Debuting with this month’s Zero issues from DC Comics (about which we’ll post more later today) are four brand new ongoing titles, comprising what is essentially the Third Wave of New 52 titles! These include TALON, SWORD OF SORCERY, TEAM 7 and PHANTOM STRANGER. Of these comics, Talon is the one that’s most closely associated with the current New 52 line-up (as the titular character hails from the Batman Night of the Owls story), but all four sound promising. And this week in particular sees the release of Phantom Stranger #0!

PHANTOM STRANGER #0

Written by Dan DiDio
Art by Brent Anderson, Scott Hanna

Learn what happened to The Phantom Stranger after the FREE COMIC BOOK DAY story, and how he is responsible for the creation of The Spectre! And what else has he done that may have sealed the fate of the entire DC Universe? Major players in The New 52 will be introduced in these pages!

As I said a little while back, I honestly can’t remember what happened in the Free Comic Book Day story, so if anyone wants to fill me in please do so in the comments! At any rate, I’ve always liked the Phantom Stranger as a character so I’ll definitely be reading this. And hasn’t his origin always been somewhat of a mystery? Perhaps we’ll find out more in these pages.

More about the other titles after the jump!

Continue reading »

This Wednesday sees the beginning of DC Comics’ New 52 "Second Wave"! Four new titles are being released, with a couple more still to come, and they will be replacing the six cancelled titles (Men of War, Mister Terrific, OMAC, Static Shock, Hawk and Dove and Blackhawks). Some titles and creative talent you’ve definitely heard of, while some you may not have heard of. We’ll start with what is possibly the most anticipated one of the group — Earth 2 #1 — and then move on from there!

EARTH TWO #1

Written by James Robinson
Art by Nicola Scott, Trevor Scott

First issue of an ongoing series from writer James Robinson and artist Nicola Scott! Who are the heroes of Earth 2 – and what befell them? Starring Alan Scott, Jay Garrick and many others! You may think you know Earth 2… but this is DC Comics – The New 52, where anything can happen! Don’t miss the extra-sized debut issue!

One of the biggest buzz books of the Second Wave, this is a complete reboot of the Earth 2 concept by writer James Robinson! But, for those of you are are expecting the Justice Society, Robinson warns: this ain’t that! It’s Earth Two, with a whole different cast of characters.

WORLDS FINEST #1

Written by Paul Levitz
Art by George Perez & Various

New ongoing series featuring Power Girl and Huntress of Earth 2! Paul Levitz teams with amazing artists George Perez and Kevin Maguire. Discover why these two heroes are stranded on our Earth – and what it means for the heroes of the DC Universe.

Speaking of Earth 2, looks like the main DCU Earth will have a couple guests from there in World’s Finest in the form of Power Girl and Huntress! I didn’t know this until a few moments ago but apparently writer (and former DC Comics President) Paul Levitz actually created Huntress many years ago. And, though she appears to have a costume I’m not familiar with, it’s always nice to see Power Girl.

DIAL H #1

Written by China Mieville
Art by Mateus Santolouco

A brand new series by bestselling and Hugo award winning novelist China Mieville! What would happen if you discovered the H Dial, an unbelievably powerful artifact that turned you into a super hero? And what if you found out that the world is threatened by this very device that’s become your uncontrollable obsession? These are just the first questions asked in this thrilling and inventive storyline that introduces the strangest super heroes and super villains in the DCU while exploring the boundaries of reality!

Dial H is an old school DC series, which detailed the adventures of a guy who could get superpowers simply by dialing H-E-R-O on a mysterious phone dial. We’ve seen it come and go in various forms — most recently in J. Michael Straczynski’s Brave and the Bold — and bringing it to the New 52 is science fiction writer China Mieville. I’ve read one of his books (Embassytown), and if that’s any indication this will definitely be one of the more unusual titles in the DC lineup.

GI COMBAT #1

Written by JT Krul & Various
Art by Ariel Olivetti, Dan Panosian

First issue of an ongoing series! Featuring the first chapter of "War That Time Forgot" written by JT Krul and with art by Ariel Olivetti… and dinosaurs! Plus: The first chapter of "Unknown Soldier" by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Dan Panosian focuses on all-out war in Afghanistan!

Honestly, I have no idea what to make of this one! Let me direct you to a piece writer JT Krul wrote for DC Comics, in which he said: "Primal. That’s the best way to describe working on The War That Time Forgot because, in writing a story about modern-day soldiers fighting dinosaurs that have mysteriously reappeared on the planet, it’s all about survival."

DC Comics’ New 52 "Second Wave" comes out this Wednesday!

Some great jumping-on points are the story for DC’s lineup this week! Starting with Superman #7, which boasts the new writing team of Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens. So, if you weren’t really into the very talky 1970s vibe of George Perez’s writing style, you can hop on this week for the 1980s vibe of Giffen and Jurgens! Hey-O-O-O-O! But seriously, just taking a flip through I can tell it has a totally different feel to it.

