I have been relatively pessimistic about DC comics for about 4 years now, watching them turn a bright universe into one that is perpetually and disturbingly dark. I have watched then tarnish their heroes and polish their villains. I have watched editors bully creative teams to the point creators have left the company. And I have watched as sales plummet.
And in the latest batch of cancellations, DC axed 6 books: Batwing, Birds of Prey, All-Star Western, Superboy, Pandora, and Phantom Stranger.
It is sometimes hard to be a fan of this company.
So when not one, but two things made me cheer for DC ... well I felt like a kid again. And those two things were revealed in the solicits for August. Here is the link to Newsarama's full list:
http://www.newsarama.com/21159-dc-comics-full-august-2014-solicitations.html
Now I usually review only the super-titles here but the happiness was found in two unexpected places at the top of the list.
THE MULTIVERSITY #1
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
The biggest adventure in DC’s history is here!
Join visionary writer Grant Morrison, today’s most talented artists, and a cast of unforgettable characters from 52 alternative Earths of the known DC Multiverse! Prepare to meet the Vampire League of Earth-43, the Justice Riders of Earth-18, Superdemon, Doc Fate, the super-sons of Superman and Batman, the rampaging Retaliators of Earth-8, the Atomic Knights of Justice, Dino-Cop, Sister Miracle, Lady Quark, the legion of Sivanas, the Nazi New Reichsmen of Earth-10 and the latest, greatest Super Hero of Earth-Prime: YOU!
Comprising six complete adventures – each set in a different parallel universe – plus a two-part framing story and a comprehensive guidebook to the many worlds of the Multiverse, THE MULTIVERSITY is more than just a multipart comic-book series. It’s a cosmos spanning, soul-shaking experience that puts YOU on the frontline in the Battle for All Creation against the demonic destroyers known as the Gentry!
In issue #1, pencilled by superstar artist Ivan Reis (AQUAMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE), President Superman of Earth-23 uncovers a threat to all Reality so apocalyptic it will take a team of incredible heroes from across the Multiverse to face it – including Captain Carrot, like you’ve never seen him before!
But even with a multitude of alternate worlds to choose from, where every variation is possible, can anyone hope to prevail against the onslaught of ultimate evil and undying hatred – in the unstoppable form of a one-time cosmic defender with unimaginable powers?! Join us, if you dare, for the beginning of THE MULTIVERSITY!
Okay, I will admit that I am a Grant Morrison acolyte and he has rarely let me down. I have been waiting for Multiversity since it was rumored so to see it actually solicited is downright awesome. And with a bunch of non-mainstream characters to play with, I anticipate some Morrison lunacy at its best. It will be especially nice to see Earth-23 Superman again.
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
The biggest adventure in DC’s history is here!
Join visionary writer Grant Morrison, today’s most talented artists, and a cast of unforgettable characters from 52 alternative Earths of the known DC Multiverse! Prepare to meet the Vampire League of Earth-43, the Justice Riders of Earth-18, Superdemon, Doc Fate, the super-sons of Superman and Batman, the rampaging Retaliators of Earth-8, the Atomic Knights of Justice, Dino-Cop, Sister Miracle, Lady Quark, the legion of Sivanas, the Nazi New Reichsmen of Earth-10 and the latest, greatest Super Hero of Earth-Prime: YOU!
Comprising six complete adventures – each set in a different parallel universe – plus a two-part framing story and a comprehensive guidebook to the many worlds of the Multiverse, THE MULTIVERSITY is more than just a multipart comic-book series. It’s a cosmos spanning, soul-shaking experience that puts YOU on the frontline in the Battle for All Creation against the demonic destroyers known as the Gentry!
In issue #1, pencilled by superstar artist Ivan Reis (AQUAMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE), President Superman of Earth-23 uncovers a threat to all Reality so apocalyptic it will take a team of incredible heroes from across the Multiverse to face it – including Captain Carrot, like you’ve never seen him before!
But even with a multitude of alternate worlds to choose from, where every variation is possible, can anyone hope to prevail against the onslaught of ultimate evil and undying hatred – in the unstoppable form of a one-time cosmic defender with unimaginable powers?! Join us, if you dare, for the beginning of THE MULTIVERSITY!
Okay, I will admit that I am a Grant Morrison acolyte and he has rarely let me down. I have been waiting for Multiversity since it was rumored so to see it actually solicited is downright awesome. And with a bunch of non-mainstream characters to play with, I anticipate some Morrison lunacy at its best. It will be especially nice to see Earth-23 Superman again.
