Batman #3 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman #3 Review

by Gareth Turner
written by Gareth Turner

In this review of Batman #3, as Vandal Savage continues his mission to destroy Batman and Robin, questions arise about the treatment activity at Arkham Tower by Dr. Zeller.

 

Batman #3 main cover

Batman #3 main cover by Jorge Jiménez (DC Comics)

BATMAN #3
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art and Main Cover: JORGE JIMÉNEZ
Variant Covers: JIM LEE, JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO, JOE QUESADA, JORGE JIMÉNEZ, DAVID AJA
Page Count: 40 pages
Release Date: 11/5/25

 

This comic book review contains spoilers

Jorge Jimenez and Matt Fraction continue their run with Batman #3. A young boy in the East Coventry district of Gotham City interviews an older woman named “Miss Marjorie” about how Gotham has changed over the years. She says it’s mostly the people who have changed, they don’t help each other anymore. Just then, they hear gunshots and the boy films Batman and Robin fleeing from the scene of two gunned down cops. Later, Commissioner Vandal Savage plants a bloody batarang at the scene and then intimidates one of the injured cops into implicating Batman in the shooting. Bruce visits Tim in the hospital but gets rebuffed by his boyfriend Bernard who notes that every time Bruce and Tim spend time together, Tim ends up getting hurt. 

While there, a Gotham talk show catches Bruce’s eye featuring Dr. Hugo Strange and Dr. Anna Zeller debating the causes of violent and antisocial behavior. Dr. Zeller insists that the root causes are quantitative differences in each person’s brain chemistry and she claims to have created an electronic headpiece with a Wayne family endowment that balances out these chemicals in her patient’s brains. 

Back home, Bruce has a sparring session with Damian while downtown, Gordon calls Harvey Bullock at his PI business. Gordon tells him to put up the bat signal which is now a tiny bat-shaped stuffed animal device in his office window. Batman meets up with Gordon and Bullock who tell him that Savage is conducting a false flag operation to frame Batman and justify a full on mercenary attack against him. 

Meanwhile at the Wayne Experimental Sciences Building, the Riddler breaks in while compulsively speaking in riddles and tries to steal Dr. Anna Zeller’s headpiece device to ‘make [his] head stop.’ Batman sedates him and questions him in the Batmobile. Together with a holographic version of Alfred, he deduces that Dr. Zeller has been experimenting on inmates at Arkham Asylum as Batman #3 comes to an end. 

 

page from batman #3

Eyes are everywhere in Gotham City, Commissioner Savage (DC Comics)

 

Analysis

With this new reboot of Batman’s main line, Jorge Jimenez and Matt Fraction had the opportunity to do something truly unique and different, but instead chose to lean into what each of them love in Batman lore from the past. It’s certainly an understandable choice and the general reception seems to be positive towards this nostalgic old-fashioned kind of Dark Knight storytelling. Batman’s line “everything old is new again” gives the proceedings a kind of inevitable cyclicity that feels fitting although I can’t help wishing this reboot took things in a bold new direction rather than circling the same tired beats we’ve seen before. And this idea of reducing all Batman’s iconography into tiny handheld trinkets (the dinosaur, the batsymbol, etc) isn’t enough to differentiate this run from past main line reboots. 

Batman #3 as it is has some interesting nuggets. I do really like this down and out Gordon and Harvey. They no longer have any influence on the city politics and policing so they have to be especially crafty with their alliance with Batman and that’s always fun to see. I’ll never get enough of those two. The Riddler segment was fun as well, although I’m not entirely sure why Batman’s techno stealth suit is necessary (Batman’s regular suit should be his stealth suit, no?) I like the idea of Riddler just compulsively speaking in Riddles and being unable to stop. The Batman/Robin’s stuff feels a little clunky and juvenile under Fraction’s helm. Damian especially feels like a caricature of himself especially during the bizarre crotch-kicking scene which is even more bizarrely endorsed by Alfred’s holographic ghost. 

I am curious to see where Dr. Zeller’s brain altering technology storyline goes although it feels oddly familiar and Vandal Savage framing Batman is a classic setup which is another way of saying it’s been done a million times. I think I prefer Savage as a kind of morally ambiguous antihero but this kind of Luthorian take is fine I suppose. 

Jorge Jimenez isn’t my favorite artist working today, but I must admit that there were a few panels and images that really impressed me. And I gotta say, the rest looks pretty solid as well. The opening page is framed in a creative way that utilizes modern technology for storytelling which I have to commend it for. Possibly my favorite Batman artist ever is Norm Breyfogle and the police officer’s face of terror at the bottom of page 6 reminds me of some of his bug-eyed crazies from The Last Arkham. And while I feel like the way he draws Bruce and the Robins borders on generic, I love his schlubby greasy haired Bullock. Without the hat on he just embodies the sleaze. 

Final Thoughts 

With Batman #3, I still have this underlying feeling that Jimenez and especially Matt Fraction are playing it a little safer than what I would like in this run. This doesn’t feel groundbreaking or exciting in the same way that Absolute Batman does, but it’s solid Batman storytelling and I can’t knock it for that.

Batman #3 main cover
Batman #3 (2025)
Final Thoughts
With Batman #3, I still have this underlying feeling that Jimenez and especially Matt Fraction are playing it a little safer than what I would like in this run. This doesn’t feel groundbreaking or exciting in the same way that Absolute Batman does, but it’s solid Batman storytelling and I can’t knock it for that. 
3.5
Final Score
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gotham academy: first year #2 featured image
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Review: Gotham Academy: First Year #2

by Ian Miller
written by Ian Miller

In this review of Gotham Academy: First Year #2, as Olive settles in at Gotham Academy, finding friends, fun, and maybe even love, the darkness that is devouring her mother threatens to devour her too!

 

Gotham Academy: First Year #2 main cover

Gotham Academy: First Year #2 main cover by Karl Kerschl (DC Comics)

GOTHAM ACADEMY: FIRST YEAR #2
Written by BRENDEN FLETCHER, KARL KERSCHL, and BECKY CLOONAN
Art by MARCO FERRARI
Main Cover: KARL KERSCHL
Variant Cover: HAINING
Page Count: 40 pages
Release Date: 11/5/25

 

This review contains spoilers

As Gotham Academy: First Year #2 begins, Olive talks to her mother about her time at Gotham Academy – things are going well! Sibyl teases her daughter about her romance with Kyle, and Olive says she’s happy to see Sibyl doing well. Sibyl whispers that Professor Crane’s medications are the reason for her improvement, and hopes to be out in a few months. Olive starts having nightmares of her mother returning, causing her to seek help from the Guidance Counselor. She recommends tutoring to get more personal interaction without mediation.

Olive meets Heathcliff Ray, her tutor-ee, and discovers he has a massive crush on Pomeline (as well as a very musical, artistic soul). Later, her study date with Kyle is interrupted by Colton dropping off a bunch of fireworks, followed by a bunch of the Academy’s football team trying to bully Colton. Kyle trips up the bullies, then flees with Olive in the rain, laughing (making a big impression on Colton). Kyle and Olive finally have their first kiss, and Kyle invites Olive to stay with him over the Thanksgiving weekend.

At the Mizguchi manor house, Olive has dinner with Kyle, his parents, and his hiding-under-the-table little sister Mia, nicknamed Maps. Maps shows Olive her room, covered with role-playing game maps and drawings, and the two form an instant bond. Later that night, while Olive’s in bed, Maps surprises her with a sleepover, with games and snacks.

Afterwards, Olive can’t wait to tell her mom about it, but as she visits Arkham, the Scarecrow has broken out, and she meets Clayface (who mirrors her appearance) and Mr. Freeze before finally finding her mom. Sibyl is nearly catatonic, muttering about fire, and Olive fearfully sees the guards bring Scarecrow back to his cell. He tries to get Olive to unlock his cell, but she refuses. As she flees Arkham in the rain, his words echo in her ears that he plans to blow up the Asylum.