SUPERMAN #7

Written by Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens
Art by Dan Jurgens, Jesus Merino

The start of an insanely epic arc from the new writing team of Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens! New love interests, new roommates, and a new foe: the wicked Helspont! What does this monster want with Superman, and how does it all connect to the Daemonites? 

Also this week, there’s Aquaman #7 from writer Geoff Johns and artist Ivan Reis, which likewise kicks off a new storyline! Who destroyed Atlantis? We just might find out.

Finally, the big event of the week in the New 52 might just be the start of the "Rise of the Vampires" crossover story, which starts in Justice League Dark #7 and continues into I, Vampire #7! The latter has been one of our favorites since the DC relaunch and is easily the biggest surprise. The story will be four parts, finishing up in next month’s issues of the above titles.

I VAMPIRE #7

Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov
Art by Andrea Sorrentino

Straight off the shocking events of last issue and continuing the story from this month’s JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #7, Andrew Bennett finds himself in a place he never thought he’d reach during his countless decades walking the Earth. But his absence on Earth signals a deadly loss of order in the vampire hierarchy, as the savage attack on humanity he’s long feared looks like its coming to pass. 

Those titles and more all come out on Wednesday!

Of the Big Two publishers, DC Comics definitely has the stronger week lined up. For starters, they have what has been their strongest selling New 52 title to date: Justice League #7. And there is good reason it sells as well as it does… it’s really good! Geoff Johns and Jim Lee did a bang-up job on that opening story arc. But now Gene Ha steps in as guest artist and we’re introduced to Shazam!

JUSTICE LEAGUE #7

Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gene Ha

Now that the team’s origin story is complete, starting with this issue we shift to the present-day Justice League! What has changed? Who has joined the team since? Featuring artwork by Gene Ha, the story also reintroduces the team’s greatest champion: Steve Trevor!

Also starting in this issue: "The Curse of Shazam!" featuring a story by Geoff Johns and art by Gary Frank! Discover Billy Batson’s place in DC Comics – The New 52 as we reveal his all-new origin story!

Also look out for Batman Beyond Unlimited #2! The first issue, which reintroduced Terry McGinnis as the Batman of the future, sold like hotcakes! And speaking of issues that sold like hotcakes, we also got in second printings of Suicide Squad #6 this week. The beginning of the Harley Quinn story arc! (And we still have a couple #7′s in stock, too.) Plus, there’s Wonder Woman #7, Nightwing #7, Green Lantern Corps #7 and, from the Vertigo camp, Fables #115!

But, most importantly, if Justice League is winning in the sales department, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman might just be winning in the quality of story department. And it’s not far behind in sales either! When last we saw him, Batman has just escaped the labyrinth of the Court of Owls… but now the real battle begins!

BATMAN #7

Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion

Batman may have survived the Court of Owls’ first strike (barely), but even as he recuperates, the Court is preparing to launch its most deadly and sweeping attack yet. Plus: The secrets revealed in this issue will change Batman’s world forever! You won’t want to miss the issue everyone will be talking about!

These titles and more all come out on Wednesday!

As for DC Comics this week, the big one is clearly Suicide Squad #7. The previous issue, featuring a fantastic Harley Quinn story, was one of the hottest comics of February. We’re expecting to get in second prints of that issue next week, so if you missed it the first time around keep that in mind. As for this week’s issue, can’t wait to see what Harley has in store as she continues the search for her one true love, the Joker (who hasn’t been seen in the New 52 yet). Love that cover, too!

SUICIDE SQUAD #7

Written by Adam Glass
Art by Clayton Henry 

Hunted through the streets of Gotham City, her former teammates on the Suicide Squad in relentless pursuit – Harley Quinn is out of friends, out of luck and out of time. Will Harley find The Joker before the Squad finds her? Place your bets, people: It’s Harley Quinn vs. the Suicide Squad! Plus: Harley’s origin revealed – it ain’t pretty! 

Elsewhere in the New 52, look for Green Lantern #7. Hal Jordan and Cosmic Madness #3 seed Sinestro continue their team-up and kick off a new story arc entitled "The Secret of the Indigo Tribe." Plus, it’s a big week for the Batman family of books as we’re set to get Batwoman #7 and Batgirl #7, the latter of which apparently delves into some of the detail in Barbara Gordon’s past, perhaps filling in some blanks between The Killing Joke and the New 52? Plus, look for…

BATMAN AND ROBIN #7

Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray 

Batman finally discovers NoBody’s lair and must confront Robin and NoBody in an explosive, brutal battle that will shake them all to their very core! 

We also can’t forget Ray #4 (of 4). It’s the final issue of what has been a very entertaining little mini-series. And speaking of entertaining mini-series (or maxi-series if you want to be pick nits), there’s Shade #6 (of 12), the past few issues of which have been outstanding.

