DC Comics has released their solicitations for April 2013!

BATMAN Group Solicits

BATMAN, INCORPORATED #10

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and fold-out cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
Variant cover by JASON MASTERS
1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

• When only one can survive, which will it be: the man or the bat?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #19

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and fold-out cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• On the darkest of nights, who is the one person Batman meets that could change his life forever?

BATMAN #19

Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV
Art and fold-out cover by GREG CAPULLO
Backup story art by ALEX MALEEV
MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
1:100 B&W Variant cover by ALEX MALEEV
On sale APRIL 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Who would cause Bruce Wayne to use a gun?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

TALON #7

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV
Art and fold-out cover by GUILLEM MARCH
1:25 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• If the Court of Owls isn’t responsible for killing Talon, then who is?

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #19

Written by GREGG HURWITZ
Art and fold-out cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Where is Batman while Gotham City is being destroyed?

DETECTIVE COMICS #19

Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art and fold-out cover by JASON FABOK
Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 3 • 80 pg, FC, $7.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $8.99 US

• In a special oversized celebratory issue, Batman is challenged by the “Mystery of the 900!”

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BATGIRL #19

Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by DANIEL SAMPERE and VICENTE CIFUENTES
Fold-out cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Will a battle of sibling rivalry lead to a death in the family?

BATWOMAN #19

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art and fold-out cover by TREVOR McCARTHY
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• What is the shocking family revelation that can turn Batwoman’s world upside down?

CATWOMAN #19

Written by ANN NOCENTI
Art and fold-out cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Catwoman needs help—but what is the only place the Justice League of America can take her?

BIRDS OF PREY #19

Written by CHRISTY MARX
Art by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES
Fold-out cover by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE SIFUENTES
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• There is a traitor on the team—so who is the member that threatens to tear the Birds of Prey apart?

BATWING #19

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and fold-out cover by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Batwing quits—and what new member of the Batman family is ready to take his place?

NIGHTWING #19

Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art and fold-out cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• “Death of the Family” is over, but the laughs continue to plague Nightwing. But it can’t be him—can it?

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #19

Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art and fold-out cover by MICO SUAYAN
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What horrors lie beneath the mask of the Red Hood?

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

BEYOND DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Solicitcs

AME-COMI GIRLS #2

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art and cover by EDUARDO FRANCISCO
On sale APRIL 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• All-new digital adventures in print for the first time!
• The battle continues as Power Girl fights Brainiac at the Earth’s core for the planet’s survival.
• On Brainiac’s ship, an unlikely team of heroines and villains come together to do their part.
• Will Batgirl and Robin help save the world, only to be grounded by their parents?

ARROW #6

Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM and ANDREW KREISBERG
Art by MIKE GRELL, XERMANICO, SERGIO SANDOVAL and POL GAS
Cover by DAN PANOSIAN
On sale APRIL 24 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• All-new digital adventures in print for the first time, inspired by the hit TV series!
• In an attempt to take down a Venezuelan drug cartel, Oliver gives one of its members a chance at redemption!
• While attending a football game, Oliver encounters a deranged madman threatening to destroy the entire stadium! Can the Arrow take him down without revealing his identity?
• A case from Detective Lance’s past leads him down a dangerous road for the first time…

BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #15

Written by ADAM BEECHEN, J.T. KRUL and DEREK FRIDOLFS
Art by NORM BREYFOGLE, HOWARD PORTER, LIVESAY and BEN CALDWELL
Cover by HOWARD PORTER and LIVESAY
On sale APRIL 17 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• All-new digital adventures in print for the first time!
• Superman’s resolve is tested as the Trillian civil war reaches its climax!
• The Justice League attempts to uncover the truth about the mysterious “Brain Trust!”
• After the shocking revelations in the last issue, a brand-new threat emerges for Batman!

BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED #13

Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS
Art and cover by ERIC NGUYEN
On sale APRIL 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• All-new digital adventures in print for the first time!
• All-new tales based on the hit videogame Batman: Arkham City!
• See Black Mask captured behind the walls of Arkham City…with some of his least favorite fellow convicts!
• In the epic gang war between The Joker and The Penguin, which side will Black Mask choose?

LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #7

Written by JOE HARRIS
Art and cover by JASON MASTERS
On sale APRIL 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• All-new digital adventures in print for the first time!
• In “Haunted Arkham,” something has been stirring up the inmates at Arkham, especially Maxie Zeus!
• Something wicked this way comes, and it’s trying to communicate with The Dark Knight.

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 #12

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by JORGE JIMENEZ
Cover by SCOTT KOLINS
On sale APRIL 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• All-new digital adventures in print for the first time!
• The shocking conclusion to “Haunted.”
• Superman and Impulse face off against the Black Flash in Las Vegas!
• Meanwhile, events move into crisis mode on Earth 2…

JSA LIBERTY FILES: THE WHISTLING SKULL #5

Written by B. CLAY MOORE
Art and cover by TONY HARRIS
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, 5 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Whistling Skull’s in a bit of a jam at Der Karneval!
• Can Nigel overcome his snake phobia in time to help him?
• These horrifying products of Nazi experimentation, however, refuse to go down without a fight.
• And in Japan, more is revealed about the fate of the previous Skull!

BATMAN: LI’L GOTHAM #1

Written by DUSTIN NGUYEN and DEREK FRIDOLFS
Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN and DEREK FRIDOLFS
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:10 Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E

• The first time in print for this hit all-ages digital first series!
• First, Robin needs Batman’s help to learn the true meaning of Halloween. Then, on Thanksgiving, Batman and Robin join the families of Gotham City around the table for a holiday feast—and birds of a feather flock together to stage a march against the city…led by The Penguin!

SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES #12

Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E • FINAL ISSUE

• Because you demanded it! The return of the lunch lady! Er, we mean, the return of DARKSEID!
• Has he returned for good—or evil? Is he going to make us pancakes?
• When the Super Family leaps into action, will they be trapped in Apokolips?!

MAD MAGAZINE #521

Written and illustrated by THE USUAL GANG OF IDIOTS
On sale APRIL 24 • 56 pg, FC, $5.99 US

April’s here, and that means it’s time for a new issue of MAD! Hey, it’s more fun than doing your tax returns, right?

LOONEY TUNES #212

Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by ROBERT POPE and SCOTT McRAE
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E

• Bugs Bunny makes a wrong turn at Albuquerque and ends up in Rocky and Mugsy’s jail cell!
• Can Bugs be their way out? Or will they realize there’s no place like home?

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #32

Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by SCOTT NEELY
Cover by SCOTT GROSS
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E

• Famed movie director Albert Hatchplot is being haunted by the greatest menaces from his most famous movies!
• Can Scooby and the gang survive the crazed birds and killer crop dusters long enough to discover the truth?

HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #1

Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Art by POP MHAN
Cover by ED BENES
1:25 Variant cover by TERRY DODSON and RACHEL DODSON
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• First exciting issue of the new, ongoing adventures of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe!
• While the Masters of the Universe mourn the loss of a fallen friend, Hordak infiltrates Eternia!
• Featuring the return of She-Ra! Now known as Despara, the most lethal weapon in Hordak’s army, she returns to Eternia as He-Man’s newest enemy!

INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US #4

Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by JHEREMY RAAPACK and MIKE S. MILLER
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
On sale APRIL 24 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• All-new digital adventures in print for the first time!
• Based on the upcoming DC fighting game from NetherRealm Studios, creators of Mortal Kombat!
• Superman discovers that not every nation on Earth is willing to fall in line with the new world order!
• A team of the world’s most powerful Super Heroes unites to confront an old ally.

INSURGENT #4

Written by F.J. DeSANTO and TODD FARMER
Art and cover by FEDERICO DALLOCCHIO
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, 4 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• John Ravane leads his elite commandos into the heart of occupied Manhattan to rescue the most powerful leaders on Earth from the clutches of the Insurgents while also trying to locate the deadly Tenth Plague device before it detonates.
• After Ravane learns where the U.S. government is holding his daughter, can Cindy keep the mission AND Ravane from going off the rails before New York City is lost forever to the Insurgents?
• As the Insurgent Leader secretly tries to negotiate with President Chong for peace, loyalties are questioned, lives are lost, and action abounds in this original miniseries!

COLLECTED EDITIONS Group Solicits

BATMAN AND ROBIN VOL. 2: PEARL HC

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by PATRICK GLEASON, MICK GRAY, LEE GARBETT, ANDY CLARKE and others
Cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale JUNE 5 • 176 pg, FC, $24.99 US

• After the events of BATMAN & ROBIN VOLUME 1: BORN TO KILL, it’s obvious that Damian has a long way to go before he’ll be accepted into Gotham City’s crimefighting family. Will Damian ever be able to live up to the standards that Nightwing, Red Robin and Red Hood set before him?
• After a battle with the former Robins, can Damian’s convictions stand up to a confrontation with the Dark Knight’s greatest foe: The Joker?
• Collects BATMAN AND ROBIN #9-14 and 0.