Analysis

Brendan Fletcher and Marco Ferrari’s storytelling is really dense in Gotham Academy: First Year #2. Huge amounts of plot, character, and texture at Gotham Academy are hinted at or sketched in quick, efficient ways through narration and flashback, a non-chronological emotional theme of Olive pulling back from kissing Kyle culminating in their kiss in the rain, a beautifully paced and executed emotional catharsis. This type of carefully crafted storytelling is a real treat in today’s single plot, decompressed storylines. Just an overall delight in terms of quality of storytelling.

But the story that Fletcher, Ferrari, and co-plotters Cloonan and Kerschl have to tell is even more worthwhile. As Olive continues to feel the pull of her new friends and boyfriend, she also feels desperate to hide her mother’s illness and confinement in Gotham Academy. Though of course we won’t see the full fruition of that plot in this miniseries, as it was resolved in the DC Rebirth sequel series, Gotham Academy: Second Semester, seeing the tension it creates in Olive while also seeing her blossoming from fear into love and friendship is quite simply lovely and tragic at the same time. Little notes like Olive’s worries about sex in her new relationship with Kyle are nicely rendered – not too overtly, but with emotion and awareness.

And, of course, there’s the Maps issue. When the series was first announced, this particular Gotham Academy fan was quite worried that because Mia was new in the original Gotham Academy series, she might not appear in this “First Year.” But those fears were allayed when Brendan Fletcher shared pieces of the script for this issue, showing that Maps would, indeed, have a part to play in this miniseries. And there was MUCH rejoicing! Marco Ferrari draws a Maps and her environment that take full advantage of the energy and joy first created by Karl Kerschl, and adds his own layers of energy and delight. There is no downgrade in art or writing in this prequel-era Maps Mizoguchi, and hopefully she’ll have a few more guest appearances, while of course Olive and Kyle and the rest of her year have the main stage.

Lastly, the continued threat of Professor Crane and Arkham at the end of Gotham Academy: First Year #2 is very nicely handled – very reminiscent of the Gothic literature that Olive is reading all through this issue, with the rain, the architecture, and the grim adults with deceptive, evil motives. Hopefully Olive won’t fall for them…though of course we know tragedy is looming from the original series!

Series co-creator Karl Kerschl’s main cover shows Maps and Olive lying together on top of, of course, maps, with Maps holding a bright red 20 sided die (used for role playing games), with some nice new-friend dialogue as flavor text. Artist Haining’s variant brilliantly shows Olive and Kyle leaning on each other, holding hands on the dock, but we see them reflected in the water with a terrifying Batman-Beast vision and flames behind them as Olive looks terrified (Kyle being blissfully in love with Olive with his eyes closed). Two really excellent covers!

Final Thoughts

Fletcher, Ferrari, and company provide yet another stellar Gotham Academy issue with all the joys, scares, delights, and frights you’d expect!

gotham academy: first year #2 featured image
Gotham Academy: First Year #2
Final Thoughts
Fletcher, Ferrari, and company provide yet another stellar Gotham Academy issue with all the joys, scares, delights, and frights you’d expect!
4
Final Score
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Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 main cover
Batman Universe ComicsComic Reviews and Editorials

TBU Review: Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1

by BJ Shea
written by BJ Shea

In this review of Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1, Batman takes on a group of white nationalist. Plus two other short stories.

 

Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 main cover

Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 main cover by Daniel Warren Johnson (DC Comics)

ABSOLUTE BATMAN 2025 ANNUAL #1
Writers: DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, JAMES HARREN, MEREDITH MCCLAREN
Artists: DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, JAMES HARREN, MEREDITH MCCLAREN
Main Cover: DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON
Variant Covers: NICK DRAGOTTA, JAMES HARREN, MEREDITH MCCLAREN
Page Count: 56 pages
Release Date: 10/29/25

 

This review contains spoilers

Absolute Batman’s first annual opens with a flashback with Thomas Wayne reading a newspaper about an extremist bombing and young Bruce asking why things like that happen. Thomas doesn’t know but as a teacher he tries to teach kindness and good values to his students.

Bruce leaves Gotham to buy supplies but comes across a gang beating up on a Spanish mother and her son. The gang of men tell them they don’t belong. Bruce intervenes but is outnumbered. He is about to get beaten severely until a kind priest is able to save him. 

The priest gives Bruce the backstory on the men and tells them that the gang plans to attack an encampment and is going to chase out the people that are staying there. Deejay, the leader, is leading the attack and shouting that he is the true power. Just as he is about yell out “white power”, Batman breaks his arm. Batman opens up a can of whoop ass as only he can against these nazis. As he is about to beat Deejay more, the priest saves Deejay and tells Batman that violence is not the answer.

Batman finds the nazi hideout and beats everyone up, crashes his car through it and starts to burn it down as the nazis look on in fear. The priest is treating the wounded and Batman asks why and the priest says “you have your way and I have mine.”

Bruce drives off and thinks back to a conversation with his dad about how kind and compassionate he is. He says he is going to be a man of good nature and no matter what he does, he will be proud of him. Bruce looks at the blood on his hands and then sits down and sobs.

Analysis

Pretty powerful story. Batman just beating the crap out of racist Nazis. I mean who doesn’t want to see that? But this story is so much more than that. Absolute Batman is pretty violent. We once saw him punt a kid to the moon. And this story includes some pretty violent action scenes. Over the top violence even for giant Batman. I think it being so over the top was to add to the emotional ending. 

I wonder if Batman seeing how violent he has become will play into the regular series written by Scott Snyder. Oftentimes Annuals are one offs that do not mean much but if ever there was an Annual that was lingering, it would be this with Batman seeing how violet he has become. And maybe not kick kids no matter how evil they are.

Warren Johnson brought it as a writer but he really brought it with the art. Really distinctive punches with being able to see Batman’s giant fist smooshing the face of a nazi. If Nick Dragotta is unavailable, then Warren Johnson would be a worthy fill-in.

Second Story

A group of Black Mask gang members are being led into an abandoned church by a member. It is his dad’s house and they are there looking for guns. He knows where they are hidden. They find the gun cabinet empty and the boy’s father there with a shotgun asking them to take what they want and leave. The boy is upset to see his father and they beat him and ask where the guns are.

In the abandoned church, Batman is systematically taking out the rest of the gang members quickly and quietly. Batman has a big fight with a giant gang member and Batman has him beaten and then sets off grenades on himself. The father covers the son and saves him as they embrace and Batman swings off.

Analysis: There wasn’t much to this story. A story of a clearly bitter son trying to take advantage of his father but then realizing his father still cares. What I liked about it was that Batman could have taken the boy into custody because he was obviously a criminal but did not and let the boy be with his father.

My one small critique is that this could be a story with any Batman. Mainstream or Absolute. The first story felt very Absolute but this could have gone into continuity. It was a good story with good art but I think something more Absolute.

Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 main cover
Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1
Final Thoughts
All stories were decent, but the first one is obviously the best.
4
Final Score
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Batman & Robin: Year One #12 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman and Robin #12 Review (FINALE!)

by D.M. Grant
written by D.M. Grant

In this review of Batman & Robin: Year One #12, the Faces gang has completely taken over Gotham! Can Batman and Robin clear their names and put a stop to them once and for all?

 

Batman & Robin: Year One #12 main cover

Batman & Robin: Year One #12 main cover by Chris Samnee (DC Comics)

BATMAN & ROBIN: YEAR ONE #12
Written by MARK WAID and CHRIS SAMNEE
Art and Main Cover: CHRIS SAMNEE
Variant Covers: JAMAL CAMPBELL, RYAN SOOK, JOE QUINONES
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 10/15/25

 

This review contains spoilers

As Batman & Robin: Year One #12 begins, realizing that Batman has survived his fall, Two-Face and Clayface high-tail it out of Grimaldi’s office, complete with bank records and everything digitally profitable to make a clean getaway. Meanwhile, as Robin helps Batman manage his injury, Alfred informs the Dynamic Duo of a break-in at the Gotham City Reservoir.

