DC Preview Review for June

Jim: I have been told that it is total conspiracy theory stuff, but I still find it odd that DC cancelled Robin, Nightwing and Birds of Prey (all titles started by Chuck Dixon) and the month that the Bat titles come back all three titles are still missing. Anyway June has some great items this month for DC and no new neon sign.
Lee: I was really hoping for a new neon sign. Maybe we just need to look for it!
Gwen: I think we have more than enough neon signs sir...

BATMAN AND ROBIN #1 Written by Grant MorrisonArt and cover by Frank Quitely Variant cover by JG Jones Sketch variant cover by Frank Quitely"Batman Reborn" begins here! With the reunited team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, this first issue kicks off a 3-part story arc that can't be missed! The new Dynamic Duo hit the streets with a bang in their new flying Batmobile as they face off against an assemblage of villains called the Circus of Strange. They also tackle their first mission investigating a child who’s been abducted by the mysterious Domino Killer. But will everything go smoothly? And who exactly are the new Batman and Robin? The newest era of The Dark Knight begins here! Retailers please note: This issue will ship with three covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Frank Quitely), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by JG Jones). For every 250 copies of the Standard Edition, retailers may order one copy of the Sketch Variant Edition (with a cover by Frank Quitely), which is a sketch version of the Standard Edition.On sale June 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Jim: Look, you can order 250 copies and get the sketch variant! Hell pay another $3K and buy the art. If this is Dick and Damien, I’m okay, otherwise I’m not okay, but Morrison and Quietly is impossible for me to pass on.
Lee: Yeah, but I bet almost every store will have one copy of the Sketch Variant. This is going to sell big, big numbers. Morrison has been less than stellar lately so I’ll wait for reviews.
Gwen: I have to agree with Lee about Morrison - still it could be a good story.

BATMAN #687 Written by Judd Winick Art by Ed Benes & Rob Hunter Cover by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea Variant cover by JG Jones In this special epilogue to BATTLE FOR THE COWL, new BATMAN writer Judd Winick rejoins the Bat Family! This 40-page issue explores the final moments of the Battle for the Cowl as the new Batman learns that winning the Cowl comes at a high price! Witness the new Batman taking to the streets of Gotham City for the first time! Putting a new man inside the Bat-suit was the easy part – now the fun begins! Guest-starring Superman and Wonder Woman, this issue is a must-read for any Batman fan.On sale June 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Jim: Think the Coors Light commercial and Jim Mora saying “playoffs” and that is what I said when I heard Judd Winick was writing Batman again. “Winick” are you kidding me. He has run so hot and cold and lately he has been very cold. Not looking forward to this.
Lee: I agree. How did Winick get this gig? He’s been very, very cold lately. While his team books tend to be weak, his single character stuff is stronger. The only question, how long before Winick gets on his soapbox and starts inserting the social message.
Gwen: I'll jump on this bandwagon, Winick's stuff hasn't been very good recently.

RED ROBIN #1 Written by Christopher Yost Art by Ramon Bachs Cover by Francis Manapul Variant cover by JG Jones Writer Chris Yost (New X-Men, X-Force) and artist by Ramon Bachs (Civil War: Front Line) kick off a brand-new ongoing series right here with “The Grail” part 1 of 4! Following the aftermath of BATTLE FOR THE COWL, a new Batman watches over Gotham City. But not everyone is ready to give up on the old one. Someone believes that Bruce Wayne may still be alive…and that someone is Red Robin. But who is wearing the Red Robin costume, and why is he traveling the globe looking for a dead man? Whoever he is, he's not alone in his search!On sale June 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Jim: Another ho-hum re-launch. Chris Yost is not a writer I look forward to and he has some big Marvel gigs, so his work is okay at best. If Red Robin is Tim Drake, then again I can live with this. Lee: Wasn’t Yost’s work on X-men mostly a killing fest? I don’t know many people who look back at his work on X-men and say “ooohhhh gotta have!” DC really does need to find a new stable of writers.
Gwen: I don't see the necessity for a Red Robin honestly.