AQUAMAN VOL. 1: THE TRENCH TP

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by IVAN REIS, JOE PRADO and EBER FERREIRA
Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale MAY 15 • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US

• The first collection of the new AQUAMAN series, now in trade paperback!
• The superstar creators from BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY reunite to take AQUAMAN to amazing new depths!
• AQUAMAN has renounced the throne of Atlantis – but now, from a forgotten corner of the ocean emerges…THE TRENCH!
• Collecting AQUAMAN #1-6!

THE PHANTOM STRANGER VOL. 1: A STRANGER AMONG US TP

Written by DAN DIDIO and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art by BRENT ANDERSON, PHILIP TAN and SCOTT HANNA
Cover by BRENT ANDERSON
On sale MAY 29 • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US

• Who has been sacrificed? Who is guilty? Who can save us? And who is The Phantom Stranger? Cursed for a betrayal that affected the very course of history, the Stranger walks the Earth attempting to atone for his sins. His actions have consequences, and as he fulfills his duty, the people he encounters will never be the same.
• Collecting THE PHANTOM STRANGER #0-5.

GRIFTER VOL. 2: NEWFOUND POWER TP

Written by ROB LIEFELD and FRANK TIERI
Art by SCOTT CLARK, MARAT MYCHAELS and others
Cover by ROB LIEFELD
On sale MAY 22 • 208 pg, FC, $16.99 US

• GRIFTER faces off against the DAEMONITES alongside DEATHBLOW and VOODOO! But the super-weapon in the fight against Helspont proves to be more than even Grifter can handle!
• Collecting GRIFTER #9-16 and 0.

DEMON KNIGHTS VOL. 2: THE AVALON TRAP TP

Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by BERNARD CHANG, DIOGENES NEVES and others
Cover by MICHAEL CHOI
On sale MAY 22 • 160 pg, FC, $14.99 US

• The Demon Knights learn of the twisted love shared by Madame Xanadu and Etrigan. Even more twists abound as they travel to Avalon to revive Merlin, only to find more dangers than they could have expected!
• Collects DEMON KNIGHTS #0 and 8-12.

THE RAVAGERS VOL. 1: THE KIDS FROM N.O.W.H.E.R.E. TP

Written by HOWARD MACKIE and TOM DeFALCO
Art by IAN CHURCHILL, TOM RANEY, DANIEL SAMPERE, JULIUS GOPEZ, TYLER KIRKHAM and others
Cover by IAN CHURCHILL
On sale MAY 8 • 176 pg, FC, $16.99 US

• Spinning directly out of DC’s “The Culling” crossover! Fairchild, brother and sister Thunder and Lightning, the monstrous Ridge, Beast Boy, and Terra are being pursued by Rose Wilson and Warblade, who want them dead at any cost. But even as they run from their enemies, these strangers turned allies have to contend with each other as well.
• Collects THE RAVAGERS #1-7.

SUPERMAN VOL. 2: SECRETS AND LIES HC

Written by DAN JURGENS, KEITH GIFFEN, SCOTT LOBDELL and FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by DAN JURGENS, JESUS MERINO, KENNETH ROCAFORT, PASCAL ALIXE and others
Cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
On sale JUNE 26 • 176 pg, FC, $24.99 US

• Tucked away high in the Himalayas, a long dormant evil has made these snowy mountaintops its home. Helspont, a descendant of the ancient alien race of Daemonites, has enlisted an army of robots to obtain all there is to know about the Kryptonian menace standing between him and dominion over the Earth. Can Helspont gain control over Superman and use him to execute his invasion plan?
• Collects SUPERMAN #7-12 and SUPERMAN ANNUAL #1.

SUPERMAN: ACTION COMICS VOL. 1 — SUPERMAN AND THE MEN OF STEEL TP

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Backup stories written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by RAGS MORALES, ANDY KUBERT, BRENT ANDERSON, RICK BRYANT, JESSE DELPERDANG and SEAN PARSONS
Backup stories art by BRAD WALKER and CHRISCROSS
Cover by RAGS MORALES
On sale MAY 1 • 200 pg, FC, $16.99 US

• The first collection of GRANT MORRISON’S epic run on ACTION COMICS, with art by RAGS MORALES, ANDY KUBERT and more!
• In these startling tales, the people of METROPOLIS turn on their new champion! Plus, the SUPERMAN of today and the LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES must save the jeans-wearing Superman of five years ago!
• Collects ACTION COMICS #1-8.

SUPERBOY VOL. 2: EXTRACTION TP

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL and TOM DeFALCO
Art by R.B. SILVA, BRETT BOOTH and others
Cover by IAN CHURCHILL
On sale MAY 29 • 160 pg, FC, $14.99 US

• When the organization known as N.O.W.H.E.R.E. captures Superboy, the Teen Titans and Legion Lost and pits the young heroes against each other to weed out the weak, it will take everything Superboy has to save himself and his new friends from each other.
• Collects SUPERBOY #0 and 8-12 and TEEN TITANS #10.

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES VOL. 2: THE DOMINATORS TP

Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by STEVE LIGHTLE, YILDIRAY CINAR, FRANCIS PORTELA, SCOTT KOLINS and others
Cover by STEVE LIGHTLE
On sale MAY 8 • 192 pg, FC, $16.99 US

• One of the Legion’s oldest foes returns and plans to destroy the Legion of Super-Heroes from the inside out! The Dominators have kidnapped Braniac 5 and Dream Girl, and it’s up to Star Boy to rescue them!
• Collects LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #8-14 and 0.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN/BATMAN VOL. 1 HC

Written by JEPH LOEB
Art by ED McGUINNESS, DEXTER VINES, PAT LEE and MICHAEL TURNER
Cover by ED McGUINNESS and DEXTER VINES
Advance solicit • On sale AUGUST 14 • 336 pg, FC, 8.25” x 12.5”, $99.99 US

• Collecting the best-selling run of SUPERMAN/BATMAN written by Jeph Loeb, with art by Ed McGuinness, Michael Turner and Pat Lee!
• The iconic Super Heroes unite when Lex Luthor, now president of the United States, accuses Superman of a crime against humanity, and assembles a top-secret team of powerhouse heroes to bring Superman in—dead or alive. And in the second story, prepare for the arrival of Supergirl! Batman has discovered something strange on the bottom of Gotham Bay, which leads him to a mysterious and powerful teenaged girl bent on destroying Gotham City!
• Collecting SUPERMAN/BATMAN #1-13.

BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN TP

Written by CHIP KIDD
Art and cover by DAVE TAYLOR
On sale MAY 8 • 112 pg, FC, $14.99 US

• In this original graphic novel from superstar writer/designer Chip Kidd and artist Dave Taylor, Gotham City is undergoing one of the most expansive construction booms in its history. The most prestigious architects from across the globe have buildings in various phases of completion all over town. As chairman of the Gotham Landmarks Commission, Bruce Wayne has been a key part of this boom, which signals a golden age of architectural ingenuity for the city. And then, the explosions begin.
• All manner of design-related malfunctions—faulty crane calculations, sturdy materials suddenly collapsing, software glitches, walkways giving way and more—cause casualties across the city. This bizarre string of seemingly random catastrophes threatens to bring down the whole construction industry. Fingers are pointed as Batman must somehow solve the problem and find whoever is behind it all.

SOLO DELUXE EDITION HC

Written by DARWYN COOKE, JEPH LOEB, BRIAN AZZARELLO, RICHARD CORBEN, TIM SALE, JOHN ARCUDI, HOWARD CHAYKIN, MICHAEL ALLRED, NEIL GAIMAN, STEVEN T. SEAGLE, SERGIO ARAGONES, MARK EVANIER, BRENDAN McCARTHY and others
Art by TIM SALE, RICHARD CORBEN, PAUL POPE, HOWARD CHAYKIN, DARWYN COOKE, JORDI BERNET, MICHAEL ALLRED, TEDDY KRISTIANSEN, SCOTT HAMPTON, DAMION SCOTT, SERGIO ARAGONES and BRENDAN McCARTHY
Cover by TIM SALE
On sale JUNE 5 • 568 pg, FC, 7.0625” x 10.875”, $49.99 US

• At last, the acclaimed 12-issue series SOLO is collected, featuring the work of some of comics’ greatest creators, including Darwyn Cooke, Tim Sale, Paul Pope and so many others. With stories starring Batman, Robin, Superman, The Spectre, The Teen Titans and more, as well as westerns, war stories, science fiction epics, humor and horror, this is a collection you won’t want to miss!
• Collects SOLO #1-12.

STORMWATCH VOL. 2 HC

Written by WARREN ELLIS
Art by TOM RANEY, RANDY ELLIOTT, OSCAR JIMENEZ, BRYAN HITCH, PAUL NEARY and others
Cover by BRYAN HITCH and PAUL NEARY
RESOLICIT • On sale JUNE 12 • 384 pg, FC, $29.99 US

• Warren Ellis concludes his run on Stormwatch, redefining the team and introducing new members including the powerhouse Apollo and brutal Midnighter. But when disaster strikes in the form of alien creatures, can the team survive? Plus, Ellis introduces the concept of The Bleed, the fabric between realities that becomes a major aspect of the Wildstorm and DC Universe!
• Collecting STORMWATCH #48, 49 and #1-11.

