Birds of Prey #26 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Review: Birds of Prey #26

by Ian Miller
written by Ian Miller

In this review of Birds of Prey #26, the Birds of Prey play a game…one that could end in their final moves!

 

Birds of Prey #26 main cover

Birds of Prey #26 main cover by Annie Wu (DC Comics)

BIRDS OF PREY #26
Written by KELLY THOMPSON
Art by SAMI BASRI
Main Cover: ANNIE WU
Variant Covers: KYUYONG EOM, CHRISTIAN WARD, SERG ACUÑA
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 10/1/25

 

This review contains spoilers

Birds of Prey #26 begins as Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance) and Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) heist their way into the Unreality building to install a piggyback for Oracle. After evading security, Dinah and Cass leave the building, and Dinah confesses she is nervous about the plan, with Cass concurring. 

In Sewer BOP temp HQ, Oracle (Barbara “Babs” Gordon) goes over the plan again – to find out what Vivi, the developer of the VR suits the team tested last issue are up to with the Shadow Army. Babs wants the Birds to parachute into the VR finale of the game, but Cass insists that the enemy is searching for something in the Gotham Augmented Reality portion of the game.

The Birds go through the AR game in Gotham, solving riddles. Barda is extremely bored, and when she sees some Shadow Army members, she and Canary break off to fight them. They fare well against the gang, but one of the Army members casts a spell on nearby GCPD police, who fire on the Birds. Barda shields Dinah from the fire, taking several hits. The two teams of Birds reunite, and Cass tells the team she’s figured out the goal of Vivi’s game – to find the entrance to The Seam.

Analysis

The Shadow Army arc will be the final storyline for Birds of Prey, concluding with issue #28, and in Birds of Prey #26, the stakes are heightened for the team of Big Barda, Cassandra Cain, Sin/Maegara, Black Canary, and Oracle, who have united after their initial battle against the Shadow Army. While the augmented reality game element resembles fantasy ARGs more than the popular Pokémon Go, it provides artists the opportunity to showcase the heroines’ entertaining alter egos.

Those alter egos do prompt the question – how was the creepy ending of last issue resolved? Does the mind control of the technology fade away? Did Oracle figure out a way to prevent it? The transition sadly isn’t very smooth, leading to a sense of disconnect.

However, Thompson does make the heist opening, the briefing room scene, and the ARG scene each feel different and fun, giving each Bird personality and things to do, as any good Bird writer should. Current series regular artist Sami Basri and inker/penciller Vicente Cifuentes do a great job of showing off the Birds both as fighters and as characters with their acting, continuing to make this book a pleasure to read visually. Hopefully Basri is able to finish out this arc as main artist without too much need of fill in! The consistency of art has been a real strength of this book since I’ve started reviews.

How did the creepy ending of last issue resolve?

In Birds of Prey #26, the main cover by Annie Wu features the four field Birds and Inque, who is mentioned but not seen, posing around a car trunk, with Batgirl humorously depicted as a cute gremlin. KyuYong Eom’s variant presents a sexy and distressed maskless Batgirl and Black Canary in a digital style, while Christian Ward’s variant shows Barda, Batgirl, and Canary in full costume, with Canary using her cry towards the reader. Lastly, Serg Acuna’s variant captures all five main Birds joyfully leaping across city rooftops.

Final Thoughts

As the finale to this run looms, the Birds navigate uncertainty and unreality (pun intended on so many levels) towards the final confrontation with the Shadow Army!

Birds of Prey #26 main cover
Birds of Prey #26
Final Thoughts
As the finale to this run looms, the Birds navigate uncertainty and unreality (pun intended on so many levels) towards the final confrontation with the Shadow Army!
3
Final Score
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bto episode 264 podcast cover
Batgirl to Oracle

Batgirl to Oracle: Episode 264

by Kimberley Rockmore
written by Kimberley Rockmore

bto episode 264 podcast cover

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

 

After a brief message about having serious conversations with children and sharing a bit about my rocky start to the year, I review Batgirl #71-73 (2006). After the break, I review Batgirl vol. 6 #11 and Birds of Prey vol. 5 #25. Stella’s Dungeon of Smut and my literature recommendations also appear.

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Immortal Legend Batman #2 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

An Unusual Trip Goes Awry In This Review Of Immortal Legend Batman #2

by Theodis Wright
written by Theodis Wright

In this review of Immortal Legend Batman #2, an unexpected trip to a pirate base uncovers a Shadow Bruce was not expecting, especially when he doesn’t have access to his powers.

 

Immortal Legend Batman #2 main cover

Immortal Legend Batman #2 main cover by Dan Mora (DC Comics)

IMMORTAL LEGEND BATMAN #2
Written by KYLE HIGGINS and MAT GROOM
Art by ERICA D’URSO and DAN MORA
Main Cover: DAN MORA
Variant Covers: MICHAEL CHO, SERG ACUÑA
Page Count: 40 pages
Release Date: 9/24/25

 

Bruce’s solo mission to locate and eliminate the Shadows continue in Immortal Legend Batman #2. The story takes a somewhat different approach the issue #1. Whereas in the first issue, Batman goes directly at the Shadow beast disguised as Bruce Wayne, in Immortal Legend Batman #2, writers Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom sends Bruce on an undercover mission. In doing so, we’re introduced to this universe’s iteration of long-time Batman alias Matches Malone.

In explaining the need for this mission in this way, Higgins and Groom highlight something that wasn’t clear in the first issue of the series. Because the powers of Immortal Legend Batman, Nightwing, and Robin originate from the same place the Shadows come from, the beasts can sense when Bruce is near just as he can sense them. So for Immortal Legend Batman #2, Bruce becomes “(Matches) Malone”. This issue also debuts some other well-known figures from the world of Batman. First, there’s Alfred. However, this Alfred Pennyworth is a robot. Yet, Alfred still finds himself in the service of Bruce Wayne and his secret identity.

A backstory also introduces readers to Lady Shiva, who trains the young Bruce Wayne in fighting (in typical Shiva fashion). It’s unclear if Bruce hired her after picking up the mantle of Batman from Roger Elliot (Tommy Elliot’s father and the previous Immortal Legend Batman or if this was done before then. I would hope to come back to this a some point in future issues as it would help flesh out the Bruce Wayne of this universe more. Two issues in, this is the most we’ve learned of the hero’s secret identity.

Batman’s quest to find the Shadows in Immortal Legend Batman #2 places Malone on a freighter with other traveling through an area known as a haven for pirates. This is known to the ship’s captain, so when a pirate vessel accosts the freighter, the captain assures his passengers that the pirates only want credits (or money). Yet, as the pirates board the ship, their leader makes it known they want more than money. They want the ship. He not only kills the captain, but a member of his own crew before literally letting the “women and children go” (along with an elderly man).