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #1 Written by Paul Dini and Marc Andreyko Art by Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs and Georges Jeanty & Karl Story Cover by Dustin Nguyen Variant cover by JG Jones An all-new Batman series by the DETECTIVE COMICS creative team of Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen! As a new Batman rises on the streets of Gotham City, the heroes, villains and citizens take notice. How will the police feel about this new Batman, and can he control the crime in Gotham the way the old Batman did?This new series also features a regular ongoing co-feature starring Manhunter written by Marc Andreyko and illustrated by Georges Jeanty (Buffy Season 8)! Kate Spencer lost a friend during the chaos of BATTLE FOR THE COWL, and now she wants payback. As usual, she’ll use any means necessary to get it!On sale June 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Jim: DC is moving to $4 books now just as Marvel has done, but they are at least trying to add value for your buck by giving us an extra eight page back up story. Of course once prices escalate the extra pages will disappear. Not sure how I feel about this series, it is like a rip off of Gotham Central.
Lee: But Dini is a proven commodity so I bet this will be very good. And, notice that Manhunter is back!
Gwen: I love Paul Dini writing Batman stories.

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #1 Written by Paul Dini Art and cover by Guillem March Variant cover by JG Jones This all-new series features the bad girls of Gotham City! Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are tired of playing by other people's rules regardless of which side of the law they're on. These tough ladies have a new agenda that's all their own, and they'll use any means necessary to pursue it. But can they get along and work as a team? And who will get hurt along the way? DETECTIVE COMICS and STREETS OF GOTHAM writer Paul Dini kicks off this brand-new ongoing series with amazing artwork by Guillem March (JOKER’S ASYLUM: POISON IVY, GOTHAM GAZETTE).On sale June 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Jim: This sounds like the “Birds of Prey” with bad girls. Plus is Guillem March that much of a good girl artist to pull this book off. Good thing they have Dini as the writer, otherwise I would pass on this book.
Lee: Now, this looks good. Of all the new books DC is launching I bet this has the best chance to succeed.
Gwen: I have to agree with Jim on this one - Dini is the only current DC writer outside of Gail Simone who can write villain stories I enjoy.

THE FLASH: REBIRTH #3 Written by Geoff Johns Art and covers by Ethan Van Sciver At last, the answer to the question that’s plagued DC fans for decades: Who’s faster, Superman or The Flash? Call your bookie and bet the farm, because you’ve never seen a run like this – and if speedsters keep dying at the pace they’re going, you might never see another one again!Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Ethan Van Sciver), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Ethan Van Sciver). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.On sale June 10 • 3 of 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Jim: Two points. The variant is by the same artists? Isn’t Carmine still alive, couldn’t they commission a piece from him and please the lame Flash/Superman race. I love silver age as much as anyone but that stuff was always DUMB!
Lee: Almost every story these days is recycled silver age material! I can’t believe you are complaining about the Superman/Flash race. Maybe the ‘re-imagining’ will make it better.
Gwen: *snicker* Oh yes, I've always wondered who was faster. It keeps me up on many nights.

THE MIGHTY #5 Written by Peter J. Tomasi & Keith Champagne Art by Chris Samnee Cover by Dave Johnson After last issue’s shocking finale, Gabriel Cole finds himself faced with a terrifying new threat. And it’s the only menace on Earth that his ally Alpha One can’t help him vanquish! Writers Tomasi and Champagne welcome the stunning art of new series regular Chris Samnee (CHECKMATE) as the saga of THE MIGHTY reveals its true shape!On sale June 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Lee: Since, it appears that DC has lowered the amount of t&a on the covers, they had to do something to compensate. It appears to be blood and violence. So the Gratuitous Blood & Guts (GB&G) award goes to this book with the bullet hole in the head. That’s nice!
Jim: Oh a new award, I like it. Of course the “t&a” was better, but we can go with the GB&G. I second the nomination.
Gwen: I have nothing to say. Boys and their cover awards...


