Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #135-137 Webtoon Review

by Stephanie Mounce January 2, 2025

written by Stephanie Mounce

Oh man, Steph is too excited and had to do the Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #135-137 Webtoon Review Ian ASAP because there is just much Bat/Cat!

Steph: Ian, long time no see! Are y1ou in the mood to review some Wayne Family Adventures?!

Ian: My mood is WFA all the time!

Steph: We’re going to pick up right where we left off! Episode #135 – Bend and Break. Batman is feeling he’s disappointing everyone, and Cat encourages him by asking him he’s going to fix the issues. But, of course, to take their minds off things for a while they beat up some bad guys cause they’ve found one of the Joker’s hideouts!

Ian: Now this episode felt right at home to me, because the way Batman and Catwoman think and talk about their relationship felt like pure distilled Tom King BatCat writing!

Steph: I agree! I love that Cat was offering to get them in quietly and covertly, and Bats is like “Nah. Big smash!”

Ian: Batman loves a big smash. Stealthy? Not this Batman!

Steph: I would also say that the story telling in this one is also very Tom King. We have the art which doesn’t directly reflect the inner monologue presented on top of the images, yet it is related.

Ian: All about that emotional through-line!

Steph: And it all ends with her asking – you can either keep the family “under control” and lose the relationships, or do you let go and grow? And he finally choses to let go of the control he wants over his family he’s convinced himself he needs to keep them safe.
And they head off to where they believe Joker is hiding.
Dum dum dum.

Ian: I think it’s a tricky thing
in some odd ways, WFA shows one of the “oldest” Bruce’s we’ve seen in comics because the writers want him to have grown a lot more than the Bruce we normally see.
Because they’re not bound by the expectations of mainstream comics, they go emotional places that the mainstream comics aren’t interested in, and I don’t think that’s bad for either WFA or mainstream comics.
Just different audience expectations.

Steph: True. I wonder what some diehard fans would think if this showed up in the main DC comics.
However, as far as this story itself goes, I feel relieved, physically.

Ian: I think we’re meant to! I definitely do as well!
I’m curious how much we’re meant to see the references and similarities to things like Tom King’s run, though
It feels like WFA are very aware of and often commenting on specific parts of mainstream comics, while still trying to tell a story that stands on its own.

Steph: It’s like a hard core fanfiction writer who absolutely loves the OG comics, but says, “…you know what this needs?…”

Ian: It’s a middle ground to the fanfiction called “Coffee Shop AU” – where you have all the characters from the fandom you love, but instead of fighting crime, they drink coffee and fall in love. :). Very similar to one of my other favorite comic series, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane by Sean McKeever and Takeshi Miyazawa.
It still has action and the classic crimefighting elements, but the foreground is the fun everyday hijinks and emotional connections.
Which is kind of why I’m still a bit on the fence about this “one big story” concept for season 3
I miss the one or two episode strips that are all about finding a fun character connection or joke.

Steph: Like CatTales by Chris Dee! Which I don’t recommend to you anymore. She’s pretty brutal to a lot of your faves.
But as you said, this is an ongoing story, and going on we shall. Episode #136 – Exhale.
Joker is not at the hideout, but they are able to get some paper evidence he was trying to burn before they showed up.

Ian: And the family convenes to try to figure out their plan of action!

Steph: It was very humble of him to sit and ask for them to tell him what he hasn’t been hearing.
And it really is amazing how apologizing and humbling yourself can lower people’s defenses and allow them to apologize for their wrongs as well. In most disagreements, both parties can be wrong.

Ian: Agree completely. I really appreciate that in the way WFA is approaching relationships for sure.

Steph: I love the practicality of Damian’s time needed to forgive his dad – Tim’s neighbors are kicking him and Goliath out.

Ian: Goliath in an apartment building is quite a hilarious thought. Kind of wish we got a bit more scenes of that 😄

Steph: So true. I think Damian and Tim has been explored more in recent years and I love it.
As we close the episode, Dick wants them to discuss patrolling. Which opens episode #137 – Compromise.
They have a good talk about openness, patrol compromises, and working together with the understanding that Joker is not a normal opponent.
I love that the conclusion is that Selina isn’t ever allowed to leave without clearance again.

Ian: I like how Dick, even though he’s injured, is a leader along with Babs in this storyline
good big brother vibes all the way.

Steph: I do love that Bruce asks him how in the world he ended up so well adjusted. 😁
And he acknowledges that Dick took over leadership and protection when Bruce wouldn’t.
And then some of the family plan to go after Calculator and the rest patrol and search Gotham.
I love the ribbing and kidding that has come back. It helps ease the tension of the new status quo.
Especially Selina offering to teach Tim how to rob a jewelry store.

Ian: Selina and Tim is a combination I feel that doesn’t get enough love!
They don’t naturally fit together, so I kind of wish we got to see that friction and tension more.

Steph: That’s true. But the pairing at the end that should make our hearts all aflutter is that Batman and Robin/Damian are once again patrolling together. What did you think of this mini-arc conclusion? Character arc? Not sure how to describe it.
Mid series conflict resolution?

Ian: I have a few thoughts on the ending
It’s clearly calling back to things like the ending of Batman RIP, where there’s a brash, triumphant “Batman and Robin Will Never Die” (despite the absolute brain killing weirdness of that story)
But I have to say, despite my loving of the relationship aspects of this season, I’m still unconvinced about the hard hitting, visually spectacular, viscerally emotional combat stuff. The Dick vs. Joker fight was pretty good, but compared to the best work of Scott McDaniel or Jorge Jimenez doing the same thing on a bigger canvas, I’m just not sure that the Webtoon format is really the place for it. There’s something about having the space to show the movement instead of trying to get beat to beat action from vertically scrolling panels that I think can’t quite be translated (which is also why I’m not very interested in reading Hush in Webtoon format)
And it’s not a WFA thing for me – I read several other fantasy/adventure type series on webtoons, and none of them are particularly good at capturing really intense, exhilarating action

Steph: I’d agree with that.

Ian: So I think it’s tricky to try to replicate that kind of thing in the deliberately cartoony and hyper appealing style of WFA which emphasizes different things
I appreciate that they tried!
But I hope that if they do a season 4, they do more of a blend of bigger and smaller stories so we can get some of that humor and lightness that I think WFA did well. With maybe some romantic plotlines that serve as the narrative backbone instead of the threat of the Joker 😄
and yes I mean Tim and Steph getting back together why do you ask?

Steph: It would be nice. The action detractors don’t bother me as much, but I agree, the scrolling makes it harder to do action. But there are some cool effects that scrolling does allow that doesn’t translate that well to standard book comics.

Ian: There are great effects! I think WFA usually leans into those really well.

Steph: But I am so glad we’re finally on a happy family trajectory.

Ian: Indeed!!!

Steph: And I am looking forward where the story goes from here. I am getting a little tired of long form, but keeping it fresh with new explorations of characters and stories within the big story will hopefully keep it intersting.

Ian: Indeed! Seeing the Batfamily focus on the proper targets: the villains – is what we need!

Steph: It’s not like crime sleeps while Joker is wreaking havoc. Did you read the Tim/Damian robin story in Batman Brave and the Bold where Killer Moth is chasing after them? We need a mini story like that in here.
Hilarious.

Ian: I enjoyed that story. Unusually for the normally completely forgettable and vastly overpriced Brave and the Bold series. Tangent tangent. But really, that was some really solid, classic Batfamily writing. Should have been way more of that in the past 20 years.

Steph: Are you looking forward for the rest of the season?

Ian: I am! I’m very curious how long it will be. It feels like we’re at least at the halfway point, but I’m not sure!
What about you?

Steph: I am. I can’t wait to see where the story goes.

Ian: Let’s go WFA!

January 2, 2025 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #132-134 Webtoon Review

by Stephanie Mounce January 2, 2025

written by Stephanie Mounce

It’s been a while, but Steph and Ian sat together recently for a Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #131-133 Webtoon Review. The “Batman Is Too Controlling” arc seems to be coming to a close and they are there for it!

Steph: Ian! My goodness, times fly when you…forget to write reviews 😬 . But have you been keeping up with Wayne Family Adventures? Because I sure have and I am excited!

Ian: I have! It’s been very exciting to see the big storyline unfold!

