It seems we are starting to sound like a broken record. Every month we examine the latest batch of solicitations, and now for the fourth month in a row, there is a ton of new titles that TBU will be covering. Normally this would be expected if a bunch of the recent miniseries have wrapped, but that isn’t the case. Instead, over the past few days, DC has made a number of announcements that seem to be a list of stuff that would typically be announced at multiple conventions. So let’s dive into everything coming this September.
There are three new series coming to the TBU lineup in September. The first of these series will be a new six-issue miniseries featuring the monster characters of the Batman Universe with Gotham City Monsters. Coming from writer Steve Orlando, this new series will also connect to the 2016 event, Night of the Monster Men. There is also a new team-up title featuring Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. This six-issue miniseries, titled Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, from writer Jody Houser, deals with the fallout of the events of Heroes in Crisis. The last series is actually a new DC Black Label title which will also focus on Harley featuring a unique twist on her origin from writer/artist Stjepan Sejic. Harleen will publish bi-monthly and have three total issues.
Interestingly, there are also a number of comics being published in September which are part of a new banner called Dollar Comics, which as the title implies will be priced at one dollar and reprint some popular issues from the past couple of decades.
Diving into the specifics with the covers and text found in the solicits, as always, there are few things worth noting. Last month featured Black Mask getting an offer and this month has Riddler involved in Year of the Villain. The issue will be written by Mark Russell who will show how the Riddler is dealing with not getting an offer like so many of the other villains of the DC Universe. Both Batgirl and Red Hood mention being part of Year of the Villain while Nightwing will be dealing with introducing Ric Grayson to the Court of Owls.
Moving over to creator changes, Clay Mann comes on to Batman for a brief two issue interlude while Tony Daniel takes a quick break from City of Bane. Christian Duce continues on Detective Comics with #1011, while Doug Mahnke is back for #1012. Ram V continues to fill in on Catwoman with Mirka Andolfo, which leads to questions of whether this is a permanent change or just temporary. Sami Basri heads over to Harley Quinn, Ronan Cliquet is on Nightwing and Bernard Chang is back on Teen Titans in September. Finally, last month, Kenneth Rocafort came on to Red Hood and in September he remains on the title, so this also might be a more permanent change.
A couple of other noteworthy points, the DCeased miniseries will be taking a break in September as a one-shot showcasing some of the other areas affected by the virus is released. Young Justice seems to be missing from the solicits for September, but Brian Michael Bendis stated on Twitter that is was some sort of paperwork mixup without actually saying it would be in stores in September.
Elsewhere, Batman will be appearing in Action Comics while Solomon Grundy will be in Justice League Dark. There is also a new two-issue series dealing with the future timelines within the DC Universe that will feature Batman Beyond.
Be sure to check out the full details for everything hitting stores in September below as well as a gallery of some of the covers coming. Let us know which books you are the most excited for this month.
BATMAN BOOKS
BATMAN #78 [09/04] Written by TOM KING, art by CLAY MANN; In the first part of a “City of Bane” interlude, Batman receives help from an ally he thought he had lost for good: Catwoman! Still recovering from the beatings he took from Bane and Flashpoint Batman, the Dark Knight readies himself for a return to Gotham City, and it’s Selina Kyle who holds the key. She knows how Bane is fueling his regime, and she’ll help Batman shut down the supply line—but first she has to whip the battered hero into shape. $3.99, 32 Pages
BATMAN #79 [09/18] Written by TOM KING, art by CLAY MANN; In the concluding chapter of the two-part “City of Bane” interlude, Batman and Catwoman pull a job to stop Bane’s supply ship from smuggling dangerous cargo into Gotham City. It’ll send a message back to the big guy that his reign of terror is soon to be over…but what does it also signal for the future of Bruce and Selina? $3.99, Card Stock Variant $4.99, 32 Pages
DETECTIVE COMICS #1011 [09/11] Written by PETER J. TOMASI, art by CHRISTIAN DUCE; In order to carry out his contract and get what he’s owed, Deadshot must kill Lucius Fox. Batman isn’t about to let that happen, but without the use of lethal force, does he stand a chance against Deadshot? Plus, Mr. Freeze sets the last piece of his “Year of the Villain” master plan in motion! $3.99, 32 Pages
