Some Odds And Ends

Just a few quick topics to cover, none big enough to warrant its own post.

We'll start out with the apparent return of corner boxes to DC Superman related comic book covers. (Maybe it'll be for all books?) Of course, they are more well known with Marvel's books in the Bronze Age. But this is a pretty cool.

It looks like Dan Mora is doing all of them, visible here on his Instagram. 

That is one great image of Supergirl! 

I love the return of cover corner boxes!

But wait ... there's more!

New Supergirl Book By Sophie Campbell

The official DC May solicits haven't hit the web yet but Bleeding Cool already has scans of the previews and lo and behold there is news of a new Supergirl book. Here is the solicit and some preview art.

SUPERGIRL #1
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU, PABLO VILLALOBOS, and JOSHUA MIDDLETON
1:25 variant cover by BILQUIS EVELY 

1:50 variant cover by W. SCOTT FORBES 

Foil variant cover by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU 

Blank variant cover
ON SALE 5/14/25

Kara Zor-El has been a key member of the Super-Family in Metropolis, but what happens when she strikes out on her own? Follow Kara as she returns to her roots in Midvale…home of Supergirl! But how could this be? Our hero has not been back in years, and the protector of that town has been saving the day for weeks. Can Supergirl stop the impostor before they steal her fresh start and life?
Celebrated writer/artist Sophie Campbell (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Wet Moon) makes her mark on the DC Universe with this thrilling debut issue! Plus a new costume designed by bestselling cover artist Stanley "Artgerm" Lau.  NOT FINAL TRADE DRESS COVERS

There is a lot to unpack here. I very much love Campbell's art but I haven't read much of the stories she has written. Her writing style will be new to me. That said the solicit sounds great.

I think the Super-family has swollen to pretty big numbers so I think moving Supergirl out of the city and letting her branch out on her own, be the solo star, is great. I also like Midvale being the setting, a flashback to classic Supergirl.  I have loved her relationship with Superman in the Williamson and Phillip Kennedy Johnson books but it will be nice to see her not be second in command and instead marching her own way. 

I do know that Campbell has been on TMNT recently and I would love to hear from anyone who read that what they thought. 

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #1

Batman/Superman World's Finest #1 came out this week, an action packed, nigh perfect comic book which hearkened back to thrilling adventure comics of old. I unabashedly loved this comic. This was like mac and cheese, a comfort food of a comic that made me feel happy. 

The book opens with the pages previewed in Detective Comics #1050 but continues full throttle with an over-sized, no ad book. So I didn't mind paying for those pages again. I wasn't cheated. But I won't review those pages here again. 

Writer Mark Waid does a great job here, flashing back to an early meeting of Batman and Superman as a way to show how they became best friends. And that history does resonate in the latter half of the story so didn't feel gratuitous. But the big win here is the characterization of a young Dick Grayson as Robin. I get the sense that Robin is going to be the straw that stirs the drink. He will be our POV character, the comic relief quipper, and the contrast hero against the megastars of Superman and Batman. I trust Waid to handle the DCU well and he does. He writes the DC that I want to read. It takes place some time in the past and has a classic flavor.

Dan Mora is on art and he just shines here. Mora has a lot to show us here as Waid does a deep dive into the DC Universe already. Poison Ivy. Metallo. The Penguin. The Weaponeers of Qward. The Doom Patrol. The work is crisp and engaging. I hope he stays on this book for a long time. But if he doesn't, please give him a classic Doom Patrol book to pencil. I love his take on the team, one of my favorite properties. 

And I was lucky enough to grab the last copy at my LCS that has the cover by Artgerm which reminded me of one of his early covers on Batgirl #14 . So happy to see Kara and Steph together. Make the poster and t-shirt now DC!

I am going to gush.

On to the book.

Death Metal Supergirl By Artgerm

By now this news is everywhere, including the comment section of this very blog.

