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For the Looking Forward column this week we turn our high-powered microscope toward DC Comics, once home to the Original Universe, now home to the New 52. The month of February looks to be pretty good for the publisher; we’ve got some new beginnings, some endings and, in this case, the beginning of an end…
SCALPED #56
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by R. M. Guera
The searing final arc starts here in "Trail’s End" part one. Beginning months after last issue’s shocking finale, we pick up with the citizens of the Prairie Rose Rez, some of whom have found a peace they never could have imagined, while others are in more trouble than ever – with at least one person plotting his next move from behind bars.
We’ve called Scalped many things over the past few years. "The best comic of the year," "The best comic ever," "The most well-constructed comic ever," "Like no other comic out there," and on and on. A never-ending stream of accolades. But, simply put, we love it and we’ll be sad to see it go. Can’t wait to see what Jason Aaron has up his sleeve for this final arc.
BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #1
Written by Adam Beechen & Various
Art by Norm Breyfogle & Various
A new era begins with the debut of the oversized, monthly Batman Beyond Unlimited, featuring the print debut of the new Justice League Beyond!
In the Batman Beyond chapter, legendary Batman artist Norm Breyfogle returns to draw the Dark Knight of the future with best-selling writer Adam Beechen. In "10,000 Clowns," an onslaught of new Jokerz is plaguing Gotham City – and the implications of this chaotic clown menace could have disastrous consequences for Terry McGinnis and Bruce Wayne!
And the debut of the Justice League Beyond is here, courtesy of the Batman: Streets of Gotham art team of Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs, as the first two digital-first chapters are available in print for the first time! Batman Beyond 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 the team work together to combat this threat?
Batman Beyond has always had a pretty devoted following and this series looks to take it up a notch. That notch being the "Unlimited" notch. But seriously, it does sound pretty cool. A solid creative line-up and the debut of Justice League Beyond!
The next two books here are both bring their story arcs to a close. For Justice League #6, it looks like they’ve finally gotten the band together in its entirety and have to turn their collective power on the one and only Darkseid! So far, the series has been excellent — the only complaints really being its pace. The other conclusion occurs in Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #5, which brings to a close one of the darkest Batman tales we’ve ever read. It’s been outstanding and we’re anxious to see how it ends!
JUSTICE LEAGUE #6
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Jim Lee
The Justice League is united at last against Darkseid! The awesome consequences of this high-stakes battle will resonate within the series for years to come! Geoff Johns and Jim Lee end their historic first arc with a bang!
PENGUIN PAIN AND PREJUDICE #5 (OF 5)
Written by Gregg Hurwitz
Art by Szymon Kudranski
In the finale of Gregg Hurwitz and Szymon Kudranski’s miniseries exploring the motivations of one of Batman’s most peculiar foes, the ultimate revenge plot explodes into action. The lives of Gotham City’s children are on the line, and The Dark Knight will have to race the clock to save them. But can Batman save them all? Find out in this unnerving conclusion!
There are a few other titles bringing their first arcs to a close, too — like Green Lantern Corps and I, Vampire — so stay tuned next month for the lowdown on some NEW story arcs!
BATWOMAN #6
Written by J. H. Williams, Haden Blackman
Art by J. H. Williams
Artist Amy Reeder and inker Richard Friend join the Batwoman team with this new arc, as the epic "To Drown the World" begins!
Six lives, inextricably linked in the past and present, each on a collision course with the others: Batwoman, fighting for duty and vengeance against a threat of arcane power. Detective Maggie Sawyer, investigating a case that could end her career. DEO Agent Cameron Chase, commanding a vigilante she despises. Colonel Jacob Kane, clutching at a life that’s slipping away. Maro, a new villain corrupting Gotham City. And Kate Kane, wrestling with decisions that will test her loyalties.
Speaking of new story arcs, here comes one in Batwoman #6! We’ve been chastised for not giving this series enough love, but it actually has been good and Rusty even gave the fourth issue a nomination this week and I’m giving it a shout here for a new story. Dear squeaky wheels: consider yourselves greased! Ha.
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