 

page from immortal legend batman #2

This is not your typical pirate… (DC Comics)

 

Malone and the remaining passengers are taken along with the ship to the pirate’s base for a “job interview” the join the pirate gang. After dispatching of the goons, we experience the third debut in this new universe. The pirate leader reveals himself to be this universe’s version of Bane (The Bane of Man). He reveals knowing who Bruce was based on his fighting technique, which tells me Bane interacted with Shiva (or was her). But Bane also appears to be a Shadow because Bruce has no problem destroying Bane after the two fight.

It would be interesting to see how Higgins and Groom follows up with this connection that apparently exists between Bruce, Bane, and Shiva. Having the backstory just to prove that Bruce doesn’t give up doesn’t make much sense, even this early in the series. There’s a connection there that I can’t wait to read more about — unless there is none.

The art in Immortal Legend Batman #2 is truly impeccable. It looks like D’Urso penciled the backstory and the non-Batman pages. The faces appear eerily similar to her work on Inferno Girl Red (also written by Groom). Based on the cover work, Mora handled the Batman pages and the pages with Nightwing and Robin. Either way, the colors from Igor Monti (who also does the colors on Inferno Girl Red) really bring things together with the two artists. There’s enough change in the pages’ hue of the colors to distinguish between the backstories and the present. What is also apparent in that this trio of the artistic team work well together.

Before Immortal Legend Batman #2 ends, we finally get some pages highlighting the other members of the Immortal Legend Trio — Nightwing and Robin. They’re facing off with a Shadow beast. While the beast succeeds in injuring Robin, Nightwing destroys it. But as the story ends, they realize it’s time to get to the bottom of something they’ve been putting off… They need to figure out what’s going on with Batman.

Final Thoughts

Immortal Legend Batman #2 succeeds in two things. First, it fleshes out a little about who the universe’s Bruce Wayne is under the cowl (do we call it that). Second, and most important, it finally sets the stage for an encounter to occur between our trio of heroes. One would think it won’t all be roses. Either way, this reader is here for it.

Immortal Legend Batman #2 main cover
Immortal Legend Batman #2
Final Thoughts
Immortal Legend Batman #2 succeeds in two things. First, it fleshes out a little about who the universe's Bruce Wayne is under the cowl (do we call it that). Second, and most important, it finally sets the stage for an encounter to occur between our trio of heroes. One would think it won't all be roses. Either way, this reader is here for it.
Story
Art
Colors
4.4
Final Score
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Catwoman #79 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

TBU Review: Catwoman #79

by BJ Shea
written by BJ Shea

In this review of Catwoman #79, Selina is on the hunt in Italy for a prize important to her past.

 

Catwoman #79 main cover

Catwoman #79 main cover by Sebastián Fiumara (DC Comics)

CATWOMAN #79
Written by TORUNN GRØNBEKK
Art by DANILO BEYRUTH
Main Cover: SEBA FIUMARA
Variant Covers: FRANK CHO, DAN PANOSIAN, CATHY KWAN
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 9/17/25

 

This review contains spoilers

Catwoman #79 opens with Selina having a flashback to a happier time she spent with her mother and sister. They were enjoying their time together until Maria Kyle’s abusive husband came home.

In the present Selina is in Italy having wine with Dominique Allard and finding her way to be invited to an action where she has her eye on the Palmero Pearl which is an item that has been in the Falcone family for decades.

Next we see Carmine Falcone in Italy who is unhappy to be there , surrounded by family members that he does not trust. Selina is spying from across the way and Falcone and the party. She questions herself if this job is worth it as she is suiting up to become Catwoman. She says this job is more than worth it.

As Selina breaks into Falcone’s room, she thinks back to an early interaction with Carmine Falcone when she was just starting out before she became Catwoman. She broke into his room but had to hide as Carmine brought a girl back to the room. Selina hides as Carmine takes advantage of the young girl and Selina vows to steal the pearl from him.

Carmine’s nephew catches Catwoman in the room and they have a scuffle. Catwoman slashes him across the eye and she is able to escape as Catwoman #79 ends.

Analysis

For Part One, Catwoman #79 was a good issue. It sets up Selina’s motivation as this pearl is something that she has been chasing for a decade. I think that Selina will get her score, or donate it, and take down some bad guys along the way. To me, that seems to be how a lot of Catwoman stories go.

The Catwoman/Carmine Falcone rivalry is well documented dating back to Year One. Who knows where continuity is these days so I do not know if Carmine is Selina’s father or not. I have always been a fan of that inclusion that we first saw in The Long Halloween. The idea that Selina became a master thief to get what she felt was hers as she was denied her life of privilege.

The art was a standout. It was very reminiscent of Year One. Simple, realistic art with strong colors to make it pop. I thought the ending was abrupt as we finally get an action scene but Catwoman dives out of the window and the issue ends. I get you only have 22 pages and it’s a multipart storyline but still. Let’s get the action earlier in the issue.

Catwoman #79 main cover
Catwoman #79
Final Thoughts
I thought the ending was abrupt as we finally get an action scene but Catwoman dives out of the window and the issue ends. I get you only have 22 pages and it's a multipart storyline but still. Let's get the action earlier in the issue.
4
Final Score
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Harley Quinn #54 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Book Review: Harley Quinn #54

by Adam Koppel
written by Adam Koppel

In this review of Harley Quinn #54…Harley is missing? We all need to go look for her. Wait…she’s just on an unplanned, cross-country road trip with her new arch-nemeses? Yeah, that tracks.

 

Harley Quinn #54 main cover

Harley Quinn #54 main cover by Yanick Paquette (DC Comics)

HARLEY QUINN #54
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by CARLOS OLIVARES
Main Cover: YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant Covers: DAVID NAKAYAMA, GABRIELE DELL’OTTO, MAHMUD ASRAR, MANNY CARBONILLA
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 9/24/25

 

This review contains spoilers 

Harley Quinn #54 starts in the Throatcutter Hill neighborhood of Gotham City, as Harley’s friends and neighbors post flyers for missing their friend, and local protector. Cut to real estate mogul (and Harley’s frenemy crush) Althea Klang, who has not yet received a reply to her proposed date with Harley, and is now being slowly driven mad as she screams “Where are you Harley Quinn?”

Elsewhere, Harley Quinn is curled up on a bed in a strange room wondering the same thing. Harley realizes that she’s moving, so she must be in a vehicle. A quick inspection finds a hidden cache of weapons. Now armed, Harley bursts through the bedroom door to find the Gunbunnies in the front cabin of a RV driven by Gunbunny, with Mayfly riding shotgun, (well, actually semi-auto pistol).

Mayfly gets the drop on Harley, and Gunbunny explains that they got the drop on her earlier and are now taking her out west where a client is offering top dollar to add her to his private collection (ew). With the helpful distraction of a disruptively large pothole, Harley clobbers Mayfly and mayhem ensues. Gunbunny and Mayfly take turns trying to kill Harley as the now runaway RV barrels down a crowded freeway, wrecking everything in its path.