IN THE DAYS OF THE MOB HC

Written by JACK KIRBY
Art by JACK KIRBY, VINCE COLLETTA and MIKE ROYER
Cover by JACK KIRBY and FRANK GIACOIA
ADVANCE SOLICIT • On sale AUGUST 7 • 108 pg, B&W, 10” x 13.5”, $39.99 US

• After arriving at DC Comics at the start of the 1970s, one of Jack Kirby’s first projects was the black and white magazine IN THE DAYS OF THE MOB, which featured stories of organized crime in the 1930s. Now, this hard-to-find magazine is reprinted for the first time!
• Collects IN THE DAYS OF THE MOB #1 and stories from AMAZING WORLD OF DC COMICS #1 and 10.

BATMAN BEYOND: 10,000 CLOWNS TP

Written by ADAM BEECHEN
Art by NORM BREYFOGLE
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
On sale MAY 15 • 176 pg, FC, $16.99 US

• When the Jokerz gang, a group of criminals inspired by the Clown Prince of Crime, launches a series of coordinated attacks all around the town, Terry McGinnis can only save so many people. Who can he turn to for help?
• Collects stories from BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #1-13.

JUSTICE LEAGUE BEYOND: KONSTRICTION TP

Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS and DUSTIN NGUYEN
Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN and DEREK FRIDOLFS
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
On sale MAY 15 • 176 pg, FC, $16.99 US

• Batman is a new recruit in the mighty Justice League, but the team will be immediately tested by a very Neo Gotham-related enemy! How will they work together to combat this threat?
• Collects stories from BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #1-10.

WATCHMEN DELUXE EDITION HC

Written by ALAN MOORE
Art and cover by DAVE GIBBONS
On sale MAY 29 • 448 pg, FC, 7.0625” x 10.875”, $39.99 US

• In the mid-eighties, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons created WATCHMEN, changing the course of comics’ history and essentially remaking how popular culture perceived the genre. Popularly cited as the point where comics came of age, WATCHMEN’s sophisticated take on superheroes has been universally acclaimed for its psychological depth and realism. Now, DC collects this series in the popular Deluxe Edition format.
• Includes sketches, bonus material and a new introduction by artist Dave Gibbons.
• Collects WATCHMEN #1-12.

THE CAPTAIN COMET ARCHIVES HC

Written by JOHN BROOME, GERRY CONWAY and others
Art by CARMINE INFANTINO, MURPHY ANDERSON and others
Cover by CARMINE INFANTINO
ADVANCE SOLICIT • On sale AUGUST 21 • 400 pg, FC, $75.00 US

• Captain Comet faces alien invasions and weird monsters from distant worlds in these stories from DC’s classic science fiction series STRANGE ADVENTURES, as well as his 1970s adventures!
• Collects STRANGE ADVENTURES #9-44, 46 and 49, and SECRET SOCIETY OF SUPER-VILLAINS #2-6.

THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA CHRONICLES VOL. 1 TP

Written by GARDNER FOX
Art by MIKE SEKOWSKY, BERNARD SACHS and others
Cover by MIKE SEKOWSKY and MURPHY ANDERSON
On sale MAY 22 • 168 pg, FC, $14.99 US

• Presenting the adventures of the JLA in chronological order! Learn how the team first gathered to battle the intergalactic conqueror Starro!
• Collects THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #28-30 and JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1-3.

SUPERMAN: THE GOLDEN AGE OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC

Written by JERRY SIEGEL
Art by JOE SHUSTER and others
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
On sale JUNE 5 • 784 pg, FC, $75.00 US

• The early adventures of Superman are collected in one massive hardcover as he battles social injustice and political corruption, fighting for the common man. Includes the first appearances of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor.
• Collecting stories from ACTION COMICS #1-31, NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR #1, NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR 1940, and SUPERMAN #1-7.

SUPERMAN EARTH ONE TP

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and cover by SHANE DAVIS and SANDRA HOPE
On sale MAY 1 • 136 pg, FC, $12.99 US

• Forget everything you know about The Man of Steel and brace yourself for a staggering new take on the world’s most popular Super Hero.
• What would happen if the origin of The Man of Tomorrow were introduced today for the very first time? Return to Smallville and experience the journey of Earth’s favorite adopted son as he grows from boy to Superman like you’ve never seen before!

THE DARK Group Solicits

CONSTANTINE #2

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES

Art by RENATO GUEDES
Fold-out cover by JUAN JOSE RYP
1:25 Variant cover by RENATO GUEDES
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Which ghostly menace haunts Constantine today?

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #7

Written by DAN DIDIO and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and fold-out cover by GENE HA and ZANDER CANNON
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Do you dare ask who slayed the Stranger?

SWORD OF SORCERY #7

Written by CHRISTY MARX
Backup story written by MARC ANDREYKO
Art and fold-out cover by AARON LOPRESTI
Backup story art by ANDREI BRESSAN
On sale APRIL 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• What is the great evil Constantine unleashes on Gemworld, and why is Amethyst powerless to stop him?

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES
Art and fold-out cover by MIKEL JANIN
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The House of Mystery is under seige—can special guest star The Flash help Justice League Dark battle this unexpected threat?

ANIMAL MAN #19

Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by STEVE PUGH
Fold-out cover by JAE LEE
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• As Animal Man’s popularity grows, the paparazzi follow him everywhere. But is there one place he wishes they just wouldn’t go?

SWAMP THING #19

Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by KANO
Fold-out cover by ANDY BRASE
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• What could Swamp Thing possibly fear more than The Scarecrow?

DIAL H #11

Written by CHINA MIEVILLE
Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and DAN GREEN
Fold-out cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• What? The? Flash?

DEMON KNIGHTS #19

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art and fold-out cover by BERNARD CHANG
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What undead menaces threaten the lives of the Demon Knights?

I, VAMPIRE #19

Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Art by FERNANDO BLANCO and ANDREA SORRENTINO
Fold-out cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • FINAL ISSUE

• With this, the final issue, will Andrew Bennett survive to dawn’s light?

DC COLLECTIBLES Group Solicits

MAN OF STEEL: SUPERMAN 1:6 SCALE ICONIC STATUE

Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios Statue measures
13.25” high x 8.5” wide x 5.75” deep.
$129.95 US • On Sale May 2013
*Allocations May Occur

AARDMAN BATMAN AND ROBIN (CLASSIC) ACTION FIGURE 2-PACK

From Aardman, the British brains behind Wallace and Gromit, comes their own unique take on the Dynamic Duo. Though one does rarely see bats and robins together, Batman and the Boy Wonder, Robin, are inseparable. Just don’t expect Robin to answer the phone.

* Action Figure * $39.95 US • On Sale May 2013
*Allocations May Occur

1:1 SCALE GREEN LANTERN POWER BATTERY AND RING PROP REPLICA

The Oath of the Green Lanterns!

IN BRIGHTEST DAY, IN BLACKEST NIGHT, NO EVIL SHALL ESCAPE MY SIGHT.

LET THOSE WHO WORSHIP EVIL’S MIGHT BEWARE MY POWER, GREEN LANTERN’S LIGHT!

Now you can join the fight to protect sector 2814 with your very own Green Lantern power battery and ring! The first in an all-new line of power batteries, featuring a brand new finish, this Green Lantern power battery and ring will make a stunning addition to any desk, so recite the oath and order now!

Measuring approximately 11.5” high.
$199.95 US • On Sale May 2013
*Allocations May Occur

BATMAN STATUE BY MICHAEL ALLRED

DESIGNED BY MICHAEL ALLRED
SCULPTED BY JONATHAN MATTHEWS

Celebrated artist Mike Allred brings his distinctive style to the caped crusader with this latest statue in the Batman Black & White line! His batarang at the ready, Batman is rendered in monochromatic tones complemented by Allred’s retro design. Making this statue an exciting addition to any bookshelf.

Statue measures 7” high x 6” wide x 4.25” deep.
$79.95 US • On Sale May 2013
*Allocations May Occur

THE EDGE Group Solicits

TEAM 7 #7

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by PASCAL ALIXE
Fold-out cover by KEN LASHLEY
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What new member, who threatens to tear the team apart, is welcomed into The New 52?

THRESHOLD #4

Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Art by TOM RANEY
Backup story art by SCOTT KOLINS
Fold-out cover by HOWARD PORTER
On sale APRIL 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• What it the only cosmic entity strong enough to trap The Hunted in the city they’re hiding?

ALL-STAR WESTERN #19

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by MORITAT
Backup story art by STAZ JOHNSON
Fold-out cover by GLENN FABRY
On sale APRIL 24 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+

• What type of gold means certain death for Jonah Hex?

DEATHSTROKE #19

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by EDGAR SALAZAR and SCOTT HANNA
Fold-out cover by JUAN JOSE RYP
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Which teens are the only ones deadly enough to stop Deathstroke?

SUICIDE SQUAD #19

Written by ADAM GLASS
Art by HENRIK JONSSON and SANDU FLOREA
Fold-out cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• There’s a new leader for the Suicide Squad—but will the team stay or die?