GREEN LANTERN #42 Written by Geoff Johns Art and cover by Philip Tan & Jonathan Glapion Variant cover by Rodolfo Migliari The conclusion to “Agent Orange”! Hal battles the leader of the Orange Lanterns in a bizarre confrontation between will and avarice! But what is the true secret behind the power of the Orange Light? And what value does it hold for the other Corps? On sale June 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Lee: I’m sorry but all I can picture is Daffy Duck jumping into a pile of gold yelling “MINE MINE MINE” while Bugs looks on incredulously. Green Lantern is now no better than Duck Dodgers!
Jim: Ha, ha, ha. Now the image is in my mind too. Great call Lee.
Gwen: HAHAHA

JSA VS. KOBRA: ENGINES OF FAITH #1 Written by Eric Trautmann Art by Don Kramer & Michael Babinski Cover by Gene Ha The new lord of Kobra has shown his true face of evil, and now the JSA stands ready to face Kobra. But the old tactics may not work against this new terrorist network. Conspiracy mastermind Eric Trautmann and artist Don Kramer take you inside the mind of Jason Burr, the diabolically clever Kobra leader whose goal is nothing less than bringing the world into the age of Kali Yuga. Set throughout the major cities of the DC Universe and wrapped in the gorgeous covers of Gene Ha (TOP 10), this 6-issue miniseries sets the stakes higher than ever before for the Justice Society!On sale June 10 • 1 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Jim: At least DC is following up on one of the “Faces of Evil” ideas thrown out a few months ago. Adding the JSA into the mix means I’m trying out issue #1 at least.
Lee: Oh YEAH! Spin-offs of spin offs. This smells like a weiner. Typo… smells like a winner.
Gwen: Eh, I'll wait and see on this.

ABSOLUTE JUSTICE HC Written by Alex Ross & Jim Krueger Art by Alex Ross & Doug Braithwaite Cover by Alex Ross The spectactular 12-issue series by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Doug Braithwaite is collected in this amazing, oversized, slipcased Absolute edition. The members of the Justice League of America are about to learn they aren't the only ones who can band together toward a common goal. The greatest criminal masterminds of our time appear to be acting in concert — but with a surprising plan that seeks to achieve more good than the JLA ever could!This Absolute edition features a new cover by Ross, plus sketchbook a section with previously unseen artwork and more!Advance-solicited; on sale November 25 • 8.25” x 12.5”, 496 pg, FC, $99.00 US

Jim: This is against my better judgment to be ordering this book as the story was not that great, but I still love Alex Ross’ artwork and I think the book will read better as a whole and I have skipped like three Absolutes, so I’m going with it.
Lee: That’s an awful lot of money for something you’ve deemed ‘marginal.’ Why not get the smaller hc’s from ebay for a fraction of the cost and see if it’s worth it. If you still like it, then send the hc’s to Gwen and THEN get the absolute. If the story stinks then you’ve saved the money on the absolute and Gwen still gets shiney new hc’s.
Gwen: I'll second Lee's plan!

Jim: I bet you will Gwen, but no.

DC COMICS CLASSICS LIBRARY: THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA BY GEORGE PEREZ VOL. 1 HC Written by Gerry Conway Art by George Pérez with Frank McLaughlin and John BeattyCover by George PérezThe first half of artist George Pérez’s 1980s run on JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA is collected in this new hardcover featuring issues #184-186, 192-194 plus Pérez’s very rare JLA postcard set! Don’t miss the team’s battles with Darkseid and The Secret Society of Super-Villains, as envisioned by the artist of FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS!Advance-solicited; on sale August 26 • 176 pg, FC, $39.99 US

Jim: Another book I should pass on as 176 pages for $40 is not a steal, but I love Perez’s artwork and I remember these as fun stories.
Lee: These are really, really fun stories. I remember buying 192-194 off the stands and loving every page. I can’t wait to get this!
Gwen: I don't think I ever read this. I'll borrow it from Jim at some point.