The RV crosses into Coast City, home of Hal Jordan (and only destroyed by aliens once) and crashes.

At a tenant meeting in Throatcutter Hill, Althea Klang contends with frustrated residents as a mysterious figure calling himself the “Deconspirator” speaks up, challenging the concept of social conformity. The man is persuasive enough to sway Althea’s bodyguard Ravager, but not her partner Amygdala and The Deconspirator leaves as the entire room descends into chaos.

Harley wakes up in the Coast City zoo, and escapes from the trigger-happy Gunbuddies (with help from a large Tapir). It turns out that the zoo was on the Fire & Ice tour, and the two heroes manage to take down the Gunbuddies and Harley without too much  trouble.

Harley Quinn #54 ends in the firelit parlor of the Gunbuddies client and “super-hunter” Brock Blomquist (AKA Gunbunny’s dad), who receives word of the incident in Coast City, and decides to track down Harley to add her head to the collection of masked people and monsters mounted on his wall.

Analysis 

Harley Quinn #54 is chock full of silliness, action and bizarre characters that tend to inhabit Harley’s world. The Gunbuddies are free-wheeling, gun-toting mercenaries (and possibly nepo-babies), the residents of Throatcutter Hill are either strange on their own or are somehow corrupted by Harley’s presence. Althea Klang also succumbs to Harley’s bewitching charms. Strange attractors, possibly, as the Deconspirator barely stands out in the tenant meeting that descends into something reminiscent of the town halls from the classic “Parks & Recreation” sitcom.

Writer Elliot Kalan continues his successful charm offensive on this title with another hilarious, offbeat, but well-structured story, populated by an assortment of odd characters who continually fire off volleys of one-liners at each other or even themselves.  Harley’s self-reflection and doubt makes her more relatable, as her acceptance of the intrusive aspect of her brain she calls “Quinntellect” allows her to continue growing as a person.

The Gunbuddies continue to function inept foils for Harley, routinely causing small headaches, but not much else, as Harley, (as flighty as she appears) is quite adept at defending herself (while also befriending a Malayan Tapir). Introducing the sister act of Fire & Ice into Harley’s world just adds to the chaotic fun, (Harley can be serious and empathetic when she needs to be, but most of the time she just wants to enjoy herself).

Althea Klang’s slow descent into madness after being ghosted by Harley while scrolling through the Gunbuddies social media feed (featuring the pair propping up an unconscious Harley at several US landmarks) is interrupted by the stranger (emphasis on “strange”) calling himself the Deconspirator, whose anti-conformity speech at Althea’s tenant meeting sends the residents into a full-on brawl. Is this fellow a metahuman, or just a skilled and manipulative orator?

Carlos Olivares’ art style captures the heightened reality, and off-center strangeness of Harley Quinn: the exaggerated facial expressions and body language, sketchy linework that draws the eye, while even supporting characters are given a distinctive look. Olivares’ composition and camera angles add to the frenetic pacing (even when characters are standing still).

Final Thoughts

Harley Quinn #54 is a wildly entertaining romp outside the confines of Throatcutter Hill.  Plenty of action and absurdist humor, plus a dash of the macabre (that trophy wall).

Harley Quinn #54 main cover
Harley Quinn #54
Final Thoughts
Harley Quinn #54 is a wildly entertaining romp outside the confines of Throatcutter Hill.  Plenty of action and absurdist humor, plus a dash of the macabre (that trophy wall).
4.6
Final Score
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tbu podcast episode 286 podcast cover
The Batman Universe Podcast

The Batman Universe Podcast Episode 286: Batman – Knightfall – Troika

by Ian Miller
written by Ian Miller

tbu podcast episode 286 podcast cover

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

 

In episode 286 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) take a look at the FINAL arc of Batman: Knightfall, as the Dynamic Duo faces a threat from Mother Russia! How do Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Alan Grant wrap up the most ambitious Batman story of all time? What was Alfred’s love life like 20 years ago? And best of all, was it fun?

For our Bat-Family: Does Troika seem like a fitting ending to Knightfall?

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 #1101 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Book Review: Detective Comics #1101

by Adam Koppel
written by Adam Koppel

In this review of Detective Comics #1101, “The Courage that Kills” begins with a shocking discovery near Gotham Harbor that might be connected to Batman’s earliest days as a crimefighter.

 

Detective Comics #1101 main cover

Detective Comics #1101 main cover by Mikell Janín (DC Comics)

DETECTIVE COMICS #1101
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art and Main Cover by MIKEL JANÍN
Variant Covers: GABRIELE DELL’OTTO, FRANK CHO, STEPHANIE HANS
Page Count: 56 pages
Release Date: 9/24/25

 

This review contains spoilers

Detective Comics #1101 opens with a flashback to Batman’s early days (complete with voice over), as an unnamed man hides his young son Leo from an impending threat. With Leo tucked away, the father draws his pistol but is caught off guard as a monster (it’s Batman, sort of) crashes through a window and attacks him.  As gunshots ring out, the terrified Leo breaks from his hiding place, watching helplessly as the monster drags his father away into the night.

Cut to the present day, as a packed party boat travels past Gotham Harbor. The revelers experience their first shock of the evening as their boat drifts into a sea of floating corpses, followed quickly by the appearance of an enormous (and out of control) fishing vessel that crashes into them. Oracle (Barbara Gordon) picks up the party boat’s distress call, and Batman arrives fast enough (in the Batplane) to rescue a woman who was knocked overboard.

After reviving the stunned woman, Batman (in his new costume) questions the party boat captain, and programs the Batplane to remotely tow the damaged vessel to safety, while Batman stays behind to investigate the fishing boat. The Dark Knight is met with a gruesome sight on the upper deck, with at least 41 dead, all of them in various states of decomposition. Oracle remotely views the grisly scene through Batman’s cowl lenses as the pair attempt to make sense of the carnage.

Batman follows an electronic noise below deck and finds a young boy playing a handheld video game. The boy is filthy and emaciated, with swollen eyes and lesions on his skin. He mutters something about not being afraid and collapses in Batman’s arms as Oracle directs the Dark Knight to the ominous message scrawled on one of the metal walls, signed by someone named “The Lion”. Batman quickly assesses the boy’s symptoms and (finally) dons a protective mask.

Batman brings the unconscious boy to the upper deck, while Oracle contacts the approaching rescue team and requests an additional hazmat response. Half an hour later, the fishing vessel swarms with first responders wearing protective suits. Batman briefs one of the scientists on his initial findings before leaving with one of the bodies for further study.

Detective Comics #1101 ends at the lab of Mister Terrific (Michael Holt) , as the smartest man in the DCU confirms Batman’s suspicions of damage to the victim’s amygdala (the part of the brain that controls inhibitions), and even worse, that Batman is also infected.

