Batman #158 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman #158 Comic Review: Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee Return

by Gareth Turner
written by Gareth Turner

In this review of Batman #158 Batman battles the Joker and investigates the reappearance of an old foe.  

 

Batman #158 main cover

Batman #158 main cover by Jim Lee (DC Comics)

Batman #158
Written By: Jeph Loeb
Art and Main Cover: Jim Lee
Variant Covers: Jim Lee, J. Scott Campbell, Gabriele Dell’Otto, Dan Mora, Tony S. Daniel, Sean Murphy, Lee Bermejo, Simone Di Meo
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: March 26, 2025

 

This comic book review contains spoilers 

 

The Story  

Batman #158 finds the Joker on the loose again, repeating old tricks like poisoning Gotham’s reservoir and filling it with laughing fish. When the Joker kicks Batman into the lake, Batman activates his cowl’s electrifying failsafe to kill the deadly fish before Talia Al Ghul rescues him. Meanwhile, a hulking figure named “Silence” and none other than Hush himself kidnap the Joker. Hush tortures him by forcing a nightmarish dental device into his mouth, strapping him to a spinning wheel of death, and hurling knives at him like a circus performer—except every blade lands.  

Back in the cave, Batman discovers that someone has compromised his suit’s circuitry and the Bat-family’s communication signal. He warns Nightwing and Batgirl (Barbara) before cutting contact. Using forensic traces from the Joker’s shoe, Batman tracks him to an old fairground—one longtime readers may recognize. There, he finds the Joker still tied to the wheel, surrounded by television screens projecting his past atrocities. Batman knows only one person could orchestrate this: his old childhood friend, Thomas Elliot.  

 

Why THIS story? 

The first comic I ever read was Batman #608. I was around six years old, and it completely captured my imagination, sparking a lifelong passion for the art form. I’m not alone—since its publication, the original Batman: Hush storyline has become one of the best-selling and most highly regarded Batman stories of all time. Yes, it has its detractors, especially in recent years, but no one can deny its impact on the industry or its ability to captivate thousands of young fans like myself.  

Flash forward to last October, when DC announced that after 23 years, the original creative team of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee would reunite for a direct sequel.  

The response was… muted. Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee are comic book royalty, and any project from them should generate excitement. But why this story? Why now? Loeb has stayed busy with his recent Long Halloween revival, but as DC’s president and chief creative officer, Jim Lee hasn’t done interior Batman work in years. The last notable example I can recall is a backup story in Detective Comics #1000, and before that, All-Star Batman in the mid-2000s. It’s been a long road to this moment, so I hoped they had a story worth telling—not just a marketing ploy to slap big names on a cover and coast on nostalgia.  

It’s odd that a Hush sequel beginning in Batman #158 would bring them back together, considering how self-contained the original felt—and how many sequels (Heart of Hush, for one) have already followed it. But despite my reservations, I wanted to keep an open mind. These are some of my favorite creators, after all.  

 

Analysis

Like Batman #608, Batman #158 mostly teases what’s to come. Hush is back to playing mind games, using the Joker as his pawn. Right away, I get the sense this is aimed at new or old-returning readers rather than monthly regulars. This is a Joker story, no different from countless others we’ve seen before, and Loeb and Lee cram in as much fan service as possible—though it’s all surface-level. We get the laughing fish, the Killing Joke fairgrounds, Jason Todd’s crowbar beating—all just empty nostalgia. It’s unclear how big a role the Joker will play in the wider story, but I hope he’s just a hook to lure readers in and not another excuse for DC’s tired “Why won’t Batman kill the Joker?” dialectic. Or whatever depraved absurdity they’ve used to prop the character up in recent years.

With the caveat that Lee’s work in the original Hush ranks in my top three favorite artist showcases in all of comics, I have to admit I’m disappointed by what we get in Batman #158. The Jim Lee of 2025 is very different from the Jim Lee of 2002. Back then, he was fresh off legendary runs on Chris Claremont’s X-Men and WildC.A.T.s, at the absolute peak of his craft. DC gave him an unprecedented offer to take on their flagship character with their top writer—his first major project for the company. If you haven’t revisited the original Hush in a while and think this new project looks the same, I urge you to flip through those old issues. What Lee accomplished in that 12-issue run was remarkable.  

Now, Lee returns with nothing left to prove. He’s had major successes at every comic publisher, served as DC’s chief creative officer for seven years, and describes this return to Batman as an exercise to “see if [he] still has it.” If that’s the benchmark, then yes, he still has skill—especially considering his workload. This issue looks fine, but it doesn’t recapture the magic of Hush.  

A side-by-side comparison makes the gap obvious. The original Hush endures not just because of Lee’s name or his X-Men-era cross-hatching, but because of its bold, cinematic execution—Scott Williams’ inks, Alex Sinclair’s colors, the page layouts, and even the sound effects elevated it to a level rarely seen in other comics. The lines were clean, the staging was dramatic.  

Batman #158 sees Lee adopting a rougher, sketchier style, channeling Frank Miller more than Neal Adams. It’s not entirely new for him—he experimented with a bulkier, Miller-esque Batman in a pinup for Legends of the Dark Knight #50 back in the ‘90s. Whether or not you like this shift is subjective.  

Even Batman’s “new” suit is just… the old Neal Adams one with the golden oval. Don’t get me wrong, I love that suit, but like DC’s “new” logo, it reflects the company’s current trend for it’s mainline publications: playing it safe. That sums up most of the choices in this issue—safe.  

But regardless of what you think of his Batman, the iconic compositions of the original Hush are simply missing here. The action feels chaotic and disjointed, Sinclair overuses monochrome color, and Williams’ inks amplify the disorder. The whole thing looks rushed—and worst of all, uninspired.  

At least Lee brought back the Bat-beard, so that’s something.

 

Final Thoughts 

One of the most iconic teams in comics has returned, but this first issue doesn’t feel like a story either was burning to tell. It feels tired, like they’re going through the motions. Here’s hoping it’s just a slow start.

Batman #158 main cover
Batman #158
Final Thoughts
One of the most iconic teams in comics has returned, but this first issue doesn’t feel like a story either was burning to tell. It feels tired, like they’re going through the motions. Here’s hoping it’s just a slow start.
2
Final Score
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episode 258 podcast cover
Batgirl to Oracle

Episode 258

by Kimberley Rockmore
written by Kimberley Rockmore

episode 258 podcast cover

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

 

In Batgirl to Oracle Episode 258, a  quick, pre-Greece trip episode, I review Batgirl vol. 6 #5 and Birds of Prey vol. 5 #19. Stella’s Dungeon of Smut and my literature recommendations also appear.

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Batman and Robin: Year One #6 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman and Robin: Year One #6

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

In this review of Batman and Robin: Year One #6, can Batman recuse Robin from the clutches of General Grimaldi before it’s too late?

 

Batman and Robin: Year One #6 main cover

Batman and Robin: Year One #6 main cover by Chris Samnee (DC Comics)

BATMAN & ROBIN: YEAR ONE #6
Written by MARK WAID and CHRIS SAMNEE
Art and Main Cover: CHRIS SAMNEE
Variant Covers: CLIFF CHIANG, WES CRAIG, GAVIN GUIDRY
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: March 19, 2025

 

This review contains spoilers

As Batman and Robin: Year One #6 begins, Robin has been captured by Gen. Grimaldi and his men, held captive in his office. Batman tracks down Robin’s abandoned Bat-Cycle, but he knows where Grimaldi’s HQ is.

Distracting the top entrances with a remote controlled flying bat, Batman circles ’round the back to discover a hidden laboratory, with men being experimented on and transformed into giant creatures. The experiment goes wrong and a fire breaks out. Grimaldi and his goons abandon the building while Robin escapes his bonds and is about to walk a makeshift tightrope across to the adjacent skyscraper before Batman finds him.

Back at the Batcave, Bruce scolds Dick for running out on his own, accusing him of not taking their mission seriously. Dick maintains that he’s been in training since the age of three to become the world’s greatest aerialist, and that he remains steadfast of vow to protect the people of Gotham from criminals like Zucco. Relieved at the similarity to himself, Bruce acquiesces in giving Dick more slack.