SENSATION COMICS FEATURING WONDER WOMAN #1
Written by GAIL SIMONE and AMANDA DEIBERT
Art by ETHAN VAN SCIVER and CAT STAGGS
Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:25 Variant cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Diana Prince: Amazon warrior, ambassador to Man’s world, or champion of women in need? All of the above! This digital-first anthology series will bring some of comics’ greatest talents to Themyscira, and give them leave to explore Diana, her world – and ours!
Gail Simone and Ethan Van Sciver kick things off when Oracle calls for help after the entire Bat-Family gets sidelined. But when Wonder Woman steps into the breach, Gotham City’s criminals get the surprise of their lives! Then, Amanda Deibert and Cat Staggs take Diana to school, where she meets her biggest fan!
But this might be the best news I have read in a long time. DC is putting out a Digital first Wonder Woman book! And it will have a print form for old-timers like me!
I have absolutely adored the 'out of continuity', more classic, more inspiring stories I have read in the digital first Adventures of Superman so I am hoping that I will get that same feel from this book. But this is fantastic ... dare I say Wonderful ... news.
Thank you DC!
Okay, on to the super-books.
Written by GAIL SIMONE and AMANDA DEIBERT
Art by ETHAN VAN SCIVER and CAT STAGGS
Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:25 Variant cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Diana Prince: Amazon warrior, ambassador to Man’s world, or champion of women in need? All of the above! This digital-first anthology series will bring some of comics’ greatest talents to Themyscira, and give them leave to explore Diana, her world – and ours!
Gail Simone and Ethan Van Sciver kick things off when Oracle calls for help after the entire Bat-Family gets sidelined. But when Wonder Woman steps into the breach, Gotham City’s criminals get the surprise of their lives! Then, Amanda Deibert and Cat Staggs take Diana to school, where she meets her biggest fan!
But this might be the best news I have read in a long time. DC is putting out a Digital first Wonder Woman book! And it will have a print form for old-timers like me!
I have absolutely adored the 'out of continuity', more classic, more inspiring stories I have read in the digital first Adventures of Superman so I am hoping that I will get that same feel from this book. But this is fantastic ... dare I say Wonderful ... news.
Thank you DC!
Okay, on to the super-books.
SUPERGIRL #34
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by CAMERON STEWART
A “SUPERMAN -DOOMED” tie-in! Kara must deal with the fall-out of the green Kryptonite skies over a dead Earth, and the horrors still to come!
I am thrilled that Supergirl is back in her S-shield costume and part of the Doomed arc. She is part of the super-family again! Not too much her to contemplate in the sparse write-up. But that Cam Stewart cover is beautiful.
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by CAMERON STEWART
A “SUPERMAN -DOOMED” tie-in! Kara must deal with the fall-out of the green Kryptonite skies over a dead Earth, and the horrors still to come!
I am thrilled that Supergirl is back in her S-shield costume and part of the Doomed arc. She is part of the super-family again! Not too much her to contemplate in the sparse write-up. But that Cam Stewart cover is beautiful.
ACTION COMICS #34
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
And now “Last Sun”, the penultimate chapter in the “SUPERMAN: DOOMED” saga as Earth lies in ruins and everyone’s survival is in question!
So, any ideas how Superman gets cured of this?
Will he truly demolish the world? Will this further strengthen the 'humanity hates and mistrusts Superman' sentiment?
I trust this creative team a ton.
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
And now “Last Sun”, the penultimate chapter in the “SUPERMAN: DOOMED” saga as Earth lies in ruins and everyone’s survival is in question!
So, any ideas how Superman gets cured of this?
Will he truly demolish the world? Will this further strengthen the 'humanity hates and mistrusts Superman' sentiment?
I trust this creative team a ton.
SUPERMAN #34
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON
Geoff Johns and John Romita, Jr. continue their epic Superman run with “THE MEN OF TOMORROW” chapter 3! Introducing the bizarre villain known as The Machinist – the man behind the recent technological attacks on Metropolis. But what is his strange connection to Superman? Where is he from? And what does The Machinist want with The Daily Planet? Plus, the mystery behind the disaster at the Ulysses Research Lab sends Clark on an investigation that will reveal a dark secret from his past.