But the Artgerm variant cover for Death Metal #3 is of Supergirl.,

And it is a very powerful looking, very determined appearing Kara. It is a stunning image.

I also think that the flames and the way her hair looks like fire can't help but bring up thoughts of the Linda Danvers flame winged Supergirl. So it feels a little nostalgic.

Now I have been staying away from Death Metal. I honestly have no interest in it.

But will I cave and buy this variant?

Probably.

Just beautiful.

Artgerm Supergirl Statue

The shrine got a little bit bigger this week when the Artgerm Supergirl statue finally arrived at the store.

This is a really beautiful piece. It seems to veer near cheesecake. But there is something also wholesome and angelic about it that really makes it a wonderful addition to my collection.

Standing pretty tall on a metal post, giving the illusion of flying, this is a DCAU Supergirl, or a latter half PAD Supergirl depending on your viewpoint. But whatever continuity it is gorgeous.

And the sculpt itself is solid with great details

And how great is it that it truly mirrors the cover of Supergirl #19!

I love when things hearken back to the comics.

Review: Supergirl #28

Supergirl #28 came out this week and was another chapter in this space-faring adventure Kara is on to investigate Rogol Zaar. As this bold, new direction has moved along slowly, I have been less and less forgiving of it. This is something of a nasty story. And while occasionally we see Supergirl say something that sounds like the Supergirl I want to read, the actions and plots surrounding those lines make them feel more like lip service.

Writer Marc Andreyko writes a great, gritty, Omega Men story. I might like reading this if it were a Starfire story. Or a Darkstars story. Or an Adam Strange story. But so much of this feels like yet another 'extreme' look at Supergirl. Add to that a few cringe worthy moments for a book about a young woman hero and you get something that just doesn't feel right.

The art is by Eddie Pansica and I really like it for the story it is telling. It is a very muddy, brutal story and Pansica brings that feel of chaos and violence. This is the most ragged and beaten I have seen Supergirl in a while. Put him on an Adam Strange book and I'll be there.

These prefaces to my reviews are becoming almost cookie cutter, other than a slow descent into further dissatisfaction. I hope this arc ends soon and we head back to Earth.

On to the book.

Sales Review: January 2019

The comic book sales numbers for January 2019 were released last week and as always, ICv2 does a good job of breaking them down. Here is a link:
https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/42557/top-500-comics-january-2019

I was a bit interested in seeing these numbers in the context of recent news regarding DC's number of titles. There were rumors that DC was going to slash their number of titles to 22 but this proved unfounded. Ultimately, the news broke that DC was paring down by about 10-15% of titles but also adding new 100 page spectaculars, making those books available in places other than Walgreens, and probably breaking even in total books solicited.

So that was much ado about nothing in a way. But when I hear that ongoing titles are going to be pruned, I always have to wonder and worry about the Girl of Steel.

We are in the middle of a space arc, one with a vengeful and surprisingly violent Supergirl. And sales have been a bit all over the place. (And yes, I know by sales I actually mean orders through Diamond,)

Supergirl #26 was released in January. It sported an Artgerm variant of Supergirl in a classic costume holding Streaky.

The book also saw the return of Kevin Maguire on art.

How did it sell?

DC March 2019 Solicits

Hello everyone!
The holidays are behind me and the New Year's celebrations are looming.
But time waits for no one so back to the fun stuff ... talking Supergirl.

The DC solicitations for March came out last week and included some interesting news and a couple of stunning covers for our super-family. There is the usual extra stuff as well so I advise heading to Newsarama to soak it all in: https://www.newsarama.com/43222-dc-comics-march-2019-solicitations.html

Of note, the new Dial H mini-series is scheduled to begin. And oh yeah, there's Detective Comics #1000! Young Justice continues to sound interesting. But we're here to look at the Super-books. So on to focused coverage.

