detective comics #1089 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Detective Comics #1089 Comic Book Review

by Ian Miller
written by Ian Miller
In this review of Detective Comics #1089, Batman and the Orghams fight their final battle, and it all ends in a song.

 

This comic book review contains spoilers.

 

detective comics #1089 main cover

Detective Comics #1089 main cover by Evan Cagle

Detective Comics #1089
Gotham Nocturne: Act III – Finale, Part 2
Writer: Ram V
Artist: Guillem March
Colors: Luis Guerrero
Main Cover: Evan Cagle
Variant Covers: Guillem March, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Sebastian Fiumara
Release Date: September 25, 2024

 

Detective Comics #1089 begins outside the Reality Engine chamber, Batman fights an army of Orgham foot soldiers as the azmer demon-possesed Orgham Queen rushes towards him. He fights her to a standstill, and then Arzen Orgham, resurrected by Talia, arrives with the mystery box which fells the Orgham soldiers and wipes the azmer demon from his mother’s body. Arzen tosses a sword to his mother and they duel, as Nightwing and Cassandra Cain Batgirl save innocents from the blaze. Jim Gordon takes the music from The Maestro, fights his way past gang members into the broadcasting building with surprise help from Renee Montoya Question, and gives Oracle access to the studio to play the Maestro’s music all over the city, freeing them from the azmer demons. Oracle also plays the footage of the Orghams killing a cop, helping destroy the people’s trust in their new rulers. We see people all over the city shining homemade batsignals into the sky as the snow falls.

Catwoman opens the reality engine from the inside, having snuck in disguised as a guard. There’s no way to stop the Orgham plan to make all of Gotham afraid using Scarecrow except by killing him, so Batman forces Crane to look at him, projecting fear of Batman into a city which has forgotten him.

 

Interlude for the backup, placed in the middle:

Luftpause
Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Christopher Mitten
Colors: Triona Farrell

Freeze feels Gotham remembering Batman, recognizing the parallel between his own quest to save Nora and Batman’s quest to save Gotham. Two-Face feels the change in reality, and since Gotham is Batman’s city again, he decides to head to Bludhaven after flipping his coin. Ten Eyed Man runs around the blinded Shavod, dropping eyeballs everywhere, fearing the panopticon of a renewed Batman-patrolled Gotham. Azrael, nearly subdued by Orghams, hears Batman’s voice, and his sword ignites again as he fights free. All around the city, Gotham sings.

 

Resume the main story:

On the rooftops, Batman and Catwoman listen to the song. Batman tells Catwoman his interpretation of his journey, then leaps off into a Gotham still in flames, happy that he is Gotham’s night.

 

Analysis

Two years from its starting point, Gotham Nocturne is over. I am curious to see how this run is remembered. Whether it becomes a cult classic like City of Crime, little known but passionately loved by a few who reread or discover it. Or if it will be like Hush, perennially reprinted as a showcase of talent DC wants as a “face title.” Or if it will be completely forgotten, like James Robinson and Peter Tomasi’s runs on Detective Comics. Only time will tell, of course. For anyone who’s been listening to the Comic Podcast or reading these reviews, it will come as no surprise that I think it will be forgotten, collapsing under its own weight and plot incoherence. A shame, as Ram V does create “impeccable vibes” (the most common defense I see when talking about the run with other readers), and the art has been consistently excellent (even though I maintain that it should not take three artists to finish the main story on DC’s number 2 Batman book in a single issue).

Overall, aside from the vibes, Ram V manages to pay off most of the threads he set in motion over the past two years with Detective Comics #1089. The Orghams are at least defeated (though in very comic book fashion, though I am curious to see if any writer actually wants to use them again), the villains Batman has allied with find various new paths, and Batman takes his place fighting for his city once again.

However, the collapsing in incoherence does overwhelm this surface level structural conclusion. The shallow use of the Maestro as the plot device who defeats the azmer demons (who are even in this final issue displaying new and bizarre and completely inexplicable powers), the complete non-resolution of the Joker’s Daughter plotline (started by Catwoman for completely incomprehensible reasons at the last moment), and the complete handwave of how Selina got into the tiny Reality Engine to provide the big reveal of opening the door from the inside – it’s just more indications of effect over cause which plague this run from beginning to end. The strange boy accompanying Jim Gordon and the Earworm villain from Si Spurrier’s backups at the start of the run are completely forgotten and unresolved (even though Earworm could have been a more interesting solution to the azmer demons than the empty shell of The Maestro).

Ram V also fills this finale with plot points and visuals ripped straight from so many other Batman runs. The citizens of Gotham filling the sky with their own Batsignals immediately brought Batman Eternal and Batman Endgame/Superheavy to mind. Jonathan Crane being the key to a city-destroying threat by fear is more than a bit repetitive just three years after Fear State. Unlike Chip Zdarsky’s Batman #152, which beautifully referenced Tom King’s Beach arc of City of Bane, giving full weight to the previous story, Ram V’s re-used elements are either unconscious parallels (which editorial should have pointed out) or so quickly referenced that they have none of the weight they should.

A much more effective reference is having Batman scaring Crane as a vision of terror from Batman Begins. That plot point is also nicely setup – using the engine to erase Batman’s memory from Gotham, and him using it again to make Gotham fear him. Adding to this structural strength is the well done use of the repeated phrase “Look at me” – Batman’s first line in the issue, and repeated in the backup as his command to Crane is sent all over the city.

Guillem March provides beautiful work as usual, excelling in the disgusting alien contortions of the azmer demon possessed Orgham Queen, to Batman’s strength and power as he battles for his city. It’s nice to see how Ram V and Dan Watters structured the backup placement so the whole story feels complete instead of having a weird afterthought of a backup following the main story ending.

Backup Analysis

Using a two page repeating structure, Dan Watters returns for (likely) his final backup for Detective Comics (for now) to give four characters their final note in this gothic opera. Mr. Freeze, Two-Face, Ten-Eyed Man, and Azrael (the latter two featuring heavily in Watters’ Arkham City and Sword of Azrael miniseries) all react to Batman’s command being broadcast to Gotham in different ways. It’s a beautifully written little “rest” in the symphony, and like most of the backups for this run, is a strong complement for the main story.