THE SANDMAN BY JOE SIMON & JACK KIRBY Written by Joe Simon & Jack Kirby Art and cover by Joe Simon & Jack Kirby At last, the classic 1940s Super Hero series by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby is collected from the pages of WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #6-7, ADVENTURE COMICS #72-97, #100-102 (1942-1946) and SANDMAN #1, the comic that reunited Simon & Kirby in 1974!In the capable hands of Simon and Kirby, the Sandman left behind his trademark green suit, fedora and gas mask to become a brightly costumed adventurer on the trail of crime in the big city with the help of his sidekick, Sandy the Golden Boy. With a strong element of the fantastic in the form of haunted dreams and foes claiming to be figures of myth, these stories were perfect examples of the fast-paced, slam-bang adventures that made Simon & Kirby the most celebrated comics talents of the 1940s.Advance-solicited; on sale August 12 • 304 pg, FC, $39.99 US

Jim: I’m surprised I passed on the Loser’s book DC put out by Jack Kirby, but this is something I have to have. I just wish DC would dreg up all of the Ditko work they have and publish it (Creeper / Hawk and Dove / Shade).
Lee: I’m with you. But I got the Losers book too.
Gwen: ooo, Hawk and Dove would be a good one to republish!

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: BAT LASH TP Written by Nick Cardy, Sergio Aragones, Dennis O’Neil, Len Wein and Cary Bates Art by Nick Cardy, Mike Sekowsky, George Moliterni and Dan SpiegleCover by Nick CardyDC’s legendary Western series is collected at last in one volume featuring SHOWCASE #76, BAT LASH #1-7 and stories from DC SPECIAL SERIES #16 and JONAH HEX #49, 51 and 52.Advance-solicited; on sale July 8 • 240 pg, B&W, $9.99 US

Jim: Another two reasons to talk about this book. Number one Nick Cardy, Lee forced me to buy a book with him about Nick Cardy and I learned what one hell of an artist this guy was. Two the small Showcase is a great idea for certain series that would never ever see the light of day otherwise. For $10 I could not pass this up.
Lee: I’m sold too! I’ve always heard this was some of Cardy’s best comic book work ever. And, for $10 you really can’t go wrong.
Gwen: I'm curious as to how Lee forced you to buy something. Is this like when André forces me to eat chocolate by putting it in front of me?

Jim: No, it is Lee telling me that it is a great book and we should split the costs, knowing full well he will end up with it forever once I read it. It was a trick, now I really respect Cardy's work more then ever.

FILTHY RICH HC Written by Brian Azzarello Art by Victor Santos Cover by Lee Bermejo Richard “Junk” Junkin has always lived on the wrong side of trouble. A former pro football star whose career was cut short by injury (and a nasty gambling problem), Junk now spends his time dreaming of what might have been, selling cars in Jersey and lusting after the boss’s unbelievably spoiled, unbelievably sexy and unbelievably rich daughter, Victoria. So when the boss asks him to be Victoria’s personal bodyguard while she tears up the New York City club scene, Junk leaps at the chance. But before long, he’s finds that Victoria wants a lapdog and not a chaperone, someone who’s going to do all of her dirty work—all of it—someone who wants to get filthy rich…Advance-solicited; on sale August 19 • 200 pg, B&W, 5.5" x 8" • $19.99 US • MATURE READERS

Jim: I absolutely love this idea. DC is jumping into original graphic novels with a line of Crime novels. I just hope they are not looking at the direct comic market as there main point of sales as this material needs a wider audience. Can’t wait.
Lee: Normally, I would pass because I’m not a huge crime fiction guy, but high page counts always sell me. It doesn’t mean the material will be any better but if it’s good I’ll get lots of it.
Gwen: This looks pretty cool.