Batman and Robin confront the Faces before they can spread the Clayface formula into the city waters, saving millions of people from a clay-infected death. While Batman battles Hagen, Robin confronts Two-Face – smashing his CD-ROM of stocks and financial records and knocking him out before he can flip his coin in an attempt to shoot the Boy Wonder.

Batman and Robin return to Dick’s foster home, where Batman resigns that Dick doesn’t belong with him legally, but that he’s still willing to fight to resume his warship over Dick Grayson. Three weeks later, the judge grants a twelve month trial period to Bruce Wayne for guardianship of Dick Grayson, based on Ms. Lyn’s sterling recommendation.

The next night, Commissioner Gordon announces that Harvey Dent and Matt Hagen will be sentenced later that week. Additionally, while displaying the new Bat-Signal, presents Batman and Robin as Gotham’s official protectors against super criminals. The Gotham City public sees the Caped Crusaders in full view, just before the Dynamic Duo jump into the Bat-Plane and fly off into the sunset.

Analysis

Mark Waid and Chris Samnee end this 12-issue miniseries on solid footing with Batman & Robin: Year One #12, with their four issue streak kept intact and giving the Dynamic Duo a solid origin point for this freshly reestablished DC History. It’s that latter point, with this book coinciding with the conclusion of Waid’s New History of the DC Universe, that has me view Batman and Robin Year One in the best possible mind, both with the fact that it’s finished and that we are in a new start for DC continuity. While the miniseries wasn’t perfect to my eyes, it was still good enough to serve as a new look on how Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson came to become the best crime-fighting duo in all of DC Comics.

Let’s go over some minor details in the beginning. With this series, as well as Torunn Gronbekk’s current Catwoman run, the events of Batman: The Long Halloween are now fully out of continuity. I say that because Carmine Falcone is alive and well in both this story and Catwoman’s title. With Falcone alive, Two-Face’s origin has been altered. This also, more obviously, negates Robin Year One. Dick’s first encounter with Two-Face leading to the death of a judge and his near-dismissal from the role as Robin is now a thing of the past. Two-Face’s team up with Clayface in this series represents the turn of Gotham’s criminal set from the gangster to the supervillain, and Robin is needed to aid in combating them.

Finally, we’re told that Dick Grayson is ten years old in Batman & Robin: Year One #12. Whether that means he was nine in issue one, or about to turn eleven after this story, it’s a decided de-aging after the decades of the Pose-Crisis Dick Grayson being twelve years old when he first became Robin. So if Dick’s ten, the question naturally arises how old is he when he becomes Nightwing? Is he still college aged or just after, or is he a teenager (Originally Dick Grayson was 20 when he became Nightwing in the pages of The New Teen Titans)?

For the most part, these new changes don’t bother me like they might have in the beginning of this series. Because we hadn’t been given a clear roadmap on how to view the continuity a year ago, I was left adrift with many questions trying to cohere this series with ones that have come before. But if you’re a DC fan and you haven’t read The New History of the DC Universe, I highly recommend it. Everything that’s happened is intact as happened, just that history keeps getting altered ever since Barry Allen messed with the timeline and created the new 52. Dick Grayson was originally 8 or 10 or 12 and is just now 10 again when becoming Robin. It doesn’t really matter in the long run, as the ages have generally been in flux. As long as he’s still a kid and adopted by Bruce Wayne, the important details are kept intact.

Batman & Robin: Year One #12 is a very straightforward finale, and probably the easiest for Waid to script. Batman and Robin chase Two-Face and Clayface to the Gotham City Reservoir, and stop them in the nick of time. Throughout the issue, Waid demonstrates to longtime fans key easter eggs signaling the dawning of a new era, with the majority of those easter eggs referencing the Adam West 1966 Batman series. From Batman and Robin scaling the side of the building, to Robin punching his fist, Robin saying “Same time, same channel?” and Batman saying “To the Batmobile!” I liked all of these, especially by the end as the two have grown more comfortable with each other. Batman particularly is in a great mood in this issue, and it’s nice to see. This era of the Batman franchise is often looked back on as sunny days, metatextually recalling the brighter, post-Frederick Wertham Comics Code period of the Silver Age when the adventures were wackier and less gritty and serious. Of course, that’s not strictly the case, but the reason for optimism is still there. As such, I enjoyed Chris Samnee’s detailing of finally giving Robin the white eyes, and Matheus Lopes putting blue on Batman’s costume – something that’s now happened once again in Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiminez’s Batman run as of this writing. It’s the jumping off point from the gritty Golden Age/Batman Year One era into something more colorful and definitive.

Batman & Robin: Year One #12 was good, and overall the series was good. Mark Waid can pen a superhero comic with ease, and Chris Samnee – a Batman fan who every October illustrates terrific pictures for “Batober” – made this the book of his dreams. While the continuity took some getting used to (from Dick being only three weeks into the job, to the various points of careers for the villains), the one thing I continually took issue with was Dick Grayson’s depiction. Had I known he was only ten at the start, I think I’d adjust to it better. Even still, I honestly prefer Robin to be a little older than that (unless it’s Damian), as ten years old is tough to grok for a crime fighting kid jumping into a hail of bullets every night. Still, Waid justified Dick’s commitment to the cause well enough – even though I wish there was more pushback from Bruce during that Batcave argument – and he presented Batman and Robin together in a respectable enough way that it well informs their relationship not only in the modern day as adults but also a few years down the road in the pages of World’s Finest, where Dick is a teenager. I much more enjoy Waid’s writing of the character there, as it’s easier to write a more capable teenager than it is a smart mouthed kid. Nevertheless, there was a time I was really souring on this series around the middle four issues. The creative team turned it around for me, enjoying each month by the end and interested to see how they might tackle other key moments going forward. Waid’s done Teen Titans Year One with the World’s Finest Teen Titans miniseries a couple of years back. What about Batgirl? Bat-Hound? Bat-Mite?

Ultimately, this series more than any other of Mark Waid’s grand return to the DC Universe solidified a return of warm emotion between the characters. I am old enough to remember how things were before the new 52 and after, where everyone interacted with each other with such disdain and contempt for the sake of dramatic storytelling. A series like this would’ve been given constant perfect scores back in 2012. Now that the DCU has in my opinion enacted a total course correction, this is simply another solid export of that turnaround.

Is it as good as what’s come before in my estimation? I think it’s a lighter read than Robin Year One, which over time has grown darker and more violent in retrospect than maybe it needed to be. I like Chuck Dixon’s take on young Robin both there and in his one-shot Issue #0 than Waid’s laughing daredevil in this book, but I never hated Waid’s young Robin. I’m just used to a touch more dimension, even if there can only be so much from ten year olds. I also, admittedly, was never crazy about Long Halloween being in continuity, as virtually the entire Batman rogues gallery was well established before Robin first appeared. Never liked that.

As things stands, this is a good ending and helps make this a good series to read for fans of Batman, Robin, or Batman and Robin. Bravo gentlemen.

Batman & Robin: Year One #12 main cover
Batman and Robin: Year One #12
Final Thoughts
As things stands, this is a good ending and helps make this a good series to read for fans of Batman, Robin, or Batman and Robin. Bravo gentlemen.
4
Final Score
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dc comics solicitations for january 2026 featured image
Comic NewsPreviews

January 2026 TBU DC Solicitations

by Stephanie Mounce
written by Stephanie Mounce

DC Comics solicitations for January 2026 have been released by the publisher.  The DC KO event will feature DC K.O.: THE KIDS ARE ALL FIGHT SPECIAL #1 featuring Cassandra Cain Batgirl.  Absolute Batman continues the Absolute Wonder Woman crossover in its second part.