Dan Watters sets up a plotline in his upcoming Nightwing run with Two-Face heading towards Bludhaven. I will be following Watters over to Nightwing as a regular reviewer, and I’m looking forward to it!

Our main cover artist, Evan Cagle (soon to join Ram V on his New Gods series) shows the Dark Knight Rising into a hole of light in the clouds, creating a Batsignal effect, a red rose on the right side rooftop reminding us that this was an opera. Partial interior artist Guillem March provides a two-part connecting cover showing Batman on one cover and the Orghams on the other, a nice nod to March’s fine work, but a naked cash grab expecting readers to buy two copies of the more expensive cardstock covers to get the single image.

The Hispanic Heritage month cover featuring Renee Montoya as The Question by master artist Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and prominent DC inker Joe Prado is a nice choice given Renee’s place in this run. Lastly, Sebastian Fiumara’s 1 in 25 incentive variant shows Batman stalking up a frozen hill towards a city trapped in ice, a spidery bat-shadow behind him – very striking, and matches the Mr. Freeze portion of this arc, so that’s clever.

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

Editor’s Note: You can find this comic and help support TBU in the process by purchasing this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy of the title through Things From Another World.

detective comics #1089 main cover
Detective Comcis #1089
Final Thoughts
Ram V, with an able assist from Dan Watters, sends his Gotham Nocturne into the air with a big Finale. Only time will tell how we remember this run - whether the strong vibes of the writing and art can overcome the myriad incoherencies of structure and conception. Rating of the entire run... 2 stars.
2.5
Final Score
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first look at detective comics #1090 featured image
Comic News

DC Comics Provides A First Look At Detective Comics #1090

by Theodis Wright
written by Theodis Wright
The first look at Detective Comics #1090 includes cover art and interior pages from the new run by Tom Taylor and Mikel Janín.

 

Today (September 26th), DC Comics provided a first look at Detective Comics #1090. This is the first issue of Tom Taylor and Mikel Janín’s run on the long-time DC Comics series and the start of the “Mercy of the Father” storyline. DC bills this new arc as a dark secret behind Batman’s origin.

From DC’s release:

Detective Comics #1090 reveals a mystery surrounding the origin of DC’s Caped Crusader and introduces a mysterious and terrifying new villain stalking the bloodstained streets of Gotham City. Long ago, the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne changed Gotham forever. But there is something you never knew about the Dark Knight’s tragic origin—something that has been lying in wait to strike at Batman ever since that fateful night in Crime Alley. And now, all these years later, this ghost of Gotham’s past begins to reveal itself. The streets of Gotham will run red with blood until the World’s Greatest Detective solves one of his most earth-shattering cases yet.

Detective Comics #1090 features a main cover by series artist Janín, with variant covers by Dan Panosian, Bruno Redondo, Tony Harris, and Ashley Wood, plus an “All In” foil variant cover by Daniel Sampere. Check them out below along with some sample interior pages provided by DC Comics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detective Comics #1090 hits the stands at comic shops everywhere and digitally on Wednesday October 23rd. As always, stay tuned here to The Batman Universe for all of your news and reviews in the world of the Dark Knight.

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Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #129-131 Webtoon Review

by Stephanie Mounce
written by Stephanie Mounce

The adventure begins! Batman: Wayne Family Adventures has been keeping Steph and Ian on the edge of their seat and the mini-arc is about to wrap up.

Steph: Oh man, Ian, I don’t know if I’m ready for today!
Emotionally, that is.
Batman: Wayne Family Adventures has so much going on I can hardly deal!

Ian: This is going to be an intense review! A LOT happens that wrings the heart!

Steph: Hold on, let me turn on some chill lofi to help me out. 🎵 Okay. Let’s go!

We’ll start with where we left off…episode #129: The Man Who Has Everything
We get a bit of Joker flashback where he bemoans that in the early days, Batman was alone and had nothing to lose. But now, he has a whole family that Joker can mess with and torture. These seemed pretty on brand.

Wayne Family Adventures Batman has nothing to lose

Ian: I kind of like the nod to the classic Superman story, and how it fits into Bruce’s fears. It’s kind of chilling how Bruce became Batman because his family was murdered, and he’s slowly but surely been building a new family, and Joker sees that and sadistically threatens to take them away again. I like it a lot more than “Joker just wants Batman to pay most attention to him like some kind of strange love story”.

Steph: Yeah, Joker’s a Pick-Me for sure. It’s a little gross.

Ian: Extremely gross. Poisoning whole buildings! Attacking children! Bad!

Steph: After Batman comes back from saving Gordon he sees his worst fears realized – Joker and Nightwing missing and blood everywhere.

Wayne Family Adventures Nightwing is gone leaving bloodstains behind

I’ll admit, I was a bit shocked too!
I didn’t lose faith, but it was scary.

Ian: Even though they keep the blood relatively minimal, it’s still quite dark!

Steph: For sure! This was also an episode that didn’t have a lot of side story going on! It was Joker vs Batman and some Joker backstory, but that was it.
I’m pretty proud of Bats for letting Nightwing stay behind. Again, even though he has his loner mandate, he’s not going to let innocent suffer because his family disobeyed him.

Ian: I think it’s good to keep the focus on the main action here – it really highlights the drama and intensity of Batman, Nightwing, and Joker’s fighting.

Steph: Yeah. For sure. I’ve very glad that the blood wasn’t a cliffhanger either. We get to see that Dick is still okay and holding his own again Joker.
I wonder where Joker learned to fight? I feel like a crazy clown wouldn’t have too many moves against a child trapeze artist with Batman fighting training.

Ian: Indeed. There was some clever uses of Joker’s love of knives and Dick’s escrima sticks in the stairwell fight. I wonder if the team had some inspiration from Daredevil on Netflix for this!

Steph: Well, the fight picks up right away in episode #130: Too Much to Lose. Jokers knives vs Nightwing’s escrima sticks. I will say, I did have some Injustice flashbacks where Damian accidentally kills Dick by throwing the stick just like Dick does here.
But Joker is okay (sigh).