SUPERGIRL #28
written by MARC ANDREYKO
art by EDUARDO PANSICA
cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU 

Supergirl and the Omega Men versus…Supergirls?! The Omega Men’s secret base of operations is attacked by the Citadel, who brought with them an entire army of Supergirls who all don’t seem to be built quite right. With Supergirl fighting multiple versions of herself, it proves the old saying “You are your own worst enemy.”

The idea of Harry Hokum tinkering with Supergirl's genome and making monster copies of her to fight is a winner. The cover by Yanick Paquette (a person favorite) looks like a horror movie poster and that makes it a winner. And even the idea of the Omega Men is fun.

But the big news here is another variant cover by Artgerm. Maybe DC finally saw the handwriting on the source wall that had this formula: Artgerm + Supergirl = $$$

The downside is this is another issue without Kevin Maguire. This is starting to feel a bit like a turnstile title with a new artist drawing every issue. Not a knock on Eduardo Pansica. I just like a creative team on a book, at least for a little bit.

Happy Thanksgiving Again! Sales Review: October 2018

As Supergirl fans, I think we should probably give thanks to Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau, someone who seems to be able to wave a magic wand over Supergirl sales. Amazing! So raise a glass of mulled cider or have an extra slice of leftover pumpkin pie today in his honor.

And why am I saying all this today?

Well the comic sales for October 2018 were recently posted. As always head to ICv2 for great coverage: https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/41809/top-500-comics-october-2018

Now October had DC roll out special foil cover variants. So some of what I am about to discuss might be collector zeal for fancy, shiny covers.

Still the numbers are jaw-dropping!

Supergirl #23 was the third issue of the new direction by Marc Andreyko and Kevin Maguire.

Sales weren't exactly brisk with the bold, new direction. And one thing that had changed was that the Artgerm variant covers ended with Supergirl #20. Amanda Conner took over the variant job with the changeover. And hey ... Amanda Conner ain't a slouch. I love her work and her Supergirl work in particular.

Still, Artgerm gave us the above variant, the foil cover.

But Supergirl #22 had 22,115 units ordered through Diamond. This was a bit of an eye opener. We were two issues into a new run and sales had dropped 20% from Supergirl #21. I was waiting to see if the book was in free fall.

Review: Supergirl #23

Supergirl #23 came out this week and was another interesting chapter in this new direction for the title. I know that interesting is an odd choice, a damning with faint praise sort of word. But the truth is I enjoyed this issue. There are plot points that feel a bit forced. There is one magical moment that felt off. Kara's emotions continue to run a bit rampant, a sort of step backwards. And much of the turmoil seems overly forced.

Writer Marc Andreyko builds the mystery of 'The Circle' and their role in Rogol Zaar's plan to destroy Krypton. We get to finally see the mystery man who has been in shadows on the cliffhanger pages and he looks familiar. Kara gets lucky and is given the next crumb in her trail. There is a lot of fighting that, in theory, could have been avoided. Perhaps the thing I am having a hard time wrapping my head around is Kara's labile emotions. I get that she is reeling from the Zaar reveal. But her angry reactions and lack of trust feel more like the Kara of 2011, not 2018.

What truly elevates and saves the issue is the art by Kevin Maguire. No big surprise that Maguire injects so much emotion into the scenes. Kara looks fantastic. And I love his Krypto. The book really sparkles. Seriously. If this issue had less spectacular art, I think I wouldn't be so forgiving. Add to that the shiny, foil cover by Artgerm and the fun Supergirl rocket-surfing variant by Amanda Conner and the book just looks stunning.

Onto the book!

DC Nation #4

I have said before how much I love the DC Nation free magazine. Every month we get company propaganda but also a lot of interviews, process pieces, creative thinking, and Direct Currents.

For someone like me, who likes the behind the scenes stuff as well as the actual finished products, this book is a godsend. And DC Nation #4 continued the trend. I mean, I am stoked about the upcoming Grant Morrison Green Lantern book. So getting to read an interview with him and Liam Sharp is fan-tastic.