Analysis

Detective Comics #1101 is a sufficiently creepy story ideal for the Halloween season. Even without much action (other than the opening few pages), the unfolding mystery and the high stakes reveal keeps the story moving along as Batman (and Oracle) piece together what befell the victims on this ship of horrors. Initially thinking that the Scarecrow (Jonathan Crane) is behind this gruesome experiment is understandable, (fear is his brand), but obviously Batman’s abduction of Leo’s father sent a frightened child over the edge into a new study of mad science.

Writer Tom Taylor is skilled at condensing multiple story elements into a lean, focused narrative that drives the story forward, using first-person narration and focus on the interesting parts.

Don’t ask how Oracle’s message got Batman to the ship crash in two minutes. Maybe he was in his Batplane and already in the area? Who cares? We don’t want to see the nice lady drown.  Also, a grown up Leo is most likely the “Lion” in Detective Comics #1101, and while it’s a bit on the nose, the name can actually refer to either the brave king of the jungle, or the cowardly lion from Wizard of Oz. Taylor cleverly informs readers with simple ideas.

Much can be said about the psychological impact on young Leo in Detective Comics #1101. Batman’s brutal crime fighting tactics (and his whole “creature of the night gimmick”) during his early days clearly factors into the tragic origin story of Leo becoming “The Lion”, as he apparently has dedicated his life to the pursuit of removing all fear, but with a twisted methodology, and countless casualties. Also, what are the odds Scarecrow shows up at some point?

Mikal Janín’s art is stunningly cinematic, (especially in that opening sequence), as young Leo’s fear-distorted perceptions show Batman as a terrifying, winged creature with large, razor sharp talons blended with aspects of Batman’s original costume. The rust and decay on the ship of horrors, the skin lesions and blood spatter on the walls are highly detailed. (Even the interior Oracle’s clocktower lair shows visible signs of damage).

The brighter blue elements from Batman’s new costume stand in stark contrast to the heavy shadows and grim visuals on the ship of horrors. Janin’s color truly palette sets the mood; the seascape painted in hazy greens for the fog, the roiling sea, and the ship interiors, while the underwater sequence is a calming array of blue.

Final Thoughts 

Detective Comics #1101 is an engaging psychological thriller that introduces an all-new villain, and a virulent threat that even Batman is not immune to (yet). The gripping story and gorgeous art make this well worth the read.

Detective Comics #1101 main cover
Detective Comcis #1101
Final Thoughts
Detective Comics #1101 is an engaging psychological thriller that introduces an all-new villain, and a virulent threat that even Batman is not immune to (yet). The gripping story and gorgeous art make this well worth the read.
4.7
Final Score
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tbu comic podcast season 17 episode 17 podcst cover
The Batman Universe Comic Podcast

TBU Comic Podcast: Season 17 Episode 17

by Theodis Wright
written by Theodis Wright

tbu comic podcast season 17 episode 17 podcst cover

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

 

After an extra week off, The Batman Universe Comic Podcast Season 17 Episode 17 is live on your favorite platforms. After some news Steph and Theo review the Batman #1 from Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez. What are their thoughts on the issue? Has it changed since their spoiler-free review? They also review Batman and Robin #25, which sees the debut of the Quiet Man. How do they feel about this character, especially with the existence of Hush? Listen in and find out. After that, they have fun with a lot of books in Greater Gotham.

 

Books Covered In Season 17 Episode 17

Batman #1
Batman and Robin #25

 

Greater Gotham Titles

Batgirl #11
Poison Ivy #36
Birds of Prey #25
Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #4
Absolute Batman #12
Batman: Dark Patterns #10
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – A League for Justice #3
Trinity: Daughter of Wonder Woman #4
Wayne Family Adventures Mini Episodes #4 – #5
Nightwing #130
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #43
Batman and Robin: Year One #11
The Bat-Man: Second Knight #1

 

Follow The Batman Universe

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BatmanUniverse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebatmanuniverse/
Discord: https://discord.gg/sKZncrm
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/batmanuniverse.bsky.social

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dc comics solicitations for december 2025 featured image
Comic News

December 2025 TBU DC Solicitations

by Stephanie Mounce
written by Stephanie Mounce

DC Comics solicitations for December 2025 have been released by the publisher. Two DC K.O.  event continues with two secret books, DC K.O.: HARLEY QUINN VS. [REDACTED] #1 and DC K.O.: RED HOOD VS. [REDACTED] #1. The Absolute Batman universe will release ABSOLUTE BATMAN: ARK M SPECIAL #1. And make sure to pick your copy of the monumental HARLEY QUINN #200!

Check out the DC Comics solicits within the Batman Universe for December 2025 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)

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

TITANS #30
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art and cover by PETE WOODS
Variant covers by BRAD WALKER, MARK SPEARS, EDWIN GALMON,
and GEORGE KAMBADAIS
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/17/25
DC K.O. All Fight Month, round 4 of 8!
Grab yourself a ringside seat and get ready for the latest round of K.O. carnage!

 

 

 

DC K.O.: HARLEY QUINN VS. [REDACTED] #1
Written by LEAH WILLIAMS
Art by MIRKA ANDOLFO
Cover by JORGE CORONA
Variant covers by FRANK CHO, JAMAL CAMPBELL, MIRKA ANDOLFO, and DAVID NAKAYAMA
$4.99 US | 48 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/17/25
DC K.O. All Fight Month, round 5 of 8!
It’s all-out chaos as Harley Quinn faces off against a surprise opponent!

 

 

 

DC K.O.: RED HOOD VS. [REDACTED] #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Cover by JORGE CORONA
Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN, LEE BERMEJO, GUILLEM MARCH and TAURIN CLARKE
$4.99 US | 30 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/24/25
DC K.O. All Fight Month, round 8 of 8!

Welcome to the most ruthless fight in all of DC K.O. This one is personal!

 

 

 

DC K.O. KNIGHTFIGHT #2
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by GUILLEM MARCH, JORGE MOLINA, and FABRIZIO DE TOMMASO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/3/25

The stage is set, and Bruce Wayne’s battle through a gauntlet of future Batmen is on! Each former Robin has shaped Gotham City into their own vision of justice, and if Bruce can make his way past Dick Grayson, he’ll face the darkest one yet. Will he survive the most violent aspects of his own legacy? Or will Batman’s greatest failure destroy him and the city he’s sworn to protect?

It’s a literal battle for the cowl—and for the fate of the DC Universe—as the all-star creative team of Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora turns up the heat!