DETECTIVE COMICS #1012 [09/25] Written by PETER J. TOMASI, art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA; “Year of the Villain” kicks into overdrive! Victor Fries has only ever wanted one thing…to bring his wife Nora back to life in a healthy body. Now, with Lex Luthor’s aid, Victor’s wish will finally come true. But how will Nora adjust to the new world she has missed? And how will Batman try to tear Victor’s dream away from him? $3.99, 32 Pages
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #2 [09/25] Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON, art by DAVID MARQUEZ; The Batman Who Laughs’ plot is bigger than either the Caped Crusader or the Man of Steel realized. Following a showdown with the devious killer’s first sentinel, a jacked-up, Dark Multiverse-infected Shazam!, the pair has to figure out who else has been targeted for similar transformations. Their first two guesses: someone very close to Batman and the one hero that would make failure nearly impossible—Superman himself! $3.99, 32 Pages
BATMAN: UNIVERSE #3 [09/11] Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS, art by NICK DERINGTON; Available to comics shops for the first time! The hunt for the Fabergé egg and the secrets it contains continues across the DC Universe, as Batman escapes Thanagar and Gorilla City, only to land with Green Lantern on Dinosaur Island! Can these heroes stop Vandal Savage before he unlocks the egg’s secrets? Originally published in BATMAN GIANT #7 and #8. $4.99, 32 Pages, 3 of 6
BATMAN: CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #3 [09/25] Written by SEAN MURPHY, art by SEAN MURPHY; Batman salvages a groundbreaking clue from the wreckage of Wayne Manor and recruits Harley Quinn to confront The Joker for answers about the mystery of Gotham City’s foundations! Their investigation takes a dire turn in the darkest corners of Arkham, and Gordon’s life is in peril after a new commissioner is named. $4.99, 32 Pages, 3 of 8
BATMAN VS. RA’S AL GHUL #2 [09/18] Written by NEAL ADAMS, art by NEAL ADAMS; While Bruce Wayne confronts his wards at Wayne Manor (they seem to believe there’s a Batcave in the basement?), Batman is having a far worse time. Ra’s al Ghul has arranged for him to suffer, and when the villain emerges from the shadows, the detective pays in pain! $3.99, 32 Pages, 2 of 6
BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III #5 [09/04] Written by JAMES TYNION IV, art by FREDDIE E. WILLIAMS II; Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles think they’ve figured out how to tear apart Krang’s Combined Multiverse and restore their reality. But Krang has planned this moment for years. With his robot army, he’s ready to destroy them all. And if Batman can’t remember the last missing piece in his life, there may be no hope left! $3.99, 32 Pages, 5 of 6
DOLLAR COMICS: DETECTIVE COMICS #854 [09/04] Written by GREG RUCKA, art by J.H. WILLIAMS III; Reprinting the first chapter of Batwoman’s epic clash with the Religion of Crime. $1.00, 32 Pages
DOLLAR COMICS: BATMAN #608 [09/11] Written by JEPH LOEB, art by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS; Reprinting the first chapter of the epic “Hush” storyline! $1.00, 32 Pages
GREATER GOTHAM
BATGIRL #39 [09/25] Written by CECIL CASTELLUCCI, art by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO; After learning about “The Offer” from Killer Moth, Batgirl is on the case to figure out who is behind the rise of the villains in the DC Universe! Meanwhile, the Terrible Trio has gained full control over Oracle and is forcing her to cater to their every whim. But what happens when their puppet decides to cut her strings? Could this be the end of the Terrible Trio? $3.99, Card Stock Variant $4.99, 32 Pages
BATMAN BEYOND #36 [09/25] Written by DAN JURGENS, art by RICK LEONARDI and ANDE PARKS; “Lost Daze” finale! As everything around Neo-Gotham crumbles under Batman’s iron fist, the Fastest Man Alive might be the only one capable of saving Terry McGinnis and his city. But as powerful as he is, even the Flash might be no match for the Splitt and the mysterious False Face! $3.99, 32 Pages
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #5 [09/11] Written by BRYAN HILL, art by DEXTER SOY; The Outsiders must stop Ishmael if they hope to rescue Sofia and bring her back to Gotham City to meet with Batman. But vanquishing such a fearsome opponent will have dire consequences, especially for one member of the team… $3.99, 32 Pages