Not that all the news is good news. This issue has 'real' psychoanalysis of the DC Trinity and the reports read pretty rough. The Superman one in particular makes him sound depressed. That isn't my Superman.

But we are here to light a candle, not curse the darkness. So what stuff relevant to this site grabbed me?

There is an article about the foil covers coming out in October. It reminds me of the 'Chromium Age' of enhanced covers in the madcap speculator 90s. Jim Lee has seen all the covers and picks out his favorites. No surprise but the Artgerm variant on Supergirl #23 is on that short list.

Unlike some of Artgerm's covers, this really looks like a young girl Kara. Even her pose strikes me like a kid being told to vogue a bit. I love it.

Lee is able to put into words what I feel from Artgerm's covers. There is a vitality in the heroes that just seeps from the page.

And now more news.

More Supergirl Stuff!

As San Diego comic con approaches and Supergirl continues an unprecedented run of public interest, the character's merchandise list grows longer. I have to say that this particular run of announcements is very compelling to me as I try to figure out how to get it all.

First off is the blu-ray version of her movie from 1984. Here is a link for details:
https://www.wbshop.com/products/supergirl-bd

This special edition of Supergirl presents the film's International Cut, remastered in High Definition for Blu-ray, along with the rare Director's Cut on a bonus DVD.

As most know, it has been years since I have seen the movie. I have always wanted to review it here on the site. Now it looks like I'll finally get the chance. I have only heard rumblings of the director's cut version so I can't wait to see that.

I am just amazed that the interest in Kara Zor-El has reached such a peak that the campy movie from the 80's is getting such a slick re-issuing. I can't wait to see Helen Slater gracefully flying and saying she doesn't scare easily again.

But wait there's more.

April 2018 Sales Review

The sales numbers for April 2018 came out a couple of weeks ago and the numbers were a little bit surprising. This was the last month for a number of the super-titles. Action Comics #1000 was released. It basically is the beginning of the Bendis era.

So what did that mean for sales. Well, as always, you can head over to ICv2 for the actual sales figures. Here is a link: https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/40338/top-500-comics-april-2018

I had this post written before recent news in which I ranted about how sales this good shouldn't warrant cancellation. So with recent solicits, I needed to come back and edit.

So first up, Supergirl #20, the last issue of this volume of Supergirl.

This was known to be the last issue for some time. Usually sales plummet when a title is announced as canceled and readers jump ship. No one likes a lame duck.

This was the closing out of the renegade DEO storyline. And writers Steve Orlando and Jody Houser needed to sprint to the end to wrap things up (as well as introducing us to the Viking Judge).

So how did this last issue sell?

Sales Review: March 2018

The sales numbers for March have come out and things are both fascinating and frustrating. Here is a link to the ICv2 coverage:https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/40108/top-300-comics-march-2018

For this blog, the big news has been the shelving of the Supergirl title.

'Bendis is Coming!' The landscape of the super-titles will be changed. Supergirl will have a 'new mission'. And it all seems strange when you look at the numbers.

I will also say I realize that sometimes I, as a reader, am impossible to please.

I want Supergirl to be her own hero, having her own adventures.
I want Supergirl to be part of Superman's life but not too much. If she isn't in his books or mentioned in his books I am unhappy. But I don't think his books or life should dictate her series.

And it is probably tough to satisfy all those things. If she wasn't impacted by whatever is happening in Superman's books, I wouldn't be happy. And yet, here she is impacted and I'm not happy.

Surely there can be some happy medium. If Batgirl and Red Hood and Batwoman and Nightwing can all somehow have their own titles *and* be part of the Batman books, it can be done!

So on to the sales!

Action Comics #1000 Supergirl Covers

It's truly amazing how quickly the comic landscape can change.

To think, just a couple of months ago I was complaining that DC was putting out 4 Super-books in the same week.