STORMWATCH #19

Written by JIM STARLIN
Art by YVEL GUICHET and JONAS TRINDADE
Fold-out cover by JIM STARLIN
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Team StormWatch is lost in a dimension shift—so what team will rise and take their place?

GREEN LANTERN Group Solicits

GREEN LANTERN #19

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
Fold-out cover by GARY FRANK
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

• Which one hero has the power to bring down all the Lantern Corps?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #19

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA
Fold-out cover by ANDY KUBERT and SANDRA HOPE
1:25 B&W Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT and SANDRA HOPE
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• One of biggest Green Lanterns rises from the dead? Will he help save the corps, or ruin it?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #19

Written by TONY BEDARD
Art and fold-out cover by AARON KUDER
1:25 B&W Variant cover by AARON KUDER
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• If that’s Kyle, then who is the new White Lantern?

RED LANTERNS #19

Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art and fold-out cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
1:25 B&W Variant cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• All the rage of the Red Lantern Corps is focused on one target. Care to guess who it is?

JUSTICE LEAGUE Group Solicits

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #3

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Backup story written by MATT KINDT
Art and fold-out cover by DAVID FINCH
Backup story art by SCOTT CLARK
MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
1:100 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH
On sale APRIL 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• A new Secret Society is forming-—but which of its members has the power to attack the Justice League from within?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

GREEN ARROW #19

Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and fold-out cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What startling secret is revealed on the island that gave Green Arrow birth?

KATANA #3

Written by ANN NOCENTI
Art by CRISTINA CORONAS and BILL SIENKIEWICZ
Fold-out cover by JUAN JOSE RYP
1:25 B&W Variant cover by JUAN JOSE RYP
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• If Katana’s sword is shattered, whose souls are escaping?

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE #3

Written by ANDREW KREISBERG
Art by PETE WOODS and SEAN PARSONS
Fold-out cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What is the one super power that is more than a match for Vibe and how can it tear the universe apart?

JUSTICE LEAGUE #19

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and fold-out cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
Backup story art by GARY FRANK
MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
1:100 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale APRIL 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Who is the one person dangerous enough to use Kryptonite against Superman?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

AQUAMAN #19

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and fold-out cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Dead King takes the throne as the true king of Atlantis—but who will be the first to kneel before him?

THE FLASH #19

Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by MARCIO TAKARA
Fold-out cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What is the latest and greatest threat to The Flash and all those closest to him?

WONDER WOMAN #19

Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art by TONY AKINS and DAN GREEN
Fold-out cover by CLIFF CHIANG
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
“We Can Be Heroes” blank variant cover also available
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What is the one way Wonder Woman can stop Orion?

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #19

Written by TOM DeFALCO
Art and fold-out cover by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Secret Society strikes again—but who is the one member strong enough to ground The Savage Hawkman?

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MAN #19

Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and fold-out cover by DAN JURGENS and RAY McCARTHY
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What’s more deadly to fire than a Killer Frost?

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #19

Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by JESUS SAIZ
Fold-out cover by JESUS MERINO
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE

• In this final issue, what time displaced-hero has arrived on our world—and is the destruction he brings the herald to a great disaster?

EARTH 2 #11

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT
Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• As Dr Fate emerges as the latest hero on Earth 2, what other heroes make a most unexpected appearance?

WORLDS’ FINEST #11

Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by BARRY KITSON and others
Cover by BARRY KITSON
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Mr. Terrific and Power Girl reunited? But if Michael Holt is still on Earth 2, who is kissing Karen Starr?

SUPERMAN Group Solicits

ACTION COMICS #19

Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Art by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
Fold-out cover by TONY S. DANIEL
1:25 Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL
On sale APRIL 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Lex Luthor is in jail and his battlesuit is back in action. But if he’s not wearing it, who is?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

SUPERMAN #19

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and fold-out cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Who is the one person with the power to turn Wonder Woman against Superman?

SUPERBOY #19

Written by TOM DeFALCO
Art by R.B. SILVA and ROB LEAN
Fold-out cover by ARDIAN SYAF
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Superboy discovers he is more than a clone—but what is the shocking secret behind his origin and birth?

SUPERGIRL #19

Written by MIKE JOHNSON
Art and fold-out cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• In a battle of equals, which girl will reign supreme?

VERTIGO Solicits

GET JIRO! TP

Written by ANTHONY BOURDAIN and JOEL ROSE
Art and cover by LANGDON FOSS
On sale MAY 1 • 160 pg, FC, $14.99 US • MATURE READERS

Don’t miss this original graphic novel from Anthony Bourdain, renowned chef, New York Times bestselling author (Kitchen Confidential, Medium Raw) and star of the Emmy-winning hit travel show No Reservations and the new series The Layover! Cowritten with Joel Rose (LA PACIFICA, Kill Kill Faster Faster) this stylized send-up of food culture and society features spectacular detailed and dynamic art by Langdon Foss.

In a not-too-distant future of food-obsessed L.A., where master chefs rule the town like crime lords and people literally kill for a seat at the best restaurant, Jiro, a renegade and ruthless sushi chef arrives in town with strong ideas of his own. It’s a bloody culinary war of epic proportions, and in the end, no chef may be left alive!

FAIREST #14

Written by BILL WILLINGHAM
Art by BARRY KITSON
Cover by ADAM HUGHES
On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

Dating is hard for everyone in this standalone tale—but it’s especially tricky if you’re a gorgeous tree nymph from Fabletown. Princess Alder tells her tales of woe to Reynard the fox in a special issue written by FABLES writer/creator Bill Willingham and featuring the art of superstar Barry Kitson (The Amazing Spider-Man).

FABLES #128

Written by BILL WILLINGHAM
Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM
Cover by JOAO RUAS
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

Bigby howls back to Castle Dark for a showdown with Prince Brandish for the hand of his/their wife, Snow White. Will anyone walk away alive?

DJANGO UNCHAINED #5

Based on the screenplay by QUENTIN TARANTINO
Art by R.M. GUERA and JASON LATOUR
Cover by FRANK QUITELY
1:25 Variant cover by TBD
On sale APRIL 24 • 48 pg, FC, 5 of 6, $4.99 US • MATURE READERS
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Order Form for details.

• The latest chapter of the miniseries adaptation of the screenplay from the Quentin Tarantino film, with a cover by Frank Quitely!
• Based on the entire, uncut story, containing scenes that may not appear in the final film!
• It’s no holds barred as Django goes all out to save his beloved wife, Broomhilda!

HOUSE OF SECRETS OMNIBUS HC

Written by STEVEN T. SEAGLE
Art by TEDDY KRISTIANSEN, DUNCAN FEGREDO, DEAN ORMSTON and others
Cover by TEDDY KRISTIANSEN
RESOLICIT • On sale APRIL 10 • 752 pg, FC, $75.00 US • MATURE READERS

In this hardcover collecting HOUSE OF SECRETS #1-25, a story from VERTIGO: WINTER’S EDGE #1 and the 2-part FAÇADE miniseries, teenage runaway Rain Harper becomes part of a supernatural justice system in a haunted mansion. Five spirits known as the Juris summon people to judge them for their secrets. Acting as a “witness,” Rain must try to save the defendants from their sentences.

Retailers: This title is resolicited. All current orders are cancelled.

LUCIFER BOOK ONE TP

Written by MIKE CAREY
Art by SCOTT HAMPTON, CHRIS WESTON, JAMES HODGKINS, WARREN PLEECE, DEAN ORMSTON, PETER GROSS and RYAN KELLY
Cover by SCOTT HAMPTON
On sale MAY 29 • 392 pg, FC, $29.99 US • MATURE READERS

Cast out of Heaven, Lucifer Morningstar has resigned his throne in Hell for Los Angeles. Emerging from the pages of THE SANDMAN, the former Lord of Hell is enjoying retirement as the proprietor of L.A.’s most elite piano bar when an assignment from the Creator Himself threatens to change all that. Collects THE SANDMAN PRESENTS: LUCIFER #1-3 and LUCIFER #1-13.

SAUCER COUNTRY #14

Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art and cover by RYAN KELLY
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS • FINAL ISSUE

Arcadia finally learns the “truth” about the alien invasion—but what she chooses to do with that information will change the world forever! Don’t miss the FINAL ISSUE of this mind-bending series!

THE UNWRITTEN #48

Written by MIKE CAREY
Art by PETER GROSS
Cover by YUKO SHIMIZU
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

In part 2 of “Orpheus in the Underworld,” Tom’s quest for Lizzie has hit a major hurdle, in that he no longer remembers who either of them is. But is it possible he’s already found her without even realizing it? And who holds the true power in Hades, where masks may hide anything—or nothing?

YOUNG JUSTICE Group Solicits

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #19

Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art and fold-out cover by KEITH GIFFEN and SCOTT KOBLISH
On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Legion of Super-Heroes is lost and hurtling into the sun—is it possible to save them all?

TEEN TITANS #19

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and fold-out cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots
On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Which new member of the Teen Titans reveals his true colors?

THE RAVAGERS #11

Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON
Art by IG GUARA and NORM RAPMUND
Fold-out cover by MICHAEL GOLDEN
On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The latest creature to escape from N.O.W.H.E.R.E. brings death to The Ravagers—but is it animal, vegetable or mineral?