Steph: It has! There’s been so many facets and ups and downs, it’s hard to believe it’s been one continuous story! Last time we left off with Bruce visiting Jim in the hospital and fighting with Barbara. Now we’re in episode #132 – Homebound. Bruce has just come to the Manor to talk to Duke and gets a little reprimand/encouragement from Alfred.

Ian: I do like how it breaks down into major action set-pieces and then relationship set-pieces helps make it not feel like the 24 tv show

Steph: I never watched that, but I remember it looked stressful to watch.

Ian: it is WAY too stressful! WFA is not nearly as stressful, thankfully!

Steph: Though I realize it could come off as a bit preachy, maybe, I really like Alfred talking to Bruce in the beginning here. So often I think fiction goes for the action and the “sexy” parts of story telling, but we really could use some real life, genuine advice here. It’s almost like Pennyworth has a PhD in counselling.

Ian: I love how Alfred rightly observes that Bruce isn’t just wrong all the time. That his coping mechanisms are right and proper for some situations – the fault isn’t that Bruce compartmentalizes, but that he doesn’t know how to stop. I feel there’s a side of the Batfamily fandom that just dislikes Bruce because he’s the antagonist for our favorite characters, but I think even though WFA falls into that a little bit, it makes sure to take time to affirm that Bruce is a hero and great character in his own right.

Steph: My two favorite things he says are first: “As for Batman, I’ve always found he makes better choices when his heart is involved.” which I think has been lost a lot in modern comics. Second is: “Do not make the mistake of thinking it is up to them [the kids] to deal with your insecurities.” which I think is probably a big message for many people these days.

Ian: I appreciate that Alfred works hard to advocate for responsibility and maturity in parenting. A solid message.

Steph: Me too. And the interaction between Bruce and Duke was sweet. I like that they both cheated at Battle Ships (TM).

Ian: That was awesome. So silly, but it was such a great character moment.

Steph: It was. And I loved that he stays to talk to Duke about his nightmares. Later, he seems tempted to take on the guilt of them, but realizes all he can do is try to make sure it never happens again. Which unfortunately, appears to be shutting down the Belfry!

Ian: Clocktower, though! Belfry is Tim’s space! And yeah, that ending of this episode leaves such a worried feeling!

Steph: I know! He’s slowly getting the message, but he’s not there yet. I have an art question. So, it says Art: Starbite, but then it says Pencils & Inks Vadynea. Does that mean Starbite didn’t actually draw this issue?

Ian: I don’t think Starbite actually did art for season 3. The art is really consistent, so there’s no moments like when it would switch between Starbite and Tobyfan. Which I think is part of why this season had such a long break before it launched, because they wanted it to be consistent all the way through.

Steph: Hmm. There are some panels sometimes I swear it’s Starbite, (not necessarily in this episode) but maybe I’m wrong. I wish I knew how it worked. Well, on from the cliffhanger, episode #133 – For Your Own Good. Batman is checking in with Babs to shut her down. And of course, any excuse to have Nightwing without a shirt on 😂

Ian: Do you think that was part of a secret marketing campaign for Nothing Butt Nightwing, to injure Nightwing so he would have to be shirtless for the next 10 episodes? 😄

Steph: I wouldn’t be surprised. Just kidding, this is far more tasteful. That series…was not for me.

Ian: I have to admit I also was not drawn in. But meanwhile, Bruce faces the wrath of…Jason!

Steph: However, before Batman can get to the Clocktower, he is intercepted by Babs’s first line of defense, Jason!
Lol.

Ian: I think it was a smart move, since Jason went through a very similar emotional breakdown that Bruce is going through, so having him able to reach a hand out from the same place is good.

Steph: One thing I love about Bruce’s response, is that he is remembering back to conversations he’s had with family so far. It really goes to show that those interactions weren’t for nothing. They are sticking with him, they’re just taking time to hit home.

Ian: Yup! There’s a lot of really good callbacks in these episodes!

Steph: And it’s interesting that Bruce comes to the correct conclusion. That fighting Joker was easier before he had family, which Joker also picked up on and is using this time round. And then we get the lovely hug between Bruce and Jason. So precious. There isn’t enough platonic/familial hugging in media IMO.

Ian: I blame James Tynion for leaving. He put in lots of hugs.

Steph: And Batman is almost at the turning point in his actions, but he’s not there yet. And Jason has been stalling for the big guns to show up. 🐱

Ian: The biggest gun of all!

Steph: Catwoman. I was very excited, but also distraught, as she only shows up and we have to wait till episode #134 – The Bat and The Cat for her to get real screen time! Thankfully, we can talk about it here.

Ian: You gotta get the full impact of BatCat I tell you!

Steph: On a somewhat unrelated note, what do you think about her more conservative costume/figure in WFA vs the DC comics?

Ian: I think the WFA design is fine. I like a Catwoman who is sexy but practical, and I feel the problem with the Darwyn Cooke design from the early 2000s is it’s kind of the best you can do with that, so everyone since then has either made it more sexy but less practical, or more practical and less sexy.

Steph: I think they could at least give her a belt. There’s so much grey mass of the suit it’s unflattering.

Ian: that’s true! It’s all kind of one smooth line and thus looks kind of blobby. But I still like it.

Steph: But she shows up and Batman immediately seeks her comfort, which I thought was so sweet, despite it giving Jason a tummy upset.

Ian: I adore the callback to when they were making out on coms and everyone complained. Perfect deployment of continuity.

Steph: I think one thing I missed about this episode the first time through (because of all the BatCat 😻 ) was that that Dick, Babs, and Jason agree to give Bruce time to decide what he’s going to do. They will show trust in him the way the want trust in them. Very mature.

Ian: Yup! I like that the family is still present even in more two-character focused pieces like this!

Steph: For sure! However, back to Bruce and Selina, I love that she’s probably one of very few people who on a regular basis can give Bruce a hard time and he gives in. So here, she is requesting more than grunts in their conversation.
And he opens up.

Ian: I think it’s interesting and in character that Catwoman has a more “steal from the rich” attitude – something that fits her, but does rub me a bit the wrong way because I don’t trust the writers to see why that is a wrong attitude.

Steph: To be fair, we’re not really sure what she does in this universe, but whatever it is, Batman seems okay with not stopping her. Or at least asking her.

Ian: Indeed. So, Steph, is 134 the best episode to date, or the BEST episode to date for you? 😄

Steph: Hmm. I’m not sure about best, but I’ll tell you what I loved about it, from a healthy relationship standpoint. She is his safe space. She may still call him out on stuff, but she is gentle, kind, and someone he can fall into. It is so important to feel safe with your significant other. To be your worst self with – weak, fragile, confused, etc…
As my husband said to me once in a fever haze, “There’s no one I’d rather be miserable with than you.”

Ian: A good thing since Batman is often miserable! Oh, that reminds me – I love that Bruce is so sad that he’s inspired people to choose the same self-sacrificing life he chose. It feels very in character to me.

Steph: How did you feel about these episodes? I really liked that we’re finally getting to a turning point for Bruce. If this whole season had him being obstinate and this whole Batman vs Batkids thing, it would have gotten very old very quick.

Ian: I think this was a really nicely written bit that allows Bruce to grow without making him the bad guy. And the Bat/Cat episode was really, really sweet and nicely emotional. Completely agree that we needed to get the family on the same side again – I don’t need another Gotham War!

Steph: Ugh. This would have been a better Gotham War.

Ian: Indeed.

Steph: So, talk to you next time?

Ian: Indeed! Can’t wait!

January 2, 2025 0 comments

The Batman Universe Comic Podcast

TBU Comic Podcast: Season 16 Episode 24

by Theodis Wright December 31, 2024

written by Theodis Wright

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

It’s Season 16 episode 24 of The Batman Universe Comic Podcast – the last of 2024. This episode, there are no reviews. There’s no Greater Gotham. Join Steph and Theo as they review their best of 2024. Does Batman and Robin still stand as the top book? Who’s their favorite? Listen in and find out their thoughts.

Nominations Covered In Season 16 Episode 24

Best Bat Title
Best Bat Writer
Best bat Artist
Best Colorist
Best Batman Story Arc
Best Single Issue
Best Bat Family Member
Best (or Worst) Villain

And Finally…

Best Non-TBU Title

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

December 31, 2024 0 comments

Previews

DC Comics Preview: Batman #156

by Theodis Wright December 30, 2024

written by Theodis Wright

In this preview of Batman #156, The Riddler’s plans finally revealed!