And now, this week, there isn't one super-book on the shelves! The arrival of Brian Michael Bendis is the equivalent of a creative earthquake, shaking everything up. Add to that the delay for Action Comics #1000 and you have a week without a super-family book.

It's kind of sad. Everything really seemed to be clicking, didn't it?

Of course, Action Comics reaching 1000 issues is a truly historical event in comics. And DC is taking full advantage of it by pumping out variant covers which are available not only at comic stores but also at specific companies.

And I reluctantly admit that I ordered a couple. First from Buy Me Toys (http://buymetoys.com/catalog/) is this Artgerm variant selling for $14.99. How could I refuse such a great cover showing the super-cousins in flight together. They are super-iconic in their pose. I love that Supergirl's costume is a shade brighter blue than Superman's. I just love it.

Sales Review: Supergirl #18

The news about the Super-titles came hard and fast recently with the announcement that Supergirl and Super Sons were being canceled. There wasn't much news outside of that. It seems obvious that this is being done to clear the way for Brian Michael Bendis and the realignment of the Superman books. But it feels like throwing out the baby with the bath water. And the sales numbers for last month seem to bear that out. Head to ICv2:https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/39871/top-300-comics-february-2018

It is not as if any of the super-titles aren't selling well. But let's take a look.

Supergirl #18 continued to arc of Supergirl on the run from the DEO and this time fighting the Evolutionist. I have thought this book has been on fire since the end of the Fatal Five arc. Things are tighter and the story and art is phenomenal.

It also sported this tremendous Artgerm variant cover, the '5 seconds later' cover to the iconic Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1 cover, right down to the logo, the 'electrifying issue' blurb, and the painted cityscape. It's beautiful and playful and sexy and reverential of the source material. This had to be a draw.

Review: Supergirl #18

Supergirl #18 came out this week, a crackling issue which moved the current storyline along nicely while also building the foundation of the supporting characters and environment. I don't know if I can say this is my favorite issue of the run but if it isn't, it is near the top.

One of the things that I have bemoaned a bit about comics in general has been the lack of interest in giving books a cast of supporting characters. I also feel that these days, at times, comics forgets to give us scenes with characters out of their costume, showing us the human side, something which allows me as a reader to relate more. In Supergirl, it felt like at the beginning of this run, the character was so busy in various circles that there was barely any breathing room. Whether it was acting as Supergirl or interning at CatCo or going to school or being at the DEO or living at the Danvers, Kara was running around. It felt like maybe the book was being too ambitious.

Writers Steve Orlando and Jody Houser have, in the last several issues, tightened things up a bit. The CatCo stuff is in the background a bit. Cat herself is gone. Supergirl is on the run from the DEO. That leaves just the Danvers and school as locales. Frankly, I have loved the new focus. We really have got to learn more about Kara Danvers, the shy, semi-awkward school girl trying to do what's right. And we get more in depth looks at Eliza and Jeremiah, at Belinda Zee and Ben Rubel, at Agent Ocampo. It all gives me as the reader a deeper feel of who these characters are.

That doesn't mean the action is lessened. The DEO is present as an antagonist. Villains are being sent to stop Supergirl. So you get characterization and super-heroics. It is just the perfect mix.

The art here sizzles too. First off, we get the Robson Rocha cover which has the feel of a 1940's horror movie or murder mystery. Then you get the Artgerm variant riffing on the cover of Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1. And on inside art, you get Carmen Carnero. Carnero drew some of my favorite chapters of the Adventures of Supergirl digital series and seems very comfortable with the character. Everything is spot on, from the battles to the slow dances.

All in all a very satisfying read. On to the book!

Sales Review: January 2018

The numbers for January sales are out and posted over on ICv2. Here is a link:
https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/39601/top-300-comics-january-2018

It is the usual combination of gloom and doom and interesting tidbits. DC and Marvel seemed to be in dead heat, splitting most sales and most dollars. DC took 6 of the top ten but that was Doomsday Clock or all-Batman.