 

 

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #14
Written by MARK WAID
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by SANFORD GREENE, JEFF SPOKES, KEVIN WADA, and STEVAN SUBIC
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/24/25

As the time-displaced heroes fight for their lives against the towering might of the demonic neron, Mr. Terrific descends into the cold vacuum of space! But this time it’s by his own design…can Michael Holt team with the rogue agent behind Justice League Red to purge all emotion and coldly calculate the fate of humanity? Grab the tissues, everybody—this issue’s about to break some hearts!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #15
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by JOCK
Cover by NICK DRAGOTTA
Variant covers by JOCK, BEN OLIVER, and BRIAN BOLLAND
1:25 variant cover by SANFORD GREENE
1:50 variant cover by JOCK
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/10/25

Alfred reveals to Bruce the story of the man he’s been chasing for years. Enter: Joker!  Scott Snyder and Jock reunite for an epic tale in the Absolute Universe!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

ABSOLUTE BATMAN: ARK M SPECIAL #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and FRANK TIERI
Art and cover by JOSHUA HIXSON
Variant covers by TK, TK, and TK
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/3/25

The origins of the enigmatic Ark M are explored! What terrible secrets lie within its walls, and just who is assigned to protect it from discovery?!

 

 

 

BATMAN #4
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art and cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
Variant covers by JIM LEE, JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO, and FELIPE MASSAFERA
Foil variant cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
Bat Gadget variant cover 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 12/3/25

As Bruce Wayne investigates the Crown of Storms, Batman pursues Anarky and discovers a criminal conspiracy hiding in plain sight that will change the game for crime and criminals in Gotham City…and the world!

 

 

 

NIGHTWING #133
Written by DAN WATTERS
Art by V KEN MARION
Cover by DEXTER SOY
Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN and ELIZABETH TORQUE
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/17/25

As strange disappearances grip the city, the mysterious Cirque du Sin seems to be gaining power. Now, to save the city’s children, Nightwing must follow the circus music where no one else dares.

 

 

 

BATGIRL #14
Written by TATE BROMBAL
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Cover by REIKO MURAKAMI
Variant cover by TIRSO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/3/25

The mission is simple: destroy the Unburied’s powerful advantage in this war and get out alive.

Nothing could go wrong…right?

 

 

 

BIRDS OF PREY #28
Written by KELLY THOMPSON
Art by SAMI BASRI
Cover by ANNIE WU
Variant covers by DANIELE DI NICUOLO, SERG ACUÑA, and RIAN GONZALES
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/3/25

One last mission. One final fight. No do-overs. No second chances. And the fate of the Birds of Prey hangs in the balance.

The Unreality is collapsing and threatening all of Gotham as it spills out into the real world in dangerous and unexpected ways. As the Birds of Prey struggle to survive inside the game, the final showdown will test everything the team has built. Can the Birds get to the heart of what the Shadow Army’s real goal has been all along before it’s too late for them…and for Gotham?

 

 

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #28
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by FICO OSSIO
Cover by NIMIT MALAVIA
Variant covers by GUILLEM MARCH, TAURIN CLARKE, and ASHLEY WOOD
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/10/25

The Quiet Man’s murderous rampage across Gotham’s underworld zeroes in on his true target—Arnold Wesker, the Ventriloquist. Can the Dynamic Duo stop this unstoppable new foe before he fulfills his savage vendetta?

 

 

 

CATWOMAN #82
Written by TORUNN GRØNBEKK
Art by DANILO BEYRUTH
Cover by SEBA FIUMARA
Variant covers by FRANK CHO, DERRICK CHEW, and SARAH BASLAIM
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/17/25

With the ball drawing to a close, it’s now or never for Catwoman! Will she secure her prey at long last or will it be snatched from her hands by one of the many enemies in her midst? And what exactly does Carmine Falcone have hidden up his sleeve for the grand finale of the ball? Whatever it is… it doesn’t seem very good!

 

 

 

HARLEY QUINN #200
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by TERRY DODSON, RACHEL DODSON, and CARLOS OLIVARES
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant covers by DAVID NAKAYAMA, INHYUK LEE, JESSICA LUNA, and TERRY DODSON & RACHEL DODSON
$5.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $6.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/24/25

Two hundred issues, baby! We did it—I’m a certified bicentennial woman!

I’m making my triumphant return to Gotham in style—in an oversize clownstravaganza! And I’m bringing friends! No, I’m not talking about the Gunbuddies or Convoy (though they are here too)—my very first artists, Terry and Rachel Dodson, are making their triumphant return to help tell a story about what makes me me. Plus, the epic final battle between wrong and wrong as I face down the Deconspirator in a fight for the future of Throatcutter Hill!

 

 

 

POISON IVY #39
Written by G. WILLOW WILSON
Art by MARCIO TAKARA
Cover by JESSICA FONG
Variant covers by NOOBOVICH, KYUYONG EOM, CHAY RUBY, and JOSHUA “SWAY” SWABY
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/3/25

Having a friend for dinner is simply lovely, isn’t it?

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

HARLEY AND IVY: LIFE AND CRIMES #2
Written by ERICA HENDERSON
Art and cover by ERICA HENDERSON
Variant covers by LEIRIX, MAHMUD ASRAR, AND EJIKURE
Foil variant cover by TK
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) | Variant $6.99 US (foil)
ON SALE 12/17/25

The Joker has framed Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy for a series of bombings! Now everybody in Gotham and their mothers, fathers, and grandparents are after the Terrific Two-uo! (Is that a good nickname? Twosome?! Call in now with your suggestions!)

Watch as Ivy and Harley’s uneasy alliance is put to the test and tempered into the unbreakable bond we know and love today! If you love Joker and Harley—uhhh, I don’t know what to tell you, buddy—this ain’t for you! There’s like a decade of that stuff out there for you to read and plenty of cartoons and games!

 

 

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #1104
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by TK
Cover by MIKEL JANÍN
Variant covers by GREG SMALLWOOD and KRIS ANKA
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/24/25

Batman continues to reel after his defeat at the hands of the Lion, and the mysterious and deadly anti-fear virus that is coursing through Batman’s veins cannot be cured. Some of the Dark Knight’s most brilliant allies have tried, and failed, to find a remedy. He has run out of friends to turn to…but he hasn’t run out of enemies. Will one of Batman’s deadliest foes be able to save him in time?

 

 

 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #46
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by CHUMA HILL, ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ, and SEAN IZAAKSE
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/17/25

In order to defeat the Joker/Luthor team, Batman and Superman may have to ask for a little help from their friends—if they still have any after the shocking events of last issue! Don’t miss part two of “The Merger.”

 

 

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG 2 #6
Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art and cover by CHRISTIAN DUCE
Variant covers by CARLO PAGULAYAN and ALAN QUAH
1:25 variant cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/24/25

The Justice League mobilizes for the final showdown while King Ghidorah, Rodan, Scylla, and Behemoth make their moves. Meanwhile, down in Hollow Earth, Kong must face off against a Titanized…Cheetah?!

 

 

 

GOTHAM ACADEMY: FIRST YEAR #3
Written by BRENDEN FLETCHER, KARL KERSCHL, and BECKY CLOONAN
Art by MARCO FERRARI
Cover by KARL KERSCHL
Variant cover by MAYO “SEN” NAITO
$4.99 US | 40 pages
ON SALE 12/3/25

She’s got the lead in the school play, a cute boyfriend, and maybe even a shot at prom royalty. But just as Olive starts to feel like she belongs at Gotham Academy, the football team bullies crash her big stage debut…with pyrotechnics! Cue Batman. Suddenly, stage fright is the least of her problems. Also featuring: Colton Rivera in a tux. Sort of.