Ian: I am very curious to see if they will get rid of Joker on a more permanent basis. I kind of don’t think so, but I do wonder!

Steph: After a Joker’s dirty knight boot kick to the side, Nightwing kicks Joker off the stairs. I have to say, that looked painful. Both of them.
And Joker looks way to happy about it.

Ian: Joker with blood streaming down his face was terrifying!

Wayne Family Adventures Joker appears unfazed by injury

Steph: Obviously, he disappears (couldn’t have a whole season about him if he got caught).
What did you think about Batman’s “Easy Chum. Iv’e got you.”?
I love the nod to Adam West’s Batman ’66.

Ian: I am a bit torn. I like the reference, but it doesn’t feel right for this Bruce and Dick. I dunno. I admit I’m not a huge Batman 66 fan, though. I’m happy that WFA gives the nod – it definitely feels appropriate.

Steph: What did you think of Damian’s concern for Dick?

Wayne Family Adventures Damian is worried about Nightwing

Ian: I think it’s very nicely written – calling back to how Damian was Dick’s Robin first, before he worked with Bruce or the other Batfamily members. He’s one of the only people Damian will lose his iron grip on his emotions, and I think it’s very fitting.

Steph: AGH! I can’t even with this boy. He’s such a turd and then he pulls this sweetness.

Ian: Haha. The appeal of Damian indeed.

Steph: And in this scene we get a very clear picture of what is driving Batman – fear.
And Orphan, being the body language reader, sees this and calls Bruce out on it.

Wayne Family Adventures Batman trembles at the thought of losing Nightwing

Someone has to take Dick to the Batmobile, and Bruce is making his choice out of fear.

Ian: Yeah. Fear is the mind killer, to quote another franchise. And Batman Begins is such a great story about Batman learning to face his fear – but without a family to protect. So seeing him having to deal with that here – an important story for Bruce to grapple with!

Steph: And that wraps up this mini arc. We find out the precincts are okay, many injured, some buildings unusable, but things are better than they could have been. Calculator’s location is known and he can be picked up.
But now we’re coming to an emotional head, and Bruce goes to Barbara who is with Jim in the hospital.

Ian: The Precinct Fight is indeed a good mini-arc. But I’m very curious to see the fallout – because even though Nightwing is ok, he’s pretty badly hurt, so in some senses, Bruce has had his fears validated.
Do you think that he is right to be so afraid when Joker does indeed hurt Dick viciously?

Steph: I think so, but at the same time, he’s willing to be hurt and the family is too. They’re not babies (Damian is nine, so maybe he shouldn’t count) but they all can make their own decisions. Getting hurt is part of the job. It’s a risk they know they take.
You can’t grow if someone is controlling your actions and protecting you.
Loss is a part of life. You can’t live assuming you’ll never lose anyone.

Ian: Yeah, I think maybe part of this arc will push Bruce to figure out how to let his kids grow up. It’s hard! Especially for Bruce!

Steph: Oh, haha. I just realized Bruce’s clothing colors match Batman’s!
He needs more color variety.
Ian: No, Bruce should always just wear black. And very dark grey. 😄

Steph: I also noted that the injury Jim has is his ankle…where the Bat-grapple caught him. I’m glad we’re finally understanding that and appendage being caught by a rope from a 300 feet drop can cause SERIOUS INJURY!!
He’s lucky his spine is okay.

Ian: indeed!

Steph: #ComicScienceGripe

Ian: Physics are the most dangerous weapon! To misquote Mass Effect.

Steph: Most of the episode is Babs dropping truth Bombs on Bruce. They are both very angry.

Ian: Indeed! I think here again we have maybe a bit of a problem with Babs being the voice of the author without any flaws, but I think they’re still pretty fair to Bruce.

Steph: For sure. He blames Barbara for making Dick make a promise to protect Gordon, which I think is really unfair on several counts.
And she calls him out on those too.

Ian: Indeed. Bruce is still very much acting out of fear. I hope that we see the bravery we know he has come to the fore soon!

Wayne Family Adventures Bruce is worried about his family

Steph: I also think it’s silly for Bruce to think that “off the field” and “out of costume” means safe
Joker has never let that stop him.

Ian: Indeed. Though I think that in WFA world, Joker doesn’t know anyone’s secret identity, so it would at least be less targeted.

Steph: Possibly.
Despite Bab’s pointing out his shortcomings, he threatens to take the Clocktower away from her. What do you think of that? I assume he pays for it, so he techincally can do that.

Ian: I doubt it – Babs almost always pays for her own stuff, ever since Birds of Prey started.

Wayne Family Adventures Barbara promises Bruce will not shut down the belfry

Steph: That would explain why she’s so sure he won’t. Maybe she’ll throw pens at him till he goes away.
That’s how I get my cats away from the snack table.

Ian: I bet she has more planned that that! I think Batman isn’t the same as Catman (Thomas Blake) 😄

Steph: Ugh. Catman
What do you think of the parallels between all that’s happened, and Barbara’s talk with her dad when he wakes up?

Ian: Hey, don’t know Secret Six till you try it! (just not the awful New 52 version).
I think it’s great seeing Babs shifting gears from Bruce, who knows all of the secrets, and her struggling to express her true emotions without being able to tell Jim secrets. And the question of which relationship is more honest and more important to Babs. Obviously Jim is more important, but she can’t tell him the truth for his own sake!
A great bit of code switching, as the kids say these days.

Steph: I liked that Babs is practicing what she’s preaching. She knows Jim can’t promise to be okay. You can’t live a life of crime fighting/policing and promised tomorrow. She knows all she can ask is that he does his best. Something Bruce can’t do right now.

Wayne Family Adventures Jim Gordon promises to always fight to come back to Barbara

Ian: That’s a good analysis! It’s a hard thing, knowing that your loved ones work a dangerous job, and Babs is being very mature in not begging Jim to quit. Well done.

Steph: The episode ends with Bruce coming home looking very sheepish and afraid facing Alfred. I thought that was amazing – the real man of the house continues to assert dominance.