Another week down, hopefully I’ll speed things up and get caught up with reviews.

Avengers: X-Sanction #4 – Wow, just so bad.  Why is Spider-Man in his black costume and Wolverine in his X-Force when they don’t wear it at all?!  And that ending?  This is the lead up to the war between the X-Men and Avengers and if it’s goal was to get me excited, I’m not.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Batman #7 – Batman suffers from the trauma he experienced from the Court of Owls and we discover the truth behind Talon.  This is some of the best Batman I’ve read in years and Scott Snyder’s writing with Greg Capullo’s art is just beyond so much of the other material being put out there.  Fantastic.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Captain Atom #7 – The concept of time is explored as we learn the origin of Captain Atom.  Such a fantastic issue, I hope this series finds the audience it deserves.  The art is fantastic, story top notch.  A great series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

DC Universe Presents #7 – Well, well done DC, another series I don’t have to buy.  Hopefully the next arc is more worth it than this one.  I just don’t care and I’m just not entertained about the Challengers of the Unknown.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #1 – Taking place post Katrina in New Orleans this is a pretty interesting story full of Voodoo, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches and who knows what else.  There’s an interesting vibe to the series, but I’m not totally sold.  It’s a decent start, but not quite the kick I was hoping for.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Fables #115 – Another chapter in the war in Oz, the toys of Discardia and the events going on in Castle Dark, so many stories, so much to keep track.  Maybe too much to keep track?  The series is still solid, I just think there might be too many storylines weaving about.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Fear Itself: The Fearless #11 – Is it just me or does Hellstrom’s actions and depictions not add up in the three different series’ he’s been depicted in this past month?  As far as the rest of the story… yawn.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Generation Hope #17 – And that’s the end of the series.  It ended much better than it’s been for quite a bit, but it still feels very junior league to me.  The ending was ok, but I think Kenji was a waste of a character even though he was so stereotypical.  Oh well….

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Green Lantern Corps. #7 – Stewart deals with his actions in an ok story that throws out a lot of possibilities in the future.  We’ll see what all of this might lead to in the future, here’s hoping some decent emotional long term repercussions.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Hoax Hunters #0 – It’s Scooby Doo and all of those ghost reality shows mixed together in an entertaining series collecting the short stories that’ve appeared before.  The series is entertaining and fun mixing some light horror and humor with original ideas.  The series will be kicking off into an ongoing soon and it’ll be great to see what they do with the ability to pull off a story over multiple issues.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

The Invincible Iron Man #514 – Tony is presented an option instead of facing a trial and like a game of chess so many moving parts are going on.  It’ll be very interesting to see how this all plays out because as Tony hints towards the end, he’s a few steps ahead of the rest.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Justice League #7 – The main story was pretty damn bad.  The quiet moments when the team is talking to Trevor is good, and the Shazam short story is interesting enough, but overall, this is supposed to be a top line DC title?

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.5

Kick-Ass 2 #7 – And that’s the end of the second volume.  There’s some good stuff here, but it’s still mostly violence for violence sake.  There’s a bit of character development and the third volume has potential to be much better than this second one.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

New Mutants #39 – If you need more evidence that Warlock in large doses is annoying… well here you go.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.5

Nightwing #7 – Seven issues in and it was all a lead up to a crossover with Batman and his Court of Owls storyline.  Overall, we really still don’t get the why of it all, it just seems like an empty lead up to me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Rebel Blood #1 – Another hot series from Image that fills a nice horror niche.  The series is great and left me not totally understanding everything.  The story looks great and left me wanting more.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Supercrooks #1 – Why do criminals always commit crimes in cities where super heroes are?  That’s the question this new series from Mark Millar and Leinil Yu asks.  The series’ first issue is a solid start with some great action, great characters and solid art.  The concept is good and this is a more subdued comic compared to Kick-Ass.  This very well might be Millar grown up a bit.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Supergirl #7 – Supergirl fights the Worldkillers and it’s all a set up for Doomsday to eventually show up.  The art is great but story flimsy.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Thunderbolts #171 – Songbird goes on vacation and of course that goes wrong.  The story is very meh, but I guess the point was to get Songbird to a certain point in her powers….

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Uncanny X-Men #9 – There’s an escape of aliens that make an otherwise boring day exciting, except the writing is bad, the dialogue laughable.  The art is decent though.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Wolverine #303 – The battle between the Hand and Yakuza wages on in what I can only assume is a way to shake some things up when it comes to those entities in the Marvel universe.  The story is ok, but I hate hate hate hate hate the switching of the art in the different chapters.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Wonder Woman #7 – Wonder Woman prepares for a trip to Hell and meets Eros and finds out a truth about the Amazons and any boys born.  The story is ok, but not quite the quality we’ve seen from the series, depicting men as victims instead of strong women.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

X-Factor #233 – The team thinks Jamie is dead so they’re out doing some work for Val and Havok is in charge.  The series veers from it’s usually noir feel with more of an action story, but the writing is solid as always.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5

I haven’t been catching up in my reading as much as I’d like… but I’m putting a big effort in this week…

Avengers #22 – Osborn’s actions are noticed by more than just the media.  The President has to get in on the action and decide how he’ll react to Osborn’s rise.  There’s some solid stuff here, but the political end of things falls flat.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Avenging Spider-Man #4 – Spidey and Hawkeye team up for a pretty decent story.  It’s a nice self-contained issue, but the art isn’t quite up to snuff.  Not bad, just not great.

Story: 7.25 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Batman #6 – Batman’s battle with Talon and Court of Owls continues.  So freaking good.  Scott Snyder’s writing and Greg Capullo’s art is a team up from heaven.  Amazing stuff.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Captain Atom #6 – A man or a rat?  And does it matter?  Captain Atom fights the being and contemplates how he was experimented on and became what he is.  On top of that we’re flash forwarded twenty years to one hell of an event.  The series is very good, I just wish more people recognized that.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Daredevil #9 – Daredevil is going to take on the Mole Man, for some reason.  The issue is solid, especially because of the art and how it plays with what Daredevil sees with his radar and what really awaits him.  There’s a reason that Waid’s series has gotten so much praise.  This is a perfect example.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

DC Universe Presents: Challengers of the Unknown #6 – There’s something old school about the issue and series, but I really don’t have much interest in the story.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Fables #114 – There’s a lot of stories going on here.  The Northwind training continues, there’s the story of a demented evil toy, folks check out Castle Dark and then there’s the revolution in Oz.  So much going on and some is good and some gets the short shaft.  Still, a solid series that always pays off.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Fear Itself: The Fearless #9 – We get a better sense of Valkyrie is up to, but as a whole, the series is a bit boring and rather long.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Generation Hope #16 – Kenji and others plot against Hope…. I actually hope they kill her.  Such a wasted character.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Green Lantern Corps. #6 – The Lanterns take on an army and Stewart makes a tough choice to save Oa.  There’s some items here that’s likely to have long term impact for the series and Corps.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

The Invincible Iron Man #513 – Stark and War Machine fight to protect the Chinese and Stark realises he’s caught in something bigger as it becomes clear to him that Stane and Mandarin have teamed up.  But, it’s that last page that made me smile as we get a hint as to what’s to come.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

The New Avengers #21 – The other part of Osborn’s plan.  We see him take on Cage’s team and I have to say a Wolverine vs. Clor fight is pretty damn cool.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Nightwing #6 – Dick learns who Saiko is as a benefit performance for his parents takes place.  The story is ok, but overall, the story hasn’t hooked me quite as it did in the beginning.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Supergirl #6 – Anyone else feel like this whole Worldkiller thing is a bit too much like Doomsday?  There’s some solid stuff here, but overall the story is so-so.  I really wish the series focused again on Supergirl discovering her new world and figuring things out instead of this distraction.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Thunderbolts #170 – The team escapes and there’s a glimpse of the future.  The story is ok, but I’m not a huge fan of the time travel device.  It’s a bit better of an issue than the last few.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Ultimate Comics X-Men #7 – The issue is ok and I’m sure there’s much more to it for long time readers.  The story plays a lot in what came before this current volume and for new readers, there’s just nothing there to really hook you or make you care about it.  There’s something about Pietro’s actions, but what comes after is meh.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7

Uncanny X-Men #7 – The fight in Tabula Rasa continues and a lot happens, not much I really care about.  The follow up to the events in Uncanny X-Force has been a big disappointment.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Venom #13.2 – The team takes on the denizens of hell.  The story is drawn out and some of the art is great, but overall, this could have been a two or three part story.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Winter Soldier #2 – The story involving sleeper agents and a gorilla wearing a jet pack and machine gun is fun and entertaining, but the art, while solid, is also a bit hectic, making it difficult to figure out all of the action like a movie with too shaky a camera.  Overall a decent series, but there’s something not quite clicking from the usual quality I’d expect from a Brubaker book.

Story: 8 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8

Wolverine #301 – Wolverine continues to fight the Hand… again… and Sabretooth is there.  The art keeps switching in the issue, which actually hurts the book.  The story is ok, but nothing special.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Wonder Woman #6 – So much going on, just so much.  Something isn’t clicking for me.  The series is interesting but there’s just something I’m not following.  A shame, because the series started so clear and was so good….