DARK ENTRIES HC Written by Ian Rankin Art by Werther Dell’Edera Cover by Lee Bermejo “Rankin’s work is crime fiction at its most consuming, cerebral best.” – The New Yorker“The best living British crime writer.” – Lee Child, bestselling author“One of Britain’s leading novelists in any genre.” – New StatesmanOccult detective John Constantine has seen his share of strange things in his career, but nothing could prepare him for the horrors of…reality television. “Haunted Mansion” is currently the hottest show on tv, but when the macabre house actually starts attacking the contestants, Constantine is hired to be the ultimate mole. Locked inside with a cast of wannabe-celebrities, his every move being monitored by a deadly figure from his past, Constantine must figure out who (or what) is pulling the strings before he gets cancelled—permanently.DARK ENTRIES is a classic locked-room mystery starring HELLBLAZER’s John Constantine from Ian Rankin, the #1 international best-selling crime writer best known for his “Inspector Rebus” novels. Rankin has won numerous awards, including the Edgar Award in 2004 and is joined in this graphic novel by Italian artist Werther Dell’Edera, the illustrator of a number of American comics – mostly notably Vertigo’s LOVELESS.Advance-solicited; on sale August 19 • 216 pg, B&W, 5.5" x 8" • $19.99 US • MATURE READERS

Jim: Not sure I agree with using Constantine in one of the “crime novels” but he did get a semi-decent movie made with his name on it, so the sales potential is there, I’m just happy to see such an aggressive move by DC. Sign me up for both of these babies.
Lee: Sure, why not. If I’m going to try the other book I might as well try this.
Gwen: I can see Constantine working in this kind of story. I'm looking forward to these.

ZATANNA 1:6 SCALE DELUXE COLLECTOR FIGURE With a wave of her wand, mistress of magic Zatanna becomes the latest addition to the popular 1:6 scale deluxe collector figure line! Dressed in her trademark intricate and authentically detailed costume of removable top hat and tails (not to mention fishnets!), Zatanna also comes with accessories including a magic wand, a rabbit and her “Hex Appeal” book. The figure features 28 points of articulation, is packaged in a deluxe 4-color window box with a fifth panel and includes a display stand.Manufactured to order. Advance-solicited; on sale November 11, 2009 * Collector figure * $99.99 US

Lee: Yeah, yeah, yeah 28 points of articulation but wwwaaaaayyyyy to much material in the clothes. Seriously, after seeing all the statues of strippe… er, I mean of Super heroines this is kinda a let down. It’s almost… I don’t know… respectable?

Jim: Plus if you buy this you really are in the category of being a doll collector.
Gwen: I can't think of anything to say here.

COVER GIRLS OF THE DC UNIVERSEBLACK CANARY STATUEBASED ON THE ART OF ADAM HUGHES SCULPTED BY JACK MATHEWS Black Canary, the Sonic Siren, cracks her knuckles in anticipation of taking on her next adversary.This latest addition to the instantly popular COVER GIRLS OF THE DC UNIVERSE statue line is posed just as she appears on Adam Hughes’ variant cover of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #6.Hand-painted, cold-cast in porcelain and measuring approximately 9.5” tall x 4” wide x 3.75” deep, this statue includes a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box.Manufactured to order. Advanced-solicited; on sale November 25, 2009 * Statue * $99.99 US

Jim: I love my wife, but if Black Canary showed up at my door…..
Lee: … I would hug her, and kiss her, and have tea parties with her! Is that how you were planning on finishing that sentence?

Jim: Yeah that's it exactly.
Gwen: Tea parties? I'd like to be the March Hare, Jim can be the Hatter and Lee can be the Doormouse!

NEON SIGNS OF THE DC UNIVERSE: BLACK CANARY SIGN

Lee: OMGoodness. Look a Black Canary neon sign. I knew it was in the listing somewhere because we can’t have a month without a neon sign.
Jim: There was no Neon Sign this month! Thank Didio.
Gwen: Now we have to make up neon signs?


Jim: An almost all Batman month, but I have to say the Crime novels look very cool. One of DC’s most exciting solicitation months in a while.
Lee: Not bad. Not great. But better than last month, that’s for sure.
Gwen: I think I'm only really looking forward to the crime novels. It makes me want to go watch the Maltese Falcon.