Ian: I am very curious to see how Alfred and Bruce’s conversation will go! And I love that WFA knows that it’s not just action and blood that get us readers excited to keep reading. It’s the relationships – the FAMILY!

Steph: For sure. Man. I’m so excited. But you know…I have noticed there is one person missing who has a bit more say in Bruce’s life…a certain feline female. I hope she pops up soon or I’ll be super bummed.

Ian: Well. If you are an impatient paywall person like me…you may just find out something soon!!!!!!

Steph: 🥰

Ian: 😻

Steph: Talk to you soon!

Ian: Have a great night!

Steph: Night!

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Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #126-128 Webtoon Review

by Stephanie Mounce
written by Stephanie Mounce

Oh man, Steph and Ian have been reading Batman: Wayne Family Adventures on Webtoon, and Steph is…hung up on something incredibly nerdy. What else is new?

Steph: Oh man, Ian, guess what.

Ian: What?!

Steph: It’s time for Batman: Wayne Family Adventures!!!!

Ian: The best time!

Steph: And also…my CS education is tingling. Or rather, it’s having a stroke. But more on that later.

Ian: Indeed. Gotta love comic book hacking!

Steph: Well, let’s start with episode #126: Behind the Screen, where Babs is fighting Calculator on the internets.

Ian: The fear Babs has for her dad is palpable! I love Jim and Babs’s father daughter relationship, and it’s nice that WFA has managed to develop it pretty well!

Steph: And I love that she calls in the Bat-family despite Batman’s direct orders. She’s going to do what she can to save the GCPD and her dad.

Ian: I like Babs being this independent. Fits with me coming into DC by reading Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey series

Steph: We’ll see so much of that later on. And while the fam is on the ground taking care of that, Babs is taking care of Calculator who is breaking into Oracle’s network and programs.

And I have to mention…no one codes in binary (1s and 0s). Like, that’s insane.

Ian: Even I, who learned the tiny bit of coding I know from editing Wikipedia, know that binary hasn’t been a thing since at least DOS. The Matrix has so much to answer for!

Steph: Also, coding doesn’t fall in raindrops in green font on a black screen. The Matrix ruined how the media perceives computer science. But, aside from that, the tension is getting pretty high. And the stakes are pretty real.
I really liked the break in the action for Babs to wish she was Batgirl again.

There is too much “red tape” and non-tangibles with being Oracle, but Batgirl can kick butt.

Ian: It’s nice seeing the grappling with her current abilities, but not letting it dominate her life or emotions.

Steph: I really like what CRC is doing with having a members of the family never being alone, and that someone is always there to help redirect when they’re struggling. In this case, Bluebird/Harper is there to remind Babs that NOW she is Oracle, and Oracle needs to hop into the action she CAN do.

Ian: Agreed, it’s good that the “family” aspect doesn’t just apply to Bruce and Jason!

Steph: What do you think of Barbara defying Bruce’s orders directly and to his face? She’s calling in the family to back him up in order to save her dad and the other police?

Ian: I think it’s tricky. I do feel that there’s a tendency in a lot of comics recently (James Tynion’s Detective Comics run being one of the more obvious examples) to have Babs defy Batman and “call him out” in a way that feels a bit too much like authorial mouthpiece rather than characters who have flaws. But I do think that it makes sense given Bruce is the central figure of the family that he needs a voice of reason, and Babs is perfectly placed to give it.

So many of the other Bat-family members are so emotionally meshed with Bruce as father figure that it’s hard for them to really push back effectively. Since Babs has a strong relationship with Jim, that means she can step outside of her love of Bruce and be the friend and somewhat equal he needs. Even Alfred, much as he pushes Bruce, is a bit too close for Bruce to hear him sometimes, I think. What do you think?

Steph: I liked it. We can talk more in future (I’m pretty sure this will be on ongoing theme for a bit) but Barbara’s odd place in the family, particular as a non-child in and command central position, gives her a place of power Bruce isn’t used to.
They all depend on Oracle for information and direction. She has more oversight than Batman, and therefore is more equipped to give direction.

And that doesn’t always mix with Batman’s way of doing things. Not sure that really answers the question, but as long as Babs and Batman are on the same page, it’s not a problem. But if they disagree, such as now, I feel like Barbara has more power to direct the family now, but there will be consequences for everyone else with the Bat-Dad later.

This brings us to episode #127: “Oracle” where Babs is getting ready to duel with Calculator. She finds out that Joker is going to use Joker Venom in the ventilation of the building. I found this an odd term. Isn’t it usually Joker Toxin?
Or am I crazy?

Ian: I did want to mention that when we have comics like I Am Suicide by Tom King and Mikel Janin where Bruce can literally take out an entire island of bad guys by himself it gets a bit tricky to square with Bruce taking on Gotham criminals (which, I think, means we really shouldn’t have comics where Bruce does take out nearly 1000 people by himself, but that ship has sailed, sigh).

I think you’re right that it’s usually Joker Toxin, but I don’t remember all of the poisonous lore that Joker has used! Maybe they used venom so they could use the term “anti-venom?” Or did they use antidote anyway?

Steph: I wasn’t sure if might be some Webtoons policy or something. “Can’t use toxin in your story” or something. I don’t know. YouTube has a list of words you can’t use, so 🤷‍♀️

Ian: That’s a good point, hadn’t thought of that. Though I read a bunch of webtoons where people are poisoning each other all the time. Those isekai go hard on the assassinations!

Steph: Very true. There are some panels that refer to Babs facing Calculator in the past. Are you familiar with those stories? I’m not.

Ian: Oh, yes! Those are big in both Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey, Bryan Q. Miller’s Batgirl (best series of all time!), and the Rebirth Batgirl and the Birds of Prey. He’s a very appropriate villain for Oracle to face, for sure!
There’s several flashbacks in this episode to specific Birds of Prey stories, I believe!

Steph: Yay! I’m glad those are stories that people can go back and read.

Ian: And they were recently collected in trade – I hope we get a couple of Birds of Prey omnibuses too, though!