Check out the DC Comics solicits within the Batman Universe for January 2026 below, courtesy of DC comics. If you want to see the full solicits for the month of December 2025, you can find them at our sister site, The Comic Book Spot.

(Click images to enlarge)

 

 

DC K.O. #3
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JAVI FERNÁNDEZ
Variant covers by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE DEL MUNDO, CARLA COHEN, and LUCIO PARRILLO
1:25 variant cover by CULLY HAMNER
Darkseid variant cover by SANFORD GREENE
Bracket Special Effect variant cover by DAN MORA
Foil variant cover by JAVI FERNÁNDEZ
FACE-OFF variant cover by BEN OLIVER
Aew Cameo variant cover by DAN MORA
$5.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/14/26
IT’S TAG-TEAM TIME!
As the Omega Tournament reaches its endgame, the final eight combatants are put to the ultimate test–confronted with a decades-long stay in their own personal hell! Emotions run high as heroes falter, villains revel, and the Heart of Apokolips eyes its new King Omega. In the end, only the final four will remain…

 

 

 

DC K.O.: KNIGHTFIGHT #3
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by LUDO LULLABI, JEFF SPOKES, and RILEY ROSSMO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/7/26
All-star creators Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora deliver the next pulse-pounding chapter of Batman’s journey during DC K.O., giving us the Dark Knight’s greatest challenge yet. Jason Todd is Batman. Tim Drake is Batman. And to complete his mission, Bruce Wayne will have to fight both of them. The former Robins aren’t giving up without a fight, and it will take everything Batman has—and then some—in order to defeat them.
Does Batman have what it takes to defeat both of his pupils, or have the students become the masters?

 

 

 

DC K.O.: THE KIDS ARE ALL FIGHT SPECIAL #1
Written by JEREMY ADAMS
Art by TRAVIS MERCER
Cover by BRUNO REDONDO
Variant covers by CHRISSIE ZULLO-UMINGA, JOE QUINONES, TODD NAUCK, and JUNI BA
$5.99 | 40 pages | Variant $6.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/28/26
Jon Kent always wanted to be a Titan when he grew up, but now that he’s working alongside them in the effort to evacuate Earth, he didn’t think he’d be stuck babysitting young sidekicks! When the kids sneak off to enter the fray and stop Granny Goodness, Jon will have to show these young heroes the ropes so they can save the day and prove there’s no age requirement to being a superhero—and you won’t want to miss the SHOCKING finale!

 

 

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #15
Written by MARK WAID
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by STEVE SKROCE, EDDY BARROW & EBER FERREIRA, KRIS ANKA and KEVIN WADA
Sweater Weather variant cover by BEN HARVEY
Punk Rock Cardstock variant cover by DAVE JOHNSON
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/28/26
The plot Neron set in motion is revealed at last–and the consequences will spell the end of heroism on planet Earth! As powered-up villains ravage what’s left of the planet, the Terrific Ten is whittled down to a handful of survivors who can’t possibly withstand the fires of Hell!

 

 

 

TITANS #31
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art and cover by PETE WOODS
Variant covers by BRAD WALKER and DERRICK CHEW
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/21/26
Something has gone wrong in the Omega Tournament, and the planet’s transformation into New Apokolips has accelerated! Darkseid’s forces arrive on Earth to witness his rebirth, so it’s up to Donna Troy and Roy Harper to hold them back! But can they survive against Grail, the daughter of Darkseid?

 

 

 

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #16
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by NICK DRAGOTTA
Variant covers by MICHAEL CHO, LEIRIX, AND FRANK CHO
1:25 variant cover by TK
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/14/26
Part two of our Absolute Batman/Absolute Wonder Woman story– Bruce Wayne is on a desperate hunt to help his friend Waylon, now transformed into a monstrous crocodile roaming the sewers, consumed with a deadly hunger. Batman’s last option for a cure is to turn to a god for help…but will he have to descend into the depths of hell to get it?

 

 

 

BATMAN #5
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art and cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
Variant covers by JIM LEE, JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO, and LEIRIX
Foil variant cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
Bat-Gadget variant cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
Sweater Weather variant cover by MITCH GERARDS
Lady Death Man design variant by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
1:25 variant cover by DAVID AJA
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock) | Variant $7.99 US (foil)
ON SALE 1/7/26
A night out with Bruce Wayne goes off the rails immediately for Dr. Annika Zeller—it seems her experimental Crown of Storms has her marked for death. And if they survive the legendary 000 Gang, they’ll still have to confront the sinister assassin known as Lady Death Man!

 

 

 

NIGHTWING #134
NIGHTWING CAUGHT IN A DEADLY GAME!
Written by DAN WATTERS
Art by V KEN MARION
Cover by DEXTER SOY
Variant cover by V KEN MARION, ELIZABETH TORQUE, and PHAN TUAN DAT
Sweater Weather variant cover by TRAVIS MOORE
4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/21/26
In the heart of the Cirque du Sin, a carnival game is played for the souls of Blüdhaven’s children. But whether Nightwing wins or loses, the outcome of this game will have repercussions for his city forever.

 

 

 

BATGIRL #15
Written by TATE BROMBAL
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Cover by REIKO MURAKAMI
Variant cover by JORGE FORNÉS
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/7/26
Batgirl’s journey toward vengeance reaches its peak as her relationships begin to crumble. Nyssa al Ghul’s plans come to light…and they may doom the city she claims to protect, pushing Batgirl to her darkest hour yet.

 

 

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #29
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by FICO OSSIO
Cover by NIMIT MALAVIA
Variant covers by GUILLEM MARCH and MARTIN SIMMONDS
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/14/26
Arnold Wesker had been thought cured—he’d left the Ventriloquist moniker behind and started a new life. But now his ol’ pal Scarface is back, and he’s pulling Wesker’s strings once again. Meanwhile, Batman and Robin find themselves at odds over how to handle the recently apprehended Quiet Man, who may have more in common with Batman than it seems. A convergence of evil is on the horizon—will Batman and Robin be able to work together to stop it?

 

 

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #1105
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art and cover by MIKEL JANÍN
Variant covers by GREG SMALLWOOD and BJÖRN BARENDS
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/28/26
With mere hours to go before Batman’s mind and body are destroyed by the Lion’s anti-fear virus, Batman takes drastic measures and seals himself inside an airtight suit to keep those around him safe while continuing his desperate search for a cure. But with the virus already taking hold and Batman’s fears melting away, the world will soon see how dangerous a Dark Knight without fear is. “The Courage That Kills” continues in this penultimate chapter that will need to be seen to be believed!

 

 

 

CATWOMAN #83
Written by TORUNN GRØNBEKK
Art by DANILO BEYRUTH
Cover by SEBA FIUMARA
Variant covers by FRANK CHO, MAHMUD ASRAR, and CORIN HOWELL
Sweater Weather variant cover by TULA LOTAY
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/21/26
Surprise! The Falcone family isn’t the only Gotham City contingent Catwoman is up against—the Court of Owls have revealed themselves and they’re out for blood! Will Selina Kyle emerge victorious, or will she make her return to Gotham with her tail between her legs?

 

 

 

HARLEY QUINN #58
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by CARLOS OLIVARES
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant covers by DAVID NAKAYAMA, INHYUK LEE, and ELIZABETH TORQUE
Sweater Weather variant cover by HAINING
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/28/26
Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a Batplane! No, it’s Colonel Blimp! Just when I thought I was done with ring-dings raining on my parade, a guy with a literal zeppelin shows up to rain on my figurative parade. It’s an all-out battle in the sky! I’m gonna give this japlonsky a piece of my mind…or my bazooka!

