Between the move to the West Coast, the Convergence months 'off' from main continuity, and general lackluster sales on some titles, apparently it was time for DC to clean house. But 13 books! That's 25% of the New 52!
Here are the books getting axed!
Aquaman and the Others
Arkham Manor
Batwoman
Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern: New Guardians
Infinity Man and the Forever People
Klarion
Red Lanterns
Secret Origins
Star-Spangled War Stories Featuring G.I. Zombie
Swamp Thing
Trinity of Sin
Worlds’ Finest
Just a few thoughts about this list before I review the super-titles.
I am sad to see Batwoman go. For me, the book was absolutely beautifully rendered by JH Williams early in the title. The stories were confusing and underwhelming, but the art made up for it and so I collected. Williams left under some controversy. Marc Andreyko and Jeremy Haun came on board and made the book a more straightforward Bat-book. Frankly, I enjoyed those issues more than the Williams one because story and art were very good. Lately, the horror/vampire theme has been less than fantastic so I am not surprised to see them go.
I had high hopes for Worlds' Finest when it was announced. A book about Power Girl and Huntress, with art by George Perez and Kevin Maguire, seemed like a no-brainer. But the book languished a bit under Paul Levitz. And so it is sad that DC couldn't make a book that seems built for sales work.
I was looking forward to Landry Walker's run on Red Lanterns. And it is already over!
Lastly, at this time last year, I thought for sure that Supergirl was careening towards cancellation. Nelson's issues were pretty terrible. Krypton Returns portrayed her horribly. We had just heard about Red Daughter and I thought it would sully Supergirl even more. It is amazing to me how much more optimistic I am about this book just a year later. Congratulations to Charles Soule, Tony Bedard, K. Perkins, and Mike Johnson for bringing us the 'true' Supergirl.
I assume post-Convergence, we will see an large number of new books announced.
On to the solicits. Here is the link at Newsarama:
http://www.newsarama.com/23007-dc-comics-full-march-2015-solicitations-including-batman.html
SUPERGIRL #40
Written by K. PERKINS and MIKE JOHNSON
Art and cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by MARCO D’ALFONSO
It’s time for final exams at the Crucible Academy – and they may just spell the death of Supergirl!
So much to talk about even with this brief solicit.
One, is this the end of the Crucible arc? Or just final exams?
Two, I love this new costume and keep wondering if it is the new default look for Kara.
Three, how great to see Michael, the 'boyfriend' from Tony Bedard's run on the cover! As I have said, I like that Perkins and Johnson have picked up the ball from Bedard and not simply erase/ignore what came before!
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #10
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTEN
Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by MARCO D’ALFONSO
“The Infinitus Saga” reaches its stunning conclusion! The combined might of the JLU, the Legion of Super-Heroes, the Rannian War Fleet and the Thanagarians learn the true meaning of sacrifice as events unfold that will change the DC Universe forever!
At last we have the finale of the Infinitus saga.
But I like that this JLU seems to be going the Cosmic route. Rann/Thanagar/Infinite Man/Ultra. That is all intergalactic stuff!
I would love to hear about Lemire's love for Ultra. What is the history behind this love?
ACTION COMICS #40
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by JOE QUINONES
Bizarro make Superman sane! Happy to see each other! No fighting ever!
With the horror story in the rear view mirror, Pak and Kuder head back to some classic Superman stuff. Glad to see Bizarro returning and love Jae Lee's look!
Superman #40
Written by John Romita Jr
Art by John Romita Jr and Klaus Janson
Movie poster variant by Dave Johnson
The spotlight shines on John Romita,Jr. as he goes solo
to tell the story of the testing of
Superman’s new power against the Justice League! But the appearance of an
unexpected enemy could end the Man of Steel’s life!
I am worried about this issue.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #20
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by ARDIAN SYAF and SANDRA HOPE
MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by TONY HARRIS
The devastating truth behind the terrorists from Kandor has been uncovered! Now, Superman and Batman must piece together who set this plan in motion and stop them before more innocent lives are destroyed!
At least we hear that the assasins are Kandorians, something sussed out by blog friend Thomas Hayes weeks ago! I am glad that Greg Pak is picking up and finishing the subplot of the awakened Kandorians that Scott Lobdell started.
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by ARDIAN SYAF and SANDRA HOPE
MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by TONY HARRIS
The devastating truth behind the terrorists from Kandor has been uncovered! Now, Superman and Batman must piece together who set this plan in motion and stop them before more innocent lives are destroyed!
At least we hear that the assasins are Kandorians, something sussed out by blog friend Thomas Hayes weeks ago! I am glad that Greg Pak is picking up and finishing the subplot of the awakened Kandorians that Scott Lobdell started.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by ARDIAN SYAF and JONATHAN GLAPION
Superman and Batman have defeated the menace that was targeting the Man of Steel for months, but not before he set something deadly in motion – their greatest foes have been given the means to kill Clark Kent. And for Clark, time is running out.
And again, part of the Kandorian subplot.
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by ARDIAN SYAF and JONATHAN GLAPION
Superman and Batman have defeated the menace that was targeting the Man of Steel for months, but not before he set something deadly in motion – their greatest foes have been given the means to kill Clark Kent. And for Clark, time is running out.
And again, part of the Kandorian subplot.
SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #17
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by ED BENES
MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by GENE HA
It’s a bloody showdown as Circe and Magog attack the power couple! And the outcome will bring about a major change in Kal and Diana’s relationship.
Hmmm ... a major change?
Maybe they stop being romantic?
If there is a proposal I just might quit comics.
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by ED BENES
MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by GENE HA
It’s a bloody showdown as Circe and Magog attack the power couple! And the outcome will bring about a major change in Kal and Diana’s relationship.