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

X-Factor #232 – Madrox’s journey ends, thankfully.  Can’t say I was a fan of that storyline.  But that ending could be interesting, or not….

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

A clip from “Super Best Friends Forever” from Cartoon Network‘s DC Nation block starring Supergirl, Batgirl and Wonder Girl.

It’s new comic book day already!  What’s everyone getting?

Around the Blogs:

Den of Geek – Ghost Rider, The Walking Dead, and creative ownership in comics - Pretty solid read.

io9 – How My Little Pony’s Lauren Faust will make you love Batgirl and Supergirl all over again - Will Brony’s follow?

USA Today – Rare comics collection could fetch $2M at auction – I doubt mine would bring in $200.

GeekWeek – GREEN ARROW TV Pilot Gets Green Light – But will it be any good?

GeekWeek – Snikt! THE WOLVERINE Gets a Release Date – But will it be any good?

The Mary Sue – Everybody Asked Kate Beaton How to Make it in Comics, Here’s Some of What She Said – A good read with some great advice.

Getting closer to being caught up with reviews….

Avenging Spider-Man #3 - So much fun and entertaining.  The art is fantastic and the story got me laughing.  If this is what all Spider-Man comics are like I definitely am missing something.  Everything clicks here.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

the Avengers #21 - Norman Osborn takes on this team as well and kicks the crap out of them.  Not a stand alone issue, it’s just a small sliver of the bigger story.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Batman #5 -  The story has Batman captured by the Court of Owls and he’s being broken down mentally.  The story is interesting, but mix it with the presentation and you have the best single issue so far this year.  Absolutely amazing in it’s presentation and package.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Captain Atom #5 - Captain Atom is struggling with who he is and what he can do.  He flies around and fights a thing.  The art is still solid, but the story is not quite as good as previous issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Chew #23 – As usual, the comic had me roaring with laughter.  So twisted and so entertaining at the same time.  There’s so much win in this one issue.  One of the most unique comics on the market and a must read for everyone every month.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Daredevil #8 -

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

DC Universe Presents: Deadman #5 – Deadman stands up for himself and holds all the cards.  Will he be able to get out of the quests he must live through?  The story is a decent ending, but overall, not sure what I think of the series as a whole.  I think I’d rather have an anthology with shorter stories.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.75

Fables #113 – Speaking of short stories…. this one has a bunch of lessons to be learned with various short stories acting as the entertainment.  It’s a break from the usual plot line, but that takes away from a rather complicated story.  It’s a not needed distraction from the usual story.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Generation Hope #15 – Hope is standing up for Sebastian Shaw as others on the island don’t really like that there’s some mutants who are treated better than others.  Overall, an ok issue.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Fear Itself: The Fearless #7 – A lot of fighting and a big twist I didn’t see coming.  Now I’m interested in seeing where this goes.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Green Lantern Corps. #5 – We get the story behind the Keepers as Guy puts together a team to take them on.  Lots going on in the Green Lantern world and a lot of history being revealed.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

The Invincible Iron Man #512 – Tony is dealing with his issues as so many people are out to get him.  On top of that a war is breaking out he needs to help stop.  The series isn’t quite as good as it was pre-Fear Itself, but it’s still damn good.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Moon Knight #9 – Moon Knight takes on a big baddie as his mind continues to shatter.  It’s awesome cutting back and forth between the fight and his preparation and that ending is awesome.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

New Mutants #36 – The team fights a being from another world and I yawn.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Nightwing #5 – Um, what the hell did I read.  There’s some ok stuff, but the story with a demon falls flat.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Supergirl #5 – Supergirl heads to Krypton to get answers.  The story is ok, and doesn’t have quite the emotional impact it should, but there’s some great art at points.  There’s definite quality here, it’s a series that’s trying to find it’s role right now.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Superior #7 – And that’s the end.  With one hell of a fight scene and a rather touching post fight wrap up, Mark Millar shows he doesn’t have to dip to the lowest level to tell a good story.  The series is great and I can’t wait to see this on the big screen, should be one hell of a movie because it’s one hell of a comic.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Thunderbolts #169 – The team is now in Camelot times.  The story is ok, but there’s something about the time travel arc that just doesn’t click with me.  The story is good, I’d imagine many will like it, but I’d rather have them in the present and move on with the story of the team dealing with their being on the run.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #6 – I still dig this series as Miles Morales deals with being the new Spider-Man.  His uncle heads to Mexico and there’s a lot of foreshadowing.  The art takes a dip, but the story and the enthusiasm that oozes from it is so much fun.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8.25

Uncanny X-Force #20 – Hmmm, so much I want to praise and so much wrong.  The series is very much deep in “X” continuity with a concept only hardcore fans will enjoy.  The story has Fantomex put on trial and the team needing to go save him in Otherworld.  There’s a lot that’s good, the team interaction and ideas, and lots that’s wrong, the story is a bit muddled.  Not a good start for the next story arc.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Men #5 – The fallout from Archangel’s decent into madness is being investigated and there’s a lot that’s interesting here.  The art doesn’t fit at times, nor does some of the characters’ statements.  It’s good though, better than what’s come before.  That ending was interesting, not sure what to expect.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Venom #12 – We find out what Venom is supposed to steal and he loses his shit when it becomes clear.  Lots of fighting all to get him to a different spot and in Vegas.  We’ll see where the next arc takes him, this one started out solid, but ended a bit flat.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Wonder Woman #5 – What the hell did I just read?  The story is off, the art is off.  Something just didn’t sit right with me this issue.  Not the best it’s been in the past.  I know this creative team can do better, we’ve seen it in the four previous issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

It’s a new week and my vow is to catch up on the backlog of reviews I have….

Around the Blogs:

ComicBook.com – My Fellow Americans! Memorable Comic Book Presidents and Candidates – I wish I knew enough comics to put together a solid list.

Bleeding Cool – Rob Liefeld And Robert Kirkman Kill The Infinite Over Creative Differences – Thank fucking god.

GE Reports – How GE Turned to Comic Books to Hook Young Engineering Talent – Pretty interesting piece of history.

ICv2 – Origins Shifts Dates for 2013 – Is this a good show to go to?

Kotaku – Sunday Comics: What’s Your Favorite Activity? – Each week Kotaku posts up some great web comics.

Around the Tubes Reviews:

CBR – Avenging Spider-Man #3

CBR – Supergirl #5

CBR – Thunderbolts #169

It’s the second last week of comics for the year.  What was worth it?  Find out below!  A bit late, but better than never.

Avengers #20 – Osborn and his band have come out of the woodwork and get the Avengers off their game.  As they attempt to kick up some leads, Osborn has some other plans.  The story is really just a sliver of what’s going on as there’s more in the other Avengers title.  Overall though, it feels like a solid threat for them to face and it’s pretty entertaining so far.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Batman #4 – Bruce and Dick have a conversation and we learn some earlier detective work Bruce did concerning the Court of Owls.  Overall, these first four issues are a solid start and mystery that seems worthy of Batman and it’s a nice beginning for new and old fans alike.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

The Bionic Man #5 – It’s a new Bionic Man for a new century and Steve Austin has a whole new bag of tricks.  Austin also meets his nemesis.  It’s Bionic Man 1.0 versus Bionic Man 2.0, fight!  The action is great, tech is cool, story and art top notch.  I was never a big fan of the television show, but Kevin Smith and Phil Hester have done here like they’ve done for the Green Hornet, got me interested in an updated and fun property.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Captain Atom #4 – Captain Atom still attempts to figure out his role and tries on a military one for a bit.  There’s also a bad guy moving around, looks like we have the first villain, whatever it is.  The series is unique and I think amazing to look at.  The art and coloring is so cool.  Definitely a series I’m happy came out of DC’s shake up.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Daken: Dark Wolverine #18 – Daken seeks out the Runaways for help as the series begins to wind down.  Daken’s battle with Roston continues, but the art seems to have dropped a bit.  Sad this series never really took off, because when it was firing on all cylinders it was quite good.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Daredevil #7 – It’s a Christmas issue as Daredevil takes some kids out on a field trip, but of course that can’t go right.  The art is fantastic and story pretty good.  It’s a good single issue to check out to see what the buzz is all about.  Mark Waid has made this one of the top series that Marvel is putting out.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