So by this time we'll get a sense of the type of story Johns will be constructing. The Machinist has a strange connection to Superman? Could Johns be linking to the tech-stone in Superman Unchained? I wouldn't mind some sort of linkage to make Unchained firmly in continuity.
I do hope that Johns writes Superman like he did several years ago.
SUPERMAN: DOOMED #2
Written by GREG PAK and CHARLES SOULE
Art by KEN LASHLEY and JACK HERBERT
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
A Man of Steel who has lost himself in the monster must once again go up against the first threat he ever faced as Superman in the form of a villain who now has the power to warp reality with a thought. But this time if he defeats Brainiac, Earth will be lost. Batman, Wonder Woman, Steel, Supergirl are joined by Starfire, Guy Gardner and Green Lantern Simon Bazz and even Swamp Thing to make a fateful decision about their friend.
Is this the last chapter?
The group brought together to stop Superman is an interesting group. I am thrilled Supergirl is in there. I wonder how Lashley will draw her.
Hopefully, since this includes Brainiac, it concludes his arc and returns Lois to normal. I can't think of how Brainiac can cure him.
Written by GREG PAK and CHARLES SOULE
Art by KEN LASHLEY and JACK HERBERT
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
A Man of Steel who has lost himself in the monster must once again go up against the first threat he ever faced as Superman in the form of a villain who now has the power to warp reality with a thought. But this time if he defeats Brainiac, Earth will be lost. Batman, Wonder Woman, Steel, Supergirl are joined by Starfire, Guy Gardner and Green Lantern Simon Bazz and even Swamp Thing to make a fateful decision about their friend.
Is this the last chapter?
The group brought together to stop Superman is an interesting group. I am thrilled Supergirl is in there. I wonder how Lashley will draw her.
Hopefully, since this includes Brainiac, it concludes his arc and returns Lois to normal. I can't think of how Brainiac can cure him.
SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #11
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL
“Last Sun,” the next sensational chapter in the “SUPERMAN: DOOMED” saga! Diana must do the unspeakable as the God of War in her effort to beat the forces of Brainiac! And now, there is no Kal-El – only Doom!
Nice charged cover by Tony Daniel here. The force of Brainiac? Could this be the suddenly awake people of Kandor? Could they be working for Brainiac now?
Shame Daniel isn't doing inside art. But Paulo Siqueira is a fine replacement.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #14
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by JAE LEE
Part 2 of “Forgotten Heroes” finds the new team of Catwoman and Superman taking on Gotham City – and there’s nothing Batman or Lois Lane can do to stop them!
I like the 'switch' of partners here. But Lois?? Could Pak be ignoring the Clark/Diana romance?
Jae Lee hits it out of the park with this cover.
WORLD’S FINEST #26
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art and cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
Power Girl and Huntress return to Earth 2 just when their homeworld needs them most!
Now it is interesting to note that Newsarama's solicit included the dreaded 'Final Issue' designation. Then DC said they weren't cancelling the book. But it can't be a good sign. Could it go on hiatus during the weekly Earth 2 weekly? It seems like maybe this main title ends when that begins, especially if this issue blurb is right and Huntress and Power Girl do end up home. Maybe a reboot after the weekly>
I think Tyler Kirkham is great so I look forward to seeing his take on these characters.
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art and cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
Power Girl and Huntress return to Earth 2 just when their homeworld needs them most!
Now it is interesting to note that Newsarama's solicit included the dreaded 'Final Issue' designation. Then DC said they weren't cancelling the book. But it can't be a good sign. Could it go on hiatus during the weekly Earth 2 weekly? It seems like maybe this main title ends when that begins, especially if this issue blurb is right and Huntress and Power Girl do end up home. Maybe a reboot after the weekly>
I think Tyler Kirkham is great so I look forward to seeing his take on these characters.
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #4
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by MIKE McKONE
Justice League Canada’s first adventure comes to an explosive end!
Equinox sure gets cover space. I suppose this could be the first time we see a lot of her.
Hopefully Supergirl will be present and accounted for by this issue. And a 4 issue opening story! Hurrah ... not padded to make it to 6!
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by MIKE McKONE
Justice League Canada’s first adventure comes to an explosive end!
Equinox sure gets cover space. I suppose this could be the first time we see a lot of her.
Hopefully Supergirl will be present and accounted for by this issue. And a 4 issue opening story! Hurrah ... not padded to make it to 6!