 

 

 

BATMAN/STATIC: BEYOND #2
Written by EVAN NARCISSE
Art and cover by NIKOLAS DRAPER-IVEY
Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN and RAHZZAH
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/24/25

All eyes are on Dakota City as Static unveils the Q Wave clean-energy grid that’s set to take the world by storm—but little does he know, the mysterious Shutdown has his sights on Dakota as well! You won’t want to miss this debut of the Beyond Universe’s newest villain and his surprising connection to Batman!

 

 

 

IMMORTAL LEGEND BATMAN #5
Written by KYLE HIGGINS and MAT GROOM
Art by ERICA D’URSO and DAN MORA
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant cover by TOKITOKORO and ETHAN YOUNG
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/24/25

The Immortal Legend Batman’s hunt returns him to Gotham…the sprawling, planetwide city he used to call home. While looking for the next shadow monster, he’ll have to reconcile with the civilian life he left behind. But to his surprise, it’s almost like Bruce Wayne has never left. Enlisting the help of Barbara Gordon, Batman will have to uncover if this is the work of the Shadows or if someone is just playing a sick…joke.

 

 

 

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT – A LEAGUE FOR JUSTICE #6
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Art and cover by LEANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
Variant covers by BRIAN BOLLAND and CHRISTIAN WARD
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/10/25

The League for Justice has quelled the rampage of Zod…for now. But a far worse menace has been revealed. An ancient evil, more powerful than anything any of our heroes have ever gone up against before—a creature that defies explanation. A villain who, simply, is.

Can the League survive an encounter with Darkseid? Find out in the finale of this Elseworlds epic!

 

 

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #66 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by BILL FINGER, JOE SIMON, HENRY BOLTINOFF, JACK LEHTI, and ERIC CARTER
Art by BOB KANE, JACK KIRBY, HENRY BOLTINOFF, JACK LEHTI, LOUIS CAZENEUVE, LEE HARRIS, and HOWARD SHERMAN
Cover by JERRY ROBINSON
Foil variant cover by JERRY ROBINSON ($9.99 US)
Mondo Variant by BRETT PARSON
Blank sketch cover ($7.99)
$6.99 US | 68 pages
ON SALE 12/3/25

When tragedy strikes a dashing district attorney, a good man is broken in two—and one of Batman’s fiercest foes is born! Witness the descent from Gotham golden boy to gun-toting terror—in the first appearance of Two-Face! Where will he strike next, and who will be his next victim? It all depends on the flip of a coin…

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

CHRISTMAS WITH THE SUPER-HEROES LIMITED COLLECTORS’ EDITION #42 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by JERRY SIEGEL, MIKE FRIEDRICH, LEN WEIN, E. NELSON BRIDWELL,
WILLIAM MOULTON MARSTON, and JACK KIRBY
Art by JACK BURNLEY, NEAL ADAMS, BERNIE WRIGHTSON, HARRY G. PETER, and JACK KIRBY
Cover by CURT SWAN
Foil variant cover by CURT SWAN ($14.99 US)
$12.99 US | 60 pages
ON SALE 12/3/25

Join Superman as he helps Santa save Christmas! Spend a silent night with the Dark Knight! Watch Wonder Woman rescue a troubled family from Nazis—with the help of a very special Christmas tree!

All this plus a yuletide yarn from the holiday-decked halls of The House of Mystery, and a second-rate wrestler gets a new lease on life as a first-rate Santa thanks to the Sandman and Sandy!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

TEEN TITANS GO! #10
Written by J. TORRES
Art and cover by DARIO BRIZUELA
$2.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 12/3/25

Instead of a white Christmas, or even a blue Christmas, it’s a Rouge Christmas for the Teen Titans! As in Madame Rouge, the shape-shifting villain who wants to make it an unhappy holiday for Beast Boy and his adoptive family, the Doom Patrol.

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

TEEN TITANS GO! BIG OR GO HOME!
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by DARIO BRIZUELA, MEGAN HUANG, ERICH OWEN, and others
Cover by DARIO BRIZUELA
$12.99 US | 128 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-591-4
ON SALE 2/3/26

The Teen Titans go to hilarious and chaotic extremes to stay relevant after their comic gets canceled. They reinvent themselves in various artistic styles—such as robots and indie-comics characters—but when that doesn’t work, they resort to sabotage!

Meanwhile, Cyborg goes missing and Robin’s surprise-party plans spiral into sitcom-style chaos with fake identities and mistaken birthdays. When a failed alien invasion creates unexpected downtime, the team tries to answer fan mail—only to accidentally activate a deadly Amazo robot! Then Starfire unintentionally creates a national-anthem mishap, and Robin’s ego takes a hit when Titans East has more trophies, prompting him to drag his team into every local contest to reclaim their title. It’s a wild, comedic celebration of Teen Titans absurdity!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATGIRL VOL. 2: BLOODLINES
Written by TATE BROMBAL
Art by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA and ISAAC GOODHART
Cover by DAVID TALASKI
$17.99 US | 120 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-608-9
ON SALE 2/17/26

Writer Tate Brombal and artist Takeshi Miyazawa continue their action-packed run on the Bat-Family’s premier martial artist, as Cassandra Cain’s family history comes calling when three swords come for Batgirl and she’s wanted dead or alive. When offered a fatal choice, Cassandra must choose between her dark bloodline and all its power…or being killed. Will Batgirl embrace these old family ties, or will she finally accept the new relationships being forged? More revelations unfold when a surprise arrival changes everything.

Plus, Lady Shiva’s secret origin is revealed—in the assassin’s own words—when guest artist Isaac Goodhart (The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos) reunites with Brombal to tell the tale! This volume collects Batgirl #7-11.