DC Universe Presents: Deadman #4 – Boston Brand wants to know the point of it all and to figure that out he has a chat with the Son of the Morningstar.  This issue is one long philosophical debate about the meaning of life, death and our relationship to God.  If you’re interested in those things, it’s a top notch issue that leaves you with more questions.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Fables #112 – In this Christmas theme issue, Rose Red must decide what type of avatar of hope she’s to become as she travels around A Christmas Carol style.  There’s a lot set up here in an issue that for most would just seem like a holiday tie-in.  The series is a slow build, and the latest arc is just getting under way.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Fantastic Four #601 – Wow, this issue puts the epic in galactic.  The Kree decide to annihilate Earth, the Inhumans are pissed and Johnny Storm is in control of the Annihilation Wave.  Jonathan Hickman has been leading up to this for what seems to be like years and it’s been completely worth it.  Absolutely jaw dropping and exciting.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Fear Itself: The Fearless #5 – Um, that was a bit easy.  Crossbones gets yet another hammer, this one was ridiculously easy to get.  The follow up to Marvel’s stinker even Fear Itself, is turning out not much better.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Generation Hope #14 – The team finds Sebastian Shaw and fight some really random enemy that’s not fleshed out at all.  It might have been just better to have them find the “new light” and deal with Pakastani military, especially with what’s going on.  Overall, just ok.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Green Lanterns Corps. #4 – The Corps. has had to retreat and try to figure out what they’re up against when a being decides to help them out.  Looks like this enemy might be part of a much bigger storyline.  Can’t say I dig the eventual reveal as to what they sort of are, but it’s all pretty interesting.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

the Invincible Iron Man #511 – All hell is breaking loose for Stark.  It’s gotten out about his drinking, he’s dealing with getting the crap beat out of him and Stark Resilient is under assault as well.  Matt Fraction keeps up the heat and the series is running strong after it’s slight distraction from Marvel’s summer event.  He’s used that to make Stark’s life even crazier and set up more obstacles for him.  Just excellent.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Justice League #4 – The team continues to get together as Cyborg gets rolling.  It’s just a slice of the bigger story and doesn’t stand on it’s own, but there’s a lot here to enjoy.  Darkseid makes his appearance and we learn their goal (but can’t say I generally like it).  The team dynamic is getting there though.  As a single issue, it’s a skip if you haven’t read the previous three but it’s good as part of the bigger storyline.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

New Mutants #35 – It’s the New Mutants versus a band with powers.  Um yeah… can’t say the series is getting me really pumped.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Nightwing #4 – Barbara Gordon pays a visit to Dick and they take on a bad guy trying to sell some microchips.  The story is ok, but it’s really about the interaction with Babs and Dick.  The rest you can skip.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Supergirl #4 – Supergirl is captured and is still figuring out her new world and powers.  The story is pretty good to start off the series and the fish out of water aspect is a nice twist.  She doesn’t know who Superman is, what happened to her world or why she’s on Earth, all of it creates a mystery that’s entertaining and makes me want to stick around.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5 – An interesting story that flashes back and forth between the modern day and feudal Japan.  The stories I guess are tied together, but I don’t quite pick it up.  There’s also a nice Christmas theme about it all as well, with the Turtles finally getting something we’ve been waiting to see.  A perfect jumping on point for new folks.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Thunderbolts #167 – The Thunderbolts, through time!  I’m just not feeling this storyline, though their arc dealing with Jack the Ripper is done with.  There’s nothing bad about the comic, but can’t say I’m really enjoying it either.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #5 – Miles is wearing Peter’s costume and some folks think that’s a bit disrespectful.  It’s Miles Morales versus Nick Fury, Spider-Woman, Hawkeye and Iron Man… sort of.  The group has to decide what to do with the new Spider-Man and Fury has a bit of a chat.  I’ll admit by the end I had a smile on my face.  Instead of disrespecting what’s come before Miles and writer Brian Michael Bendis are honoring what’s come before.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Uncanny X-Force #19 – With the epic story closed, where does X-Force go from here.  There’s Genesis to deal with and that leads to Logan and Hank having a tense conversation.  There’s also now a goal for X-Force.  It’s going to be the fighting force to make sure the kids don’t have to.  Through evil deeds, good may come.  There’s also the question as to why Fantomex did what he did.  That’s discussed and turns pretty interesting as well.  Rick Remender has given us the best “X” series hands down.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Venom #11 – Hmm, that was certainly interesting.  Jack O’Lantern and Venom are doing the comic book version of a buddy road trip and a good chunk of the comic has the two of them in a diner.  That’s the part that just blew me away.  Discussion of Jack O’Lantern’s origin is just twisted and that ending made my jaw drop.  This is a solid issue when it slows down and focuses on the characters and what makes them.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Wolverine #20 – Wait, what the hell just happened?  How is HE back!?

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Wolverine & the X-Men #3 – The team continues to fight Krakoa and Sauron and Wendigo as the Hellfire Club watches.  The issue is kinetic fun and just over the top.  I found myself laughing and enjoying the action.  The characters are fun and entertaining.  Out of the two factions now the “X” series has split, Wolverine’s has the edge.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Wonder Woman #4 – Wonder Woman gets away and Hera pays a visit to Paradise Island.  It’s all very interesting backed up with some fantastic artwork.  Wonder Woman has become one of the best series of DC’s new 52.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Factor #229 – Um, what the hell is going on?  Looks like Madrox is being pulled to different worlds as other versions of himself dies.  It could be interesting or it could make no sense, like it does right now.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-23 #19 – The art is absolutely fantastic, story… not so much.

Story: 6.5 Art: 9 Overall: 7

A thick stack of books this week.  We’re coming up on the end of the year, what’s going to make our best of list?  There’s only a few weeks left for comics to qualify.  Find out if any of this week’s comics stand a chance below.

The Avengers #19 – This continues the transition as we find out who is going to be a member of the new Avengers team.  Unfortunately, while there’s a lot of discussion of who might be on, we’re not given tons of reason of the why.  The team though seems interesting.  The other focus is Osborn’s escape.  There’s a twist at the end as well that I didn’t expect, that’ was pretty damn interesting.  Overall a ho-hum issue that looks to set up a decent upcoming story arc.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Avengers Academy #22 – With the academy on the West coast close to Utopia it was only a matter time before Cyclops, Magneto and others paid a visit.  That’s happened sooner than later with a rather silly fight breaking out.  The issue could have had some great emotional impact with Magneto’s seeing Quicksilver, but a needless fight just dilutes the situation and makes it rather eye rolling.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Batman #3 – We’re dragged further into what exactly the Talon is and what it has to do with Bruce’s relatives.  It feels like a bit of a stretch as far as the family connection, but I like the pacing and some of the ways the story is laid out.  The art is fantastic as well.  Out of all of the lines DC has, the Bat one is definitely the strongest and this series is a good example of that.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

The Bionic Man #4 – I’m not sure if the “we can rebuild” it refers to the actual making of the Bionic Man or Kevin Smith and Phil Hester’s ability to breath new life into this franchise.  The build up is fantastic and there’s tons of winks and nods throughout the comic, including why the nu-nu-nu happened anytime Steve Austin does something.  There’s a lot of explanation of the process which makes it seem that much more plausible and adds a bit of realism (especially that the writers have thought it through).  The series has been a slow start and it’s taken four issues to get to this point, but it’s well worth.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Captain America #4 – Cap is still stuck in the dream world as we get to see some of the bigger plan as well as the motivation.  The issue is interesting, but there’s too much “Inception” in it without really using that movie’s landscape bending abilities.  The story is decent, but it actually doesn’t go far enough to show us the entertainment that a world without rules could be.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Captain Atom #3 – Some amazing philosophical questions are thrown out there as far as Captain Atom’s powers and his ability to “play god.”  What should he do?  What’s the difference between his actions and miracles?  That’s all thrown out there.  Also, he meets up with the Flash in Libya dealing with that situation.  DC promised heroes dealing with real world situations and it looks like they’re doing just that.  An amazing issue.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Deadman #3 – Really this is Quantum Leap in comic book form, but there’s certain parts of this issue that are heart wrenching.  The comic has an emotional impact and it’ll be interesting to see this story arc through completion.  So far so good in what’s been one of the standout series of the DC relaunch.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Fear Itself #7.3 – During Fear Itself, what happened in Paris opened up a storyline that could have been explored for years.  Unfortunately, in this one issue, that pretty big act has been undone.  That’s the bad part.  The good part is that Tony decides to see the Grey Gargoyle and discuss what it is to be a God and what happened.  That part is an interesting conversation.  Overall, hopefully we see the PTSD impact I’d expect from what Tony has gone through and here’s to some decent stories in the future even if the horrific act committed is undone with a flick of the wrist.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Fear Itself: The Fearless #3 – Generally not feeling this twelve issue limited series that follows the chase for the hammers left on Earth.  The story is meh and there’s some poor attempts to tie in the past and the present.  The follow up mini-series is of the same quality as the event that proceeded it.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Generation Hope #13 – The series has only glimpsed what it could be in the short year it’s been around.  I haven’t praised the series too much and with this first issue of it’s new creative team it also shows what could be.  The art is improved in spots, but is still inconsistent.  The story is also inconsistent.  I’m sticking with the series in hopes it sees improvement, but so far I’m weary.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Green Hornet #19 – This is the first issue I haven’t liked a whole lot.  We learn the origin of the Red Hand and the way he’s defeated is meh.  Something is off with this issue, both in story and the art.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Green Lantern Corps. #3 – It’s a last stand as the team dispatched to fight a mysterious enemy hold out for the cavalry to arrive.  The story is interesting, but it’s a small part of a larger story.  The larger story is really a draw, this one issue doesn’t stand on it’s own.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Justice League #3 – Darkseid is looming as the team continues to gather.  There’s an interesting dynamic going on and I can’t say I’m a fan of all of the depictions of the characters, but overall the series is pretty damn solid and gives the feel of that big story you’d want and expect.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