The GCPD is closing in on their suspected killer — and on Batman! Wayne Enterprises is under attack as Nygma’s plans come into focus. The Owls are not what they seem. Don’t miss the thrilling penultimate issue of “The Dying City”!

Enjoy this preview of Batman #156, provided by: DC Comics. And check back here at The Batman Universe later this week to see our review of the issue.

BATMAN #156
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by TONY S. DANIEL
Main Cover: JORGE JIMÉNEZ
Variant Cover: TONY HARRIS, ALEXANDER LOZANO, TONY S. DANIEL, RYAN BENJAMIN, VALENTIN SÉCHER, DAN HIPP
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: January 1, 2025

Preview of Batman #156 Covers

dc comics solicitations for january 2025 featured image

1of7

Editor’s Note: DC Comics provided the preview images of this comic for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support TBU in the process by pre-ordering this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy of the title through Things From Another World.

December 30, 2024 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20 Review

by Gareth Turner December 30, 2024

written by Gareth Turner

In this review of Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20, we see an inter-dimensional adventure with Bat-Mite, conclusions to last month’s Wonder Woman & Plastic Man and Martian Manhunter and Animal Man/Girl stories, and a highlight for Kevin Smith villain Onomatopoeia.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20 main cover by Simone Di Meo

Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20
Writers: Ty Templeton, Dave Wielgosz, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Michael W. Conrad, and Simone Di Meo
Artists: Ty Templeton, Nikola Čižmešija, Travis Mercer, Tom Derenick, Christopher Mitten, and Simone Di Meo
Colors: Monica Kubina, Rex Lokus, Peter Pantazis, and Ivan Plascencia
Cover Artist: Simone Di Meo
Variant Cover Artists: Aaron Bartling, Tula Lotay
Release Date: December 26, 2024

This comic book review contains spoilers

“The Price”

Writer and Artist: Ty Templeton
Colors: Monica Kubina
Letters: Josh Reed

The first story in Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20 takes the reader on a trip through time following the fifth dimensional imp and Batman-superfan: Bat-Mite, as well as the superhero magician Zatanna.

This being the final issue of this book, it’s not illogical to bring in a fourth-wall breaking character to shake things up and give the anthology a somewhat self-aware send off. I like Bat-Mite and when used correctly, he can be a ton of fun. Take for example Paul Reubens’ iconic turn as the character in the final episode of the television series that shares this book’s name. Unfortunately, despite some creative ideas, I did not care for this story very much.

Bat-Mite has a couple funny one liners (“Didja see that?! Of course you did. Who starts reading on page two?”, “you’re dressing like a Tim Burton character now”), and the narrative replicating the backwards structure of one of Zatanna’s spells is a cool idea, but the final product reads as convoluted and lacking in any real substance. Bat-Mite speaks in a combination of pseudoscientific quantum physics and complete nonsense and Zatanna’s guilt for introducing him to Batman is only dealt with on the most superficial level. We get flashes of familiar moments like Batman riding the back of a shark from “The Laughing Fish” and a reference to Batman and Ras’ shirtless desert sword fight, but these moments don’t amount to anything more than fan service. And just to touch on a personal pet peeve, I find Bat-Mite the most interesting when he’s portrayed as an all-powerful all-knowing being, so to see him constantly getting curtailed by Zatanna was unsatisfying. This is not a story I would highlight for either character beyond the initial gimmick of being told Memento-style aka in reverse chronology.

Monica Kubina sticks to a pallet of primary colors with high contrast that mirrors the earliest Silver Age Bat-Mite appearances and Ty Templeton’s lines are so thick you could lay track on them. It’s a style that works for Bat-Mite, but is less flattering for the other characters we come across.

“Man’s Underworld Part 2”

Writer: Dave Wielgosz
Artist: Nikola Čižmešija
Colors: Rex Lokus

Picking up from last month, Plastic Man and Wonder Woman infiltrate the Mirror House, an auction house for superhero relics, to retrieve Wonder Woman’s golden lasso. Plastic Man reflects on his life of crime and develops an unlikely bond with Wonder Woman supplanting his previous unethical partnership with the criminal Roulette. But when the golden lasso comes in contact with Plastic Man, even he can’t hide from the truth.

What can I say, I’m a Plastic Man stan. He’s one of the most interesting DC heroes and based on the strength of this story as well as Christopher Cantwell’s excellent “Plastic Man No More,” the fact that he doesn’t have an ongoing book is unconscionable. I loved the dramatic weight given here by opening with a vignette of a younger criminal “Eel” O’Brian and his partnership with the villainous Roulette. A partnership with Wonder Woman is not immediately obvious considering their contrary natures, but Dave Wielgosz saw something in it that he was able to realize to great effect here. Wonder Woman takes an almost maternal role in guiding Plastic Man to the light and helping him make up for past sins. The ending twist feels a bit muddled but the character dynamics are able to carry it across the finish line.

Rex Lokus colors are moody and Nikola Čižmešija’s proportions are exaggerated in a way that suits Plastic Man’s amorphousity. The panel layout becomes deliberately jumbled as chaos ensues and we get to see Wonder Woman do the Linda Carter spin. I wish the narrative in this second part was ironed out a bit more but it’s still an enjoyable read.

“Keep it Down”

Writer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Artists: Travis Mercer and Tom Derenick
Colors: Peter Pantazis

The assassin Onomatopoeia becomes obsessively paranoid that he’s being followed and targeted by a construction worker. When the sounds of construction overpower his senses, he kills the man before a group of new workers come in to replace him.

Well at least this story looks great. Travis Mercer and Tom Derenick’s artwork blend together harmoniously to create a good looking stretch of pages and I don’t remember ever seeing a story where the lettering takes such a center stage. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s choice to have the sounds of the city literally closing in on Onomatopoeia provides a sense of auditory claustrophobia which is impressive given that comics are exclusively a visual medium. Unfortunately the gimmick overpowers the story which is virtually non-existent.

“Hive Mind Part 2”

Writer: Michael W. Conrad
Artist: Christopher Mitten
Colors: Ivan Plascencia

Animal Girl and Animal Man have a dream world father-daughter talk about the nature of life and death in the universe.

Michael W. Conrad closes out this two parter with an existential conversation containing basic ecological platitudes featuring vibrant impressionistic collages from Christopher Mitten and Ivan Plascencia. This story continues the theme of style over substance with the same great indie-influenced art I praised last issue coupled with a very basic and predictable wrap up. I will admit that this story has made me a fan of Christopher Mitten who I was not too familiar with before, so I guess that’s a win.

“The Tattoo”

Writer and Artist: Simone Di Meo
Letters: Carlos Mangual

Bruce wakes up with a tattoo he doesn’t remember getting. We’ve all been there, right? As the night goes on he notices more and more mysterious tattoos appearing on his body. Eventually he turns to Alfred who gives him a cup of tea and helps him calm down from all the anxiety and fear. The tattoos slowly start to fade away.

Here in the final story of the final issue, Simone Di Meo finally gets his hand at a full story after giving us all those eye popping covers that I don’t care for very much. Honestly, it’s not a bad looking story. Although he draws Bruce so young he’s almost indistinguishable from Nightwing. The story boils down to: Batman got too stressed. Ugh, what a lame ending, but then again that’s been the modus operandi for this book hasn’t it?

On a Positive Note…

This issue is a disappointing ending that feels like the creators are just throwing mud at the wall to get one last issue out. In some ways that’s how this entire book has felt. But there are a few stories that I do legitimately think are worth revisiting so for anyone who wants a compact list of highlights from this anthology, you can bookmark this page for reference. This is completely my opinion and yes, I do tend to gravitate towards stories that highlight lesser known characters that are seldom seen in mainline DC books. Afterall, that’s exactly what an anthology book at its best can do. So without further ado, here’s a few stories published in Batman: The Brave and the Bold vol. 2 that have stuck with me since their initial publication:

Wild Dog: Here Comes Trouble! Parts 1-3 (collected in issues #7-9)
Aquaman: Communion Parts 1-3 (collected in issues #7-9)
Private Stein (collected in issue #11)
Time Jerks Parts 1-3 (collected in issues #13-15)
The Invader Parts 1-3 (collected in issues #13-15)
Duality Parts 1-3 (collected in issues #15-17)
What’s a Calendar (collected in issue #17)

And that’s all folks!