Hmmm ... a major change?
Maybe they stop being romantic?
If there is a proposal I just might quit comics.
SMALLVILLE SEASON 11:
CONTINUITY #4
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by IG GUARA, MARCELO DI CHIARA, JULIO FERREIRA and RUY JOSE
Cover by CAT STAGGS
Superman has defeated the Monitors, but what can he possibly do to
keep the Universe safe from them in the future? The people of Earth pick up their lives as best they can, and our heroes make some hard decisions about their own futures. As Season Eleven ends, new lives begin.
I am behind the times I know. The book has ended digitally. And I will be reading the ending 4 months after the fact. SO I am trying to savor this whole experience. Love that Supergirl on the cover!
So sad to see this book end.
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by IG GUARA, MARCELO DI CHIARA, JULIO FERREIRA and RUY JOSE
Cover by CAT STAGGS
Superman has defeated the Monitors, but what can he possibly do to
keep the Universe safe from them in the future? The people of Earth pick up their lives as best they can, and our heroes make some hard decisions about their own futures. As Season Eleven ends, new lives begin.
I am behind the times I know. The book has ended digitally. And I will be reading the ending 4 months after the fact. SO I am trying to savor this whole experience. Love that Supergirl on the cover!
So sad to see this book end.
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by DARIO BRIZUELA
Superman needs help from Scooby and the gang – so they speed to Metropolis and the horribly haunted Daily Planet offices. But then Superman is turned into a super-powered monster! Even with help from Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Krypto the Superdog, how can these meddling kids stop the transformed Man-Monster of Steel before he wrecks the city?
I don't know where this book is in the production line, but please please please have "Rupergirl" make an appearance!
Whether she shows up or not, I am in.
8 comments:
The hope is that by shrinking DC will put greater effort and concentrate its talents on the existing titles. DC made a strategic mistake in creating too many versions of the same iconic characters. Stability in characters lead to their success. Looks at all the popular characters. Their identities have remained the same. You don't see Batman, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, Spider Man drastically changing their personalities and personas. Supergirl is an iconic character. She should be Kara Zor-El. She should be Linda Danvers as an alter ego. She should be well-meaning, optimistic and strong.
Never read a word by Romita Jr. if he's written one before now, so I'm interested to see what his one issue will be like.
If the assassin in Batman/Superman is Kandorian, I think the theory of Ursa may pick up some steam (yeah the solicits say he, but hey, its a solicit). People have theorized for the past few weeks that they could take the pre-Crisis Faora's personality, who was quite mad, and apply it to Ursa since New 52 Faora has taken her place in regards to relationship with Zod and whatnot.
Circe being in SM/WW has me giddy. I'm hoping she's the mastermind of this entire plot, whatever it may be. Whatever the change in relationship is, I don't know. A "break" maybe? Not too likely but possible. No way they get Superman engaged again. But the romance isn't ending. I know, its pointed out that this title can work without the romantic aspect and that's true, but that's not the intent. As long as the book exists, they'll be together.
One thing also to mention, Superboy returns to the Teen Titans in March. I'm not thrilled with another insinuation of violence in his wake, but its a solicit and those are known to exaggerate/mislead. He looks awesome in the artwork at least.
I am no great fan of long supertights on cousin Kara (call me old fashioned), but I'd make my peace with the new costume quickly enough if they ditched that bulky overwrought belt and replaced her quasi-fascistic emblem with the traditional S-Icon.
See I'm easy to please
:D
JF
I like the outfit it seems Kara has finally mastered the Super power of wearing pants.
I'm really going to miss Red Lanterns and Swamp Thing casualties of Charles Soule going exclusive Marvel.
I'm hoping Guy ends up the JLU he would be the perfect lantern for that teams informal arrangement.
I just read the two-part digital version of Scooby-Doo Team Up #13/#14 (print issue #7). which would be the Flintstones team-up. The ending of that issue have me laughing up a storm. I was expecting a Jetson crossover -- but not this soon!
"It’s time for final exams at the Crucible Academy – and they may just spell the death of Supergirl!"
Okay, that immediatly made me think of this, from almost 25 years ago:
"Welcome to the X-Men, Kitty Pryde. Hope you survive the experience!"
"Lastly, at this time last year, I thought for sure that Supergirl was careening towards cancellation."
It is pretty great that Supergirl isn't on the cancellation line, but is, in fact selling, pretty well. I made a little list of the Comichron numbers of the last 12 issues, and it is VERY encouraging:
Supergirl #26 - 22,646
Supergirl #27 - 21,954
Supergirl #28 - 23,567
Supergirl #29 - 22,883
Supergirl #30 - 23,410
Supergirl #31 - 22,783
Supergirl #32 - 22,481
Supergirl #33 - 22,802
Supergirl #34 - 26,510
Futures End #1 - 55,706
Supergirl #35 - 26,371
Supergirl #36 - 28,373
There are little ups and downs, but it seems Supergirl really can't sell below 22k in print nowadays. Compare this to most other titles that are in a steady downward spiral.
Thanks for all the comments. I doubt a break is happening. And certainly not an engagement. So I guess we wait.
It'll be good to see Circe again and I am interested to see how Tomasi deals with her.
And 22K isn't lighting the world on fire. I worried that with the downbeat direction sales would flag more. But this last year seems to have rectified that.
Please don't even joke about the marriage thing between Diana and Kal. If it turns out that the Batwoman marriage (along with many other possible/pre-existing marriages) were all nixed just to make a Superman+Wonder Woman marriage all the more "special", then I really will drop all DC books forever. I don't think I'd be able to handle that particular plot twist, even if it was just short term then remained as a footnote in the DC history afterwards. The backlash would be monumental, especially from Diana fans like me.
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