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #16
Written by JOE KEATINGE
Art by MING DOYLE, BRENT SCHOONOVER, DAVID WILLIAMS, AL GORDON, TULA LOTAY and JASON SHAWN ALEXANDER
Cover by JON BOGDANOVE
As citizens of Earth flee to the stars, Kamandi tells the story of Superman’s earliest defeat – one that haunted him for years. Don’t miss this epic adventure spanning the entirety of Superman’s lifetime, from an all-star roster of talent!
Written by JOE KEATINGE
Art by MING DOYLE, BRENT SCHOONOVER, DAVID WILLIAMS, AL GORDON, TULA LOTAY and JASON SHAWN ALEXANDER
Cover by JON BOGDANOVE
As citizens of Earth flee to the stars, Kamandi tells the story of Superman’s earliest defeat – one that haunted him for years. Don’t miss this epic adventure spanning the entirety of Superman’s lifetime, from an all-star roster of talent!
I can remember people gushing about this when it came out digitally. And I have been waiting patiently. But that is an amazing group of artists lined up.
SMALLVILLE SEASON 11: CHAOS #1
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA and DANIEL HDR
Cover by CAT STAGGS
When Lex Luthor attempts to invest in Ted Kord’s new experiments, the scientists working on the supercollider are skeptical. But Lois Lane is at the Antarctic compound to cover scientific achievement, not corporate espionage, so it’s not until things go massively awry that her fiancé gets sucked into the action!
A new Smallville arc.And Ted Kord is a big part of it. More universe building. Excellent.
Could this cover be teasing 'red skies'?
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA and DANIEL HDR
Cover by CAT STAGGS
When Lex Luthor attempts to invest in Ted Kord’s new experiments, the scientists working on the supercollider are skeptical. But Lois Lane is at the Antarctic compound to cover scientific achievement, not corporate espionage, so it’s not until things go massively awry that her fiancé gets sucked into the action!
A new Smallville arc.And Ted Kord is a big part of it. More universe building. Excellent.
Could this cover be teasing 'red skies'?
SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 SPECIAL #5
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by DANIEL HDR and RODNEY BUCHEMI
Cover by CAT STAGGS
When the DEO’s newest agent convinces Director Steve Trevor they need an expert in magicks, Tess knows just who to recommend. But Zatanna’s latest tour stop in London isn’t going well – until John Constantine sticks his nose into things!
I can't wait for this! Zatanna and Constantine in the DC Smallville universe. And that is one beautiful cover by Staggs. I suppose this will be a stand alone. But it will be good to see these characters in this book. That means Zatanna may be part of the Crisis!
So that's a lot of books!
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by DANIEL HDR and RODNEY BUCHEMI
Cover by CAT STAGGS
When the DEO’s newest agent convinces Director Steve Trevor they need an expert in magicks, Tess knows just who to recommend. But Zatanna’s latest tour stop in London isn’t going well – until John Constantine sticks his nose into things!
I can't wait for this! Zatanna and Constantine in the DC Smallville universe. And that is one beautiful cover by Staggs. I suppose this will be a stand alone. But it will be good to see these characters in this book. That means Zatanna may be part of the Crisis!
So that's a lot of books!
I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the first JLU arc, hopefully with all the team together - and with most people's arms still intact.
ReplyDeleteThat 'Adventures of Superman' issue is the penultimate one, I think. Only 3 chapters of the digital first comic came after that story, all stand-alone including Kelly Sue DeConnick's which I really liked. So you'll have that to look forward to in September.
Smallville Harbinger isn't coming out in print form until August? No wonder we haven't seen any of the "specials" during the Lantern arc.
ReplyDeleteWorlds' Finest is losing current great stories of Helena and Kara for probably iffy past stories of Bruce and Kal-L. That may explain the last issue type notices if it is the gals' last issue as stars...
ReplyDeleteWith all the guest stars in Doomed, say the world, or at least Metropolis, does get ravaged. Could we see a return of Mrs. Nxyl or Mxy himself to offer a wish?
ReplyDeleteI would have thought you would have been dreading Kara's part in the upcoming crossover.
ReplyDeleteAs the last two times it happened she has been left in a worse place than when she started.
Well, Lobdell's time on Doomed is done. This is significant because really it was Lobdell who wrote Kara badly. Pak has used her well in the past, and so is Soule. So its hard for me to imagine her coming across as bad as she did in Lobdell's crossovers.
ReplyDelete