Monday, October 2, 2017

December 2017 Solicits


The December solicits have come out for DC Comics and it looks like a good month for the company with multiple new titles coming out by big creative teams, Lex Luthor on the cover of the Doomsday Clock with an arm suspiciously similar to Ozymandias' visible, and the continued Metal. I don't know if any of the new titles sound like books for me. I am on board for the Doomsday Clock. But it is the super-titles that we hear to talk about.

I also have to say that it is getting very expensive to be a Supergirl fan. There is just a ton of merchandise coming out for the Maid of Might. Start saving your pennies!

If you want to look at all the solicits you can head here:
 https://www.newsarama.com/36444-dc-comics-december-2017-solicitations.html

But on to the super-books!

SUPERGIRL #16
Written by STEVE ORLANDO and JODY HOUSER
Art and cover by ROBSON ROCHA and DANIEL HENRIQUES
Variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
“PLAIN SIGHT” part two! Public pressure runs high and there’s no debate—you’re either for Supergirl or against her! As the people of National City divide over their feelings on Supergirl, the teen hero finds it increasingly hard to balance her daily life with her role as her city’s protector. With the DEO and fellow intern Ben Rubel closing in on her secret identity and the added pressures of Catco’s internship, the last thing on Supergirl’s mind is an upcoming school dance that’s more trouble than expected.

I was thrilled when early on in this series, Supergirl was embraced as a hero. People were sporting her shirts and cheering her. So I hope this dark turn doesn't last too long. I love that we'll get more of the Kara Danvers side of the character. A school dance? Awesome.

I am surprised there is no mention of Strange Visitor in the solicit as she dominates the cover. And I hope somewhere along the line we hear how Orlando and Houser work together on writing chores. But this sounds very good.




ACTION COMICS #993
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by BRETT BOOTH and JOE PRADO
Cover by DAN JURGENS and TREVOR SCOTT
Variant cover by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTEN
“BOOSTER SHOT” part one! As Superman struggles to cope with Mr. Oz’s true identity, the Man of Steel turns to the only “hero” he knows who can prove once and for all if Oz’s story is true: Booster Gold! But a massive power doesn’t want our heroes venturing through time, and will do anything it can to sabotage their journey!

ACTION COMICS #994
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by BRETT BOOTH and JOE PRADO
Cover by DAN JURGENS and TREVOR SCOTT
Variant cover by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTEN
“BOOSTER SHOT” part two! It’s the time-hopping team-up of Superman and Booster Gold—and on their quest to verify Mr. Oz’s identity, a mysterious force attempts to sabotage the journey! This time (pun!) our heroes wind up in the crosshairs of a deadly new villain—the time wraith responsible for their tumultuous journey!

A story to verify Mr. Oz as Jor-El makes sense since I don't believe. It therefore would seem logical that Superman wouldn't either. I'm not a huge Booster fan but his role makes sense. And Brett Booth on art! Tremendous.



SUPERMAN #36
Written by PETER J. TOMASI and PATRICK GLEASON
Art by DOUG MANKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by PATRICK GLEASON
Variant cover by JONBOY MEYERS
“Imperius Lex” finale! Votes begin to be cast in Kryptonian blood as Apokolips’ hordes of hellish residents choose a new leader to occupy Darkseid’s throne. The Man of Steel finds himself caught in a violent democratic battle with Lex Luthor leading the race for godhood!

SUPERMAN #37
Written by PETER J. TOMASI and PATRICK GLEASON
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by IVAN REIS
Variant cover by JONBOY MEYERS
“SUPER SONS OF TOMORROW” part one! The four-part crossover between Superman, the Super Sons and the Teen Titans starts here! The Batman of Tomorrow travels to the present to prevent a cataclysmic disaster before it happens, revealing that Superboy will soon be responsible for the death of millions. But Superman will do anything to protect his son…and the Batman of Tomorrow is unwavering in his resolve to take down the Boy of Steel. Don’t miss a clash of titanic proportion in the opening chapter of this game-changing story!