Steph: Woohoo. Well, After old Calci takes out the coms, Oracle is able to hack into his side and infect him with a virus and take him out. When the coms come back we find out the GCPD has already been infected with the venom/gas.
This actually surprised me! It was shocking that they weren’t able to stop it in time.

Ian: I really like the way this episode builds to the entrance of the Bat-family – it felt really classic and exciting. Well structured.

Steph: And then, dun dun! Nightwing, Orphan, and Robin appear as backup!

Ian: You can hear the theme music! And the breaking glass!

Steph: It was very exciting. And unfortunately, the last panel so people had to wait for episode #128: A Long Way Down!
I really liked Cass taking on the three henchmen by herself and Nightwing feeling sorry for them. Teehee
I think this is one of the first prolonged fight scenes that I can remember.

Ian: There’s a very classic “here’s the big gun” “she’s just a tiny girl” “yes, it’s very unfair” “what do you mean?” “for you!”

Steph: We get quite a lot of Orphan kicking butt.

Ian: Cass kicking butt is always a treat when drawn well, and I think our new art team does well with it!


We haven’t mentioned them as much, but I think they’re really consistent and match Starbite’s designs and styles really well! Vadynea from Kisai Entertainment has become a definite artist to watch from Wayne Family Adventures!

Steph: For sure. I couldn’t even tell the difference, but it’s great art! Has Joker Toxin/Venom been temporary if you can get the anti-venom or respirator on quickly?

Ian: The effects of Joker’s poisons are incredibly variable! Sometimes it just kills! Sometimes it leaves you a grinning and laughing zombie (like Duke’s parents)! Sometimes it is temporary! Sometimes it is just to make fish die smiling! I usually just go with what the story says the current poison does.

Steph: Speaking of the art (and my favorite boy) did you see the panel where Damian is just poking at the drone while Dick is thinking about things?

I love that, even though this is a more serious story, there are still bits of character and silly in the story.
They’re just very subtle.

Ian: I didn’t notice that – it’s a perfect bit of characterization, given how young Damian is in this version!

Steph: What did you think of other precincts getting attacked? I thought this was a bit weird, as not all of them should have been bare bones staff, and it was a bit of a bummer the rest of the Bat-family and the Outsiders got off paneled to take care of the issues.

Ian: I think it makes sense, since we have several other Bat-family members available to help. But it does feel like a really big task to handle given the length of each episode, the structure of the story, and the general scope of WFA in all.

Steph: That’s fair. I’m just surprised at the amount of henchmen Joker drummed up, but I guess that’s nothing new in comics.
I wouldn’t work for him. Like…there’s no financial gain here. Are there that many people willing to work for causing chaos?

Ian: I think it would be fun if WFA would do something with the Henchmaster from Joker War Zone. 🙂 It feels like the perfect kind of thing for WFA’s lighter touch and humorous approach.

The recent Batman #150 by Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jimenez, and Denys Cowan does touch on why people work for the Joker – a sense of desperation. I get sense from the way comics are written that often times in Gotham a job for Two-Face or Joker is similar to a job for McDonalds or something. An entry level job when you can’t think of anything better. And you could draw parallels to things like the British Navy in the Napoleonic Wars – life expectancy in those circumstances was quite low, too!

Steph: Sad day. There’s probably no background checks done, too. But anyhoo, Bluebird finds Gordon and Joker on the roof and Batman goes after them. Nightwing insists on coming with. I have to say, I really do respect that Batman is prioritizing the safety of the police officers before his “no help” mandate. He’s not kicking the family out, he’s letting them help with the victims and henchmen. Though it does take Dick a bit of convincing to let Batman let him be his backup.
Batman knows arguing will take more time and endanger Gordon.

Ian: I really, really loved that Cass was the one who was able to break through Bruce’s stubbornness. That ability she has to understand his motivations and emotions really fits well with my reading of both of their characters.

Steph: I feel like everyone has been chipping away at his resolve bit by bit. But yes, Cass was great.
Man, these are getting pretty heavy but still fun! And it seems that, even though this is going to be one ongoing story, it’s going to have lots of mini-arcs and settings for the story.
What do you think so far?
I hope Bruce comes around soon. I’m getting a little fed up with his stubbornness.

Ian: I do like the structuring – it helps to avoid my worry that it’s just constant cliffhangers that leave me stressed with no resolution or payoff. I also really, really hope that the family can figure out a way to get Bruce to accept help for sure! That’s the joy of the Wayne Family, after all – they have Adventures TOGETHER!

Steph: Well, I’m excited for more Family Time! I can’t wait to cover more episodes with you!

Ian: Oh, I also wanted to mention that Dick and Babs have a very distinct romantic vibe for me in this storyline – Dick promising to save Jim for Babs was very sweet!

I am also very excited for more Family Adventures, and most excited about talking about them with you!

Steph: Oh yes! That was so sweet. He literally dropped everything in his hands for a forehead touch and hug.
He’s the sweetest.

Ian: He is! Dick’s humor and sweetness and skills are all a big sign. I know one of the background artists, Suzi, told me when I talked to her last year that Dick was her favorite, so I’m glad he’s getting some great focus in this arc!

Steph: ❤️ Well, talk to you soon! Same Bat-time? Same Bat-Channel?

Ian: Indeed! Thanks so much, Steph!

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Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman ’89: Echoes #4 Comic Book Review

by Scott Waldyn
written by Scott Waldyn
In Batman ‘89: Echoes #4, all heck breaks loose at Arkham Asylum, and Bruce finally dons the Batsuit for the first time this miniseries.

 

Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 main cover by Joe Quinones. Image: DC Comics

Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 main cover by Joe Quinones. Image: DC Comics

Title: Batman ‘89: Echoes #4
Writer: Sam Hamm
Artist: Joe Quinones
Colors: Leonardo Ito
Letters: Carlos M. Mangual
Main Cover: Joe Quinones
Variant Covers: Sebastian Fiumara & Jahnoy Lindsay
Release Date: September 11, 2024

 

Please Note: This comic book review may contain spoilers

Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 opens at Arkham Asylum, with a sedated “Robert Lowery” (Bruce Wayne) telling Rahim to get a message to Drake Winston. It’s the location of a Nepentholene capsule on his utility belt. When used, this drug prevents the human brain from forming new memories, or so readers are told from Alfred Pennyworth in a brief interlude back at the Batcave. 

