct connection to Superman and the Super Family in any way.
One of the most important parts of the Legion's past success was it having a direct link to Superman. Be it either as Superboy or as Superman. The Legion was important to Superman was the 30th/31st century had such a positive outcome because in huge to him, was part of the mystic of the Legion.
What do you think Anj?
Speaking of LSH, do you recall in the last issue of Action when Saturn Girl (I think), is in the hospital room and tells Lois & Jimmy that she, CB and LL were their descendants? Jimmy Olsen as Lightning Lad's ancestor, Lois as maybe Cosmic Boy's? Too bad no one will ever follow up on this.
ReplyDeletePlease review the B/S issue. The new Earth2 Batman appears in the annual, and James Robinson has quit working for DC. I assume it is because he did not want to see a new E2 Batman and/or Superman yet.
I'm really hoping DC considers a "Superboy and the Legion" type title, chronicling the Legion's early time travel adventures with Clark.
ReplyDeleteNo, Jay; I'm pretty sure that the only Superboy that they're gonna portray is Kon-El, and although he has already met some Legionnaires, I'm sure that it'll be long before he does any time-traveling with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments!
ReplyDeleteAlong with the cancellations, now DC has to deal with the bombshell that James Robinson is quitting the company. Crazy.
As for the Legion, I hope that Superman does have a bigger role in their history. Certainly Morrison had them involved in his Action run suggesting there is a lot of history there.
I do think that the Legion shouldn't be grim. The future should be a bright place. I think the idea of a team of different races is a great idea in this day and age. And maybe 40 members are too many .. but 7 seems low.
I guess we have to wait and see what the next incarnation is
@Wayne Allen Sallee I just took that Legion comment to Jimmy and Olsen to mean, we're future Earthlings.
ReplyDeleteYous ay Smallville 16 is a Wonder Woman story, but the digital Smallville 16 is a Batman story: http://www.comixology.com/Smallville-Season-11-16/digital-comic/DIG002002
ReplyDeleteAre the printed comics different to the digital ones?
Are they publishing 3 digital ones as 1 hardcopy?