Final Thoughts

Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20 feels like they’re just barely crawling past the finish line. This twenty issue series had a few diamonds in the rough, but sadly none of them are here.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20

Final Thoughts

Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20 feels like they’re just barely crawling past the finish line. This twenty issue series had a few diamonds in the rough, but sadly none of them are here.

Final Score

December 30, 2024 0 comments

Previews

DC Comics Preview: Batgirl #3

by Theodis Wright December 30, 2024

written by Theodis Wright

In this preview of Batgirl #3, will Cass and Lady Shiva out run the Unburied?

The train ride out of Gotham proves more difficult than expected for Cass and Lady Shiva as dangerous new players enter the field. With the Unburied still hot on their trail — and seeking blood — can Batgirl actually trust her mother? Or will it lead to her certain death…?

Enjoy this preview of Batgirl #3, provided by DC Comics. And check back here at The Batman Universe later this week to see our review of the issue.

BATGIRL #3
Written by TATE BROMBAL
Art by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Main Cover: DAVID TALASKI
Variant Cover: MARCIO TAKARA, TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Page Count: 32 pages
Released Date: January 1, 2025

Preview of Batgirl #3 Covers

1of3

Editor’s Note: DC Comics provided the preview images of this comic for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support The Comic Book Spot in the process by pre-ordering this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy of the title through Things From Another World.

December 30, 2024 0 comments

Batman Universe Comics Comic Reviews and Editorials

TBU Comic Review: Detective Comics #1092

by Daniel Goldberg December 28, 2024

written by Daniel Goldberg

**In this review of Detective Comics #1092, Asema’s latest victim hits close to home for Bruce and Damian while Bruce continues his look into the “youth” serum from Theromise Health.**

Detective Comics #1092 main cover by Mikel Janín

Detective Comics #1092
“Mercy of the Father, Part Three”
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist & Main Cover: Mikel Janín
Variant Covers: Stevan Subic and Christopher Mitten, Ashley Wood
Release Date: December 26, 2024

This review contains spoilers

Detective Comics #1092 begins as Asema dangles Kai over the edge of the 3 Seasons Hotel. She tells him his days of harming others are over. Back at the Batcave, Batman and Robin are training. Robin confirms he is both moving and thinking faster.

They examine the Batcomputer’s analysis of Batman’s blood, but are interrupted by Oracle, who comms in to report Kai’s death. At the crime scene, Batman and Robin examine the corpse, which is desiccated. Robin feels guilt for putting Kai in harm’s way, but Batman’s response is truncated by three ne’er-do-wells entering the room, looking for evidence of who placed Kai there. Batman and Robin spring into the room and after mastering the situation, Batman asks Oracle to scan a strange symbol found in one of the assailant’s wallets. Batman remarks to Robin it features a grail symbol.

At Theromise headquarters, Bruce banters with Scarlett, looking for information about Sangraal. Scarlett is alarmed and rebuffs Bruce. He resolves to seek more information outside the building and invites her to dinner. At dinner, Scarlett continues to demur and rises abruptly to leave. Outside the building, they are accosted by muggers. Bruce is careful to withhold his true abilities, but he need not worry, as Scarlett proves entirely capable of combat. After the police arrive to remove the perpetrators, Bruce and Scarlett kiss and end up in bed together.

Later, at Scarlett’s private penthouse abode, Bruce installs a USB key that compromises her computer. Later, at the Watchtower, Batman, Robin, and Oracle review Scarlett’s computer, looking for evidence of a connection between Sangraal and the strange grail symbol Oracle scanned earlier. Oracle does not find a connection, but does discover a link between Scarlett and the Faultless Juvenile Detention Center – where all of the murdered kids came from.

Analysis

Detective Comics #1092, marking the third part of “Mercy of the Father,” continues the slow draw following the explosiveness of part 1 (Detective Comics #1090). Readers are treated to only a few panels of the new Rogue, Asema, and the character’s motivations and full powers remain mysterious (although apparently Asema has some vampiric capacity to drain victims of their blood).

The narrative events within Detective Comics #1092 are intriguing even if they lack a certain dramatic punch. To some extent this sort of a letdown is inevitable when writer Tom Taylor chose essentially to rewrite parts of the origin myth in the first issue of his run – there’s no way any basic narrative can measure up. Readers are given a hint that Scarlett, Theramise and its elixir of life, and the force behind Asema may be connected to some sort of grail movement. Could we be on the verge of another cult story? They certainly seem to be popular right now, arising both in Man-Bat’s arc of Batman and Robin under previous writer Joshua Williamson and hinted at in the current Memento arc under writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson.

Still, some of the narrative tools Taylor deploys in Detective Comics seem uninspiring. The thugs who accost Scarlett and Bruce suggest only two possibilities, both unsatisfying: Either Scarlett orchestrated the entire affair or it was “random Gotham violence.” The former feels all-too-contrived as a narrative device while that latter is mighty convenient to manipulate the characters in ways that propel the plot. Either choice feels somewhat lazy.

Artist and colorist Mikel Janín continues to shine, offering incredible movement through classic lines and angles. The soaring panel on p. 8 is gorgeous, even managing to highlight Robin’s youthful enthusiasm in contrast to Batman’s more measured flight, with the Batplane hovering above.

Final Thoughts

The slowdown needed to tell Detective Comics #1092 inevitably feels a bit like a letdown after the intensity of the opening book in this run. Still, there are no serious flaws here and I remain curious to learn more about Asema and the grail movement at the heart of the action. The Batman-Oracle-Robin trinity works well, although I am missing the rest of the Bat-Family.

Detective Comcis #1092

Final Thoughts

The slowdown needed to tell the story inevitable feels a bit like a letdown after the intensity of the opening book in this run. Still, there are no serious flaws here and I remain curious to learn more about Asema and the grail movement at the heart of the action. The Batman-Oracle-Robin trinity works well, although I am missing the rest of the Bat-Family.

Story

Art

Colors

3.7

Final Score

December 28, 2024 0 comments

Comic Reviews and Editorials

Absolute Batman #3: Comic Book Review

by BJ Shea December 24, 2024

written by BJ Shea

**In this review of Absolute Batman #3, Batman receives a most generous offer from an unexpected source. Will he take it?**

Absolute Batman #3 main cover by Nick Dragotta

Absolute Batman #3
Writer: Scott Synder
Artist and Main Cover: Nick Dragotta
Colorist: Frank Martin
Variant Covers: Becky Cloonan, Gabriele Dell’Otto, Riley Rossmo, Stevan Subic
Release Date: December 18, 2024

This review contains spoilers

Absolute Batman #3 opens where we ended last issue. With a young Selina being chased by young Bruce. Selina catches Bruce before he falls and tells him to have “cat eyes” meaning he should not look past things and enjoy the moment. They then walk off holding hands.

Absolute Batman #3 then moves to the present, as Alfred and Batman are being chased by the Party Animals in the giant dump truck Batmobile. Alfred says that he and his organization think that Roman Sinios is the Black Mask and leader of the Party Animals. Batman changes the Batmobile into something more that we recognize while Alfred says that Batman should stand down his attacks on the Animals and let his organization take care of Black Mask but Batman sees that as quitting. The GCPD have them cornered by the docks and Batman ejects Alfred and drives the car under the water through a tunnel. This car can do it all.

In the flashback, we learn that Selina is a foster kid on her fourth home now but she goes out every night on the rooftops with the cats. She then takes Bruces to a movie theater to see Zorro.

Bruce meets with Eddie who is building some new technology that is super advanced and intelligent who Eddie calls Al but is thinking Riddle Man will be better. Bruce asks the robot about the Party Animal masks and the robot says there are so many Party Animals across the globe that taking them all down will be difficult.

Commissioner Harvy Bullock meets with Roman Sinios who is wrestling Bibbio Bibbowski who is a former wrestler. As Sinios, who is wearing a mask, kicks Bibbio’s ass and chokes him out tells Bullock he can provide him the necessary vehicles and equipment to take out the Party Animals and Batman. Sinios clearly just wants a war in Gotham.

Alfred and Harvey Dent give Bruce some clues about “Ark M”. Alfred’s inner monologue reveals that “Arks” are black sites that are prisons controlled by governments throughout the world. Ark A was in Santa Prisca and now Ark M is being planned in Gotham and will be the biggest yet.

In the past, Bruce tries to leave the movie but the other friends make him stay and watch the movie. In the present Bruce sees his mother who breaks the news to him that she will now be Jim Gordon’s deputy mayor. Bruce is worried because the Party Animals target political figures.