Pennyworth, who has been kept in the dark throughout all of this, confers with Drake, who reveals that the drug is intended for Bruce. Readers already know that it’s probably to counteract the effects of Dr. Crane’s fear gas while he investigates the mysterious death of Dr. Hugo Strange. Before Drake heads out to fulfill Bruce’s wishes, he tells Alfred that the whole Batman “business model” is flawed, that Batman needs a support team and can’t do it all alone. 

Meanwhile, at Dr. Harleen Quinzell’s private practice, the rising star Dr. Q is performing therapy with Selina Kyle (who is donning her Catwoman mask). Kyle lets it slip that she’s upset at Barbara Gordon, who received a bunch of files at the end of the previous Batman ‘89 miniseries from Kyle. Since then, it seems that Gordon has been dodging Kyle’s calls, and Selina isn’t having any of it. 

When Dr. Q reveals that she’s giving up her private practice, Selina erupts, threatening Harleen and demanding to be treated three times a week, regardless of Dr. Q’s TV schedule.

Elsewhere, the feds learn that the “Robert Lowery” they captured isn’t the Firefly, that it’s someone undercover who likely burned up the body in the blast in Batman ‘89: Echoes #1, then posed as Lowery. At Arkham, Crane cleans up all his files and records, as he gets word that the feds are on the way. 

Harley Quinn shows up, decked out in a classic Harley-inspired costume, to interview “Robert Lowery” as part of her “persona therapy” schtick. Crane uses this to send in Mark Desmond (also known as “Blockbuster” in DC Comics) to break up the party. Artist Joe Quinones has some fun here, casting Desmond as Arnold Schwarzenegger. Desmond’s trigger, apparently, is clowns, so he goes ballistic on Quinn, “Lowery,” and Maynard (this universe’s Riddler that Quinones fan-casted as Martin Short). 

Bruce and Maynard work together to take Desmond down long enough to escape with Dr. Q. Drake, meanwhile, rigs up an explosion that sends everyone into a frenzy and places Arkham in lockdown. It stalls the GCPD and the feds, who both arrive at the scene only to succumb to an attack by a fully realized Scarecrow.

Scarecrow’s costume reveal is imposing, haunting, and gothic. It’s almost all black, with straw jutting down from the top of his stovetop hat. It’s a close ringer for Scarecrow’s outfit in The Long Halloween, albeit bulkier. 

Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 variant cover by Jahnoy Lindsay. Image: DC Comics

Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 variant cover by Jahnoy Lindsay. Image: DC Comics

On the roof of Arkham Asylum, Maynard meets Drake, who is suited up in a suit that looks like a cross between Nightwing’s red garb and something that is slightly Batman Beyond-inspired. It’s a cool suit, only second-best to Bruce’s transformation into his classic Burton-era Batsuit. 

The issue ends at Arkham, with Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, Robin(?), and Batman finally altogether in their costumes, ready to do battle once more. 

Though Joe Quinones’ art is absolutely fantastic and such a joy to view with each turn of the page, this book has been and remains such a tedious read. There are layers upon layers of backstories, misdirections, subplots, secret motives, and more. It feels like 5 or 6 spy novels interwoven into one 6-issue miniseries, and at best, it’s a mind-boggling and dizzying read, especially with Batman ‘89: Echoes’ inconsistent release schedule. 

Simply put, it’s maddening, overstuffed to the gills with everything from too much story, too many characters, and too many cuts between events both past and present. Catwoman makes her return in this issue, and because we haven’t seen much of her since the first miniseries, her motivations and characterization seem out of left field, completely unhinged, and out-of-character for the Burton-verse. 

 

How Many Villains Are In This Book, Anyway?


Let’s count them: 

  1. Harley Quinn (Dr. Q)
  2. Scarecrow (Dr. Crane)
  3. Riddler (Maynard)
  4. Firefly (the deceased Robert Lowery)
  5. Blockbuster (Mark Desmond)
  6. Barbara Gordon? (She’s an antagonist to Bruce Wayne)
  7. Dr. Hugo Strange (deceased but alive in flashbacks)

Beyond the plot points and overstuffed exposition, we don’t get to see Bruce Wayne suit up as Batman until this issue. Again, for a book that sometimes takes three-to-four months between issue drops, that’s a long time for readers to wait for Batman to appear. Yes, there was a fake-out sequence in Batman ‘89: Echoes #1, but that doesn’t count. All in all, this book is beautiful but aggravating. 

Batman ’89: Echoes #4 Comic Book Review
Final Thoughts
Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 is a beautifully drawn and colored book, but the story continues to bewilder, confuse, and disappoint. It’s beautiful but completely aggravating—overstuffed with too many characters, subplots, flashbacks, and secret motives.
1.5
Overall Score
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Comic Reviews and Editorials

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 Comic Book Review

by Scott Waldyn
written by Scott Waldyn
In Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31, the Justice League are under siege by the resurgence of Eclipso. 
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 main cover by Dan Mora. Image: DC Comics

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 main cover by Dan Mora. Image: DC Comics

Title: Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 – Shadows Fall Part One
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Adrian Gutierrez
Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters: Steve Wands
Main Cover: Dan Mora
Variant Covers: Ian Churchill, Edwin Galmon, Marco D’alfonso, Nicola Scott, Annette Kwok, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Joe Prado & Alex Sinclair
Release Date: September 18, 2024

 

This comic book review contains spoilers.

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 opens on the Justice League satellite, some years back. Green Arrow is questioning Superman about how he knocked out Eterno, the Immortal Giant in one punch while Red Tornado is monitoring the eclipse. Once it’s a total eclipse, the Justice League admires its beauty. Superman is about to ask Green Lantern about the stars, when it’s revealed that Hal Jordan, Oliver Queen, and Dinah Lance (Black Canary) have been transformed. 