But we are here to talk about Supergirl sales.

And Supergirl panic ...

Artgerm Supergirl #20 Variant

I have been pretty impressed with the variant covers that Artgerm has been producing for the ongoing Supergirl title. While it is abundantly clear that Artgerm is a 'good girl' artist, the pieces are so beautiful I can forgive if they occasionally veer to cheesecake.

And in particular, I have loved his more recent covers showcasing the different costumes the Supergirl character has worn over the years. I spotlighted the 70's hot pants cover for Supergirl #18  here. And didn't share the equally gorgeous 'white shirt' costume cover he is putting on Supergirl #19.

But when this variant for Supergirl #20 was out on the internet late last week I had to show.

People who have been coming to this blog for a while know that the belly shirt costume designed by Michael Turner is, without a doubt, my least favorite costume for Supergirl. In particular, when it was taken to it's extremes, growing ever tinier, I cringed.

But there is something about this cover that made me smile. So I want to tip my hat to Artgerm for honoring Michael Turner here. Because this pose by Kara is pure Turner.

April 2018 Solicits

The DC solicits for April came out and there was one big surprise that has me smiling. Otherwise, we are pretty much in a stable mode for the super-books. Here is the link:
https://www.newsarama.com/38272-dc-comics-april-2018-solicitations.html

And I am pretty happy with the solicit information which means April will be a nice month!

On to the books.

SUPERGIRL #20 
Written by STEVE ORLANDO and JODY HOUSER
Art and cover by ROBSON ROCHA
Variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
Supergirl must fight both Mokkari and the out-of-dimension Viking Judge to save Director Bones from the fury of the Viking’s magical ax! Meanwhile, with Director Bones out of the picture, Cameron Chase and Lar-On must break into the D.E.O. to save Veritas before the clock counts down to zero and the psycho-redactor erases her memories forever! 

Sounds like an action packed issue. I like that Supergirl is out to save Director Bones. After all, he has been her nemesis since he joined the book. I don't know about the Viking Judge, so we'll see about that. And I am glad that Lar-On is still around!

Also, that Robson cover is all sorts of beautiful. Love the action, love the cast in the background.

SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP #37
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by DARIO BRIZUELA
Supergirl may be as invulnerable as her cousin, but even bulletproof skin can’t help her when she’s haunted by the ghosts of Krypton! Is it a hoax? A message from the Phantom Zone? It’s up to Scooby and the gang to find out…assuming that Scooby and Streaky the Super-Cat can set aside their cat-and-dog rivalry!

Here is the big surprise! I have loved Scooby-Doo Team-Up. I love Sholly Fisch. And you know I love Streaky! So this already makes me smile. But I wonder of the 'ghosts from Krypton' might be a take on Zor-El and Alura in the Survival Zone! Now that would be awesome!

ACTION COMICS #1000 
Cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Stories and art by an all-star lineup of top talent Retailers: This issue will ship with ten covers. Please see the order form for details. Celebrate 1000 issues of Action Comics with an all-star lineup of top talent as they pay tribute to the comic that started it all! From today’s explosive action to a previously unpublished tale illustrated by the legendary Curt Swan to the Man of Tomorrow’s future—this very special, oversized issue presents the best of the best in Superman stories!
FEATURING ALL-NEW ART AND STORIES BY:
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
JOHN CASSADAY
OLIVIER COIPEL
PAUL DINI
JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ
PATRICK GLEASON
BUTCH GUICE
GEOFF JOHNS
DAN JURGENS
TOM KING
JIM LEE
CLAY MANN
BRAD MELTZER
JERRY ORDWAY
TIM SALE
LOUISE SIMONSON
SCOTT SNYDER
CURT SWAN
PETER J. TOMASI
MARV WOLFMAN ...AND MORE!