As Batman and Robin: Year One #6 ends, in an abadoned storage facility, Two-Face has found Grimaldi and insists on offering his stolen goods – files from Commissioner Gordon’s office, which include suspects on the identity of The Batman.

Analysis

With Batman and Robin: Year One #6 I’m a bit torn, as it includes some thing I’ve been yearning for in this series for a while now, and yet I’m still wanting for better execution. At the end of last issue, I’d become so despondent over Waid’s surface-level portrayal of Robin that I’d given up on any nuance or depth into his character. Here, we get a bit more to chew on. Dick easily escapes his bonds and casually is en route to escaping the burning building, being underestimated by Batman the whole time. That’s pretty good, and displays a baseline of skill he should have if he’s out in the suit.

He also sticks up for himself when berated by Batman for going off on his own. This is a scene I’m having difficulty with. Dick is still very new to being Robin, and very young. Let’s say he’s an early twelve years old. He’s going to be defensive and self-assured, and I like that better than him being afraid – which hasn’t been on display much. He is the “laughing daredevil” after all.

My problem is the argument doesn’t reach down to a center point, or at least it doesn’t read like it does. Bruce doesn’t get many words in edgewise before Dick starts talking about himself, so we’re not reminded of the fact that Dick ran away from the house after he was benched, which is indefensible. I like that Waid reminds us of his dedication to the mission, but where’s the give and take from Bruce that how he’s been approaching the job has been problematic. It comes down to essentially “You’re not taking this seriously!” “Yes I am!” “Oh, well that’s good to hear.”

I’m all for the father-son, buddy/buddy Batman and Robin relationship, but I am thinking in this series Bruce should be written a little harsher, a bit more stern to apply that early career anger towards whatever doesn’t go his way. For clarity, in writing Batman there should be different eras of him at different points of his life. He’s not going to be the mega-dark control freak that many writers in the early 21st century depicted him as in this Golden Age-esque story. But he should also evoke some of the Year One grittiness. What it comes down to is this story feels like Dick got away with being a brat, and there were no consequences for it since Grimaldi wasn’t going to hurt him anyway. He doesn’t even want to know his secret identity. I feel that Waid let the suspense of the situation down here.

So it’s with the first half of Batman and Robin: Year One #6 and Chris Samnee’s artwork on display that I take much of my enjoyment, once again. The flying bat used as a distraction is right from Detective Comics #38, and I loved how it was rendered in a scarier Year One-esque vibe, but that is still what it was. The scene of Batman searching through the building in shadows complimenting Robin’s casual escape to the rooftop was nicely tone to set the mood as well. Despite my monthly complaints and wishes, this remains one of the slickest, coolest illustrated books on DC’s shelf to date.

But my confidence in Waid telling this story has been shaken a bit by Batman and Robin: Year One #6. While by no means bad, it feels that it doesn’t go in deep enough for real character exploration besides a two-dimensional angle. The disagreement in the Batcave could’ve been longer and meatier, but the real issue is in how Robin is portrayed.

Although I enjoyed his competence in escaping Grimaldi’s building, I plain do not enjoy Waid’s characterization in this story. The recklessness has gone on too long without consequence, and Dick has learned no lessons. It reads too similar to Jason Todd, presenting him as a wet behind the ears kid who has a lot to learn but still hasn’t. And Batman’s not been looking great by allowing much of this to go on. This was better than I was fearing, but I don’t have much hopes for improvements for issue #7, as what would change that hasn’t changed by now?

Batman and Robin: Year One #6
Final Thoughts
This was better than I was fearing, but I don't have much hopes for improvements for issue #7, as what would change that hasn't changed by now?
3
Final Score
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nightwing #124 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Review: Nightwing #124

by Ian Miller
written by Ian Miller

In this review of Nightwing #124, as the Nightwing risks his life to save gang members, the members of Cirque du Sin reveal themselves to him and his half-sister the Mayor.

 

nightwing #124 main cover

Nightwing #124 main cover by Dexter Soy (DC Comics)

Nightwing #124
“On With the Show – Finale: Ringmaster”
Writer: Dan Watters
Art and Main Cover: Dexter Soy
Colors: Veronica Gandini
Variant Covers: Jorge Fornes, Gleb Melnikov, Amancay Nahuelpan, Giuseppe Camuncoli
Release Date: March 19, 2025

 

This review contains spoilers

Nightwing #124 kicks off with Nightwing on a gurney. As Babs advises him from her control center, Nightwing donates a huge amount of blood (6 pints) to three Flyboiz gang members to try to dilute the mutagen in their blood that’s killing them. As he becomes delirious from blood loss, the dark clown figure from this arc reveals himself to Dick and the reader as “The Zanni.” Claiming to be the dark heart of art, Zanni torments Dick until the Flyboiz leader/scientist gives Nightwing a huge shot of adrenaline to restart his heart. Two of the Flyboiz died, but one survived thanks to Nightwing’s donation. The Teddies and the Flyboiz almost get in a fight, but the youngest Teddy intervenes to break it up, making Nightwing proud.

Babs reluctantly tells Dick that his half-sister the Mayor has unleashed Spheric Solutions’s animal-driven robots onto the Bludhaven streets. After angrily calling his sister, Nightwing roars off on his motorcycle, still seeing The Zanni due to his blood loss. 

Meanwhile, Olivia, head of Spheric, rips off her face to reveal her true self to the Mayor as a member of the Cirque du Sin (though we don’t see what the Mayor sees).

As a blood-loss-shaken Nightwing faces one of the robots, the young Teddy boy he inspired shoots the robot down, with a Nightwing symbol painted on his gang jacket sleeve.

Analysis

As he ends his first arc on Nightwing, Dan Watters reveals a lot of the themes he’s playing with. The Zanni’s comments about the “children of Wertham” (a clear reference to the “Seduction of the Innocent” author who forced/was used to implement the Comics Code Authority), violence in video games, and how art is subversive. Since The Zanni is clearly coded as a dark, if not outright villainous figure, it’s hard to tell where Watters is endorsing the ideas The Zanni articulates. Given the complexity of his series Coffin Bound and its treatment of drugs and violence, Watters is likely working to show the power and destruction of this side of art, but it’s an odd choice to go directly 4th wall breaking with thematic villain monologue.

Aside from these fascinating if deliberately disturbing thematic revelations, Watters does push Nightwing to his physical limits, draining literally half his blood and then stopping his heart, only to push him into an intense action sequence minutes later. That pushes the narrative past plausibility for me, sadly, as despite the “hallucinations” there’s no real consequences for losing so much blood in the same time period.

The final pages reveal two character developments that will obviously play out in the next several issues, possibly for the whole arc. The young boy Teddy gang member, Bryce, shooting an imprisoned animal robot with a Nightwing symbol is a bit of an interesting repeated motif in Nightwing comics. First with Tad, Nite-Wing in Chuck Dixon’s seminal run on the character – a psychopathic murderer “inspired” by Dick’s heroism. Then with the young kid at the beginning of Tom King’s “Robin War” crossover during the Grayson/DC You era, shooting an armed robber in a convenience store while wearing We Are Robin colors. Watters clearly intends sympathy for the boy, given the cuteness of the Teddy gang and his heroic actions standing up for Nightwing earlier in this book. But hopefully some complexity continues to develop from this wrinkle in Nightwing’s inspirational effect.

The other character reveal which will continue to reverberate is Olivia/Columbina literally ripping her face off in front of Dick’s half-sister the mayor. Though Watters chooses not to show us the full reveal of her skinless face, the Mayor now knows that Nightwing’s instincts were correct and something deeply dark is behind Spheric Solutions, despite his near complete lack of evidence.

All in all, there’s a LOT going on in this Nightwing run, which is a bit frustrating as the storytelling itself is a bit overly straightforward. The plot and action barrels forward too quickly for many of these revelations to really hit past a sequence of events. Add to that the unnecessary plausibility shaking blood donation levels, and the arc feels both rushed and decompressed. Hopefully a bit more balance between pacing and plotting complexity will bring more narrative satisfying to the arcs following this opening one.

The art by Dexter Soy and colorist Veronica Gandini continues to be appealing and atmospheric, though not a standout. It’s good to see Soy getting solid action and some effectively creepy imagery on the page consistently, so hopefully the art team on the book will continue to function as smoothly as they have for this first arc.