Bullock endorses Hamilton Hill for mayor instead of Gordon. Absolute Batman #3 ends with Batman taking a deal from Black Mask. Two hundred million dollars for Batman to stand down and Black Mask takes it easier on Gotham. It’s what Alfred was telling Bruce to do at the start of the issue. Surely, Bruce’s mom taking on the deputy mayor role has changed Bruce’s mind.

Analysis

Absolute Batman #3 does not have as much Batman action as the first two issues and that is ok. I think I was expecting more of a flashback issue with Bruce and Selina but Snyder gave a good amount but left room for more. Absolute Selina seems to be a similar character to her mainstream counterpart. I still really like anytime Bruce and friends get together. Snyder really seems to have a good hold on those characters and how he wants to interact.

I think any reader can see how this deal between Batman and Black Mask is going to play out. Bruce takes the deal and Black Mask lays low until something happens to Bruce’s mom which causes Batman to break the deal. I hope I am wrong and that Snyder has something else planned.

Absolute Batman #3 was the weakest of the three for me. Don’t get me wrong, I still really like the series but the issue hit familiar tropes that I really was not expecting. The first two issues had different takes on familiar characters but this issue did not. I’m sure Snyder is setting up something big with Selina and Black Mask.

Absolute Batman #3

Final Thoughts

Absolute Batman #3 was the weakest of the three for me. Don't get me wrong, I still really like the series but the issue hit familiar tropes that I really was not expecting. The first two issues had different takes on familiar characters but this issue did not. I'm sure Snyder is setting up something big with Selina and Black Mask.

3.5

Final Score

December 24, 2024 0 comments

Batgirl to Oracle

Episode 253: 15th Anniversary

by Kimberley Rockmore December 24, 2024

written by Kimberley Rockmore

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

After going through my favorites from 2024 in several categories, I do a full review of Batgirl vol. 6 #2 and Birds of Prey vol. 5 #16. Listener emails, Stella’s Dungeon of Smut, and my literature recommendations also appear.

Full Version

December 24, 2024 0 comments

Comic News

March 2025 TBU DC Solicitations

by Stephanie Mounce December 23, 2024

written by Stephanie Mounce

DC Comics solicitations for March 2025 have been released by the publisher. Highlighting this month’s releases are the first issues of the Hush Returns story in Batman #158, the Harley Quinn Fartacular: Silent Butt Deadly #1 special, and of course DC X Sonic The Hedgehog #1 starring your favorite Sonic characters along side the Justice League!

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

(Click images to enlarge)

ALL IN SAGA

Written by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Mark Waid, Tom King, and Chip Zdarksy
Art by DAN MORA, DANIEL SAMPERE, WES CRAIG, And JORGE JIMÉNEZ Cover by Dan Mora
$19.99 US | 192 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-642-3 | ON SALE 4/29/25
Amanda Waller’s bid for control and ultimate power has failed, and though Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the DC Universe’s heroes stand triumphant, they have learned a valuable lesson: they are better together than apart.
Forming a new Justice League Unlimited, the heroes usher in a new era of unity just in time to face a returned, very different Darkseid. As the first blows land against the Lord of Apokolips, shock waves ripple across the DC Universe and shake the very nature of its reality to the core. As the dust settles from this titanic battle, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the League itself find themselves at new beginnings…
Collects Absolute Power #4, DC ALL IN Special #1, Justice League Unlimited #1, Batman #153, Wonder Woman #14, and Superman #19.

1of13

BATMAN #158
Written by Jeph Loeb
Art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
Variant covers by Jim Lee and Scott Williams, J. Scott Campbell, Gabriele Dell’Otto, and Dan Mora
Foil variant cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
Courtside card stock variant cover by Tony S. Daniel
1:25 cover by Lee Bermejo
1:50 variant cover by Simone Di Meo
1:100 variant cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
1:250 variant cover by Jim Lee
1:608 variant cover by Jim Lee (Signed by Jim Lee)
1:608 variant cover by Jim Lee (Signed by Jeph Loeb)
1:1000 variant cover by Jim Lee (signed by Jim Lee and Jeph Loeb)
Connecting gatefold variant cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams Blank sketch variant cover
DC Showcase variant by Sean Gordon Murphy ($24.99 Foil)
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock) | Variant $7.99 US (foil) | Connecting gatefold $7.99 | ON SALE 3/26/25
Jeph Loeb! Jim Lee! An all-new epic saga begins here.
Hush returns!

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

1of5

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #6
Written by Scott Snyder
Art and cover by Nick Dragotta
Variant covers by Frank Quitely and Simon Bisley
1:25 variant cover by John Mccrea
1:50 variant cover by Alex Maleev
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock) | ON SALE 3/12/25
Bruce Wayne, a young man who has built his entire life on leveling up, on becoming a bigger man than both his enemies and the obstacles that stand in his way, will have to break down the Black Mask and his gang of Party Animals.
Will he be able to do this without the help of his unlikely new MI6 ally, Alfred Pennyworth? And how do his childhood friends—Edward Nygma, Waylon Jones, Harvey Dent, and Oswald Cobblepot (among others)—play a crucial role in Batman’s legacy as Gotham’s Vigilante?
Absolute Batman’s first story arc, “The Zoo” concludes with this larger-than-life story, while introducing a few new elements to come in arc 2. You’d have to be Absolutely MAD to miss it!

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

1of4

DETECTIVE COMICS #1095
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art and cover by MIKEL JANÍN
Variant covers by BRUNO REDONDO and JASON SHAWN ALEXANDER
Courtside card stock variant cover by JOHN GIANG
1:25 variant cover by ASHLEY WOOD
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/19/25
Batman has employed the full force of the Bat-Family to uncover the mystery of the murders that continue across Gotham. But even Batman’s most trusted allies have failed at preventing the deaths of young men at the hands of the bloodthirsty Asema. But who is Asema? As the World’s Greatest Detective unravels the mystery, he realizes he may not want to know the answer.

1of6

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #5
Written by MARK WAID
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by NATHAN SZERDY, MARK SPEARS, and SALVADOR LARROCA
1:25 variant cover by DAN JURGENS
1:50 variant cover by GAVIN GUIDRY
International Women’s Day variant by JENNY FRISSON
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/26/25
The keys to the mysterious superterrorist organization Inferno begin to be revealed as the Justice League realizes it’s an intergalactic threat led by one of their oldest foes! Time is running out to save the world with the help of…the Legion of Doom?

1of4

CATWOMAN #74
Written by TORUNN GRØNBEKK
Art by MARIANNA IGNAZZI
Cover by SEBA FIUMARA
Variant covers by FRANK CHO and DAN PANOSIAN
1:25 variant cover by W. SCOTT FORBES
1:50 variant cover by FRANK CHO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/19/24
With everyone in Tokyo searching for her, Catwoman finds herself face-to-face with Alexander Belov and another unexpected foe. Can she secure the second key to the Belov fortune, or is this the end of the line for the feline fatale? Plus, the noose continues to tighten around the necks of Selina’s old acquaintances.

1of4

BIRDS OF PREY #19
Written by KELLY THOMPSON
Art by JUAN CABAL
Cover by DAN PANOSIAN
Variant covers by SERG ACUÑA and RIAN GONZALES
1:25 variant cover by SERG ACUÑA
International Women’s Day variant by JENNY FRISSON
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/5/25
Black Canary, Sin, and Megaera try to bond through violence as they find them-selves overwhelmed by a splinter League of Assassins clan bent on reacquiring Sin. Maybe leaving Barda at home wasn’t the best idea? Elsewhere, Barda, Cass, and Constantine face the unexpected as they try to return a mischievous demon home while trapped inside the mysterious area known only as the Seam.

poison ivy #31 main cover — Poison Ivy #31 main cover by Jessica Fong (DC Comics)

1of3

POISON IVY #31
Written by G. WILLOW WILSON
Art by BRIAN LEVEL
Cover by JESSICA FONG
Variant covers by KYUYONG EOM and JENNY FRISON
1:25 variant cover by TULA LOTAY
1:50 variant cover by JENNY FRISON
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/5/25
The strange and startling secrets of Marshview are revealed as Poison Ivy, Janet, and Peter Undine explore the transient and hungry ghost town’s past. But some things are best left dead and forgotten…lest they try to eat you alive.