 

 

 

POISON IVY #40
Written by G. WILLOW WILSON
Art by DAVIDE GIANFELICE
Cover by JESSICA FONG
Variant covers by NOOBOVICH, KYUYONG EOM, JOSHUA “SWAY” SWABY, and DIBERKATO
Sweater Weather variant cover by DANI
3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/7/26
Poison Ivy is tired of having to look over her shoulder constantly. Hoping to secure a place of safety for herself, she sneaks back into Gotham City to meet with Police Commissioner Vandal Savage! Will the immortal caveman help her out, or will this meeting be the spark that sets off an explosive new chapter in Poison Ivy’s life? Find out!

 

 

 

HARLEY & IVY: LIFE AND CRIMES #3
CLOWN/OFF!
Written by ERICA HENDERSON
Art and cover by ERICA HENDERSON
Variant covers by LEIRIX, JEEHYUNG LEE, and YASMINE PUTRI
Foil variant cover by TK
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) | Variant $6.99 US (foil)
ON SALE 1/28/26
It’s Harley and Ivy versus The Joker as the two-woman revenge squad faces off against their quarry in the grand climax of the first arc of our really cool series! What exciting romantic developments will occur in this issue, you ask? Maybe some hand-holding? A head pat? Butterfly kisses? Butterfly knife-stabbing The Joker and then kissing your future girlfriend? Read the comic that Ben Meares and Albert Ching demand you read! What do you mean you don’t know who they are?!

 

 

 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #47
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by E.M. GIST, ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ, and CHRIS SPROUSE
Punk Rock Cardstock variant cover by FABRIZIO DE TOMMASO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/21/26
The combined might of Batman and Superman faces off against the combined might of The Joker and Lex Luthor in the knock-down, drag-out brawl of a conclusion to “The Merger”! Someone is about to get their not-too-distant past kicked!

 

 

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG 2 #7
Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art and cover by CHRISTIAN DUCE
Variant covers by KEVIN MAGUIRE, ALAN QUAH, and CARMINE DI GIANDEOMANICO
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/28/26
This is it! The big finale! Godzilla, Kong and the Justice League versus King Ghidorah, Rodan and the other titans. The question is…whose side is Mothra on?

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsBATMAN/GREEN ARROW/THE QUESTION: ARCADIA #2

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN/GREEN ARROW/THE QUESTION: ARCADIA #2
BATMAN VS. GREEN ARROW IN THE FROZEN WASTES OF GREENLAND!
Written by GABRIEL HARDMAN
Art and cover by GABRIEL HARDMAN
Variant cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
$5.99 US | 32 pages | 2 of 4 | (all covers are card stock)
ON SALE 1/7/26
As both Green Arrow and the Question infiltrate the Arcadia Project, they’ve discovered something rotten at the heart of this so-called climate sanctuary…but when they bring their intel to Batman, will they be trusted? Or has Bruce Wayne become a true believer in Arcadia’s mission?

 

 

 

IMMORTAL LEGEND BATMAN #6
Written by KYLE HIGGINS and MAT GROOM
Art by ERICA D’URSO and DAN MORA
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant cover by DANIELE DI NICUOLO
Variant cover by SARAH BASLAIM
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 1/28/26
A final showdown. A new transformation. To rid the universe of his shadow selves, the Immortal legend Batman must face the cold, hard truth behind what drives him.

 

 

 

THE BAT-MAN: SECOND KNIGHT #3
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by MIKE PERKINS
Variant covers by MARC ASPINALL and STEPHANIE HANS
$6.99 US | 48 pages | 3 of 3 | Prestige Plus | 8 1/2″ x 10 7/8″
(all covers are card stock)
ON SALE 1/21/26
A cloud of fear has settled over the city, and the Scarecrow has the people of Gotham right where he wants them. Jim Gordon will take the fight right to Scarecrow’s seat of power…City Hall! But will Gordon have to challenge him on his own? Where’s the Bat-Man? The Dark Knight has found himself staring down a power unlike any he’s ever seen: a man of unlimited strength. A superman. And he has a lot of questions for the Caped Crusader. Will these two find common ground in time to thwart the Scarecrow and Hangman’s endgame?

 

 

 

GOTHAM ACADEMY: FIRST YEAR #4
Written by BRENDEN FLETCHER, KARL KERSCHL, and BECKY CLOONAN
Art by MARCO FERRARI
Cover by KARL KERSCHL
Variant cover by MARCO FERRARI
$4.99 US | 40 pages
ON SALE 1/7/26
Olive’s had her share of obstacles since she arrived at Gotham Academy. From the difficulty of young love to dealing with bullies to fighting villains alongside Batman, it has been a lot. But sadly, her troubles have just begun, as a bat-shaped (or more accurately, a Man-Bat-shaped) shadow falls over Gotham Academy.

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsTeen Titans Go 11

Credit: DC Comics

 

TEEN TITANS GO! #11
Written by MATTHEW CODY
Art and cover by MEGAN HUANG
$2.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 1/7/26
As the gang gets ready for a fun game night at Titans Tower, Beast Boy invites someone to join the fun…former Teen Titan Terra, who is going to turn the tables on the Titans!

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsBatman the Killing Joke Facsimile

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE #1 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by ALAN MOORE
Art and cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
Foil variant cover by BRIAN BOLLAND ($7.99)
Blank sketch cover ($5.99)
$4.99 US | 48 pages
ON SALE 1/14/26
One bad day. According to The Joker, that’s all that separates the sane from the psychotic. Freed once again from the confines of Arkham Asylum, he’s out to prove his deranged point—and he’s going to use Commissioner Jim Gordon and his brilliant and beautiful daughter Barbara to do it. Now Batman must race to stop his archnemesis before his reign of terror claims two of the Dark Knight’s closest friends.

 

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsBatman 676 Facsimile

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN #676 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by TONY S. DANIEL
Cover by ALEX ROSS
Foil variant cover by ALEX ROSS ($6.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($4.99)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 1/21/26
The Danse Macabre is ready to begin! As Dr. Hurt and the criminal consortium known only as the Black Glove begin their malevolent machinations, Bruce Wayne and Jezebel Jet receive a most mysterious summons. It’s the beginning of the epic saga, Batman R.I.P.!

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsBrave and the Bold 28 Facsimile

Credit: DC Comics

 

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #28 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by GARDNER FOX
Art and Cover by MIKE SEKOWSKY
Foil variant cover by MIKE SEKOWSKY ($6.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($4.99)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 1/7/26
The 1960 epic that introduced the Justice League of America! See the World’s Greatest Heroes team up for the first time to battle the cosmic threat of Starro the Conqueror! Also featuring the first appearance of Lucas “Snapper” Carr!

 

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Batman Hush 2

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN: H2SH
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
$29.99 US | 248 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-546-4
$19.99 US | 248 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79951-290-5
ON SALE 3/31/26
Tommy Elliott, the enigmatic villain known as Hush, has returned to upend the Dark Knight’s world. Now Batman must use every resource and tool in his utility belt to save both Gotham City and himself. But when your allies start acting like enemies, what does that make your enemies? From legendary creators Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair, the complete original “Hush” creative team returns to herald a new age for Gotham and all who dwell there! Collects Batman #158-163 and the “H2SH” prelude from Justice League Unlimited #1.

 

 

TRINITY: DAUGHTER OF WONDER WOMAN
Written by TOM KING
Art and cover by BELÉN ORTEGA
$17.99 US | 168 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-612-6
ON SALE 3/17/26
It all begins when Lizzie, the daughter of Wonder Woman, embarks on her most dangerous adventure yet to enter the time stream to find her father. As the young hero knows, messing with time has its consequences, but that doesn’t mean she learned her lesson the first time. And things are about to get ruff when her Super Sons babysitters literally go to the dogs. Eisner Award-winning writer Tom King and Eisner Award-nominated artist Belén Ortega return to tell this full-size adventure for breakout star Trinity!