CATWOMAN #15 [09/11] Written by RAM V, art by MIRKA ANDOLFO; After running a gauntlet of assassins to get her hands on the dossier detailing all the illegal activities of Villa Hermosa, Selina Kyle must go up against the big bosses of the criminal underworld. She must deal with their gun-toting mercenaries, yakuza hit women and the masked bounty hunter Lock-Up. All while still carrying a price on her head. Is there a way she can collect both big prizes herself and still walk away alive? $3.99, Card Stock Variant $4.99, 32 Pages
DOLLAR COMICS: HARLEY QUINN #1 [09/18] Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTI, art by JOHN TIMMS; Reprinting Harley’s debut issue from the New 52. $1.00, 32 Pages
GOTHAM CITY MONSTERS #1 [09/11] Written by STEVE ORLANDO, art by AMANCAY NAHUELPAN; Leviathan has dismantled S.H.A.D.E.—and that means Frankenstein is once again a free agent! Now he can set his sights on his former mentor, Melmoth, the one evil that got away. With bad things happening all across the Multiverse, this may be Frankenstein’s last shot at setting things right. Of course, Melmoth has his own agenda, and it’s going to take more than a lone monster to take him down. So Frankenstein heads to Gotham City in search of allies and recruits Killer Croc, Lady Clayface, Orca and vampire Andrew Bennett. But will even these dread creatures be enough to save humanity before the entire cosmos collapses in on itself? $3.99, 32 Pages, 1 of 6
HARLEEN #1 [09/25] Written by STJEPAN ŠEJIC, art by STJEPAN ŠEJIC; “The road to hell is paved with good intentions. On that road I saw a pale man, and he smiled at me…” Dr. Harleen Quinzel has discovered a revolutionary cure for the madness of Gotham City—she just needs to prove it actually works. But with the criminal justice and mental health establishments united against her, the brilliant young psychologist must take drastic measures to save Gotham from itself. Witness Harleen’s first steps on a doomed quest that will give birth to the legendary super-villain Harley Quinn in this stunning reimagining of Harley and The Joker’s twisted and tragic love affair by visionary storyteller Stjepan Šejic (AQUAMAN: UNDERWORLD, SUICIDE SQUAD, Sunstone). $7.99, 64 Pages, 1 of 3
HARLEY QUINN #65 [09/04] Written by SAM HUMPHRIES, art by SAMI BASRI; After an unimaginable loss, “The Trials of Harley Quinn” come to a screeching halt. As Harley attempts to pick up the pieces and move forward, Mirand’r comes to her with a new offer…one that she can’t refuse! $3.99, 32 Pages
HARLEY QUINN AND POISON IVY #1 [09/04] Written by JODY HOUSER, art by ADRIANA MELO; Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are taking their show on the road in this new miniseries! They’ll have to evade villains and heroes alike while they explore their relationship and unpack their time and experiences at Sanctuary. Set after the events of HEROES IN CRISIS and smack in the middle of “Year of the Villain,” it’s a journey across the DC Universe that will change their friendship forever…if they live that long! $3.99, Card Stock Variant $4.99, 32 Pages, 1 of 6
NIGHTWING #64 [09/18] Written by DAN JURGENS, art by RONAN CLIQUET; Blüdhaven explodes in violence as a riot erupts in the streets. Ric can’t face this alone, so he’ll have to enlist the support of the Nightwings. Meanwhile, Talon has taken Bea captive to lure Ric into his grasp and reintroduce him (for the first time, in Ric’s memory) to the Court of Owls. $3.99, 32 Pages
RED HOOD: OUTLAW #38 [09/25] Written by SCOTT LOBDELL, art by KENNETH ROCAFORT; This is the Year of the Villain, and Red Hood has been tasked by Lex Luthor with training the worst teens in the DC Universe to become the super-villains of tomorrow. But while these kids may think they’re the future of villainy, they’re about to learn they may already be doomed. Reiser is rampaging through a S.T.A.R. Labs facility, unleashed like never before. Can the Red Hood see DNA, Cloud Nine, Devour and the enigmatic Babe in Arms safely home, or is this one field trip no one should have gotten permission to go on? Plus, where in the world are Artemis and Bizarro now? $3.99, 32 Pages
THE RIDDLER: YEAR OF THE VILLAIN #1 [09/11] Written by MARK RUSSELL, art by SCOTT GODLEWSKI; Lex Luthor has presented dark gifts to super-villains across the DC Universe, setting off what can only be called the Year of the Villain. Unfortunately, resources are limited, so not everyone got something. The Riddler is one such person, and he is most displeased about it. Was this merely an oversight or a deliberate slight? The Riddler is determined to find out which—and so should you! $4.99, 40 Pages, One-Shot
GREATER DC UNIVERSE