The old switcheroo of issues means the solicit for #36 sounds awfully familiar. 

And after reading all stories about heroes turning bad in the future (heck a Wonder Woman one is playing out right now in JL), I don't need to see a story where a dystopian future has Jon as a villain. Can't we just leave the poor kid alone??



SUPERWOMAN #17
Written by K. PERKINS
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA and ART THIBERT
Cover by KEN LASHLEY
Variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
“THE MIDNIGHT HOUR” part three! An inextricable link between Superwoman and the villainous Midnight may be the only hope in stopping the destruction of Metropolis. Raging with the power to swallow cities or entire planets into the black hole inside her, Midnight looms for Superwoman. Can she make it to dawn?

I am thrilled this book is still ongoing. 

I don't know Midnight. I hope she becomes a villain for Lana for the future. But I sense a cancellation in the future.  And then it will only be a matter of time before the energy dissipates and we are back to classic Lana.

Give this book a chance DC!!



NEW SUPER-MAN #18
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art by JOE LALICH and RICHARD FRIEND
Cover by BILLY TAN
Variant cover by BERNARD CHANG
“EQUILIBRIUM” finale! Kenan Kong and the Justice League of China have faced so many threats since their debut—but none so great as the forces All-Yang have unleashed! It will take all the New Super-Man of China has learned to defeat All-Yang and the demigod invasion of the west, and our young hero will face a choice: save the world, or save himself. Don’t miss this thrilling concluding chapter to see where this adventure ends—and where the next begins!

It might not say Final Issue but this solicit sure sounds like one.

I have enjoyed this book a ton and hope the ax is spared. At the very least I hope Kenan remains one of the 'Superman Family'.



SUPER SONS #11
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by JORGE JIMENEZ
Cover by IVAN REIS
Variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN.
“SUPER SONS OF TOMORROW” part two! The Super Sons are on the run after discovering Superboy’s dark destiny. Will Robin be able to protect his friend from the Batman of Tomorrow?

Jon has a 'dark destiny'. Yeesh.

Here's hoping this story is okay.  I do look forward to seeing Jorge Jimenez draw the Titans again.



SUPERGIRL: THE SILVER AGE OMNIBUS VOL. 2 HC
Written by LEO DORFMAN, JERRY SIEGEL, CARY BATES and others
Art by JIM MOONEY, CURT SWAN, KURT SCHAFFENBERGER and others
Cover by EVAN “DOC” SHANER
In these 1960s Supergirl adventures, the Girl of Steel meets the Tot from Nowhere, learns more about the fate of her home on Argo City and encounters Lex Luthor’s sister, Lena Thurol. Plus, Linda Danvers enrolls in Stanhope College and considers leaving Earth for a planet of super-powered women. Collects stories from ACTION COMICS #308-333, #335-340, #342, #344-346, #348-350, #353-354, #356-359, #361-372 and #374-376.


A second Silver Age Omnibus covering the remainder of Supergirl's Action run. Incredible. But save your pennies, it's $100.


I can't wait to see Doc Shaner's cover for the thing. 


Who'd ever think we would see this!! So fantastic.



SUPERGIRL VOL. 4 TP
Written by STERLING GATES
Art by JAMAL IGLE, KEITH CHAMPAGNE, JON SIBAL and others
Cover by JOSHUA MIDDLETON
Kryptonian-human relations are strained even further in this new collection featuring issues #34-43 of Supergirl’s 2000s series! The turmoil forces Supergirl to make a terrible decision: does she stand with the Kryptonians, the people she’s longed to be reunited with, or with the humans, the race she’s sworn to protect? Then, Supergirl runs into someone claiming to be Superwoman! But who is she and what brings her to New Krypton?

DC is also reprinting the Sterling Gates/Jamal Igle trade run as well. This is that team's first stories from their race out of the gate in Supergirl #34 through the Superwoman mystery and New Krypton.