Twenty-four hours earlier, the Justice League is working on constructing Solar City ahead of the eclipse with the help of Dr. Bruce Gordon, who has been cured of his Eclipso curse. The goal is to provide a city that runs on clean energy, one that can be a proof of concept to the rest of the world. While the super-powered heroes help with construction, Batman and Robin are on patrol, revealing in exposition everything readers need to know about this city, as well as Dr. Gordon’s currently Eclipso-free diagnosis. A line of dialogue notes that Eclipso is imprisoned in a black diamond, which is being held on the Justice League satellite. 

Meanwhile, in the control center, Dr. Bruce Gordon is losing his cool after finding out that they’re only 92% effective. He considers Solar City an abject failure, rummaging through equipment from Dr. Light in search of Prometheum cell. Though not a cell, he finds something that explodes. Once more, Gordon is infected with Eclipso. 

While this issue is definitely exposition-heavy, once we turn to Dr. Gordon, the art really adds a rhythm. Prior to the explosion, Eclipso is unfurled in a couple of panels. Tamra Bonvillain plays with two sides of color here, juxtaposing the darkness and coldness of the moon in Eclipso’s reveal against the fire and violent light of the explosion. 

It’s a cool moment, and the issue quickly jumps back to the opening of the issue. Batman arrives to the Justice League satellite only to find members fighting each other, with roughly half bearing the face of Eclipso. It’s an all-out brawl, one where Red Tornado stands at the center. 

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 main cover by Ian Churchill. Image: DC Comics

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 main cover by Ian Churchill. Image: DC Comics

As the beleaguered Leaguers (HA!) battle each other, Red Tornado makes it to the teleporter. Down in Solar City, Dr. Gordon is putting together some kind device, and a light quickly emits from Earth. Red Tornado flies through the teleporter, just as the satellite is enveloped in some kind of powerful blast. 

Tornado, barely functioning, makes it to the doorstep of the Justice Society of America in Civic City. The original Flash carries Tornado in for aid. 

While the story brings a classic villain back to the forefront in a promising epic that brings in both the Justice League and the Justice Society, the art in this issue lacks the stylistic punch that Dan Mora previously brought to this series. There are plenty of action shots, but each one focuses solely on one hero surrounded by a ray of color. These panels are layered one after the other, almost like a series of action shots from an anime. 

While it’s pretty on its own, in a book populated with so many heroes, both the other characters and the backgrounds are removed from these panels. It’s as if the action is but a series of wall posters, with the comic-ness stripped from the action sequence of Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31. It’s sort of the point, but it also prevents those glorious, grand-scale battle sequences that comic book fans crave.

The paneling itself is also functional, sticking closely to convention with half-page panels allowed to breathe in larger space. Unfortunately these larger panels are fixated on explosions and little else—no characters, no backgrounds (other than space), nothing. It’s a pretty firework, but as readers, we’re left feeling nothing. 

And that’s the problem with this book. The setup and characterization by Mark Waid is up to its usual snuff, but the art feels weirdly focused on the wrong parts of the action, and what should be a pulse-pounding page-turner feels more like a safari of stationary shots. 

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 Comic Book Review
Final Thoughts
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #31 lacks the dynamic punch of previous issues in the art department, but the writing effectively sets up a new arc with a classic villain—Eclipso.
3
Overall Score
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batgirl to oracle episode 250 cover
Batgirl to Oracle

Episode 250

by Kimberley Rockmore
written by Kimberley Rockmore

batgirl to oracle episode 250 cover

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

 

After briefly speaking about my time in NYC and at Baltimore Comic Con, I review Batgirl #60-62 from 2005. Following the break, I review Birds of Prey vol. 5 #13 and look at a “quickie.” Stella’s Dungeon of Smut, and my literature recommendations also appear.

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batman: caped crusader episode 263 podcast cover
The Batman Universe Podcast

Ep. 263: Batman: Caped Crusader Episodes 6 – 10

by Scott Waldyn
written by Scott Waldyn

batman: caped crusader episode 263 podcast cover

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

 

In episode 263 of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ return to wrap up their discussion on Batman: Caped Crusader. Just like their coverage of the first half of Batman: Caped Crusader season 1 in TBU episode 261, the discussion starts with a spoiler-free overview of the season as a whole.

After their overview, Scott and BJ move into spoiler territory, diving into the themes, plots, characterizations, and ideas behind each of the remaining 5 episodes. Topics range from a mutual love of lesser-known Bat-villains Onomatopoeia (voiced by Reid Scott) and Gentleman Ghost (Toby Stephens) to an examination of Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face (both voiced by Diedrich Bader) and Batman’s (Hamish Linklater) softening into a more compassionate vigilante.

This episode also includes a discussion on that recent revelation that Penguin, who stars in his own MAX crime drama and was played expertly by Colin Farrell, will go by “Oz Cobb” and not “Oswald Cobblepot” in the Matt Reeves-helmed Bat-verse.

 

Batman: Caped Crusader Episodes Covered:

  • Episode #6: Night Ride
  • Episode #7: Moving Target
  • Episode #8: Nocturne
  • Episode #9:  The Killer Inside Me
  • Episode #10: Savage Night

Question: Did You Enjoy Batman: Caped Crusader?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts on Batman: Caped Crusade. Prefer email? No problem. 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. 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 Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

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Comic News

December 2024 TBU Solicits

by Stephanie Mounce
written by Stephanie Mounce
DC Comics solicitations for December 2024 features the continuation of Justice League Unlimited and the debut of several new titles in The Batman Universe.

 

DC Comics solicitations for December 2024 and beyond have been released by the publisher. Highlighting this month’s releases is the debut of Justice League Unlimited by Mark Waid. Also out in December is the beginning of several new titles such as the new Two-Face series from writer-artist Christian Ward.

Also in December, we see the beginning of Batman: Dark Patterns from writer Dan Watters and artist Hayden Sherman.

Check out the DC Comics solicits within the Batman Universe for December 2024 below, courtesy of DC comics. If you want to see the full solicits for the month of December 2024, you can find them at our sister site, The Comic Book Spot.