Dexter Soy’s main cover is a reasonable rendering of Nightwing on a bike fighting the Spheric animal-bots, but surprisingly for a cover done by the interior artist (though maybe not given the schedule of covers vs. interior pages) doesn’t give a good sense of this issue’s story or tone. Jorge Fornes continues with his design-heavy cover style, a polaroid camera with a collage of shots forming Nightwing jumping through a city scene – clever, though it makes me a bit sad that Fornes’s pencils are being overwhelmed by his design creativity. Gleb Melnikov’s Nightwing and puppy cover is quite fun – though completely at odds with the extremely dark and spooky issue inside! It’s a bit disappointing to see the complex and evocative pencils of Giuseppe Camuncoli used for what is basically a joke cover in the Courtside basketball themed line this month – but Camuncoli’s work is still nice. Lastly, Amancay Nahuelpan plays with black, white, and blue simple color scheme in an intensely dramatic action shot of Nightwing flipping through the skyscrapers, framed by his symbol – grinning the whole way!

Let me know what you think on twitter @ibmmiller, or join the conversation in our Discord!

Final Thoughts

While some nice creepy effects of Watters’s new villains deploy on the page, the overly simple storyline, stretching of plausibility, and weak thematic and character development leave this arc finale a bit underwhelming.

nightwing #124 main cover
Nightwing #124
Final Thoughts
While some nice creepy effects of Watters’s new villains deploy on the page, the overly simple storyline, stretching of plausibility, and weak thematic and character development leave this arc finale a bit underwhelming.
2.5
Final Score
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Absolute Batman #6 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

TBU Review: Absolute Batman #6

by BJ Shea
written by BJ Shea

In this review of Absolute Batman #6, Batman battles Black Mask as his attempt to take over Gotham focuses on Martha Wayne and Jim Gordon.

 

Absolute Batman #6 main cover

Absolute Batman #6 main cover by Nick Dragotta (DC Comics)

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #6
Written by Scott Snyder
Art and Main Cover by Nick Dragotta
Variant Covers: Simon Bisley, Alex Maleev, Frank Quitley, John McCrea
Page Count: 24 pages
Release Date: March 19, 2025

 

This review contain spoilers

Absolute Batman #6 begins as Black Mask has made his move and supplied the citizens of Gotham with weapons to join his Party Animals. Waylon Jones is ready with a bat in hand, just waiting for someone to bust into his gym for a fight but finds that a beaten up Bruce has wandered in. Bruce tells Waylon that he’s Batman and he needs his help.

Flashback to Bruce waking up from a nightmare after his father had been shot and he goes to his mother to be consoled. In the present, Gordon and Martha find the crate of masks and are being surrounded. Martha puts on one the masks which has a heads up display that lets the wearer know how much money they’ll make for certain crimes.

Next we see Batman being berated by Ozzie as now his whole friend group knows hes Batman. Ozzie is flying him in a plane as Batman has to leap onto a boat to take a serve that Black Mask is using. Batman leaps and Absolute Batman gets his Dark Knight Returns moment with lighting in the background. 

Batman lands and takes out one of Black Mask’s men as the thug’s son tries to stab Batman. Batman then becomes an NFL punter and boots the kid off the boat (don’t worry they had squid looking heads). The mom sees Batman and then leaps off the boat. Batman tosses her a life preserver. See, he has a heart.

Martha and Gordon are trying to talk Gothamites down from playing Black Mask’s game but the Party Animals see that they are worth 1,000,000 dollars if they are killed. Batman and Black Mask meet on the boat and Batman hands Black Mask a beating but quickly gets the tables turned as Mask has a wire wrapped around Batman’s neck. While this is happening, we flashback to Bruce with his mother after the nightmare and she is telling him how Thomas was always so hopeful about him. Batman then has the ears on his cowl adjust to where he can stab them through Black Mask’s helmet mask. 

Martha and Gordon are still in a standoff as Batman destroys Mask’s boat and cuts down power to the Party Animal’s masks where now they think they will get no money for killing Martha. Martha punches them as she and Gordon embrace, exhausted from the night.

Batman is drowning as Alfred saves him and starts to patch him up.

As Absolute Batman #6 ends, we get an epilogue where we see Roman’s mysterious benefactor say to get Bane ready. 

Analysis

This was the conclusion to the first arc for Absolute Batman. This was a pretty great opening arc. We saw all the things that Absolute Batman can do. We saw him pulled to his lowest and then able to rise up. All the great things we absolutely love about Batman.

My one criticism of Absolute Batman #6 is we didn’t see Bruce telling his boys that he’s Batman. We only see Ozzie comment on how Harvey wants to arrest him, Waylon wants to punch him, and Eddie claims he knew. I would have liked to see that scene played out but we will definitely get some fallout in the next arc. I like that dynamic of Bruce and his friends and it’ll be interesting to see how now that they know the secret, what that dynamic will be now.

There are still a lot of threads left to pull. Selina’s return and the Joker is out there somewhere.

We can only imagine how big Absolute Bane is.

 

Absolute Batman #6 main cover
Absolute Batman #6
Final Thoughts
My one criticism of Absolute Batman #6 is we didn't see Bruce telling his boys that he's Batman. There are still a lot of threads left to pull. Selina’s return and the Joker is out there somewhere.
4.7
Final Score
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Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37 Comic Book Review

by Scott Waldyn
written by Scott Waldyn
In Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37, Batman, Superman, and Robin unite Atlantis and put a halt to The Floronic Man’s plans. 

 

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37 Main Cover

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37 Main Cover by Dan Mora (DC Comics)

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37
20,000 Leagues Part Three
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Adriȧn Gutiérrez
Colors: Matt Herms
Letters: Steve Wands
Main Cover: Dan Mora
Variant Covers: Adriȧn Gutiérrez, Matt Herms, Dan Panosian, Yasmine Putri & Dan Mora
Release Date: March 19, 2025

 

This comic book review contains spoilers.

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37 opens at Superman and Lori Lemaris’ kiss. Though the last issue saw tensions heading toward a conclusion, Lori, who has been feeling adrift and distant from her husband Ronal, kisses Superman. Unfortunately, Ronal, as well as Aquaman, sees this, and all bets are seemingly off in stopping the war between two Atlantean cities. 

We open on a beautiful panel focused on the eyes of Superman and Lori. There’s a love between them, a longing gaze, and a pull that draws close the gap between them. It’s beautifully drawn by artist Adriȧn Gutiérrez with colors by Matt Herms. In the next panel, we flashback five seconds to the kiss. Lori’s eyes are closed, but Superman’s are in shock. He pushes away, reminding Lori that she’s married. 

Before either of the two characters, who have a history together that is referenced in Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #35, can react, Ronal impales Superman with his trident. While Lori pleads with her husband, Superman is summoned by Batman and Robin, who are dealing with a Swamp Thing that has been infected by The Floronic Man. 

We jump to arguably one of the most exciting panels in this book, a full-page collection of mangled vines and leaves. Swamp Thing’s face is one of terror and anger as The Floronic Man’s flowers sprout all over his body. 

Swamp Thing calls for aid, and Batman battles the thrashing greens, giving Dr. Alec Holland a pep talk all the while. Robin gets whipped out of the way, his breathing tube cut as he is blasted off into the expanse of the ocean. Superman intervenes, sealing Robin’s breathing tube with his heat vision. 

The action here is intense and absolutely colorful. Whereas Gutiérrez struggles a bit in making Ronal distinctly different from Aquaman (I get that the two kings are supposed to look similar to embody a kinship between Atlanteans), his action panels are cleanly defined, cinematic, powerful, and pulpy. Herms’ colors masterfully balance a delineation between swampy muck and a beautiful ocean bed. 

The Floronic Man is dispelled from Swamp Thing’s body, and he uses his powers to teleport elsewhere. The heroes seek him out. Ronal, meanwhile, lingers behind Lori, staring off in a state of disillusionment. Aquaman arrives to give him the pep talk he needs, reminding Ronal that he’s a fine leader and has been juggling a lot. 