If you haven't read these you should. Brilliant stuff.



DC COVER GIRLS SUPERGIRL BY JOELLE JONES STATUE
Designed by JOELLE JONES
Sculpted by JACK MATHEWS
Eisner Award-nominated artist Joƫlle Jones brings her unique style to the DC COVER GIRLS line with this premium polyresin SUPERGIRL statue!
Limited Edition of 5,000
Measures Approximately 9.25 inches Tall

Keep saving those pennies. This statue is $125 but boy it sure is pretty. I'm a huge fan of Joelle Jones so I am on board for buying this. I just have to make sure I save a little every day.

But this is just gorgeous.

A huge omnibus and a great statue in the same month! Incredible!

10 comments:

  1. Supergirl #16 sounds good. She has to deal with the trials of her heroic duty which make her social life more complicated than it should be. This is classic super-hero stuff. The kind of stories you'd find in a Silver Age Supergirl or Spider-Man issue.

    When it was the last time we saw Stranger Visitor? 90's nostalgia is going strong nowadays.

    That two-parter Superman/BG team-up intrigues me. So Clark doesn't completely believe Mr. Oz? Well, I don't do either. But we can see a Super-cousins team-up in Action, please? Or at least Supergirl making an appearance in AC #1000?

    Lex excited about the Superman and ´suer Sons' issues.

    Jon getting evil? Of course. Of Course. It's evident he'll become evil because DC HAS NO FREAKING IDEA WHAT ELSE TO DO WITH JON.

    I think now I know the real season for the "Only Kryptonian Survivor" edict: DC doesn't know how to handle the Superman Family.

    I'm happy to see the Supergirl TPBs, tough. They're fantastic stuff and it's good to see it reprinted. Ad you have to love that Giant Action Comics cover. Back then Kara was important. Imaginary stories and alternate universes? She was at the very least mentioned.

    I hope DC keeps reprinting her Silver Age stuff. Imagine the entire Adventure Comics era reprinted.

    That statue is great.

    "I also have to say that it is getting very expensive to be a Supergirl fan. There is just a ton of merchandise coming out for the Maid of Might."

    Mind-boggling, isn't it?

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  2. I just want to hug DC for releasing the Omnibuses. December will be expensive.

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  3. That Silver Age Omnibus is finally giving Kurt Schaffenberger's initial run on Supergirl in Action Comics the exposure he richly deserves. Schaffenberger's Supergirl a bit more "collegiate" in her look, mature and a bit of a blonde bombshell. Its good to see Supergirl getting "The Push" from Warner Brothers...now if they would only give her a fixed team affiliation I'd be happy...

    JF

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  4. So much goodness! I’m actually really looking forward to the Action Comics issues, being a big fan of Booster, especially when he’s teamed with Superman... wasn’t Superman Michael’s first 20th century run-in? Booster’s time travel expertise makes him a great asset in unravelling the Oz mess. I am intrigued!

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  5. Thanks for comments!

    I have so many 'Archives' I don't know if I'll get these Omnibus. But this Supergirl one is on the list to be bought.

    I like Schaffenberger. I think he is underappreciated because today he is looked on as 'cartoony'.

    And yes, I'm not a Booster fan but hope we get better answers about Oz.

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  6. I'm a little late to comment, but I want to say that I'm glad you provide fun commentary on solicits and I do try to join the conversation when I'm catching up on your posts! Whoops! Anyways, I'm very excited for Super Sons. The book has been great so far and I hope this arc is about Damien trusting in Jon and proving his innocence, and the two boys bonding over their future burdens, given that Damien was also saddled with a 'dark destiny.' That was my read on the solicit, anyways.
    As for Supergirl, it's a real shame but I have zero interest in poor Ben Rubel. Negative interest. I find him a distracting side character taking pagetime from Kara and the Danvers. I wish I liked the soft reboot more, but I feel like it is a weird mash up with the show that isn't working.... The Danvers as DEO agents fuses her adoptive family with her job. Ben Rubel fuses Winn and James Olsen. Cat is...basically the same, actually. It just isn't working for me. It's really too bad, but I will wait.