1of4

HARLEY QUINN #49
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by MINDY LEE
Cover by ELIZABETH TORQUE
Variant covers by DAVID NAKAYAMA and JORGE FORNÉS
Courtside card stock variant cover by DERRICK CHEW
1:25 variant cover by MIRKA ANDOLFO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/26/25
This issue is chock-full of my pal Amygdala, so I’ve asked him to tell you about it in his own words:
Rich lady tell Amygdala hit clown lady. Amygdala hit clown lady. Clown lady hit Amygdala on head but he not feel owie. Amygdala hit back. Bad dogs bite Amygdala too but no feel owie. Everyone fight. You buy?

1of3

HARLEY QUINN FARTACULAR: SILENT BUTT DEADLY #1
Written by JOANNE STARER
Art and cover by TED BRANDT & RO STEIN
Variant covers by AMANDA CONNER and BEN CALDWELL
$5.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $6.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/26/25
I’ve been holding in all my very worst bits of bubble guts for the last 32 years, and it’s all been leading up to this epic expulsion! Your nose will never be the same! You’ll gag, you’ll cry, you’ll feel things you ain’t never felt before! This fine publication is a celebration of all things passed, pre-scent, and toot-ure. Sequential art’s place in the annals of history is about to change with the release of the Harley Quinn Fartacular: Silent Butt Deadly, a comic that promises to have the highest concentration of gas per page (GPP) ever committed to print. Emphasis on committed, because everyone who worked on this comic is getting thrown into Dr. Fartley’s Home for No-Good Gassy Gals ’n’ Guys. Read the comic that Abraham Lincoln called “a joy from fart to finish” moments before he died!
WARNING: We aren’t kidding. If you are grossed out by farts, then this comic isn’t for you (and that’s perfectly okay!…though I am judging you!). Unless you want to put your feelings to the test…in which case this comic is for you

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

1of5

NIGHTWING #124
Written by DAN WATTERS
Art and cover by DEXTER SOY
Variant covers by JORGE FORNÉS and GLEB MELNIKOV
Courtside card stock variant cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
1:25 variant cover by AMANCAY NAHUELPAN
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/19/25
To save the lives of one of Blüdhaven’s gangs, Nightwing must stage a heist on Spheric Solutions. But revelations of the corporation’s true sinister nature threaten to shatter his very reality.

Batgirl #5 main cover by David Talaski (DC Comics)

1of2

BATGIRL #5
Written by TATE BROMBAL
Art by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Cover by DAVID TALASKI
Variant cover by KEVIN WADA
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/5/25
As Batgirl continues to unravel the complicated relationship with her mother, she finds herself alone in the dark den of her enemies. Plunged into poppy-induced hallucinations, Batgirl relives her past alongside a surprise visit from a Bat-Fam-ily member, who helps Cass confront the tangled roots of her origins. The lines between love, shame, and legacy begin to blur. Will Cass survive long enough to embrace her heritage…or break free from it at last?

batman and robin #19 main cover — Batman and Robin #19 main cover by Javier Fernández (DC Comics)

1of5

BATMAN AND ROBIN #19
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art and cover by JAVI FERNÁNDEZ
Variant covers by JUAN FERREYRA and MIGUEL MENDONÇA
1:25 variant cover by JOHN McCREA
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/12/25
As Memento’s reign of terror continues, the city’s inhabitants find themselves locked in fear as Gotham awaits his next move. Meanwhile, Damian Wayne doubts if Batman and Robin are enough to save their city. Are the Dynamic Duo truly helping to keep Gotham safe, or does their presence simply enable violence and villainy to thrive? A heart-to-heart between Damian and Jason Todd, and Jason’s subsequent demystifying of what it means to be Robin, has left the son of Batman questioning his place and his future.
Now, with Memento close to delivering a killing blow on Batman, the Dark Knight needs his son more than ever…but will Robin answer the call?

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

1of4

BATMAN & ROBIN: YEAR ONE #6
Written by MARK WAID and CHRIS SAMNEE
Art and cover by CHRIS SAMNEE
Variant covers by CLIFF CHIANG and WES CRAIG
1:25 variant cover by GAVIN GUIDRY
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US
ON SALE 3/19/25
Robin is caught in the General’s clutches, and it’s up to Batman to rescue his intrepid young protégé. The Dark Knight knows he’s running headlong into a trap, but is the General really prepared for Batman like he thinks?

1of3

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #5
Written by ALEX SEGURA
Art and cover by CIAN TORMEY
Variant covers by JORGE FORNÉS and DENYS COWAN
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/19/24
As the Watchtower itself begins to crack from the strain being placed on it
by an unseen villain, the Question must face an unexpected threat—her own teammates, including Batwoman! But does she have any chance of retaking JL HQ if she’s already lost control of those closest to her? As her world collapses, the Question must tap into her own inner resolve or risk losing everything.

DC X SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #1
Written by IAN FLYNN
Art by ADAM BRYCE THOMAS
Cover by PABLO M. COLLAR
Variant covers by ETHAN YOUNG and TK
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/19/25

It’s a crossover event unlike any other! The monstrous Darkseid crosses dimensions to invade the world of Sonic the Hedgehog, seeking the ultimate power. Sonic and his friends have faced everything from mad scientists
to ancient spirits, but the forces of Apokolips may be too much for them. Thankfully, the full heroic might of the Justice League arrives to back them up! Don’t miss part one of this unique crossover event!

1of4

TITANS #21
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art and cover by PETE WOODS
Variant covers by ARIEL OLIVETTI and AMY REEDER
Courtside card stock variant cover by BERNARD CHANG
International Women’s Day variant by JENNY FRISSON
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/19/25
Overly emotional empath Raven has completely lost it—and she’s taking the Titans with her. Of course, she’s being nudged along by the psycho-est of the psychos, Psycho-Pirate! And he’s got a plan: first Raven, then the Titans…then the world!

1of2

TWO-FACE #4
Written by CHRISTIAN WARD
Art by FÁBIO VERAS
Cover by BALDEMAR RIVAS
Variant cover by CHRISTIAN WARD
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/5/25
Pushed to the brink, Harvey Dent’s mask of sanity is slipping, leading him to the deepest recesses of his own twisted mind, as memories collide with haunting traumas from his past. This is the trial of Harvey’s life, and Two-Face must face the ultimate judgment. Will he let go and rise above his shattered past, or will his darker half take over his body once and for all?

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

1of5

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #37
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by DAN PANOSIAN and ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
1:25 variant cover by YASMINE PUTRI
Guy Fieri Cameo variant by DAN MORA
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/19/25
Superman and Batman have a code against killing…but does a king of Atlantis? As the Floronic Man makes his final play for dominion over the seas, Aquaman is forced to react as a warrior, not a superhero—and the consequences will surprise you! Guest-starring Swamp Thing…and featuring a very special celebrity cameo variant from the mayor of Flavortown himself: Guy Fieri!

1of2

BATMAN: DARK PATTERNS #4
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 3/12/25
CASE 02: “The Voice of the Tower,” Part I
There is a strange tower in Gotham City where the voices of the living and the dead echo. Its inhabitants are in a standoff with the police—with one officer dead and another held hostage inside, a riot seems all but guaranteed…unless Batman can navigate the building and save the missing police officer.
But what the Caped Crusader discovers is that the people of the tower are following the direction of a single, strangely familiar voice that thrums throughout the building…and the voice wants blood.

1of3

BATMAN THE LONG HALLOWEEN: THE LAST HALLOWEEN #6
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art by ENRICO MARINI
Cover by TIM SALE
Variant covers by ENRICO MARINI and JOYCE CHIN
$4.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 3/26/25
In 1996, writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale teamed up for Batman: The Long Halloween, an award-winning, 13-chapter saga that spawned multiple sequels and stands as the most influential Batman story of its era. Now, Loeb returns to the world of The Long Halloween for its long-anticipated final act: Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween, an all-new 10-part mystery continuing the story from 2021’s Batman: The Long Halloween Special. In each issue, Loeb will be joined by one of the top artists in comics in a beautiful and lovingly crafted tribute to Sale’s art and legacy. A chilling foe takes center stage in this issue as The Last Halloween continues to heat up!