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37 Guy Fieri Variant Cover by Dan Mora. Image: DC Comics

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37 Guy Fieri Variant Cover by Dan Mora. Image: DC Comics

The heart and intention behind this scene is good, and it harkens back to the idea in this arc of having to juggle responsibility and image while still being a person beneath all the pomp and circumstance. However, this pep talk just doesn’t quite resonate and feels more of a way to move the plot along than a true connection between Aqauman and Ronal. In the last issue, Aqauman soundly defeated Ronal’s army, which Ronal admits here. This loss, paired with the betrayal of his wife, would cause Ronal to double-down and lash out even more, would it not? Why would he just stand here and let Aqauman give him a talking-to while in the throes of losing everything? 

Before we can fully meditate on what is happening between Aquaman and Ronal, the issue zips ups back to Floronic Man, who is now a colossal monster. Superman, Batman, Robin, and Swamp Thing battle him. After a few blows, Aquaman and Ronal join in, defeating Floronic Man once and for all. 

After the battle, Lori and Ronal reconnect. She admits her mistake, noting that she was lonely and felt distant as Ronal’s duties consumed him. When he expresses doubt at not being able to compare to Superman, she assures him that she still loves him. The kiss was made out of loneliness on her end, but it was met with no intentions to pursue anything from Superman. He has a new love, too, and her name is Lois. 

The issue ends with Ronal and Aqauman working out their differences, Superman and Lori saying goodbye, and the heroes returning to the surface world. A new day is dawning, one with peace between two Atlantean cities. 

There’s hope and spirit in this ending, two ideas that have defined Mark Waid’s epic run on Batman / Superman: World’s Finest. In the case of this specific arc, it’s not enough. We’ve had plenty of stories thus far that pulled at heartstrings and engaged us to reflect on who we are and want to be. This idea feels forced and inorganic. It’s a beautiful issue to look at, but when stacked against the powerhouse that has been this series, it’s easily one of the weaker stories in the bunch. 

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #37
Final Thoughts
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #37 brings the 20,000 League storyline to a muddy, yet colorful, close. There’s an attempt at heart, but this is easily one of the weaker stories in this series.
2.5
Overall Score
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dc comics solicitations for june 2025 tbu
Comic News

June 2025 TBU DC Solicitations

by Stephanie Mounce
written by Stephanie Mounce

DC Comics solicitations for June 2025 have been released by the publisher. launching many new titles – Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong II #1, Trinity: Daughter of Wonder Woman #1 featuring our favorite Super Son Corgis, New History of the DCU #1, Robin & Batman: Jason Todd #1, DC Pride 2025 featuring Harley Quinn.  To round things out, the Evie Arc is coming to an end in Catwoman #77.

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

(Click images to enlarge)

 

BATMAN #161
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Variant covers by LEINIL YU, GABRIELE DELL’OTTO, and FRANK CHO Foil variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
George Perez Postcard Variant by GEORGE PEREZ
1:25 cover by CLAY MANN
1:50 variant cover by STEVE SKROCE
1:100 variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock) | Variant $7.99 US (foil)
ON SALE 6/25/25
Batman’s battle with Hush takes a dark turn when Damian (Robin) and Bane team up!

 

 

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG 2 #1
Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art and cover by CHRISTIAN DUCE
Variant covers by DAN MORA, ALAN QUAH, and GABRIEL HARDMAN Foil variant cover by JOHN GIANG
1:25 Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE
1:50 Variant cover by CARLOS D’ANDA
1:100 Variant cover by CHRISTIAN DUCE
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/4/25
In the aftermath of last year’s Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong, Task Force X launches a plan to develop hybrid Titans that Amanda Waller can control to guard against future titan attacks on our Earth. To stop Task Force X, the Justice League travels to Legendary Earth and must face the dangers of the Hollow Earth, Kong, and Godzilla, King of the Monsters!

 

 

 

 

TRINITY: DAUGHTER OF WONDER WOMAN #1
Written by TOM KING
Art and cover by BELÉN ORTEGA
Variant covers by DAVID TALASKI, DAN MORA, and LEIRIX
1:25 variant cover by DAN HIPP
1:50 variant cover by TIRSO
Foil variant cover by LEIRIX
Blank sketch cover
$3.99 US | 32 pages | 1 of 6 | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/11/25
Back by popular demand and now with her own miniseries…Trinity! It
all begins when the daughter of Wonder Woman embarks on her most dangerous adventure yet to enter the timeline 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. Things are about to get ruff and the Super Sons have gone to the dogs. Prepare for a Crisis of Infinite Corgis!
Writer Tom King and artist Belén Ortega return to Trinity after their celebrated run of backup stories in the pages of Wonder Woman. Trust us, you won’t want to miss Lizzie’s first full-size adventure!

 

 

 

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #9
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by NICK DRAGOTTA
Cover by NICK DRAGOTTA
Variant cover by GERARDO ZAFFINO and TIRSO
1:25 variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:50 variant cover by DAN HIPP
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/11/25
AN ALL NEW ARK (M) STARTS HERE!
The latest development in saving the derelict and despondent of our society is a facility known as Ark M—a fully operational institution that has played a rather sizeable part, on purpose or not, in the creation of evil. And it’s active. So when Bruce tries infiltrate it and distill its secrets, a new villain from Gotham City arrives to deal with the problem…an old adversary of Alfred’s…a man known only as Bane.

 

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #1098
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by LEE GARBETT
Cover by MIKEL JANÍN
Variant covers by BRUNO REDONDO and CHRIS STEVENS
1:25 variant cover by ASHLEY WOOD
DC Pride variant cover by STEPHEN BYRNE
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/18/25
Batman and the Penguin have found themselves unlikely allies on a mission that has taken them out of Gotham and into an entirely unexpected new location! But even with their powers combined, will they be able to unravel the sinister schemes of a (literally) bloodthirsty immortality cult?

 

 

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #8
Written by MARK WAID
Art by TRAVIS MOORE
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by EJIKURE, TIAGO DA SILVA, and SALVADOR LARROCA
1:25 variant cover by TRAVIS MOORE
DC Pride variant cover by HAYDEN SHERMAN
George Perez Postcard Variant by GEORGE PEREZ
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/25/25
WE ARE YESTERDAY PART six (of six)
The Justice League Unlimited stands alone as a wave of chronal mayhem crashes on the shores of their Watchtower base…but all hope is not yet lost! A last-minute mayday may just be enough to stem the tide…but for how long? Plus: the fate of Gorilla Grodd and a significant step toward the next major DCU event in the grand finale of We Are Yesterday, a special crossover with Batman/Superman: World’s Finest!

 

 

 

NEW HISTORY OF THE DCU #1
Written by MARK WAID
Art by JERRY ORDWAY and TODD NAUCK
Cover by CHRIS SAMNEE
Variant covers by DAN MORA and RYAN SOOK
1:25 variant cover by MIKE CHO
Foil variant covers by RYAN SOOK and STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
Legacy variant cover by SCOTT KOBLISH
Blank sketch cover
$5.99 US | 48 pages | 1 of 4 | Variant $6.99 US (card stock)
Wraparound Variant $9.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/25/25
In celebration of 90 years of DC, super fan and writer Mark Waid turns back time to the very beginning of the DC Universe in a four-issue miniseries drawn by some of DC’s greatest artists and told by the newest chronicler of time, Barry Allen, the Flash! In our debut issue, Barry takes us from the very birth of the DC Universe to the rise of the Justice Society. The Golden Age of heroes begins here!

 

 

 

HARLEY QUINN #52
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by MINDY LEE
Cover by ELIZABETH TORQUE
Variant covers by DAVID NAKAYAMA and NOOBOVICH
Connecting DC Pride variant cover by BETSY COLA
1:25 variant cover by ROBIN HIGGINBOTTOM
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/25/25
When that crappy but kinda hot Althea Klang attempts to drive me and Mrs. Grimaldi out of our minds by installing a phone charging station (a.k.a. a hipster loiterer magnet) right outside of our home, we take things straight to court! But as we try to plead our very endearing and straightforward case, we’re derailed
by an avalanche of differing opinions as a cadre of concerned citizens make their numerous differing opinions known.
Every story has two sides, except for some (like this one) which have something like seven sides. It’s a classic she said, she said, she said, she said case!

 

 

 

POISON IVY #34
Written by G. WILLOW WILSON
Art by MARCIO TAKARA
Cover by JESSICA FONG
Variant covers by JOSHUA “SWAY” SWABY and TRAN NGUYEN
DC Pride variant cover by BETSY COLA
1:25 variant cover by HELEN MASK
1:50 variant cover by JOSHUA “SWAY” SWABY
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/4/25
The GCPD descends upon Marshview with its sights set on everything Pamela Isley has built over the last year. With her freedom shattered, her trust betrayed, and her home under assault…just how far is Poison Ivy willing to go in order to protect what’s hers?

 

 

 

CATWOMAN #77
Written by TORUNN GRØNBEKK
Art by DANILO BEYRUTH
Cover by SEBA FIUMARA
Variant covers by FRANK CHO and DAN PANOSIAN
1:25 variant cover by NOOBOVICH
1:50 variant cover by FRANK CHO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/18/25
The explosive final act of Catwoman’s international adventure begins here! With her list of suspects narrowed down, Selina circles in on the mystery person with their finger on the trigger. But when an ally is unexpectedly kidnapped, Catwoman finds herself on her hind legs as her cat-and-mouse game with the Belovs approaches its fiery conclusion.

 

 

 

NIGHTWING #127
Written by DAN WATTERS
Art and cover by DEXTER SOY
Variant covers by JORGE FORNÉS and JUAN FERREYRA
1:25 variant cover by SERG ACUÑA
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/18/25
When the former Titans Tower is taken over by something monstrous, Nightwing is forced to partner with his enemies at Spheric Solutions to save those trapped inside. But what is this terrible thing that has come to Blüdhaven…and why does it seem to be after Nightwing himself?

 

 

 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #40
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by TIRSO and ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
1:25 variant cover by SKYLAR PATRIDGE
STEPHEN COLBERT celebrity cameo variant cover by DAN MORA
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/18/25
A menace is loose in Metropolis, but Superman and Batman can’t do anything about it until Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne find a way to escape…a talk show? Will it be up to their friends—Perry White, Lois Lane, Commissioner Gordon, and Alfred Pennyworth—to step in and help save the day? Also featuring an all-new cameo variant cover appearance by late night icon Stephen Colbert!

 

 

 

BATGIRL #8
Written by TATE BROMBAL
Art by ISAAC GOODHART
Cover by REIKO MURAKAMI
Variant cover by JESSICA FONG
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/4/25
Sandra and Carolyn Wu-San have taken to the streets of Detroit and become the champions of Chinatown—but what happens when they meet the deadly fists of Richard Dragon and the Bronze Tiger? Meanwhile, who is the dark shadow that stalks the young Lady Shiva by day and haunts her dreams by night, and how do its revelations affect Cassandra Cain in the present?
Get ready for the deadliest, most action-packed issue of Batgirl yet!

 

 

 

TITANS #24
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art and cover by PETE WOODS
Variant covers by HOMARE and TYLER KIRKHAM
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/18/25
It’s a Terra-ble day for the Titans, who are attacked by a Terra-fying villain intent on Terra-rizing our heroes. Yes, we’re unearthing a classic Titans villain for this landmark issue, one who is not afraid to fight dirty. Of course, we can’t tell you who the villain is, but—just maybe—if you are a genius-level comic book reader, there is a small, almost infinitesimal, chance that you just might be able to figure it out.

 

 

 

ROBIN & BATMAN: JASON TODD #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Variant covers by JEFF LEMIRE and RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
Foil variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:25 variant cover by JOHN McCREA
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) | Variant $7.99 US (foil)
ON SALE 6/11/25
Batman has a new Robin: a rash, impulsive, reckless kid with a troubled past, who Batman was certain he could mold into Gotham’s next crime-fighter. But can the Dark Knight save Jason Todd from the darkness within himself? And when a mysterious new villain sets his sights on Jason, Batman finds himself doubtful that even he has what it takes to train the anger and torment out of his new young ward.

 

 

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #22
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art and cover by JAVI FERNÁNDEZ
Variant covers by JUAN FERREYRA and GUILLEM MARCH
1:25 variant cover by MARCO SANTUCCI
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/11/25
Horrors, both natural and supernatural, await Batman on the journey to save his son! Gotham City has many dark secrets, and no one knows them better than Bruce—but with Damian trapped somewhere in its labyrinth of shadows, the demons, forgotten skeletons, and memories of despair that line the city are more of a threat than ever before. The clock is ticking, and Batman must interrogate the demon Etrigan if he has any hope of rescuing Damian. Will Batman be able to save his son before time runs out?

 

 

 

BATMAN & ROBIN: YEAR ONE #8
Written by MARK WAID and CHRIS SAMNEE
Art and cover by CHRIS SAMNEE
Variant covers by MICHAEL CHO and EVAN “DOC” SHANER
1:25 variant cover by ANDREW MacLEAN
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US
ON SALE 6/18/25
The General’s search for Batman and Robin’s true identities comes to Wayne Man-or’s doorsteps! Can the dynamic duo find a way to repel the General’s forces and still keep their identities secret?!

 

 

 

BIRDS OF PREY #22
Written by KELLY THOMPSON
Art by SAMI BASRI
Cover by ANNIE WU
Variant covers by RIAN GONZALES and SERG ACUÑA
1:25 variant cover by EDWIN GALMON
George Perez Postcard variant by GEORGE PEREZ
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/4/25
The Birds investigate the disappearance of one of their own, hoping it will lead them to both their missing comrade and the truth about the mysterious villains attacking from the shadows. Meanwhile, the Shadow Army makes another big move, with Oracle on the explosive receiving end.

 

 

 

BATMAN: DARK PATTERNS #7
Written by DAN WATTERS
Art by HAYDEN SHERMAN
Cover by HAYDEN SHERMAN
Variant cover by STEVAN SUBIC
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/11/25
Case 03: The Old Gangs of Gotham
When a dead body is found burned to a crisp in the heart of one of Gotham’s oldest neighborhoods, the Rookery, the Dark Knight Detective finds himself enmeshed in a twisting murder mystery dating back to the early days of the Red Hood Gang.

 

 

 

DC PRIDE 2025
Written by TIM SHERIDAN, VITA AYALA, JOSH TRUJILLO, SAM MAGGS, MAYA HOUSTON, and JUDE ELLISON S. DOYLE
Art by EMILIO PILLIU, SKYLAR PATRIDGE, A.L. KAPLAN, MAX SARIN, VINCENT CECIL, and others
Cover by KRIS ANKA
Variant covers by SOZOMAIKA and JULIA RECK
1:25 variant cover by JACK HUGHES
$9.99 US | 88 pages | One-shot | (all covers are card stock)
ON SALE 6/4/25
When a 100-year-old queer speakeasy-turned-bar-turned-restaurant-and-community-space in Gotham announces that it will soon be closing its doors, generations of patrons come to pay their respects—including Alan Scott, the Green Lantern. After all, this is the place where he and his first love, Johnny Ladd, long ago carved their names into the basement wall before it all went to hell…and a love lost is never a love forgotten.
But they weren’t the only ones to put their names in the wall over the years, and suddenly queer heroes, villains, and civilians alike from across the DCU—the Question, Midnighter and Apollo, Harley Quinn, Green Lantern Jo Mullein, Bunker, Connor Hawke, and Blue Snowman among them—find them-selves spirited away to a strange alternate dimension that seems to provide everything they could possibly want…but at what cost?
In this single, oversized story of interweaving narratives, the vanished will need to come together and look into the very depths of the Starheart itself if they hope to escape that which ensnares them in this triumphant and timely story of community amid chaos!

 

 

 

DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V #10
Written by MATTHEW ROSENBERG and CECIL CASTELLUCCI
Art by OTTO SCHMIDT and MARLEY ZARCONE
Variant covers by DAVIDE PARATORE and TYLER CROOK
$4.99 US | 32 pages | 10 of 12 | Variants $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/11/25
The heroes and their vampire allies get ready to launch a massive counteroffensive, but someone is noticeably absent from the attack…what could Damian possibly be up to? Meanwhile—John Constantine, Doctor Fate, and the other magic wielders convene to craft a shaky plan that might be the only thing standing between the heroes and Darkseid himself.

 

 

 

DC X SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #4
Written by IAN FLYNN
Art by ADAM BRYCE THOMAS
Cover by PABLO M. COLLAR
Variant cover by DANIELE DI NICUOLO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 6/18/25
The world of Sonic the Hedgehog is in peril! Thankfully, the Justice League is here to save the day! Even completely out of their element, Earth’s greatest defenders will not stop protecting those in need. But can Superman lead the team to victory against the forces of both Dr. Eggman and Darkseid?

 

 

 

TEEN TITANS GO! #4
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by AGNES GARBOWSKA
$2.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 6/4/25
When Blackfire’s latest doomsday machine backfires and blows up her entire invasion fleet before the Titans can leap into action, our heroes are left with a free afternoon. Good thing there’s a giant sack of (Justice League) fan mail to answer! Everything’s fine until they open a “special delivery” from one of the League’s greatest foes: an Amazo robot that’ll crush the Titans with its own powers! And until the postal inspector shows up, don’t open other people’s mail, kids.

 

 

 

BATMAN #618 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by JIM LEE
Foil variant cover by JIM LEE ($6.99 US)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 6/4/25
Jason Todd lives!…or does he? As Batman battles a frightening foe claiming to be his fallen protégé returned from the grave, new clues are revealed, and new betrayals are brought to light. By the time this fight is over, a trusted friend will meet a tragic end as Hush steps out of the shadows at last.

 

 

 

BATMAN #619 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by JIM LEE
Foil variant cover by JIM LEE ($6.99 US)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 6/18/25
It’s all led to this! Whose is the face behind the bandages? Why has this mystery mastermind made it his mission to destroy everything Bruce Wayne holds dear? Friends stand revealed as enemies, enemies choose to become saviors, and all the answers are finally revealed in the unforgettable conclusion of “Hush”!

 

 

 

BATMAN: GHOSTS – A LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by TIM SALE
Foil variant cover by TIM SALE ($8.99 US)
$6.99 US | 48 pages
ON SALE 6/25/25
Bruce Wayne leads a darkly driven life, with his chosen mission as Batman leaving room for little in the way of personal happiness, but need it always be that way? On one feverish night—the night before Halloween—the sad specter of Dr. Thomas Wayne appears to his son, offering a dire warning: “Tonight, beginning when the clock strikes one, you will be visited by the first of three spirits…”

 

 

 

BATMAN: MADNESS – A LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by TIM SALE
Foil variant cover by TIM SALE ($8.99 US)
$6.99 US | 48 pages
ON SALE 6/11/25
Runaway children have been going missing in Gotham Central Park—the latest unwilling guests at the Mad Hatter’s psychotic tea party. When a fight between Captain James Gordon and his newly adopted daughter, Barbara, unwittingly leads to her becoming the Hatter’s latest Alice, it will be up to Batman to ensure Barbara’s first Halloween in Gotham won’t be her last!

 

 

 

BATMAN #9 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by BILL FINGER
Art by BOB KANE and JERRY ROBINSON
Cover by FRED RAY
Foil variant cover by FRED RAY ($9.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($7.99 US)
$6.99 US | 64 pages
ON SALE 6/11/25
A crew of hardened criminals must face the horrific consequences of their theft of a prized ruby as Batman and Robin investigate the killing curse of the Four Fates! Then it’s all aboard for a whale of a tale as the Dynamic Duo find themselves battling a crooked captain on the high seas! All this, plus the riotous return of the Joker, and Batman and Robin fight to get a young boy all he wants for Christmas—his father’s freedom!

 

 

 

TEEN TITANS: ROBIN CONNECTING COVER EDITION
Written by KAMI GARCIA
Art and cover by GABRIEL PICOLO
$16.99 US | 208 pages | 6″ x 9″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-731-4
ON SALE 9/2/25
Raven Roth, Garfield Logan, Maxine Navarro, and Damian Wayne are on the run…from Slade Wilson, from H.I.V.E., and from the horrible experiments H.I.V.E. conducted at their expense. But where will they go? Who can they trust? Dick Grayson just wants to know what happened to his brother, Damian. Does he need help? Why hasn’t he been in contact? And why did his tracking device go silent?
One thing is for sure—they all need answers and there is only one person that might be able to help them defeat H.I.V.E. for good.

 

 

 

ABSOLUTE BATMAN VOL. 1: THE ZOO
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by NICK DRAGOTTA and GABRIEL WALTA Cover by NICK DRAGOTTA
HC $24.99 US | 176 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-79950-524-2
SC $17.99 US | 176 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ Softcover ISBN: 978-1-79950-525-9
ON SALE 8/5/2025
A gang of masked killers terrorizes the streets of Gotham. A vigilante fights for his city—but he’s not the Batman you know.
The Absolute Universe, born out of the Justice League’s apocalyptic battle with Darkseid, ushers in a set of brand-new realities that reimagine your favorite heroes as you’ve never seen them before. In Absolute Batman, meet a young Bruce Wayne with no Wayne Manor, no Alfred by his side, and a different axe to grind as the Dark Knight.
From the minds of writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta, and featuring special guest artist Gabriel Walta, comes an origin story you won’t want to miss! Collects Absolute Batman #1-6.

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED VOL. 1
Written by MARK WAID
Art and cover by DAN MORA
HC $24.99 US | 136 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-79950-571-6
SC $17.99 US | 136 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ Softcover ISBN: 978-1-79950-528-0
ON SALE 8/5/2025
When evil threatens the world, the Justice League is there to help! No matter how many crises there are or foes to be fought, Earth is protected by the Watchtower in the sky, sending teams of heroes wherever they’re needed. Now, a terrible threat known as Inferno has arisen, taking many forms as it seeks to spread destruction all around the globe. Will the Justice League find the key to stopping Inferno in time? Or will they be betrayed by one of their own? In the aftermath of Absolute Power comes a stronger Justice League, united together and with unlimited strength. Brought to you by the tremendous team of Mark Waid (Superman: Action Comics, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest) and Dan Mora (Absolute Power, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent)!

 

HARLEY QUINN VOL. 1: DESTRUCTIVE COMICS
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by MINDY LEE
Cover by ELIZABETH TORQUE
$19.99 US | 176 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-221-0
ON SALE 7/29/2025
The bigwigs at DC want me to be a bit clearer in these snooze-licit texts, so here goes nuttin’! When Harley (that’s me!) discovers her favorite dangerous neighborhood in Gotham City has been gentrified beyond recognition, she
(re)breaks bad and sets out on a one-clown-woman mission to make Gotham City safe for crime again, thanks to her new creative team of Elliott Kalan (The Flop House podcast, Mystery Science Theater 3000) and Mindy Lee (Bounty, Harley Quinn: Everybody Hates Side Quests). Collecting Harley Quinn #44-49!

 

 

 

DC FINEST: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE RETURN
Written by GERRY CONWAY, J.M. DeMATTEIS, DAN MISHKIN, and others
Art by LUKE McDONNELL, GEORGE TUSKA, BILL WRAY, and others
Cover by JOSÉ LUIS GARCÍA-LÓPEZ
$39.99 US | 584 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-244-9
ON SALE 8/5/25
In the mid-1980s, the Justice League did one of their most radical lineup revamps ever by making offbeat heroes such as Zatanna, Vixen, Elongated Man, Vibe, Gypsy, and Steel mainstay members. Headquartered in Michigan, Justice League Detroit may not have had the name pedigree of previous iterations, but their adventures were no less exciting—and dangerous! This DC Finest volume collects the beginning of the Detroit Era issues from Justice League of America #241-261, Justice League of America Annual #3, and Infinity, Inc. #19.

 

 

 

DC: THE NEW FRONTIER:  DC COMPACT COMICS EDITION
Written by DARWYN COOKE
Art by DARWYN COOKE
Cover by DARWYN COOKE and DAVE STEWART
$9.99 US | 416 pages | 5.5″ x 8.5″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-234-0
ON SALE 8/5/2025
Welcome to mid-century America and the Silver Age of the DC Universe—a time of promise and paranoia, of shimmering cities, segregated slums, dizzying scientific progress, and simmering Cold War conflict. Into this milieu comes a young and bold new generation of adventurers who bravely accept the challeng-es of the New Frontier.
DC: The New Frontier features story and art by Eisner Award-winning writer/artist Darwyn Cooke with colorist Dave Stewart. Within these pages is a timeless tale of idealism and one of the most acclaimed superhero comics of the 21st century.

 

 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST VOL. 7: TOTAL ECLIPSO
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ, LUCAS MEYER, TRAVIS MERCER, and FRAN GALÁN
Cover by DAN MORA
HC $24.99 US | 168 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-79950-526-6
SC $17.99 US | 168 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover ISBN: 978-1-79950-527-3
ON SALE 8/5/2025
Darkness falls! Eclipso, master of light and shadow, has risen once again to plague Superman and Batman! Powered like never before, Eclipso plunges the Earth into a state of eternal night—and eternal despair! Can the combined might of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight Detective overcome the wrath of a god? Sounds like this is a job for the Justice Society! Collects Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #31-34 and Green Lantern/Green Arrow: World’s Finest Special #1!

 

 

 

BATMAN BY TOM KING BOOK TWO
Written by TOM KING with JOSHUA WILLAMSON
Art by MIKEL JANÍN, JOËLLE JONES, and others
Cover by DAVID FINCH
$49.99 US | 520 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-238-8
ON SALE 8/12/25
The award-winning saga continues, as all of Gotham’s villains are choosing sides in a battle of wits quickly turning into a full-blown war—complete with civilian casualties! And when Catwoman accepts Batman’s marriage proposal, they must embark on a quest for redemption and happiness…including a double date with Superman and Lois!
Collects Batman #21-40, The Flash #21-22, and “Good Boy” from Batman Annual #1.

 

 

 

BATMAN BY TOM KING OMNIBUS VOL. 1
Written by TOM KING and others
Art by MIKEL JANÍN, DAVID FINCH, MITCH GERADS, and others
Cover by CLAY MANN
$150 US | 1008 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-239-5
ON SALE 8/19/25
What has become of Bruce Wayne after years spent in service of vengeance? Is there still a man under the mask, or has the man become the costume? The first chapter in Tom King’s renowned Dark Knight epic begins here!
Collects Batman: Rebirth #1, Batman #1-32, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special #1, Detective Comics
#941-942, The Flash #21-22, Nightwing #5-6, and “Good Boy” from Batman Annual #1. Featuring a brand-new introduction by King, a new wraparound cover by Clay Mann, and never-before-seen material from the making of the legendary run.

 

 

 

BATGIRL: STEPHANIE BROWN VOL. 2 (2025 EDITION)
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by PERE PÉREZ, DUSTIN NGUYEN, DEREK FRIDOLFS, RAMÓN BACHS, and more Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
$29.99 US | 312 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-531-0
ON SALE 8/12/2025
Batgirl: Stephanie Brown Volume 2 features classic stories from Bryan Q. Miller (Smallville) with art by Pere Pérez (Action Comics), Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Li’l Gotham), Derek Fridolfs (Batman: Streets of Gotham), and others. Collects Batgirl #13-24, Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batgirl #1, and a story from Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes! #1.

 

 

 

BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS BY MARIKO TAMAKI OMNIBUS
Written by MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by DAN MORA, IVAN REIS, VIKTOR BOGDANOVIC, MAX RAYNOR, and others
Cover by DAN MORA
$150 US | 1000 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-240-1
ON SALE 8/19/25
No mansion. No fortune. With anti-vigilante sentiment on the rise and both new and old villainy sweeping Gotham, Bruce Wayne must rethink how to be Batman…or risk losing his city for good! Collects Tamaki’s saga from Detective Comics #1027, #1034-1061, Detective Comics 2021 Annual #1, Batman: Secret Files: Huntress #1, and Future State: Dark Detective #1-4, along with Batman –
One Bad Day: Two-Face #1 and tales from Batman Secret Files #3 and Batman: Black and White #5. Featuring a new cover by Dan Mora, a new introduction by series editor Paul Kaminski,
and more!

 

 

 

BATMAN: KNIGHTFALL OMNIBUS VOL. 3: KNIGHTSEND (2025 EDITION)
Written by DOUG MOENCH, ALAN GRANT, CHUCK DIXON, JO DUFFY, and DENNIS O’NEIL Art by MIKE MANLEY, GRAHAM NOLAN, PHIL JIMENEZ, and more
Cover by KELLEY JONES and MICHELLE MADSEN
$100.00 US | 896 pages | 7 1/4″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-241-8
ON SALE 8/5/2025
The Knightfall saga concludes with an epic showdown between Bruce Wayne and
the man he chose to be his successor, Jean-Paul Valley. In the end, only one Batman will be left standing! Knightfall Omnibus Volume 3: Knightsend includes the bestselling storylines “KnightsEnd,” “Prodigal,” and “Troika” from Batman #509-510 and #512-515, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #62-63, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #29-30 and #32-35, Catwoman #12-13, Detective Comics #676-677 and #679-682, Robin #8-9 and #11-14, Showcase ’94 #10, Nightwing: Alfred’s Return #1, and Batman: The Vengeance of Bane II. #9

 

 

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: LEGENDS OF JUSTICE
Written by KARL KERSCHL, DELILAH S. DAWSON, GABRIEL HARDMAN, and more
Art by KARL KERSCHL, SERG ACUÑA, GABRIEL HARDMAN, and more
Cover by SIMONE DI MEO
$19.99 US | 184 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-677-5
ON SALE 8/12/2025
Gotham Academy is back in session with an astonishing team-up between Batman and Maps Mizoguchi! Years have passed since Dr. Kirk Langstrom was infected with the Man-Bat serum, and he’s found renewed purpose teaching at Gotham Academy—but the arrival of a new Man-Bat may threaten everything he’s built! Join Maps and Batman as they uncover a sinister mystery running through the heart of Gotham City! Read these and more—starring the Signal, Bat Lash, and Sgt. Rock—in one volume containing Legends of Justice!

 

 

 

BATMAN: YEAR THREE: THE DELUXE EDITION
Written by MARV WOLFMAN
Art by PAT BRODERICK
Cover by GEORGE PÉREZ
$19.99 US | 112 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-243-2
ON SALE 8/12/25
In the wake of Jason Todd’s murder, Batman has become violent and erratic, stalking the streets angry and alone. Fearing the worst, Alfred enlists Nightwing’s help. All the while, the man who murdered Dick Grayson’s parents has been released from prison!
Through a tale of interweaving mysteries, the past will come back to haunt them. Only by reliving Year Three—the story of Dick Grayson’s adoption and his becoming Robin—can the truth behind the murders plaguing Gotham’s criminals be revealed. Collects Batman #436-439, with a brand-new introduction by the story’s associate editor Dan Rapler, and a brand-new afterword by Broderick.

 

 

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL BOOK TWO: AROUND THE WORLD (2025 EDITION)
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art by KEVIN MAGUIRE, TY TEMPLETON, BART SEARS, and more
Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE
$39.99 US | 576 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-223-4
ON SALE 7/29/2025
Now that the World’s Greatest Heroes have gone international, even more members are joining their ranks—making it the most unlikely grouping of heroes yet! Batman, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Martian Manhunter, Guy Gardner, Mister Miracle, Captain Atom, Rocket Red, Fire, Ice, and…the Huntress?
Collects Justice League International #18-27, Justice League Europe #1-6, and Justice League International Annual #1.

 

 

 

RED HOOD: OUTLAWS VOLUME FOUR
Written by PATRICK R. YOUNG
Art by NICO BASCUÑÁN
Cover by VASCO GEORGIEV
$14.99 US | 208 pages | 6″ x 9″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-019-3
ON SALE 8/5/25
The Outlaws get down to Earth, and down to business!
Now that the team is back on Earth, and back in real life, things are great. For Jason and Artemis, at least. Poor Bizarro is having a much rougher time letting go of the life he was living on the Watchtower. Will his teammates be a solution to his difficulties or will they fail him again?
Collecting episodes #34-46 of WEBTOON’s smash-hit series, including never-before-seen bonus content from the creators themselves!