DECADES-SPANNING OPEN-TO-ORDER VARIANT COVERS BY:
• STEVE RUDE (1930s)
• MICHAEL CHO (1940s)
• DAVE GIBBONS (1950s)
• MICHAEL ALLRED (1960s)
• JIM STERANKO (1970s)
• JOSHUA MIDDLETON (1980s)
• DAN JURGENS (1990s)
• LEE BERMEJO (2000s) ..PLUS A BLANK VARIANT COVER!

Now that is one long solicit. Those are a lot of creators. And a lot of covers!
I suppose the big news is Brian Michael Bendis now working for DC. I guess the historic news is a 'new' Curt Swan story. And let's not bury the lede ... it's Action #1000!

I'll be there despite the $7.99 price tag.

SUPERMAN #44
Written by PATRICK GLEASON and PETER J. TOMASI
• Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON
• Variant cover by JONBOY MEYERS
Gathered together from the cosmic recesses of the universe are the most powerful forces of bad ever assembled! Now the Super Foes face the Legion of Fun—and the only heroes who dare to stand against this intergalactic threat of the Bizarroverse are Superman and son! 

SUPERMAN #45 
Written by PATRICK GLEASON and PETER J. TOMASI
• Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON
• Variant cover by JONBOY MEYERS
“BOYZARRO RE-DEATH” finale! The challenge of the Bizarroverse continues as the Super Foes battle the Legion of Fun! As Superman and Son return to Hamilton for a quick recharge, they learn what the little town truly meant to them—and what they meant to the locals of the town.

How fantastic is that cover. A Bizarro Luthor with flowing locks? Brainiac with a dunce cap? Riddler with an exclamation mark? So much fun. And the classic 'two sides flying into a fight' is great too.

I'm totally ready for this arc. It looks like it will be an absolute hoot!

SUPER SONS #15 
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by CARLO BARBERI and ART THIBERT
Cover by JORGE JIMENEZ
Variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
“End of innocence” part one! Robin and Superboy have been to hell and back again, but this time their friendship must stand the ultimate test: the Amazo Project! Kid Amazo returns as the pieces of this deadly plan fall into place and reveal a secret that might tear apart Damian and Jon’s growing friendship.

I'm happy to see Carlo Barberi on art for the issue. We have seen the sons growing closer each issue. So this constant theme of them being 'torn apart' might grow old. We'll have to see how it is all handled.

NEW SUPER-MAN AND THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF CHINA #22 
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
• Art by BRENT PEEPLES and MATT SANTORELLI
• Cover by PHILIP TAN
• Variant cover by BERNARD CHANG
“SEAS OF CHANGE” part three! The saga of the Aqua-Man of North Korea crashes to a close! As the Justice League of China heads off an international incident on their shores, our heroes discover that sometimes villainy is only a matter of perspective—and reasoning with North Korea’s most menacing metahuman and his marine militia may be the only hope both countries have of survival!

I am very intrigued to see how this all plays out. This is the first arc with the JLC title. How long will this book have to stabilize or improve sales. Will it have one arc? Will we have the 'Final Issue' mark on the final part of this story?

SUPERGIRL: BEING SUPER TP 
Written by MARIKO TAMAKI
• Art and cover by JOELLE JONES
Kara Danvers isn’t any different than any other teenager in her hometown. Problems with school. Problems with boys. Problems with friends. But while growing pains shake up Kara’s world, a series of earth-shaking events hits her hometown, leaving her with with the choice of blending in with the crowd or being different. Being an outcast. Being super. This reimagining of Supergirl will appeal to fans of all ages and readers new and old, as the Girl of Steel flies face-first into the struggles that every teenager faces. Collects SUPERGIRL: BEING SUPER #1-4.

I am glad this is being collected. I was worried that no trade really meant the book didn't sell any where near what DC wanted. The book never really clicked with me. I don't think I'll purchase the trade. But people should ... even if it is just for the lush Joelle Jones art.

So not a bad month.

Who's ready for the Scooby Doo book!