1of3

DC VS VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V #7
Written by MATTHEW ROSENBERG and JOEY ESPOSITO
Art by OTTO SCHMIDT and PASQUALE QUALANO
Cover by OTTO SCHMIDT
Variant covers by SANTA FUNG and MARGUERITE SAUVAGE
$4.99 US | 32 pages | 7 of 12 | Variants $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 3/12/25
The child of Mister Miracle and Big Barda has been heralded as the only one capable of ending the war between vampires and humans…or so Granny Goodness says. Has her savior narrative just been a smoke screen for the arrival of Darkseid?

TEEN TITANS GO! #1
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by DARIO BRIZUELA
$2.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 3/5/25
Say it ain’t so! The Titans’ comic book—canceled?! Desperate for a relaunch, the Titans remake themselves as everything from transforming robots to artsy, black-and-white indie comics characters. But when DC still doesn’t bite, the Titans turn to more drastic measures…like sabotage.

BATMAN #612 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Foil variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS ($6.99 US)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 3/5/25
With Superman under the chemical control of Poison Ivy, Batman and Catwoman must bring the Man of Steel to his senses before he brings all of Metropolis down on their heads! Can the Dark Knight keep the crazed Kryptonian busy long enough for Catwoman to deploy their secret weapon, or will this fight be over faster than a speeding bullet?

BATMAN #613 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Foil variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS ($6.99 US)
$3.99 US | 40 pages
ON SALE 3/19/25
A perfect evening out on the town for Bruce and Selina takes a turn for the deadly when Harley Quinn hits Gotham City. And if Harley’s back, can The Joker be far behind?

1of2

THE BATMAN ADVENTURES #12 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by KELLEY PUCKETT
Art and cover by MIKE PAROBECK and RICK BURCHETT
Foil variant cover by MIKE PAROBECK and RICK BURCHETT ($7.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($4.99 US)
Super Powers variant cover ($4.99 US)
$3.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 3/12/25
A costume party gives Barbara Gordon the chance to dress up like her hero, but a couple of criminal party-crashers force her to truly throw herself into the role! Does this “Batgirl” have what it takes to take down Poison Ivy and her unpredictable new partner? Dive into the DC Comics debut of Harley Quinn!

BATMAN’S STRANGEST CASES LIMITED COLLECTORS’ EDITION #59 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by DENNIS O’NEIL, LEN WEIN, and FRANK ROBBINS
Art by NEAL ADAMS, BERNIE WRIGHTSON, DICK GIORDANO, and IRV NOVICK
Cover by NEAL ADAMS and BERNIE WRIGHTSON
Foil variant cover by NEAL ADAMS and BERNIE WRIGHTSON
($16.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($14.99 US)
$14.99 US | 80 pages
ON SALE 3/26/25
Thrill as Batman fights to save a young boy’s life in a haunted Scottish castle! Gasp as he matches might with the mysterious Swamp Thing! Tremble as the Dark Knight takes on a coven of demon-worshipping warlocks! These are Batman’s strangest cases yet!

1of2

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS #12 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by MARV WOLFMAN and GEORGE PÉREZ
Art by GEORGE PÉREZ and JERRY ORDWAY
Cover by GEORGE PÉREZ
Foil variant cover by GEORGE PÉREZ ($5.99 US)
Super Powers variant cover ($4.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($4.99 US)
$3.99 US | 48 pages
ON SALE 3/19/25
In the deadly anti-matter universe of Qward, the fate of this New Earth will be determined once and for all, as forces gathered from across the globe combine their might with selfless heroes from forgotten Earths, champions of the mystic arts, defenders from the ocean depths—even far-flung Apokolips—to put a final end to the threat of the Anti-Monitor!

TRINITY: GENERATION S
Written by TOM KING
Art by BELÉN ORTEGA, DANIEL SAMPERE, and KHARY RANDOLPH
Cover by DANIEL SAMPERE
$17.99 US | 120 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-629-4
ON SALE 5/6/2026
From four-year-old Lizzie Prince tormenting babysitters Damian Wayne and Jon Kent to an adult Trinity finally taking her place as her mother’s successor alongside her generation’s Batman and Superman, it’s a saga that spans decades—and light years—in adventures that set the stage for Trinity’s upcoming series! Collecting stories from Wonder Woman #800, #3-6, #8-13, Trinity Special #1, and Trinity: World’s Finest Special #1.

DC PRIDE: TO THE FARTHEST REACHES
Written by PHIL JIMENEZ, AL EWING, NGOZI UKAZU, NICOLE MAINES, and more
Art by NGOZI UKAZU, STEPHEN BYRNE, CLAIRE ROE, GIULIO MACAIONE, and more
Cover by KEVIN WADA
$ 19.99 US | 144 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-152-7
ON SALE 5/27/25
The fourth iteration of DC’s multiple-award-winning Pride celebration in this universe-spanning travelogue collection like you’ve never seen before! In its pages, DC’s beloved queer characters take readers on a raucous tour through the Fourth World, Naltor, A-Town, the Phantom Zone, Portworld, the Oblivion Bar, and more in a volume that celebrates how the LGBTQIA+ community is everywhere and belongs anywhere—even the very farthest reaches of the universe. This hardcover collects DC Pride 2024 #1 and additional stories spotlighting queer characters as realized by DC’s vast stable of queer and allied creators!

ABSOLUTE BATMAN: DARK VICTORY
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by TIM SALE
$100.00 US | 408 pages | 8 1/8″ x 12 1/4″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-267-8
ON SALE 6/10/2025
In the early days of the Dark Knight’s career, Batman must stop the elusive cop killer Hangman
before he or she strikes again. A children’s game pinned to each of the victims is the only clue to
the Hangman’s identity. The prime suspects form a rogues gallery of villains—Two-Face, The Joker, the Riddler, Catwoman. Even the police force, led by newly appointed Commissioner Gordon, cannot be trusted. In order to solve this crime, Batman must look to a most unexpected place: an orphaned boy who will change his life forever.
They will be known as Batman and Robin, and this is their story. A stunning murder mystery from the highly acclaimed and Eisner Award-winning team of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (Superman For All Seasons, Batman: The Long Halloween), this Absolute edition contains two new pages from the original creative team, sketches by Tim Sale, and an introduction by David Goyer, the co-writer of The Dark Knight Rises.

DC FINEST EVENTS: ZERO HOUR PART TWO
Written by DAN JURGENS, KARL KESEL, DAVID MICHELINIE, and others
Art by DAN JURGENS, PETER KRAUSE, JACKSON “BUTCH” GUICE, and others
Cover by DAN JURGENS and JERRY ORDWAY
$39.99 US | 528 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-130-5
ON SALE 5/6/25
Zero Hour comes to a stunning conclusion in part two of the event that reshaped DC continuity in the 1990s! As the mysterious temporal disruption continues to erase and rewrite history, the few remaining heroes continue to seek out the mastermind behind the crisis. Win or lose, the DC Universe will never be the same!
Book two collects Flash #0, Green Arrow #90, Adventures of Superman #516, Justice League America #92, Action Comics #703, Justice League International #68, Legion of Super-Heroes #61, Green Lantern #0, Superman: The Man of Steel #0, Guy Gardner: Warrior #24, Justice League Task Force #16, Catwoman #14, Robin #10, Showcase ’94 #10, Damage #0 and #6, Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #0-2, and Anima #7.

BATMAN VOL. 5: THE DYING CITY
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by JORGE JIMÉNEZ, TONY S. DANIEL, DENYS COWAN, and more
Cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
$29.99 HC/$19.99 SC US | 224 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | ISBN: Hardcover: 978-1-79950-169-5/Softcover: 978-1-79950-172-5
ON SALE 5/6/2025
Under the stewardship of Zdarsky and Jiménez and featuring art from some of the biggest names in comics, a bold new chapter for the Caped Crusader unfolds that will rock Gotham City to its core.
Collects Batman #153-157 and the lead story from Batman #150.

BATMAN: FULL MOON
Written by RODNEY BARNES
Art by STEVAN SUBIC
Cover by STEVAN SUBIC
$29.99 US | 160 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-133-6
ON SALE 5/13/2025
A werewolf stalks the streets of Gotham City, drawing the attention of the city’s greatest defender: Batman. And when the Dark Knight himself falls victim to the Lycan’s curse, it tests the hero as never before. Zatanna and John Constantine offer all the help their ancient magics can provide, but in the end, Batman must make an impossible decision to lift the curse: sacrifice his own life…or take another’s!
Collecting Batman: Full Moon #1-4.