 

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The Batman Universe Podcast

Episode 274: Every Time Batman Retired

by Scott Waldyn
written by Scott Waldyn

episode 274 podcast cover batman retire

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

 

In this week’s episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, your hosts, Scott and BJ, walk through a history of all of the times Batman retired. Depending on what sites you read, many lists and articles include times where Batman technically… *ahem* died. We talk about a couple of those times, but in our eyes, they don’t care. Death and retirement are not the same.

Batman Retired Storylines Covered:

  • The Dark Knight Returns (1986)
  • Batman: The Cult (1988)
  • Batman: Knightfall (1993)
  • Batman: Prodigal (1997)
  • Batman: Superheavy (2014)
  • Batman ’66 Meets Wonder Woman ’77 (2016)
  • Batman Annual #2 (2018)
  • “Chemistry” episode of The New Adventures of Batman and Robin (1998)
  • “A Better World” episode of Justice League (2003)
  • Batman Beyond (1999-2001)
  • The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
  • Earth-2 Batman
  • Batman Forever (1995)
    • BJ is technically right that this one counts. Batman retires for like 30 seconds.

Please note: We do not cover Batman ’89: Echoes, as that story is not yet completed as of the time of this recording. 

 

Other Bat-Topics

We also discuss a few other news-worthy items this episode. We cover the rumor that The Dark Knight might be returning to IMAX in May, based on theories after this AMC Theaters link went live. We also spend some time talking about a State Farm advertisement, but it’s not any advertisement, it’s their new Batman vs. Bateman campaign.

 

For our Bat-Family: Which is your favorite Bat-Retirement story?

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. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Bluesky (@writerscott.bsky.social) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

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Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Book Review: Detective Comics #1095

by Adam Koppel
written by Adam Koppel

In this review of Detective Comics #1095, writer Tom Taylor riffs on the plot from Batman Year Two to great effect, with a few familiar faces and a terrifying new villain thrown into the mix.

 

detective comics 31095 main cover

Detective Comics #1095 main cover by Mikel Janín (DC Comics)

Detective Comics #1095
“Mercy of the Father, Part Six”
Writer: Tom Taylor
Art and Main Cover: Mikel Janín
Variant Covers: Bruno Redondo, Jason Shawn Alexander, John Giang, Ashley Wood
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: March 19, 2025

 

This review contains spoilers 

Detective Comics #1095 starts with a reclusive Bruce Wayne hiding in the Batcave after receiving some devastating news. Repeated attempts by Oracle (Barbara Gordon), and even Clark Kent fail to get Bruce’s attention, but longtime family friend and confidante Doctor Leslie Thompkins succeeds in getting Bruce to open up (both literally and figuratively) with a few kind words.

The shocking past connection revealed between Thomas and Martha Wayne and the man who killed them (Joe Chill), seems too much of a coincidence for Bruce to still believe that their murder was just a random act of violence. Leslie urges Bruce to confront Chill (as Batman) and find out what he knows.

Batman arrives at Chill’s apartment (because of course he knows the whereabouts of his parents’ killer at all times, although shouldn’t that be Blackgate Prison?) The door opens and Batman momentarily reverts back to his eight year-old self as Joe Chill levels a pistol at him. Batman quickly recovers and knocks Chill across the room while resisting the urge to bludgeon Chill to a pulp, and instead grills his parents’ killer about a decades-old car accident.

Chill answers Batman without any resistance, admitting he doesn’t know who saved him after the car wreck, or where the woman who was with him (and their child) went when they were rescued. Convinced that Chill is on the level, Batman leaves him with a warning and joins Leslie in the Batmobile. She asks him about an envelope left by the new masked mystery killer Asema, and about why it smells like Martha Wayne’s perfume. After they leave, Asema breaks into Joe Chill’s apartment and attacks him.

Meanwhile GCPD Commissioner Vandal Savage (a holdover from the recent Chip Zdarsky Batman run), flexes his prowess by deploying an army of cops outside The Iceberg Lounge, and offers a friendly word of warning for Penguin to stop asking certain questions.

Later, Superman meets Batman in Gotham City and receives damning evidence that Batman wants Clark Kent to publish about the illegal procedures performed at the Theromise Health Clinic (where Bruce Wayne was a patient), despite the potentially devastating public fallout.

Detective Comics #1095 ends with Bruce Wayne contacting his old friend Scarlett Scott, (an employee at Theromise), and asking about the controversial rejuvenation treatments she used on him at others’ expense. Scarlett protests her innocence as Batman bursts into her office just as the building goes into lockdown and Scarlett’s office explodes.

Analysis 

Detective Comics #1095 delivers another solid installment in this exciting story arc. The various plot threads continue to intertwine as Batman faces a war on multiple fronts, including from his own family history, (and possibly Joe Chill’s).

Writer Tom Taylor (Nightwing) seamlessly weaves new plot threads into long established DC Comics cannon with a shockingly plausible revelation about the Wayne family murders. Bruce’s retreat into the Batcave isn’t out of character either, since his ability to process trauma springs from childhood loss. Bruce’s reaction to Leslie’s kind words is also in character, as she coaxes him out by reaching out to the needs of his wounded inner child.

Artist Mikel Janín in Detective Comics #1095 continues to impress with his stunning visuals month after month without. Janín excels at depicting mood and facial expressions, showcasing numerous close-ups of Bruce Wayne’s repressed rage, Leslie Thompkins’ reassuring smile, Batman’s glower, Joe Chill’s look of defeat, and Scarlett Scott’s guilty pause. Janin also kills it with shocking art and color that amplifies Asema’s terrifying appearance in only four panels.

Detective Comics #1095 does raise some questions though, especially about the justice system in Gotham City. Because either Batman villains break out of Arkham Asylum, or they’re released from Blackgate. In Joe Chill’s case, did he get pardoned somehow? Otherwise why would the perpetrator of a brutal double homicide of two well-loved pillars of Gotham City ever be set free, let alone be able to carry a gun?

It’s likely there’s some reasonable explanation for both, so I don’t want to tread on Tom Taylor’s remarkable script by quibbling about random plot points, but these are just things that occurred to me as I read the issue.

The story pulls elements from both the excellent Batman: Year Two comics run, where Batman teams up with Joe Chill against a mystery costumed killer, and the Batman: Mask of the Phantasm animated movie, (which was also inspired by Batman: Year Two). Also, Scarlett Scott and Theromise seem reminiscent of the Elizabeth Holmes scandal, with a ghoulish twist which continues Bruce Wayne’s continual search for a fountain of youth.

This in no way diminishes Taylor’s work either, I can just see the similarities, but after almost 90 years of stories, some themes are bound to be recycled. Honestly, how many childhood friends with a secret has Bruce Wayne encountered over the decades in both comics and film? Also, how many writers can make Joe Chill seem almost sympathetic?

With Detective Comics #1095, Tom Taylor touches on elements of crime noir, horror, dark humor and repressed trauma to create a thrilling and touching new narrative.

Final Thoughts 

Overall, Detective Comics #1095 is another home run for DC Comics with gorgeous art, sharp writing, compelling character beats and a twisting plot that keeps the reader constantly off balance.

detective comics #1095 main cover
Detective Comcis #1095
Final Thoughts
Overall, Detective Comics #1095 is another home run for DC Comics with gorgeous art, sharp writing, compelling character beats and a twisting plot that keeps the reader constantly off balance.
4.5
Final Score
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The Batman Universe Comic Podcast

TBU Comic Podcast: Season 17 Episode 5

by Theodis Wright
written by Theodis Wright

season 17 episode 5 podcast cover

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

 

The Batman Universe Comic Podcast Season 17 Episode 5 is live on on your favorite platforms. In Season 17 Episode 5, we bring you a new experience — the TBU Medical Podcast. Find out all there is to know (not really) about osteopenia. Don’t ask us why. It just happened that way. We then review our main book Batman and Robin #19. Does Theo feel any better about this title? And what is this crazy theory has has about Dr. Bashir? Listen in and find out why.

Book Covered In Season 17 Episode 5

Batman and Robin #19

Greater Gotham Titles

Batgirl #5
Birds of Prey #19
Batman: Full Moon #4
Two-Face #4
Batman: Dark Patterns #4
Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #154-155

Follow The Batman Universe

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