May 2016 Solicits

The news has been in the air for a while now. DC Comics is undergoing a Rebirth of some sort. It isn't a reboot, at least not according to Dan Didio, Jim Lee, and Geoff Johns. But we, as fans, really have no idea what it is. Are we re-numbering books like Marvel? Are we shaking up continuity again? Are we pulling the plug on DCYou and maybe getting back to more classic interpretations of things? At least per Bleeding Cool, all will be made clear today.

What we do know is that the solicits for May's DC Comics are out. Here is a link to view them all:  
http://www.newsarama.com/27995-dc-comics-may-2016-solicitations.html

This is the month with the 52nd issues of the New 52 books that have survived this long. June has to be the start of Rebirth, whatever that means. And knowing that, I assumed that we would be learning more about which books are ending, figuring that next month's solicits will bring the books that are beginning.

But there are two words conspicuously absent from all every solicit. 'Final Issue'. It's nowhere to be seen.

I have to assume that DC is playing their cards close to the vest, not wanting to tip off potential new books by showing which are ending.

Seems foolish to me. Let me know what I can expect. I suppose maybe those announcements will be happening today.

On to pertinent solicits, including some surprises that I think I am on board for.
    

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #12
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS

The end of the future may be in sight! Eclipso and the Legion of Death have the Justice League cornered—now, who will live...and who will die?

I thought for sure we'd see Final Issue here. The solicit certainly reads like a final issue, the end of the future, people dying. 

I suppose I can hope this book doesn't end. I am sad to see that my guess last issue was right and we have a warped Wildfire amongst the bad guys. I truly hope that Supergirl survives this book.
 

DC COMICS: BOMBSHELLS #12
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Issue #12 art by MIRKA ANDOLFO and LAURA BRAGA
Covers by ANT LUCIA
In issue #12, the Bombshells face triumph and tragedy as the Battle of Britain concludes. Nereus continues to pound London with his horde of undead, ocean-based Tenebrae. The giant Kraken has been defeated, but now an even bigger and deadlier menace rises up to take its place. Not even the combined might of all the Bombshells looks as if it can prevail, leading one person to make an unprecedented sacrifice.

DC COMICS: BOMBSHELLS #13
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Issue #13 art by MIRKA ANDOLFO
Covers by ANT LUCIA
It’s back to the home front for an adventure with the Batgirls. Batwoman is still away, fighting the good fight on the European front. So it’s up to Kathy, Nell, Bette, Harper and the rest of the gang to see that the streets of Gotham City are safe from both common criminals and international spies!

Bombshells is one of the books that has been entertaining month in and month out. So I won't complain about getting two issues in May. Interesting to see that one Bombshell makes a sacrifice. Let the speculation begin. Please let Supergirl survive this book.

I thought the Batgirls issue on the homefront to be one of the weaker of this book. Maybe a second adventure with the team set will be better.

ACTION COMICS #52
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN
Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and KLAUS JANSON

“Super League” continues—as two Supermen meet at last: pre-New 52 Superman meets the current Clark. A force seeking to end both Men of Steel brings them together, but divided they may fall as one Superman must choose the safety of his family before himself.

This one was solicited for last month before 'Super League' came on board. That is an ominous last sentence. Will one of the Supermen die in this issue, the last before a Rebirth of some sort. With a possible continuity shake-up imminent, anything is possible.

SUPERMAN #52
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN

The “Super League” epic concludes in one explosive fight as the new master villain uses Superman's own solar super flare power against everyone. Can even two Supermen, Supergirl, Wonder Woman and Batman be enough to stop this onslaught? And how will the outcome of this battle change Lois Lane's life forever?

A new master villain? The return of the dreaded super-flare power. 3 Kryptonians and Wonder Woman maybe not having enough power. Okay I'm intrigued.

But a change in Lois Lane's life. Remember Lois? She used to be a big deal here! Again, had to know what it all means without understanding Rebirth more. 

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #29
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by KARL KERSCHL

It’s the penultimate chapter of “Super League”! When all the Supermen have fallen, it’s Supergirl to the rescue! But can Kara and Wonder Woman stop a villain who wants to end Clark’s hope for future Supermen?

Hey! Is that Supergirl! Remember her? She used to be a big deal around here! I am thrilled to have her back in the DCU. I am glad she is teaming up with Wonder Woman and not fighting her (remember H'El on Earth? Brrrrrr.)

Will Supergirl get a Rebirth of her own? 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #32
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by TYLER KIRKHAM
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

“Super League” continues this month as Kal-El’s bid to strengthen his forces brings him, Batman and Wonder Woman into China and into conflict with the might of that nation’s greatest heroes: the Great 10!

Remember the Great 10? Grant Morrison thought they'd be a big deal around here. I liked the characters so glad to see them brought back here. Love the Paquette cover. But I really like Tyler Kirkham's art so glad to see he'll be on interiors.

SUPERMAN: LOIS and CLARK #8
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by LEE WEEKS

Don’t miss the climactic chapter of the epic story of the pre-New 52 Superman! Kal-El’s world is falling apart as Intergang makes its final move against Lois! And the cosmic threat that is Hyathis has come to Earth in search of a power source that will give her dominion over her enemies. Now, the future of an entire planet may rest with Superman’s young son, Jon.


Now I am pretty sure that this is the last issue of this mini-series.

Will Jon become Superboy? Will I like this new Hyathis as much as the old one? Will the couple be revealed on this Earth?

I have loved this series so far so I'll be sad to see it go. 

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN #4
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

Fry, Superman, fry! The battle between Kalibak and Superman rages on as the denizens of Apokolips cheer. And Darkseid’s homeworld unleashes a weapon that will permanently transmute the terran solar system!

The more I see this book, the more I think it is going to be a train wreck.

I guess we'll see. Should be nice to see Fourth World characters again. 

And now for some craziness ... 

SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP #16
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by DARIO BRIZUELA

Shazam and his crimefighting companions are missing! It’s up to Tawky Tawny to call in experienced monster-hunters Scooby and the gang…because the kidnappers are the Monster Society of Evil!

I have the utmost respect for Sholly Fisch.  I have loved everything I have read by him. And now he is going to take on the Marvel Family! We get an actual Mary Marvel! And a blue suited Captain Marvel Jr. Much like with Thunderworld and Convergence Shazam, I am ready for a classic Marvel Family. So I am definitely getting this book. Maybe 'Rupergirl' can show up? Pretty please?

FUTURE QUEST #1
Written by JEFF PARKER
Art and cover by EVAN “DOC” SHANER

When the adventurous and inquisitive Jonny Quest and his adoptive brother Hadji make a startling discovery in the swamplands of Florida, they are pulled into an epic struggle between the Space Rangers and a dangerous villain who threatens the galaxy. Now it’s up to the combined forces of Team Quest, Inter-Nation Security, Space Ghost, and a host of Hanna-Barbera’s greatest action heroes to stop him and save their universe!


DC had me at Jeff Parker and Doc Shaner. But we are talking about the Herculoids! Johnny Quest! The Galaxy Trio! I am in! I am definitely in!

THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES: GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: BATGIRL, HARLEY QUINN, LIVE WIRE, POISON IVY AND SUPERGIRL ACTION FIGURE 5-PACK

"Girls Night Out," one of the most popular episodes of THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES animated series, comes to life in this new action figure 5-pack featuring Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Live Wire, Poison Ivy and Supergirl! Includes five bases.
On Sale SEPTEMBER 2016

I just covered this recently. But here is the solicit for the Girls' Night Out 5-pack.

It's $80. So I guess I'm out.

But they sure do look great!

So as much as I like what I am seeing in these solicits, I have to temper that with the unknown of the month following.

At least Supergirl is back in the DCU in some fashion.