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Gotham City Sirens Unfit for Orbit

Credit: DC Comics

 

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS: UNFIT FOR ORBIT
Written by LEAH WILLIAMS
Art by HAINING
Cover by TERRY and RACHEL DODSON
$17.99 US | 136 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-755-0
ON SALE 2/24/26
Who better to rob Gotham City’s hot new outer space-themed nightclub than Catwoman, Ivy, and Harley, right? But there’s more to this intergalactic disco than meets the eye(s), as the Sirens discover when they stumble headfirst into a plot to destroy the entire planet led by the club’s owner—the alien despot Despero! This collection has everything: deadly DJs, hunky alien hotties, dancers dressed as aliens, mutant failures, one wild UFO, and lots and lots of fire! Collects Gotham City Sirens: Unfit for Orbit #1-5.

 

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Batman Superman Worlds Finest vol 8

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST VOL. 8: 20,000 LEAGUES
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
Cover by DAN MORA
$29.99 US | 208 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-618-8
$19.99 US | 208 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-619-5
ON SALE 3/10/26
A distress call from Atlantis has brought Batman and Superman deep beneath the waves…and face-to-face with the king himself: Aquaman. It’s up to the World’s Finest, Aquaman, and Swamp Thing to prevent an eco-catastrophe engineered by the Floronic Man! A new World’s Finest team of Mark Waid and Adrián Gutiérrez takes you across the DC Universe from undersea to Bizarro World in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest: 20,000 Leagues, collecting Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #35-37 and #40-43!

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Batman and Robin Vol 2

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN VOL. 2: THE GOTHAM CYCLE
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by JAVI FERNÁNDEZ, MIGUEL MENDONÇA, CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO, and others
Cover by JAVI FERNÁNDEZ
$19.99 US | 136 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-759-8
ON SALE 2/24/26
Damian Wayne has been kidnapped, stolen away by Memento, and Batman will stop at nothing to get him back. But Memento’s hallucinogens still run through his veins, turning an already-dangerous city into a living nightmare. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Green Lantern: War Journal) and artists Javi Fernandez (Nightwing), Carmine Di Giandomenico (The Flash), and others complete Memento’s thrilling introduction to Batman’s rogues gallery in Batman and Robin Vol. 2: The Gotham Cycle, collecting Batman and Robin #20-24.

 

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Harley Quinn Vol 2

Credit: DC Comics

 

HARLEY QUINN VOL. 2: FRIENDS WITH DETRIMENTS
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by MIRKA ANDOLFO, MINDY LEE, CARLOS OLIVARES, and others
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
$19.99 US | 216 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-253-1
ON SALE 3/3/26
They love each other almost as much as they love guns, and they’re coming after the Clown Queen of Crime! Watch Harley dodge assassination attempts, navigate being part of a neighborhood party-planning committee, and come to terms with her own super-superego before becoming part of a cross-country road trip/kidnapping! Oh, and did we mention she gets hunted for sport? We have now. Collecting Harley Quinn #50-57, this volume includes the debut of new regular artist Carlos Olivares and features the 200th issue of Harley Quinn, with a special story drawn by original Harley artists Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson!

 

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Nightwing Leaping into the Light Compact Comic

Credit: DC Comics

 

NIGHTWING: LEAPING INTO THE LIGHT: DC COMPACT COMICS EDITION
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by BRUNO REDONDO
Cover by BRUNO REDONDO
$9.99 US | 296 pages | 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-770-3
ON SALE 3/3/26
Nightwing is back in Blüdhaven! It’s been a long time since Dick Grayson has been himself, but now he’s smiling again, cracking wise, standing up for the little guy, and sticking it to the bad guys. Barbara Gordon is now back in his life, too…but this time it feels different, like she could be the one. Still, ensuring Blüdhaven’s safety is no small task, especially now that the city is being menaced by Nightwing’s most terrifying foe yet—a mysterious and murderous villain with a penchant for stealing and collecting his victims’ hearts, known only as Heartless. New York Times bestselling duo Tom Taylor (DCeased, Injustice) and Bruno Redondo (Injustice, Suicide Squad).

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Elseworlds Batman Omnibus vol

Credit: DC Comics

 

ELSEWORLDS: BATMAN OMNIBUS VOL. 1
Written by BRIAN AUGUSTYN, CHUCK DIXON, DOUG MOENCH, and others
Art by NORM BREYFOGLE, KELLEY JONES, MIKE MIGNOLA, and others
Cover by VARIOUS
$175.00 US | 1384 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-274-6
ON SALE 3/17/26
This first volume of Batman Elseworlds tales collects Batman: Gotham by Gaslight #1; Batman: Holy Terror #1; Batman & Dracula: Red Rain #1; Batman: Master of the Future #1; Batman: The Blue, the Grey, and the Bat #1; Robin 3000 #1-2; Batman/Houdini: The Devil’s Workshop #1; Batman: Dark Joker – The Wild #1; Batman: In Darkest Knight #1; Catwoman Annual #1; Detective Comics Annual #7; Batman Annual #18; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Annual #4; Batman: Shadow of the Bat Annual #2; Robin Annual #3; Batman: Castle of the Bat #1; Batman: Bloodstorm #1; Batman: Brotherhood of the Bat #1; Batman: KnightGallery #1; and Batman: Man-Bat #1-3.

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Catwoman The New 52 Omnibus Vol 1

Credit: DC Comics

 

CATWOMAN: THE NEW 52 OMNIBUS VOL. 1
Written by JUDD WINICK and ANN NOCENTI
Art by GUILLEM MARCH, RAFA SANDOVAL, ADRIANA MELO, and others
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
$100.00 US | 736 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-765-9
ON SALE 3/10/26
Selina’s life of crime and altruism leads her everywhere, from saving Gotham City’s street kids from a mysterious kidnapper known as Dollhouse to fighting with The Joker in his war against Batman to a gang war with Penguin and the Gotham underworld. Writers Judd Winick and Ann Nocenti, artists Guillem March and Rafa Sandoval, and others launch Selina Kyle into a new life in Catwoman: The New 52 Omnibus Vol. 1, collecting Catwoman #1-26, Catwoman Annual #1, Batman and Catwoman #22, and Batman: The Dark Knight #23.4, plus a story from Young Romance: A New 52 Valentine’s Day Special #1!

 

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Batman the Golden Age Vol 3

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN: THE GOLDEN AGE OMNIBUS VOL. 3 (2026 EDITION)
Written by DON CAMERON
Art by DICK SPRANG and JACK BURNLEY
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
$100.00 US | 784 pages | 7 1/4″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-767-3
ON SALE 3/31/26
The Dynamic Duo is joined by their greatest ally in their war on crime, Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth! From his very first appearance, the valiant valet proves he will be doing more than just cleaning cobwebs out of the Batcave as he adds valuable insight into cases and shows Batman and Robin that three is anything but a crowd. And the Caped Crusader can use the help, as Gotham is terrorized by familiar villains The Joker, the Penguin, Two-Face, and Catwoman, while a slew of new villains, such as the Cavalier and the Crime Surgeon, make their debut. All this, plus Batman and Robin must battle threats from the underwater world of Atlantis and the far-future world of the 21st century! Batman: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 3 collects all the Dark Knight Detective’s tales from Detective Comics #75-92, Batman #16-25, and World’s Finest Comics #10-14 and includes a foreword by iconic Batman artist Dick Sprang.

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE Justice League The New 52 Book 3

Credit: DC Comics

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE NEW 52 BOOK THREE
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by DAVID FINCH, DOUG MAHNKE, IVAN REIS, and others
Cover by IVAN REIS
$39.99 US | 488 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-749-9
ON SALE 2/24/26
Invaders from a ravaged alternate universe, these ruthless beings are on a mission for total global domination…and they won’t let anyone get in their way. As they target and eliminate every hero on Earth in seconds, their victory is all but secured. From the superstar team of Geoff Johns (Green Lantern), Ivan Reis (Aquaman), Doug Mahnke (Batman: Off-World), and more, Justice League: The New 52 Book Three collects Justice League #24-35 and Forever Evil #1-7!