New Mutants #34 – The team begins to settle down and see what a normal life is like, but at the same time they’re on the lookout for Blink who is hopping around where strange weather phenomena are occurring.  The issue is interesting and series has potential, but I remain skeptical to see if it ever finds it’s own voice.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Nightwing #3 – Hmm, it’s interesting to see them try to flesh out Dick’s life in the circus, and it’s interesting to see where the series goes, but the idea of a killer going after Dick, for something, just doesn’t seem to jarring to really get me excited.  These first three issues have been one big set up.  We’ll see what’s actually used going forward after this arc wraps up.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

The Punisher #5 – An interesting issue that’s supposed to make you think of what a soldier doing their duty is.  It could stand on it’s own, but is a follow up to the previous issue.  The story takes place 100 days since his ass whooping and the Punisher is on the mend healing his wounds.  Not the best of the series, but not too bad either.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Supergirl #3 – Kara is still getting acclimated to her new world as Superman attempts to give her the rundown.  We also get to find out who the bad guy is.  It all really doesn’t have much interest in me.  What does seem interesting is Supergirl’s learning of her new world and coming to grips with her new reality and the fantastic art.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

Thunderbolts #165 – Generally an enjoyable comic, but there’s something missing about it.  I generally don’t like time travel stories, and this is really just that.  Overall, not bad, but not great.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Ultimate Comics X-Men #3 – Stryker continues his plan as the X-Men are on the run and the team begins to form up a bit.  It’s all very interesting, enough to make me want to go back and see everything I’ve missed.  Overall, this has the danger and excitement that’s been missing from the 616 X-Men for some time.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Venom #9 – The emotional trauma has been building up for some time and a villain attempts to take advantage of the chaos post Spider-Island.  During the crime spree he kills a few pedestrians which sends Venom over the edge.  The series has a nice feel of a man living on the edge which I hope it plays up more as it gets back to standing on it’s own.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

The Walking Dead #91 – It feels like the usual calm before the storm.  The group is dealing with winter and dwindling supplies as Carl learns to live with his injury.  Tensions are mounting and I’m sure it’ll explode into something big knowing Kirkman.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Wonder Woman #3 – We get the truth about Wonder Woman and her lineage as some Amazon’s aren’t too happy with what’s occurred.  The first three issues have been interesting, setting up the new status quo.  The art is fantastic and overall this series is one of the better DC is putting out there.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

X-Factor #227 – Lots of fighting, kind of silly, but that was an interesting ending….

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

X-Men #21 – A small nation is gathering Sentinel technology to defend itself from anything.  That’s interesting but would be even better if compared with the right of Utopia to protect itself.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

X-23 #17 – Laura gets a call from the Future Foundation, to babysit.  The story is cute and fun, but it’s the art that stands out, back to the anime inspired look we saw a few arcs ago.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

A week behind in comics, but I’ll be caught up with reviews this weekend.  What stands out?  What’s not worth the read?  Find out below!

The Avengers #18 – The battle is over and Avengers Tower has fallen, so everyone has gathered in the mansion.  There’s also a back story about a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.  That’s all that really happens.  The cover asks who will be a part of the Avengers, and it’s not answered in this issue.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Batman #2 – A pretty solid second issue.  There’s a nice mystery here and we still don’t quite know who or what the villain is.  Unfortunately, an interesting character is done away with and part of the comic stretches belief a bit, but an entertaining comic.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

The Bionic Man #3 – Steve Austin is a broken man and an offer is made to him that’ll change his life.  But, the world thinks he’s dead and he wishes he was.  The series isn’t as straight as the original and seems that it will focus a bit on a man whose life is shattered and has to deal with not being the man he once was.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Captain Atom #2 – This second issue gives us a bit of the origin for Captain Atom and we learn a little bit more about his powers.  I like how the issue slows it down a bit having the character taking on a very real opponent instead of some grand villain.  It’s a quieter issue for the series and I think it actually improves upon the first.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

DC Universe Presents #2 – The second issue sees Deadman attempting to figure out what the hell is going on and what his mission is.  Not quite as good as the first issue and I can’t say I was a big fan of the denizens of the club he visits, but I like the overall direction of the comic.  An interesting take on the character and fun to see a non-superhero comic be a part of DC’s new 52.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Fables #110 – The debate as to who will be the next North Wind continues as the other three winds plot about how to handle the situation.  Meanwhile a revolution is brewing in Oz as more and more allies join the team.  The series has a lot going on, and I can’t help but feel what’s going on in Oz isn’t similar to things we’ve seen before.  Still, an excellent series.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Fear Itself #7 – The final issue of the main story would work much better as an animated movie with such action, but it’s the numerous endings that steals any emotional impact at all.  This isn’t really an ending at all, but the beginning of what comes next.  For such an event, it feels hollow in a way as it just leads into an even longer story.  No real conclusion steals any impact that might have been had.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: The Fearless #1 – The first of the series to spin out of Fear Itself picks up right where the event ended with the decision as to what to do with the hammers being made, others would disagree or try to gain them.  Interestingly enough, this first issue is better than the series it spun out of.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Fear Itself: The Homefront #7 – Generally forgettable, the final pages to Speedball’s story is ok, and the last story is actually pretty decent, but overall this miniseries, like so many tied into Fear Itself, wasn’t a must read and added little to the overall storyline.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #6 – That last little bit with Prodigy was awesome, really funny.  The rest of the comic, especially Thor Girl’s bit, what the hell!?  Especially Thor Girl’s part!  I’m just totally confused.

Story: 6 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.25

Green Lantern Corps. #2 – Looks like Guy and his team have bumped up against a bunch of other folks who use willpower.  The story is pretty crazy and entertaining and that ending was really solid.  It seems quite a few of the DC revamp second issues haven’t lived up to the first, but this one remains solid.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Invincible Iron Man #509 – The back story of how the heroes got their weapons from Odin ends here and that part is forgettable.  What’s great is Tony struggling with his drinking and what happens to Pepper.  Not as solid as past issues, but the story works, even if it’s tied into Fear Itself and that’s primarily due to it’s focus on the human aspect of it all.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Journey Into Mystery #629 – The first half of the story I wasn’t the biggest fan of but the end where Loki discusses what he’s done and what the reaction might be is fantastic.  I can’t say I’ve gushed over the series, but I’ve really appreciated it’s style and what it’s doing.  Now that it no longer has to deal with Fear Itself, I’m expecting some big things.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Justice League #2 – The team is still coming together and I can’t say the character portrayals is all that good.  Superman is still a dick and Batman like a dad, but Green Lantern and The Flash have a nice thing going and hints there’s been interaction before.  The story slowly is revealed and it’s ok.  If this is the lynchpin of the new DCU, it still needs some help.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

Nightwing #2 – Nightwing/Dick Grayson seems to be getting back to his roots with the circus in this series.  It’s nice to see him getting pulled back to that and that makes him unique from Batman.  I’m not quite totally sure where the series is going, but so far so good.  I really like Dick being the playboy he should be, there’s something fun about his version of it, like you get a sense he’s having fun versus Bruce’s brooding.  Not great, but an entertaining second issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Superboy #2 – An interesting second issue, what might keep me going with the series is it’s tie in with the Teen Titans.  I really like Superboy’s attitude and what they’re setting the character up as, but the rest is meh.  I feel like I’ve seen it before.  It’s all interesting, and the question of where it’s going may keep me around, but none of it is totally original or stands out.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Supergirl #2 – We learn Kara/Supergirl’s connection to Superman, but not the why she’s now on Earth.  I’m digging the story.  Her reaction seems natural and there’s a slow progression I dig.  This is a series I’ll be sticking with for a bit I think, cause I really like what I’ve read so far.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Superior #7 – Become a super hero at the cost of your soul, that’s all one handicapped kid has to do to become god-like.  This second to last issue is utterly fantastic in the type of series Mark Millar should constantly be writing.  There’s a few holy shit moments and some great personal ones as well.  Beyond top notch.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #3 – Hawkeye and his team assault the two cities.  There’s some cool moments, but this third issue isn’t quite as tight as the first two.  Still, entertaining.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Men #544 – A pretty solid look back at the X-Men with some great interaction and discussions between various folks.  There’s also a lot of hints as to what’s to come as we see the next villain the X-Men will face.  A bitter sweet end.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Wolverine #17 – Ok, now this is the type of Wolverine story I like.  Before heading back East, there’s still some things Wolverine needs to take care of in Chinatown.  A great mix of humor, action and a touch of heart.  After a few arcs of Wolvie I haven’t enjoyed, it seems we’re getting something I can finally get behind.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Wonder Woman #2 – We’re given a story about Wonder Woman’s origin, but I’m not convinced that’s the whole story.  Overall, a really entertaining second issue that has this series standing out as one of the best of the DC relaunch.  Great art and a solid story.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Factor #226 – The team is back in all of their entertaining form.  Great banter and interaction and some things I wasn’t expecting.  After a few issues that seemed very off in tone the team is back on track it’d seem.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5