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  7. Professor FeetlebaumOctober 4, 2017 at 9:12 PM

    "I have so many 'Archives' I don't know if I'll get these Omnibus."
    Yeah, I've managed to avoid the Omnibus editions for that reason, but now that the Omnibus books are beginning to go where no Archive has gone before, that will probably change. The Omnibus editions are expensive, but there are places like Cheap Graphic Novels and In Stock Trades that sell them at discounts of 40% off or more. You can find bargains on Amazon too, but they don't pack their books very well.

    What's the plural for Omnibus? Omnibuses? Omnibi? If, as Allan Sherman wrote in 1963, "one hippopotami is two hippopotamus", then one omnibi must be two omnibus.

    Kurt Schaffenberger will always be THE Lois Lane artist. And he drew a pretty good Supergirl too. With a little luck, we'll get a third Supergirl Omnibus, with her Adventure Comics run.











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  8. "And after reading all stories about heroes turning bad in the future (heck a Wonder Woman one is playing out right now in JL), I don't need to see a story where a dystopian future has Jon as a villain. Can't we just leave the poor kid alone??"

    As bad as it sounds, I'm glad you're starting to share my frustration with DC's insistence that Jon NEEDS to be EEEEVIL. He's a great character who'd make a great Superboy in his own Superboy title, but they're just compelled to keep pushing this idea. It feels like they want nothing more than to kill him off but know they'll get pushback, so they keep trying to portray him as destined to be evil (somehow) & thus justify it. That crossover is enough to put me off Super Sons, the last Super family title I could read cuz it actually used him as something other than a tortured hostage or brainwashed attack dog.

    I doubt they'll do it, cuz it'd actually be a GOOD thing to do with Jon, but with the announcement Connor Kent/Kon-El is coming back, they should have a Superboy title focused on the two of them as brothers sharing the title. But it's clear that the current DC crew has a problem with the very notion of a Superboy, so I'm not optimistic. I guess the "brighter" DCU promised in Rebirth doesn't really apply to anyone with that name.

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  9. If the current DC staff have a problem with the very notion of a Superboy, they'd not have invented a new one and be planning to bring another back. 'Hero with dark destiny' is an overused trope, but it's hardly unique to Jon, and it's not sticking.

    I'd be happy to see Jon as current Superboy. Kon-el moved to the 31st century and stories of young Clark Kent - you know, the actual Superboy :) - in a revived Adventure Comics.

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  10. "If the current DC staff have a problem with the very notion of a Superboy, they'd not have invented a new one and be planning to bring another back."

    You're giving them entirely too much credit. Someone at DC thought creating Jon was a good idea, but either (a) the actualy Super family staff didn't & is acting this out with these trite, exploitative stories or (b) they genuinely had good ideas but shelved them because they started listening to the usualy bitter 40-something "true fans" who are inexplicably hostile to kid characters (I ran into so, SO many of these dudes with Wally's kids, who were also wholly misused & squandered). I suspect there's copyright stuff at play much more than any actual creative inspiration behind Jon's creation.

    The past year EVERY Jon story has been either he's brainwashed (after ON-PAGE MULTI-ISSUE TORTURE that every man seems to think is the only route to character development & praised to high heavens) or being foreshadowed as being irredeemably evil due to this with no other possible ideas in between. He's not Superboy; he's a badly handled victim who's dressed as Superboy & not allowed to be in actual Superboy stories.

    I'm sick of people falling over themselves to defend these terrible creative choices. At best, they're cliche & overdone; at worst, they're exploitative & reveal a gross strand of innate hostility to characters that exist for something other than their power fantasies. DC is losing a lot of potential wider audience appeal so that these sorts can commend them & excuse their hackery.

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