 

 

January 2026 TBU DC SolicitationsCE New Teen Titans Omnibus Vol 2

Credit: DC Comics

 

THE NEW TEEN TITANS OMNIBUS VOL. 2 (2026 EDITION)
Written by MARV WOLFMAN
Art and cover by GEORGE PÉREZ and ROMEO TANGHAL
$100.00 US | 640 pages | 7 1/4″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-763-5
ON SALE 3/24/26
The original Teen Titans always stood in the shadows of their larger-than-life mentors— young heroes like Robin, Wonder Girl, and Kid Flash saw plenty of action, but it was Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash who ultimately called the shots. All that changed, however, with the arrival of the New Teen Titans in 1980—and the lives of DC’s adolescent adventurers would never be the same! Crafted by comics legends Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, this all-new super-team featured greater dangers, fiercer emotions, and more tangled relationships than any that had come before. The Titans’ celebrated stories have ensured that the names of Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and the Changeling will be passed down through history alongside those famous aliases employed by Dick Grayson, Donna Troy, and Wally West. New Teen Titans Omnibus Vol. 2 collects issues #21-41 of the classic series, together with its first two annuals and the special crossover issue Batman and the Outsiders #5, and includes an introductory piece from Wolfman.

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Harley Quinn #55 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Book Review: Harley Quinn #55

by Adam Koppel
written by Adam Koppel

In this review of Harley Quinn #55, with Fire & Ice on her trail again in Coast City, Harley improvises a jailbreak for the Gunbuddies, while the mysterious Deconspirator continues to wreak cruel havoc in Throatcutter Hill.

 

Harley Quinn #55 main cover

Harley Quinn #55 main cover by Yannick Paquette (DC Comics)

HARLEY QUINN #55
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Artist: CARLOS OLIVARES
Main Cover: YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant Covers: DAVID NAKAYAMA, MAHMUD ASRAR, JESSICA LUNA, TK
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 10/22/25

This review contains spoilers

Harley Quinn #55 continues the mayhem from last issue as Harley goes from being imprisoned in an RV by the Gunbuddies, to being locked up with them in a Coast City jail. The bickering between the three women begins in line for their mugshots, and continues in a shared jail cell, (where for some reason they are allowed to keep their masks and costumes). The argument turns physical, but Harley quickly takes advantage of a trusting guard to make a break for freedom.

Harley’s escape takes a quick U-turn after literally colliding with Fire & Ice out on the street. Outmatched, Harley evades the heroic duo by ducking back inside the jail and springing the Gunbuddies for backup (or maybe cannon fodder). Mayhem ensues as the five women battle each other across the city, while working through their various personal issues.

Meanwhile back in Throatcutter Hill, an elderly couple run afoul of the nefarious Deconspirator as he tightens his malevolent grip on the neighborhood. In Coast City, Fire and Ice are somehow outsmarted (and humiliated) by Harley’s antics as Mayfly and Gunbunny make a breakthrough before Mayfly gets hit with a tranquilizer dart.

Harley finally hear about the devastation happening in her neighborhood just before she catches a dart too. Sometime later Harley comes to and realizes that she and Mayfly are the newest human prey for the so-called “Super Hunter” (AKA Gunbunny’s dad).

Harley Quinn #55 ends back in Throatcutter Hill as the Deconspirator introduces himself to Harley’s irascible landlady Mrs. Grimaldi and her nephew Richie.

Analysis 

Harley Quinn #55 is another humdinger of an issue, a symphony of beautifully choreographed chaos full of character development, wild plot twists, slapstick humor and clever one-liners, countered by the increasingly dire threat from the mysterious Deconspirator back in Harley’s beloved neighborhood. Writer Elliott Kalan crafts more enjoyable controlled mayhem as Harley is forced to align with her former kidnappers against Fire and Ice in Coast City.

While Harley is getting along with her Quinntellect these days, their rapport isn’t without some friction, while Fire and Ice bristle at the other’s style of superheroing but still manage to keep their eyes on the prize. The Super Hunter is still a mostly one-note character (if a tad ominous with his collection of superhero trophy heads), but next issue should hopefully add more layers beyond his obsessive riff on “The Most Dangerous Game” and being Gunbunny’s disapproving dad.

Guest artist Carlos Olivares continues his run with another solid fill-in for series artist Mindy Lee. Olivares’ style matches Lee’s in capturing the slapstick nature and heightened reality of Harley’s world while also easily shifting into tense drama (with help from colorist Marissa Louise) in the scenes with the dreaded Deconspirator, (anxiously awaiting the inevitable showdown with Harley, should be epic).

Through Kalan’s lively script and Olivares’ dazzling artwork, Harley is constantly in motion throughout Harley Quinn #55, whether dodging Fire and Ice, throwing down with the Gunbuddies in jail, or even while delivering insightful and/or hilarious dialogue.

Final thoughts 

Harley Quinn #55 is another winning issue, effortlessly ratcheting up the tension back in Throatcutter Hill, while Harley is stuck in a comedy of errors (or airheads?) out west. Story and art are superb.

Harley Quinn #55 main cover
Harley Quinn #55
Final Thoughts
Harley Quinn #55 is another winning issue, effortlessly ratcheting up the tension back in Throatcutter Hill, while Harley is stuck in a comedy of errors (or airheads?) out west. Story and art are superb.
4.6
Final Score
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tbu podcast episode 287 podcast cover
The Batman Universe Podcast

The Batman Universe Podcast Episode 287 – Batman/Wildcat extravaganza!

by Ian Miller
written by Ian Miller

tbu podcast episode 287 podcast cover

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In episode 287 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) read through three tales of the Batman universe meeting with the classic JSA member Wildcat! Batman/Wildcat, Catwoman/Wildcat, and Robin 80 Page Giant! Chuck Dixon, Beau Smith, Sergio Cariello, and Diego Barreto take on these brave and bold team ups – which is our favorite? Which would we like to see more of?

For our Bat-Family: Do these three stories make you interested in reading more about Wildcat?

Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

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Detective Comics #1102 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Book Review: Detective Comics #1102

by Adam Koppel
written by Adam Koppel

In this review of Detective Comics #1102, Batman is in a bit of time crunch (for his life) as he tracks down the mysterious source of the “no fear” virus he has been infected with, so why is Bruce Wayne making an appearance at a luxury gaming facility halfway around the world?

 

Detective Comics #1102 main cover

Detective Comics #1102 main cover by Mikel Janín (DC Comics)

DETECTIVE COMICS #1102
Written by TOM TAYOR
Art and Main Cover: MIKEL JANÍN
Variant Covers: DAVIDE PARATORE, GREG SMALLWOOD, STEPHANIE HANS
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 10/22/25

 

This review contains spoilers

Detective Comics #1102 begins with Mister Terrific giving Batman the rundown for what he can expect in the next two days as the symptoms from the “no fear” virus begin to manifest (and he becomes infectious). Batman wastes no time following the clue Oracle found that leads him to an overseas to a gaming establishment in the county of Kasnia, where the owner Louis King welcomes Bruce Wayne (and his friend Princess Caroline) to his establishment.

Bruce and King trade barbs, trying to get a read on each other and there is no better way to do that than while playing a high stakes game of blackjack (foreshadowing?) and Bruce loses big. Bruce comments on King’s amber eyes, which King says are a rare trait. Later, the pair have a quiet chat about their tragic childhoods in Gotham City which is loaded to the gills with subtest. Bruce realizes something important and asks Oracle to do a deeper dive on King. Oracle discovers that King’s life as a Canadian transplant is a sophisticated fabrication.

Meanwhile back in Gotham City, a pair of masked men violently infiltrate Arkham Towers to liberate a mysterious inmate from captivity, (there is a subtle clue as to their possible identity).