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 2: ELIXIR
Written by TOM TAYLOR, GREG RUCKA, MARIKO TAMAKI, and others
Art by LEE GARBETT, MIKEL JANÍN, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, and others
Cover by MIKEL JANÍN
$24.99 US | 184 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-261-6
$17.99 US | 184 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-737-6
ON SALE 2/10/26

With Asema now behind bars, former police detective turned private investigator Harvey Bullock still has questions he can’t answer. When his investigation overlaps with Batman’s, the pair decide to work together. They discover a tie to a case from Harvey’s rookie days…and a group willing to do anything to keep their secrets hidden. Can Batman save Harvey from this deadly new threat? Also featuring the landmark celebratory issue Detective Comics #1100 featuring Greg Rucka, Bill Sienkiewicz, and other legendary creators. Collects Detective Comics #1097-1100

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

ABSOLUTE POWER (2026 EDITION)
Written by MARK WAID, JOSHUA WILLIAMSON, NICOLE MAINES, and others
Art by DAN MORA, MIKEL JANÍN, GLEB MELNIKOV, and others
Cover by DAN MORA
$19.99 US | 200 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-943-1
ON SALE 2/3/26

It’s the final domino to fall as an epic scheme comes tumbling down, and the DC Universe will never be the same! As the founder of the Suicide Squad methodically targets each superhero dynasty one at a time, starting with Superman, a resistance is forming…and Batman is out for vengeance. It’s a shocking blitzkrieg across the universe from the Fortress of Solitude to Themyscira to Gamorra, as the destinies

of our heroes and the future of the DC Universe are forever altered. Don’t miss the stunning conclusion to the Absolute Power saga as justice is reborn from the ashes. Also included is a special oversize Ground Zero issue bringing Amanda Waller’s total dominance to the doorsteps of the world’s finest heroes…using the combined might of Failsafe, the Brainiac Queen, and the Suicide Squad to do it!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT: DC COMPACT COMICS EDITION
Written by BRIAN AUGUSTYN
Art by MIKE MIGNOLA and EDUARDO BARRETO
Cover by MIKE MIGNOLA
$9.99 US | 120 pages | 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-665-2
ON SALE 1/20/26

Step into the gaslit shadows of Victorian Gotham with this genre-defining Elseworlds tale that reimagines Batman in the 19th century. This groundbreaking story pits the Dark Knight against the infamous Jack the Ripper in a chilling battle of wits and justice. Featuring moody, gothic artwork and a gripping narrative, it pushed the boundaries of Batman storytelling. Collects Gotham by Gaslight and Batman: Master of the Future.

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT: DC COMPACT COMICS EDITION
Written by SEAN MURPHY
Art by SEAN MURPHY
Cover by SEAN MURPHY
$9.99 US | 992 pages | 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-741-3
ON SALE 2/3/26

The Joker is cured! The Clown Prince of Crime—now Jack Napier—sets out to save Gotham from its greatest threat: Batman. As Napier exposes corruption and rises as a civic hero, the line between savior and villain blurs. With stunning art and a gripping story, Sean Murphy’s bold reimagining tells the story of DC’s greatest rivalry like never before. Collecting all eight issues of the groundbreaking series!

 

 

 

 

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS: ABSOLUTE EDITION
Written by MARV WOLFMAN
Art by GEORGE PÉREZ
Cover by GEORGE PÉREZ and JERRY ORDWAY
$125.00 US | 736 pages | 8 1/8″ x 12 1/4″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-778-9
ON SALE 5/26/26

Revisit the legendary event that changed comics forever! Remastered from Jerry Ordway’s original inks and original artwork provided by fans worldwide, with original colors restored and all the fine details that never made it to print ever before finally captured! Escape into the sprawling epic of Crisis on Infinite Earths #1-12 and wonderous mythology of History of the DC Universe #1-2 like never before.

Also featuring, in celebration of this masterpiece, a nearly 250-page behind-the-scenes companion book! Discover the making of this groundbreaking work through the original memos, outlines, scripts, pencils, artwork, retrospective essays, foldout covers, never-beforecollected material, and more!

And as a special bonus, Jerry Ordway remastered and inked the original George Pérez pencils provided to Alex Ross for his legendary Crisis painting. Behold the long-lost beauty behind the painting with this never-beforecompleted (until now) Pérez piece, presented as a multi-page foldout with colors by José Villarrubia.

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

DC FINEST: BATMAN: THE CASE OF THE CHEMICAL SYNDICATE
Written by BILL FINGER
Art by BOB KANE, SHELDON MOLDOFF, JERRY ROBINSON, and others
Cover by BOB KANE
$39.99 US | 616 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-670-6
ON SALE 1/27/26

To most people, Bruce Wayne is just another wealthy socialite with too much time and money on his hands. But little does anyone suspect that the tragic murder of his parents inspired him to dedicate his life to honing his mind and body so that one day he could avenge their deaths. Knowing that criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot, Bruce patrols Gotham’s rooftops as a justice-seeking creature of the night known as the Batman!

This DC Finest volume collects Batman’s introduction in “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate,” plus other early appearances from Detective Comics #27-52, Batman #1-5, and World’s Best Comics #1 featuring Robin the Boy Wonder, Catwoman, and the Clown Prince of Crime: The Joker!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN BY JAMES TYNION IV OMNIBUS VOL. 2
Written by JAMES TYNION IV and others
Art by JORGE JIMÉNEZ, GUILLEM MARCH, and others
Cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
$125.00 US | 992 pages | 8 1/8″ x 12 1/4″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-736-9
ON SALE 2/24/26

Gotham has become a police state! As Scarecrow’s master plan swings into full force, Batman must make allies with the mysterious Miracle Molly and her resistance group. All the while, Jim Gordon’s hunt for The Joker takes him around the world and into the crosshairs of Bane, and Harper Row must go undercover to unmask the truth behind Punchline! Experience the finale of the interweaving epic in reading order for the first time ever. Collects Batman #106-117, Batman Secret Files: The Gardener #1, Batman Secret Files: Miracle Molly #1, Batman Secret Files: Peacekeeper-01 #1, Batman: Fear State: Alpha #1, Batman: Fear State: Omega #1, The Joker #5-15, The Joker Annual #1, a story from Detective Comics #1027, and, as a bonus, Tynion’s first full issue on the series, Batman (vol. 2) #52. Featuring a brand-new cover by Jorge Jiménez.

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

BATMAN: UNIVERSE: DELUXE EDITION
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art and cover by NICK DERINGTON
$34.99 US | 208 pages | 8 1/8″ x 12 1/4″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-733-8
ON SALE 2/10/26

When a priceless egg goes missing, it kicks off a cosmic mystery only Batman can solve. From Gotham to Dinosaur Island to the depths of space, the Dark Knight’s pursuit of Vandal Savage will take him to every corner of the DC Universe! As the Riddler, Green Lantern, Jonah Hex, and others cross his path, Batman must navigate ancient secrets and cosmic threats to keep the universe from unraveling. Collects Batman: Universe #1-4, featuring a brand-new foreword by Matt Fraction, an introduction by Bendis, an extravaganza of behind-the-scenes art, and more!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN BY PETER J. TOMASI AND PATRICK GLEASON BOOK THREE
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by PATRICK GLEASON
Cover by PATRICK GLEASON
$39.99 US | 416 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-748-2
ON SALE 2/17/26

After losing his son, Damian, a.k.a. Robin, Batman has finally found peace with his death. Damian’s grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul, however, has not. Bringing the acclaimed creative team’s saga to a close, Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason Book Three collects Batman and Robin #29-40, Batman and Robin Annual #3, Robin Rises: Omega #1, Robin Rises: Alpha #1, and select stories from Secret Origins #4 and Detective Comics #27.

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

THE JOKER: THE BRONZE AGE OMNIBUS (2026 EDITION)
Written by ELLIOTT S! MAGGIN, DENNIS O’NEIL, DOUG MOENCH, and others
Art by JIM APARO, IRV NOVICK, JOE STATON, and others
Cover by JOSÉ LUIS GARCÍA LÓPEZ
$125.00 US | 832 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-740-6
ON SALE 2/24/26

Collecting all of The Joker’s major Bronze Age appearances, including the neverbefore-published The Joker #10, The Joker: The Bronze Age Omnibus chronicles the Clown Prince of Crime’s adventures throughout the DC Universe. This volume collects Batman #251, #260, #286, #291-294, #321, #353, #365-366, and #400; The Brave and the Bold #111, #118, #129-130, #141, and #191; DC Comics Presents #41 and #72; Detective Comics #475-476, #504, #526, and #532; Justice League of America #77; The Joker #1-10; and Wonder Woman #280-283!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

TITANS BY TOM TAYLOR OMNIBUS
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by NICOLA SCOTT, LUCAS MEYER, SAMI BASRI, and more
Cover by BRUNO REDONDO
$125.00 US | 760 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-738-3
ON SALE 2/10/26

In the aftermath of Dark Crisis, the world is without a Justice League. Nightwing is determined to step out from his mentor’s shadow to lead his former teen teammates to be the world’s greatest superheroes, protecting all of humanity by vowing to operate openly and with full transparency among his team and allies. But already the Titans are at odds with the powerful Amanda Waller, the Church of Blood has been reborn, and the mysterious Necrostar has come to end all life on Earth!

Collects Nightwing #101-104 and #110, Titans #1-15, Titans: Beast War #1-6, and a story from Nightwing #109!

 

 

Credit: DC Comics

 

EARTH 2: THE NEW 52 OMNIBUS VOL. 1
Written by JAMES ROBINSON and TOM TAYLOR
Art by NICOLA SCOTT, JAE LEE, YILDIRAY ÇINAR, and others
Cover by IVAN REIS
$125.00 US | 936 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-766-6
ON SALE 3/3/26

Acclaimed writers James Robinson and Tom Taylor are joined by superstar artist Nicola Scott and others to bring Earth-2 into the New 52! Earth 2: The New 52 Omnibus Vol. 1 collects Batman/Superman #1-4, Earth 2 #0-26, Earth 2 Annual #1-2, and a story from DC Universe Presents #0.

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Batman/Superman: World's Finest #43 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Book Review: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43

by Adam Koppel
written by Adam Koppel

In this review of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43, as the “Bizarro World Tour” continues, a solution to saving the square-shaped planet from destruction manifests itself from an unexpected source (two actually), as a potential cure to the anti-Bizarro virus gives Batzarro and Bizarro #1 the chance to return to “normal”, but why would they?

 

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #43 main cover

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 main cover by Dan Mora (DC Comics)

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #43
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ, SEAN IZAAKSE
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN and ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
1:25 variant cover by JAMES HARREN
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 9/17/25

 

This review contains spoilers 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 begins as both World’s Finest teams work to prevent the destruction of Bizarro World, while the alien “forward-thinking” virus pits its citizens against each other. As Superman, Batman, Robin, Batzarro and Bizarro #1 helpfully rehash last issue’s salient plot points, Superman explains that Bizarro World’s cube-shaped design only exists because of specific modifications that counter the gravitational pull of the planet’s core…but that core is now expanding on its own (due to Bizarro Brainiac’s enlarging ray).

As Bizarro World continues to shake apart, Robin absent-mindedly chews the square-shaped bubble gum he found in Bizarro Lex Luthor’s lab, and unintentionally stumbles onto a solution to use the enlarging ray to expand the planet and match the core’s new size. While the Supermen implement Robin’s plan, Batman, Batzarro and Robin track down the world’s leading virologist, Bizarro Bibbo Bibbowski.

Bizarro Bibbo concocts a cure (using carrots, don’t ask), and despite an explanation from Batzarro, the illogical thinking nearly breaks Robin’s brain. Meanwhile, Superman successfully enlarges Bizarro World, but Bizarro #1 discovers the true extent of the damage from Bizarro Brainiac, and risks his life to stabilize the planet core, (with a timely assist from both Superman and Bizarro Krypto).

As Batman, Robin and Batzarro prepare to disperse the cure, Robin asks why Batzarro would want to go back to the way he was before. “Because I was happy,” Batzarro tells him. Back in the Batzarro Batcave, with the population cured and the planet stabilized, Batman, Superman and Robin return to Earth.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 ends as Batzarro and Bizarro #1 pause for a moment and exchange a few words, before taking the cure and reverting back to Bizarro status.

Analysis 

Wow, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 is jam-packed full of action, plot twists and character beats without feeling overstuffed. Writer Mark Waid clearly revels in deconstructing Silver Age concepts such as Bizarro World, while adding his own indelible stamp to the mythos. Waid’s script is peppered with clever dialogue, emotional beats and sharp humor (mostly from Robin), while providing a rudimentary crash course in planetary science and virology.

While Robin is again the standout character of “Bizarro World Tour”(as the reader’s surrogate), Bizarro #1 is its beating heart, as the opening sequence of Batman Superman: World’s Finest #43 forces the hero to look on in shock and dismay as the world he created now hovers on the brink of destruction.

However, forward-thinking Bizarro #1 and Batzarro aren’t carbon copies of Superman and Batman, although they are similar. Waid distinguishes the Bizarros from their counterparts by adding the burden of remembering their previous existence (ignorance is bliss), with subtext that the anti-Bizarro virus has forced the duo to grow up and face true responsibility as heroes.

Artist Adrian Gutierrez has already cemented himself as the heir apparent to original series artist Dan Mora, with breathtaking visuals that might echo Mora’s established style, but are truly his own. From the cool Superman/Bizarro #1 flying scenes, to the visual gags (Robin and his world-saving square shaped bubble gum), that sequence with Bizarro #1 and Batzarro near the end, the movie-inspired Bizarro Krypto design, and that dynamic final shot.

Gutierrez’s art adds subtle touches such as the visible stitching from the Batzarro logo, and the sadness that forward-thinking Batzarro carries on his face, transforming the former carefree “hero” into an even darker knight than Batman.

Final Thoughts

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 wraps up “Bizarro World Tour” with a flurry of action, exposition and humor that explores the concept Bizarro World and its citizens as more than just flawed, distorted reflections of the DCU. And as with every issue in this series, Batman Superman: World’s Finest #43 is a joy to read.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #43 main cover
Batman/Superman: World's Finest #43
Final Thoughts
Batman/Superman: World's Finest #43 wraps up "Bizarro World Tour" with a flurry of action, exposition and humor that explores the concept Bizarro World and its citizens as more than just flawed, distorted reflections of the DCU. And as with every issue in this series, Batman Superman: World's Finest #43 is a joy to read.
4.7
Final Score
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