EVENT LEVIATHAN #4 [09/11] Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS, art by ALEX MALEEV; Batman versus Superman! Witness the interrogation of the decade as Bruce Wayne tears into Superman to find the missing piece of the Leviathan puzzle they both need. It’s a battle of wits and wills as the greatest detectives in the universe get together to figure out the why and how of Leviathan before it’s too late. And when that doesn’t work…in comes Lois Lane! From the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, it’s another fully painted noir thriller that will tear a bloody trail through the DC Universe. $3.99, Card Stock Variant $4.99, 32 Pages, 4 of 6
JUSTICE LEAGUE #31 [09/04] Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV, art by JORGE JIMENEZ; “The Justice Doom War” part two! The culmination of Lex Luthor’s plan hinges on his beating the Justice League to the prize, ratcheting up the peril as the Year of the Villain continues! The Totality has shattered and its pieces have been tossed across space and time. Thus, the Justice League must also split apart, forming three search teams to comb the past, present, and future to re-combine the Totality before the Legion of Doom can get its villainous hands on the cosmic weapon. What allies will our heroes find in these other timelines? In the future, it’s the Last Boy on Earth, Kamandi! But in the past, there are the familiar faces of the Justice Society of America! $3.99, 32 Pages
JUSTICE LEAGUE #32 [09/18] Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV, art by HOWARD PORTER; “The Justice Doom War” part three! Things are getting dangerous across the time stream. On one side of time, the Justice League team finds heroic purpose; on the other, it’s a future full of chaos and trial. It’s the Totality in action. If they can’t stop Lex’s Legion across all fronts, there may be only one other option: embrace Doom! $3.99, Card Stock Variant $4.99, 32 Pages
TEEN TITANS #34 [09/18] Written by ADAM GLASS, art by BERNARD CHANG; Who is crazy enough to steal a djinn’s ring? We’ll do you one better: How much damage can you do with a stolen djinn ring? Robin and the Teen Titans hunt the thief of magic…but are they looking in the wrong place? The Year of the Villain strikes close to home—a major turning point in the Titans status quo starts here! $3.99, 32 Pages
SECONDARY DC UNIVERSE
DC SUPER HERO GIRLS AT METROPOLIS HIGH TPB [10/09] written by AMY WOLFRAM, art by YANCEY LABAT; A new era begins for the DC Super Hero Girls in DC Super Hero Girls At Metropolis High! When Batgirl, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Green Lantern, Bumblebee, and Zatanna are continually late to class because of their crime-fighting, they are sentenced to joining an after-school club for a whole week—or else they’ll be suspended! But finding a club is not as easy as it looks, and when the girls keep finding themselves kicked out of the clubs they like, they must think outside of the box and go outside their comfort zones to avoid suspension. Just when they thought secret identities and balancing school with super-heroics were challenging enough! $9.99, 152 Pages
DCEASED: A GOOD DAY TO DIE #1 [09/04] Written by TOM TAYLOR, art by LAURA BRAGA, DARICK ROBERTSON and others; While the mainstays of the Justice League—Superman, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman—battle the worldwide infection in the pages of DCEASED, a group of other heroes work to stop the impending apocalypse—no matter who they have to kill! Mr. Terrific assembles a motley group of surviving heroes including Mister Miracle, Big Barda, John Constantine, Blue Beetle and Booster Gold as they attempt to fight back against the tide of death. Can this ragtag group save the world where the Justice League has thus far failed? $4.99, 48 Pages, One-Shot
DOLLAR COMICS: CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS #1 [09/25] Written by MARV WOLFMAN, art by GEORGE PEREZ and DICK GIORDANO; Reprinting the first chapter of the 1980s classic CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! $1.00, 32 Pages
TEEN TITANS GO! #36 [09/18] Written by IVAN COHEN and LEA H. SEIDMAN, art by SANDY JARRELL and SARAH LEUVER; The Titans may have bungled Raven’s surprise party, but Pretty, Pretty Pegasus Live is coming to Jump City, and it’s their big chance to get tickets from some “Power Brokers” and make things right! Plus, when Robin decides the team needs more motivation to learn new skills, he designs a bunch of merit badges…but what happens to a team member who feels they are “Without Merit”? $2.99, 32 Pages
TITANS: BURNING RAGE #2 [09/18] Written by DAN JURGENS, art by SCOT EATON and WAYNE FAUCHER; Available to comics shops for the first time! It’s neighbor versus neighbor as the violence in the streets escalates, thanks to the discord sown by Mento! But while the Titans try to keep the peace, things get even worse—and even deadlier! Collects stories from TITANS GIANT #3 and #4. $4.99, 32 Pages, 2 of 7