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: OUT OF THE DARKNESS
Written by GUILLEM MARCH, CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL, KYLE STARKS, JAVIER RODRÍGUEZ, and more
Art by MITCH GERADS, OTTO SCHMIDT, FERNANDO PASARÍN, JEFF SPOKES, and more Cover by SIMONE DI MEO
$19.99 US | 176 pages | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-112-1
ON SALE 4/22/2025
Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Out of the Darkness offers five thrilling tales from DC’s premier anthology! Embark on a journey through Gotham—and beyond—as presented
by all-star creators, such as Guillem March, Christopher Cantwell, Javier Rodríguez, Kyle Starks, and more!

SUICIDE SQUAD BY JOHN OSTRANDER OMNIBUS VOL. 1
Written by JOHN OSTRANDER and others
Art by LUKE McDONNELL and others
Cover by HOWARD CHAYKIN
$125.00 | 1024 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-141-1
ON SALE 5/20/25
Where it all began! Comics legend John Ostrander introduces the Suicide Squad for the modern age in this brutal tale of war and redemption. Collects Suicide Squad #1-18, The Doom Patrol and Suicide Squad Special #1, Checkmate #1 and #8, The Fury of Firestorm #62-64, Firestorm the Nuclear Man Annual #5, Justice League International #13, Legends #1-6, Manhunter #1, Secret Origins #14, a story from Secret Origins #28, and pages from Millenium #4.

BATMAN: BEYOND THE WHITE KNIGHT: THE DELUXE EDITION
Art by SEAN MURPHY, SIMONE DI MEO, and GEORGE KAMBADAIS
Cover by SEAN MURPHY
$49.99 US | 296 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-77950-037-7
ON SALE 2/11/25
Twelve years have passed since Bruce Wayne learned of his true heritage and surrendered himself to the GCPD. In that time, the GTO has turned into a private army that maintains order in Neo-Gotham with an iron fist. When Bruce discovers the truth behind the GTO’s new purpose, he must once again fight the system as Batman…this time with help from a most unlikely partner—The Joker! This deluxe edition sequel to writer/artist Sean Murphy’s White Knight saga features a brand-new cover and introduction by Murphy, behind-the-scenes concept art and sketches, and more! Collects Batman: Beyond the White Knight #1-8 and Batman: White Knight Presents: Red Hood #1-2.

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS: THE NEW 52 OMNIBUS VOL. 1 (2025 EDITION)
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL and JAMES TYNION IV
Art by KENNETH ROCAFORT, JULIUS GOPEZ, TIMOTHY GREEN II, and more Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and MATT BANNING
$99.99 US | 736 pages | 7 1/4″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-139-8
ON SALE 5/13/2025
Collects the first adventures of the hard-luck super-team by writers Scott Lobdell and James Tynion IV and artists Kenneth Rocafort, Julius Gopez, and Timothy Green II. The omnibus includes Red Hood and the Outlaws #0-27, Teen Titans #16, Batman #17, and Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #1, including the blockbuster Death of the Family crossover.

BATMAN & ROBIN VOL. 2: BATMAN VS. ROBIN (2025 EDITION)
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by ANDY CLARKE, CAMERON STEWART, and SCOTT HANNA
Cover by FRANK QUITELY
$19.99 US | 168 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-121-3
ON SALE 4/29/2025
The Eisner Award-winning and New York Times bestselling writer Grant Morrison (Batman: R.I.P., All-Star Superman) brings you masks, mystery, and mayhem with Batman vs. Robin, collecting issues #7-12 of the smash hit series Batman and Robin and featuring art from Cameron Stewart (Morrison’s acclaimed collaborator on Seaguy and Seven Soldiers: The Manhattan Guardian) and Andy Clarke (Batman Confidential, R.E.B.E.L.S.). This edition also includes a special sketchbook section showcasing preliminary art and designs by Morrison, Stewart, and cover artist Frank Quitely.

OUTSIDERS VOL. 2: NEVER THE END
Written by JACKSON LANZING and COLLIN KELLY
Art by ROBERT CAREY
Cover by ROGER CRUZ
$17.99 US | 160 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-124-4
ON SALE 5/6/2025
Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly (Batman: One Bad Day: Clayface, Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic) and artist Robert Carey (Red Atlantis) present the stunning conclusion of Batwing, Batwoman, and Drummer’s journey across the DC cosmos. They might want to strap in tight—because if they’re not careful, there may not be a universe left to return to!

BIRDS OF PREY: HERO HUNTERS (2025 EDITION)
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by ED BENES, TOM DERENICK, EDUARDO BARRETO, and more
Cover by ED BENES
$29.99 US | 360 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-135-0
ON SALE 5/13/2025
Birds of Prey: Hero Hunters explores the lives of Black Canary, Huntress, and Oracle as they fight together as the Birds of Prey. Written by comics legend Gail Simone (Secret Six) and drawn by talented artist Ed Benes (Superman) and others, this collection includes Batgirl #57, Batman #633, and Birds of Prey #68-80.

KNIGHT TERRORS OMNIBUS
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON and others
Art by HOWARD PORTER, GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI, and others
Cover by HOWARD PORTER and ROMULO FAJARDO JR.
$150.00 | 1504 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-137-4
ON SALE 5/13/25
The complete terrifying saga in one tome! Collects Batman: The Brave and the Bold #4, Dawn of DC Knight Terrors 2023 FCBD Special Edition #1, Knight Terrors #1-4, Knight Ter-rors: Action Comics #1-2, Knight Terrors: Angel Breaker #1-2, Knight Terrors: Batman #1-2, Knight Terrors: Black Adam #1-2, Knight Terrors: Catwoman #1-2, Knight Terrors: Detective Comics #1-2, Knight Terrors: First Blood #1, Knight Terrors: Green Lantern #1-2, Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn #1-2, Knight Terrors: Night’s End #1, Knight Terrors: Nightwing #1-2, Knight Terrors: Robin #1-2, Knight Terrors: Poison Ivy #1-2, Knight Terrors: Punchline #1-2, Knight Terrors: Ravager #1-2, Knight Terrors: Shazam! #1-2, Knight Terrors: Superman
#1-2, Knight Terrors: The Flash #1-2, Knight Terrors: The Joker #1-2, Knight Terrors: Titans #1-2, Knight Terrors: Wonder Woman #1-2, and Knight Terrors: Zatanna #1-2!

INJUSTICE 2 OMNIBUS
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by BRUNO REDONDO, DANIEL SAMPERE, and others
Cover by JIM LEE, SCOTT WILLIAMS, and ALEX SINCLAIR
$125.00 | 920 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-146-6
ON SALE 5/20/25
As old foes and new enemies collide, can Bruce Wayne preserve the fragile peace for which so many heroes have sacrificed? Or is a new era of injustice about to dawn? Collects the entire series in one massive volume, featuring Injustice 2 #1-36 and Injustice 2 Annual #1-2!

NIGHTWING VOL. 1: BLÜDHAVEN (2025 EDITION)
Written by DENNIS O’NEIL and CHUCK DIXON
Pencils by SCOTT McDANIEL and GREG LAND
Inks by KARL STORY and MIKE SELLERS
Cover by SCOTT McDANIEL and KARL STORY
$24.99 US | 288 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-138-1
ON SALE 5/13/2025
Acclaimed comics creators Dennis O’Neil, Chuck Dixon, Scott McDaniel, and Greg Land chronicle one of the defining chapters in the life of this legendary DC hero in Nightwing Vol. 1: Blüdhaven, collecting the four-issue Nightwing miniseries and issues #1-8 of the original Nightwing series.

NIGHTWING: THE PRINCE OF GOTHAM OMNIBUS (2025 EDITION)
Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art by EDDY BARROWS, WILL CONRAD, ANDRÉS GUINALDO, BRETT BOOTH, GERALDO BORGES, and more
Cover by EDDY BARROWS
$99.99 US | 824 pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-131-2
ON SALE 5/6/2025
Acclaimed author Kyle Higgins leads an all-star team of creative collaborators—including artists Eddy Barrows, Will Conrad, Andrés Guinaldo, Brett Booth, and many more—to bring you Nightwing: The Prince of Gotham Omnibus, showcasing the complete run of Dick Grayson’s adventures from one of comics’ greatest eras! This must-have volume collects Nightwing #0-30 together with Nightwing Annual #1 and Batman #17 and features a special sketchbook section as well as the Grayson stories from Secret Origins #1 and Young Romance: A New 52 Valentine’s Day Special #1.

December 23, 2024 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts