February 2015 Solicits

The February solicits for DC comics came out this week and have been posted on the usual sites. Here is Newsarama's coverage: http://www.newsarama.com/22750-dc-comics-full-february-2015-solicitations.html

One thing we know is that convergence is happening in April and May. So I don't think DC wants to have any major cliffhangers in March. The usual titles probably have to be in a place where things can pause so that readers don't get antsy.

Here are the super-titles ... some of which sound very interesting.

SUPERGIRL #39
Written by K. PERKINS and MIKE JOHNSON
Art and cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
HARLEY QUINN Variant cover by JOE BENITEZ

All-out war breaks out on Crucible over the fate of Superboy, as Kara faces new and old enemies.

So for one line of solicit, there are things that make this interesting sound gripping.

For one, we see Superboy, the "living weapon", the clone of Lois, Superman, and Lois/Superman. (Am I getting that right, I desperately wanted to forgot the awful treatment of that character in the New 52.) The feel here is that Kara is helping Superboy, a piece of growth from her initial reaction. So, I hope that we see a better Kon than we have before.

Second, old enemies is another phrase to grab hold of. How many 'old' enemies does this Supergirl have? The World Killers? Black Banshee? Tycho? H'El? Who can be re-utilized?

Then the new looks of Maxima and Captain Comet on the cover are fantastic. I really think Emanuela Lupacchino has stepped up her game.

But the real thing that got me was Supergirl's sleeves! Oversized! Pointy! Colored bands at the end! These all harken back to the prior Supergirl. Hopefully we will see a new costume on Kara, even if it is just slight tweaks like this!

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #9

Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTEN
Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
HARLEY QUINN Variant cover by MIKEL JANIN
1:25 Variant cover by MATTEO SCALERA

“The Infinitus Saga” continues as the team joins the Legion of Super-Heroes, a Thanagarian war fleet and a Rannian war fleet to battle the endless forces of Infinitus!

Could this mean a truce between Thanagar and Rann is happening, united against a common foe? Sounds cosmic!

I love this cover. It sort of feels like Dan Brereton. And Ultra in the background is a nice touch.  Beautiful stuff by Andrew Robinson. 

ACTION COMICS #39

Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
HARLEY QUINN Variant cover by NICOLA SCOTT and DANNY MIKI
1:25 Variant cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

The terror from Smallville has spread across the globe, and now Superman must make a sacrifice to save it! Don’t miss the final chapter of “Horrorville”!

This is the final chapter of Horrorville, meaning next month might be an epilogue or a 'done-in one' pre-Convergence. I wonder just how long the beard is going to stay.

The first issue of this arc was eerie and this cover continues that trend. Nothing like creepy kids to kick up the horror notch.

This also reminded me of how the Witch of the Wastes lost her powers in Howl's Moving Castle. 

I am so glad Pak/Kuder are back to running the ship.    

SUPERMAN #39

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR., and KLAUS JANSON
HARLEY QUINN Variant cover by AMANDA CONNER
1:50 Variant cover by SHANE DAVIS

This emotional story reveals a rarely seen side of The Man of Steel as an ordinary person, as the super-star team of Geoff Johns, John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson continue their epic run on the series!

Not much to go on here. Is he powerless? Is he trying to solve some problem only as Clark? Does he still have his power but realize he can only do so much? 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #19

Written by GREG PAK
Art by ARDIAN SYAF and SANDRA HOPE
Cover by ARDIAN SYAF and DANNY MIKI
HARLEY QUINN Variant cover by J.G. JONES
1:25 Variant cover by JOE QUINONES

Superman and Batman have learned the devastating truth behind the identity of the unseen terrorists they’ve been pursuing. But will they recover in time to stop them from killing more innocents?

This solicit sounds like the 'next to last chapter' of this arc. We don't know what is going on and I don't recognize the people the heroes are attacking.

One thing I do like is seeing Supergirl right there. Pak has said he wants to include her in Superman's stories. Nice to see the cousins working together. 

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #16

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
HARLEY QUINN Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

Superman and Wonder Woman come face-to-face with the newest arrival to The New 52: MAGOG!

I have faith in Tomasi and Mahnke.

But I am sick to death of Magog. Kingdom Come was a reaction to the violent comics of the 90s! It was a cautionary tale! Not a blueprint!!!

Let's hope this works ... but I doubt it. 

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11: CONTINUITY #3

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by IG GUARA, MARCELO DI CHIARA and JULIO FERREIRA
Cover by CAT STAGGS

An alien device streaks toward Metropolis and the Watchtower. As Chloe freezes in fear, her friends rush to her side! And no man escapes the Manhunters – but will Nightwing find a loophole?

The Titans!! Nice.

I know everyone already knows what happens here. But it is still a mystery to me. I will enjoy these last months of this book!