October 2014 Solicits

I haven't been necessarily kind to DC Comics over the last couple of years as it reels from the universal reboot of the New 52, became a darker and grimmer world than I have ever known, misrepresented some of my favorite characters, and treated some of my favorite creators shabbily.

So when DC Comics does something worthy of praise I think I should shout it from the rooftops. October's solicits came out last week and the times they are a-changin' at DC as maybe ... just maybe ... they realize that they can't put all their eggs in the hyper-violent, jaded, grim, cynical basket that this new DCU has become. The entire solicits can be reviewed on CBR .

Now there is a lot that I could showcase here but I use this slot on the blog to review the super-solicits. But one thing stuck out that needed to be shown in full glory here.

BATGIRL #35
Written by CAMERON STEWART and BRENDEN FLETCHER
Art by BABS TARR
Cover by CAMERON STEWART
MONSTERS Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN

Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes… so when a fire destroys everything she owned, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life — and seizes it! Following the rest of Gotham’s young adults to the hip border district of Burnside, Barbara sets about building an all-new Batgirl… and discovers all-new threats preying on her peers! It’s a re-invention of Batgirl from the boots up, by the incredible creative team of Cameron Stewart (BATMAN INC.), Brenden Fletcher (WEDNESDAY COMICS), and rising star Babs Tarr!

Remember when DC 'de-aged' Supergirl in the early 80s sending her back to college after years of being a reporter/guidance counselor/actress?

This feels like that ... like a much-needed and welcomed soft reboot. Now I will admit that I didn't read much of the Simone Batgirl (or even the New 52 Bat-books). But I will read this book. Batgirl suddenly looks like a young hero again, the whole vibe is fresh and fun. There is the sense that this isn't going to be a dystopian book. I even get just the subtle whiff of Steph here. I also get the sense that this book might be something I could give to my oldest daughter.

There are other things that look great this month - Gotham Academy (giving off a similar vibe as this book),  Batwoman heading up a horror-hero team called the Unknowns, New Gods invading the Lantern books. It looks like a wild month. And there seems to be a growing palette of tones in the universe.

Now onto the super-solicits.

SUPERGIRL #35

Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by KARL MOLINE
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

“SUPERMAN: DOOMED AFTERMATH”! In the waked of the DOOMED storyline, the ALIEN SYNDICATE looks to re-establish its foothold on Earth. But the venom powered Red Hood looks for even more muscle in Kara as they go head to head with the scum and villainy of the galaxy. Plus: an ending that will set Kara on a new course!

Okay, I keep hoping this book will take off, making its own way while being part of the super-family. So I don't know if I am necessarily happy with a Doomed aftermath. And another cover with an angry Supergirl! Haven't we seen enough?

Lastly, after abandoning the red ring do we really need another ending sending Kara on another new course?

I trust Bedard ...

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #5

Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II and JOE SILVER
Cover by MIKE McKONE

This issue spotlights the newest member of the team: Equinox of the Moose Cree First Nation! As a rite of passage, Equinox must take down a mystical beast that’s terrorizing her people!

This should be a nice 'rest' issue after the cosmic nature of the Byth/Ultra arc and the beginning of the new arc in the Annual (see below). Plus, we just don't know enough about Equinox. I am happy that she is getting an origin/spotlight issue.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED ANNUAL #1

Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTEN

The Infinitus Saga begins as the Legion of Super-Heroes arrive with the shocking news that the 31st century has been destroyed! Now it’s up to the Justice League United to save the future!

Now this is what I'm talking about! I spoke about this a couple of days ago but it is worth hitting the highlights again!

An annual! Supergirl prominent on the cover! THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES!!!

And is it the Time Trapper? Or The Infinity Man? Or both?

I cannot express how happy I am to see the Legion again!

ACTION COMICS #35

Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
MONSTERS Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

“SUPERMAN: DOOMED AFTERMATH”! In the aftermath of “Doomed” – what is left of The Man of Steel? And what’s become of Smallville?

Much like with Supergirl, I am going to be happy when the Doomed arc is in the rear view mirror and Pak/Kuder can go back to stories like the Baka one.

I suppose a look at Smallville post-coma makes sense.

SUPERMAN #35

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

The hit SUPERMAN run by Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. continues with “THE MEN OF TOMORROW” Chapter four! Superman and Ulysses are still dealing with the traumatic revelations of last issue, but the hunt for The Machinist must continue before his would-be-victims fall into his hands. But what happens when the two heroes learn the truth behind The Machinist and the cost to stopping his mad plan?

Hmmm ... not much to ponder deeply here as I know nothing of the Ulysses revelations or the Machinist.

I do wonder, given the Klerik, if The Machinist might be a riff on The Eradicator.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #15

Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by JAE LEE
MONSTERS Variant cover by JON BOGDANOVE

Lord Satanas offers Superman and Batman a deal they couldn’t possibly accept…right?!

I hope it is Lord Satanus and that is a typo. No need to revamp everything down to character names.

This book seems to be in something of a rut where the heroes have to decide to act or not act. From the idea of using the 'weapon' vs destroying it in the first arc to Kaiyo's recent offer to have them change the Earth 2 history, we keep seeing our heroes being tempted.

So will this Satanus story be different enough to grab me?

I wonder if Jae Lee was thinking of Justice League of America #10 when he made this cover.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #12

Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by JACK HERBERT
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL

“SUPERMAN: DOOMED AFTERMATH”! Diana recovers from the events of DOOMED, and the sacrifices and betrayals made. Is love lost? 

Hmmm ... is this the end of the romance?
It does look like it might be the end of Tony Daniel on art on the book. Remember he was one of the biggest pluses this book had.

Is this the end of me buying this book?

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11: CHAOS #3

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER 
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA and MARCELO DI CHIARA 
Cover by CAT STAGGS

Things in Metropolis come to a head, but will any Super Heroes heed Tess’s calls for help? Meanwhile, Clark has been released from his crystal prison, but he and Lois are no closer to home than before – that is, until the strange situation makes for even stranger bedfellows!

I love this book and it is great to see what Lex is going to do with that pile of yellow rings we saw at the end of the last arc.

I am jealous of those who read it digitally before me too!

So a very busy and potentially fantastic month from DC. Thanks to the company!