Finally, DC’s Vertigo imprint has a solid line-up on the week. We already mentioned Paul Cornell’s Saucer Country, and we’re also looking forward to Northlanders #49 (along with a new Northlanders TP) and Unwritten #35!

These titles and more all come out on Wednesday!

Like I said in the earlier post, it is the first week in March, comics-wise, which means that DC Comics begins a new month for the New 52! To be exact, it’s the seventh month in the groundbreaking initiative and in this first week we’ll see some of our favorite titles, starting with Swamp Thing #7!

Our enjoyment of Scott Snyder’s work has been well documented in these pages and Swamp Thing has been a big part of that. The reintroduction of Alec Holland has been one of the coolest rides in comics, taking readers through concepts like the Green (the good), the Black (the bad) and the Red (the ugly)! 

SWAMP THING #7

Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Yanick Paquette

Moss fills lungs. Leaves scrape across skin and wood against bone. A Swamp Thing is rising in The Green’s hour of darkest need…but is Alec Holland a part of it? Or is he just bleeding out in a ditch? And as Alec falls, a horrible champion is taking the throne of the Bone Kingdom at Sethe’s right hand! 

And speaking of wild rides, Animal Man #7 also comes out this week! Last month’s issue I called "the most creatively constructed comic of the month," and overall that series has been a total trip. And I do mean "trip" in the Swinging Sixties sense, because that book has basically been one monthly 20-page hallucination.

On the Superman and Batman side of things, look for Action Comics #7 and Detective Comics #7. In the former, Grant Morrison and Rags Morales continue their tale of a young Superman in Metropolis, which to date has been excellent… and very Grant Morrison-y. The cover on that one is great, but you’ll have to wait til tomorrow to see it! While in the latter…

DETECTIVE COMICS #7

Written by Tony S. Daniel
Art by Tony S. Daniel, Sandu Florea

Batman uncovers the truth behind a string of underworld killings involving a guest at the Penguin’s Iceberg Casino, but time is running out! Is unimaginable terror about to strike on the floating gambling den? And what will Bruce Wayne do now that he’s discovered some of Charlotte’s most well kept – and darkest – secrets? It’s death and destruction in the highest of high stakes games at the Iceberg Casino! 

Also from DC this week, look for Stormwatch #7, Red Lanterns #7 and more!

These titles and more all come out on Wednesday!

This Wednesday we’re set to get the flagship title of DC Comics’ New 52 line-up, Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s Justice League! And, not only is it the flagship title, it’s also the sole representative of the New 52 this week! As I mentioned in the New Comics This Wednesday post, it’s a skip week for most of the DC Universe. The other 51 titles are kickin’ back, takin’ her easy, and letting Justice League do the work for a little while.

But if you’re gonna leave it all up to one title, Justice League is basically the best one for the job. The team is now together and they’re just about ready to take on their first big bad… Darkseid!

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! 

DC Comics’ Justice League #6 comes out on Wednesday!

It’s the reigning champion in our current Top Twenty, with the single best issue to come out last month. We’re of course talking about Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman, the newest issue of which comes out this week! Last month’s trial at the hands of the Court of Owls was a wild ride, and it’s all leading up to a massive crossover story called Night of the Owls.

Snyder said of the Court of Owls and the upcoming “Night of the Owls” crossover event that will be spanning all the Bat-books: “This second half of the story really is going to explore who is behind the mask — both in a way where you will find out some of the people who are Owls, but more importantly you’ll find out who they’ve been historically to Gotham and how they’ve shaped the Bat-mythology in ways that I think will be really shocking to people.”

BATMAN #6

Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion

Trapped far beneath Gotham City and hunted by the Talon – the Court of Owls’ unstoppable killer – Batman lies bleeding and broken. With no way out and no one to help, is this the end for The Dark Knight? 

But that’s not all! DC has several more of our favorite New 52 books coming out this week as well!

DC Comics’ Batman #6, Nightwing #6, Wonder Woman #6 and more all come out on Wednesday!

As far as the New 52 goes this week, we’ve gotta give the nod to Green Lantern #6! The story of Hal Jordan and Sinestro has been great so far and this week, as you can see in a very cool cover, Hal is… "At the mercy of Sinestro!"

GREEN LANTERN #6

Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy

With the tumultuous battle for Korugar past them, Sinestro and Hal are left at a crossroads. They must pick up the pieces of their lives. The question is, will they do it alone…or together? 

But it’s also looking like a powerful week for the Batman family of titles, as we’re set to get Batman and Robin #6, Batgirl #6, Batwoman #6 and the conclusion to one of the best Batman mini-series in recent memory, and arguably the best Penguin story we’ve ever read, in Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #5 (of 5)!

DC Comics’ Green Lantern #6 and more all come out on Wednesday!