Back in Kasnia, Batman tracks King to a remote underground facility in the mountains which turns out to be a manufacturing facility rather than the secret drug lab Batman expected to find. King remotely greets Batman and sets the facility to self-destruct in order to keep it secret. Batman tries to get King’s workers to safety as the ceiling collapses, but he is the only survivor.

 

page from detective comics #1102

Batman receives a dire prognosis from Mister Terrific (DC Comics)

 

As Batman unearths himself, King finally appears in his true guise as “The Lion”, complete with a weird half-mask gimmick. King takes great pleasure in pummeling the injured crime fighter, relishing the fact that Batman will know fear at his hands before the virus finally takes its toll. Batman beats a hasty retreat by remotely signaling his jet and gets pulled to safety.

Detective Comics #1102 ends with the gravely wounded Batman losing consciousness with only 25 hours left before the virus symptoms kick in, and the fate of Gotham City in the balance.

Analysis 

Detective Comics #1102 continues “The Courage That Kills” storyline as both Batman and Bruce Wayne get clobbered by the same bad guy. Batman’s inner monologue and Oracle do most of the expositional heavy lifting in this chapter as the character of Louis King is first introduced, and then is revealed to be an alias (for young Leo from the flashback from last issue.

Detective Comics #1102 plays out like a typical Tom Taylor story (which is usually a good thing), in that the clues are easy to decipher but he makes up for the simplicity with engaging dialogue, action and humor. The Arkham Towers mystery inmate is likely Evelyn Scott, better known as the villain Asema from the recent “The Mercy of the Father” storyline. Are these masked individuals agents of Elixir?

Taylor definitely puts Batman through the wringer with The Lion pummeling him (before dropping an entire rock ceiling on our hero). Taylor also seems to like the remote pilot functions on the new Batplane, since he’s already used it twice. Taylor moves his stories along faster than one might expect, but he immediately sets up the next big thing, so what might seem rushed or without substance will probably land harder when read as a complete story arc and as an entire run.

Mikel Janin provides his typical top notch artwork and color palette on Detective Comics #1102, so its good that he gets to take breaks every few issues to catch up. His cinematic-quality illustrations elevate Taylor’s scripts to another level and as visually stunning as each individual issue is, imagine how amazing the hardcover collected edition will look.

Tom Taylor and DC Comics have recruited some remarkable talent to bring Taylor’s recent DC work to life, and Janin is easily one of the best (of course Bruno Redondo and Lee Garbett are no slouches either).  Janin’s figure work is stunning and his color effects for the Lion/Batman underground fight showcases Janin’s mastery of mood setting with the color changes from red hot to cool blue.

Final Thoughts

Detective Comics #1102 is another outstanding production by the current creative team. The story moves fast and uncovers a pair of mini mysteries while dazzling the reader with gorgeous artwork.

Detective Comics #1102 main cover
Detective Comcis #1102
Final Thoughts
Detective Comics #1102 is another outstanding production by the current creative team. The story moves fast and uncovers a pair of mini mysteries while dazzling the reader with gorgeous artwork.
4.7
Final Score
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Nightwing #131 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Review: Nightwing #131

by Ian Miller
written by Ian Miller

In this review of Nightwing #131, as Nightwing and Oracle balance training their new superpowered ally Nightwing Prime against the gang warfare, Spheric Solutions weaponry, and spiritual evil pervading Blüdhaven, some plates are starting to spin out of control…

 

Nightwing #131 main cover

Nightwing #131 main cover by Dexter Soy (DC Comics)

NIGHTWING #131
Written by DAN WATTERS
Art and Main Cover: DEXTER SOY
Variant Covers: DUSTIN NGUYEN, CARLOS PAGULAYAN, JORGE FORNÉS
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 10/15/25

 

This review contains spoilers

Nightwing #131 opens as Olivia Pearce and the Zanni prepare their Wanderer robots with Kryptonite weaponry to fight Nightwing-Prime. Meanwhile, Oracle and Nightwing train Nightwing Prime to fight crime, using a mission against Killer Moth in his submarine, smuggling Man-Bat serum to the gangs in Blüdhaven, as a test case. Though Killer Moth manages to escape, the two Nightwings manage to destroy the drugs against a horde of Clean Cut Men who have gotten hooked on the serum combined with Venom. Nightwing assigns the 11-year-old transformed superhero some homework, then meets with Commissioner Maggie Sawyer. She tells Nightwing about five mission children connected with the Zanni and Oliva Pearce, and her own building case against the Cirque Du Sin. As they conclude their planning, Nightwing hears shots, and fears Nightwing Prime will be back out patrolling. He’s right, and a Wanderer robot nails the child super-being with a Kryptonite shot to the chest.

Analysis

In a review of his early 2000s run on the Wonder Woman title, someone mentioned that Greg Rucka’s work is “unrelentingly tragic.” There’s a bit of the same feeling here, as the fun and lighthearted tone of the first part of Nightwing #131 feels perhaps overly calculated to setup the tragic twist in the final pages, as every well-intentioned choice Dick has made leads to the most telegraphed tragedy we’ve seen in these pages for a while. While Dan Watters is pulling out a lot of good writing tricks to make us care about our 11-year-old superhero, there’s still a sense of a bit of manipulative twisting of the knife going on. Depending on how he handles the aftermath, it could be more typical superhero peril, but given his enjoyment of a darker tone and consequences, I see the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come a bit here.

It is quite nice to see the focus on crime and villains instead of the focus only on police harm from the last few issues. Killer Moth’s antics are quite amusing, yet also very harmful, and the Clean Cut Crew’s continued monstrous forms are nicely handled as a threat. Dexter Soy handles the action very well, though a few transitions like Dick jumping from exiting the Killer Moth submarine to chasing him on the Nightwing Boat with mutated gangsters on his back are a bit abrupt and probably could have used more setup.

Though Watters doesn’t quite have an A, B, and C plot structure going, still relying overly heavily on a single perspective, juggling the various threats Nightwing faces does give the book more of a sense of complexity than some of the overly straightforward issues in the past have done. Overall, Nightwing #131 does feel stronger than a few of the recent issues in both execution and focus.

Series main artist Dexter Soy does a great job showing the Zanni and Nightwing in creepy puppetmaster pose for Nightwing #131‘s main cover. Superstar artist Dustin Nguyen’s variant shows Dick perched on a gargoyle in the rain, a beautiful and drippy image capturing the current downbeat tone of the book. Superman Lost and Deathstroke artist Carlo Pagulayan provides a dynamic cover of Nightwing jumping down a building, ready to strike with his escrima sticks! Lastly, Jorge Fornés provides an interesting 1980s video game inspired design. (Side note – it’s nice to see the lack of an incentive variant, though I’m curious as to the reason.)

Final Thoughts

Nightwing #131 is a return to classic superheroic conflict marks a perhaps predictably tragic turn in our story!

Nightwing #131 main cover
Nightwing #131
Final Thoughts
A return to classic superheroic conflict marks a perhaps predictably tragic turn in our story!
3.5
Final Score
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season 17 episode 19 podcast cover
The Batman Universe Comic Podcast

TBU Comic Podcast: Season 17 Episode 19

by Theodis Wright
written by Theodis Wright

season 17 episode 19 podcast cover

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Steph and Theo are back with Season 17 Episode 19 of The Batman Universe Comic Podcast is live on all of your favorite platforms. After some news Steph and Theo review Batman and Robin #26, the second part of “The Quiet Man” story arc. What are their thoughts on the issue? Do they see The Quiet Man as a formidable bad guy since he’s able to hold his own against the Dynamic Duo? Listen in and find out. After that, they have fun with a lot of books in Greater Gotham.

Books Covered In Season 17 Episode 19

Batman and Robin #26

 

Greater Gotham Titles

Absolute Batman #13
DC K.O. #1
Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #9
Batman: Dark Patterns #11
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – A League for Justice #4
Nightwing #131
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #44
Catwoman #80
Batman: Wayne Family Adventures,  Minis 4-7 and Chapters 168-170

 


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