(Click images to enlarge)

 

 

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #2
Written by Mark Waid
Art and cover by Dan Mora
Variant covers by Simone Di Meo, Mike Deodato Jr., Ariel Colón, and Derrick Chew
1:25 variant cover by Dave Wilkins
1:50 variant cover by Lucas Meyer
RAISED UV foil variant cover by Fico Ossio
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/25/24
As the Justice League grapples with the ramifications of the Atom Project, a strange alert brings the team to the jungles of South America…and a horrific discovery. Can the elite Justice League strike force save a village from total slaughter? Plus…the mystery of the Darkseid heir deepens, and dissension in the ranks forces Batman’s hand.

 

 

 

BATMAN #157
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Art by Jorge Jiménez and Tony S. Daniel
Cover by Jorge Jiménez
Variant covers by Tony Harris and Tony S. Daniel
DC Winter Wonderland variant by Chrissie Zullo
Foil variant cover by Jorge Jiménez ($6.99 US)
1:25 cover by Jerome Opeña
1:50 variant cover by Rafael Grassetti
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/4/24
With the Court of Owls’ plan revealed and the city in chaos, Batman must find the strength to fight a war on multiple fronts and save Gotham from disaster. The fates of Jim Gordon, the Riddler, and all of Gotham rest in the hands of the Dark Knight in a climactic issue so big it takes two superstar artists to bring it to life!

 

 

 

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #3
Written by Scott Snyder
Art and cover by Nick Dragotta
Variant covers by Becky Cloonan and Gabriele Dell’Otto
1:25 variant cover by Riley Rossmo
1:50 variant cover by Stevan Subic
$4.99 US | 24 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/18/24
Batman and Alfred have formed a tentative alliance, but the Black Mask has some new friends too…and they’re coming to Gotham to wreak absolute havoc. Plus, discover the dark secret that will rock Bruce to his core and make him question everything…

 

 

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #1092
Written by Tom Taylor
Art and cover by Mikel Janín
Variant covers by Stevan Subic and Christopher Mitten
1:25 variant cover by Ashley Wood
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/25/24
The streets of Gotham run red with blood—blood that the mysterious villain known only as Asema has taken quite an interest in. Who is this scalpel-fingered creature collecting the plasma of young men, and what is Asema’s connection to Bruce Wayne? Tom Taylor and Mikel Janín continue their exploration of the darkest corners of Gotham City!

 

 

 

NIGHTWING #121
Written by DAN WATTERS
Art and cover by DEXTER SOY
Variant covers by DAN PANOSIAN and GLEB MELNIKOV
DC Winter Wonderland variant by CHRISSIE ZULLO
1:25 variant cover by DEXTER SOY
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/25/24
After tragedy strikes, Nightwing seeks to hold the gangs of Blüdhaven accountable. But alliances in this city may not be what they seem, and powered-up Spheric police officers hover overhead seeking to dispense their own brand of justice…

 

 

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #16
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by MIGUEL MENDONÇA
Cover by JAVI FERNÁNDEZ
Variant covers by SIMONE DI MEO and DAN PANOSIAN
1:25 variant cover by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
$4.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/11/24
As the Dynamic Duo attempts to solve the mysteries of Memento’s recent attacks, Batman begins to fear that his bond with his son and partner is beginning to fracture. Is this simply teenage angst, or is Damian truly pulling away from his father? Meanwhile, Memento emerges from the shadows, and the stone-faced specter of atrocities past makes himself known in the Gotham underworld.

 

 

 

CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN #1
Written by CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL
Art by SEAN IZAAKSE
Cover by MIKE DEODATO JR.
Variant covers by TAURIN CLARKE and DANNY EARLS
Foil variant cover by GLEB MELNIKOV
Design variant cover by DAN MORA
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/18/24
Spinning out of Absolute Power and the DC All In Special, the terror of the Darkseid shockwave has cascaded across the DC Universe…tearing open the very fabric
of time and space itself! Only one band of super-scientists have the right stuff
to challenge the fate of a universe…enter: THE CHALLENGERS OF THE UKNOWN. Alongside the Justice League—where the Challengers run day-to-day operations for the massive Watchtower base in orbit above Earth—Ace Morgan, June Robbins, Prof Haley, Red Ryan, and Rocky Davis must team with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the League to seal the rifts that threaten the galaxy. But a mysterious foe from the Challengers’ past lurks in the shadows, and its connection to the godshock will put the DCU on borrowed time!

 

 

 

BATGIRL #2
Written by TATE BROMBAL
Art by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Cover by DAVID TALASKI
Variant cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
1:25 variant cover by SKYLAR PATRIDGE
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/4/24
With Lady Shiva gravely wounded and Batgirl refusing to join her mother’s cause, the two seek refuge in the unlikeliest of places while the mysterious Unburied continue to hunt them—just as their deadly leader finally emerges from the shadows. Lives are at stake, but it wouldn’t be a killer face-off without some casualties!

 

 

 

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS UNCOVERED #1
Written by ARIANNA TURTURRO
Art by GUILLEM MARCH
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
Variant covers by HOMARE and EJIKURE
Foil variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH
1:25 variant cover by MARCIO TAKARA
1:50 variant cover by BAILIE ROSENLUND
ON SALE 12/25/24
A cover-gallery special celebrating the classy and criminal Gotham City fixtures known as the Gotham City Sirens! Join Ivy, Harley, and Catwoman as they take a trip back down memory lane!

 

 

 

HARLEY QUINN #46
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by MINDY LEE
Cover by ELIZABETH TORQUE
Variant covers by DAVID NAKAYAMA and JORGE FORNÉS
DC Winter Wonderland variant by CHRISSIE ZULLO
Artist Spotlight variant cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
1:25 variant cover by A.L. KAPLAN
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/25/24
Laddies and Gentlegirls, are your engines burning for violence, malfeasance, and mayhammery? Look no further than this issue of Harley Quinn (available for preorder right now)!
I, Imperator Harleyiosa, acting as the agent of the Council of Aggrieved Local Retailers of Throatcutter Hill, have placed an embargo on all internet purchases in our disgusting little corner of Gotham City henceforth. No more will convenient internet retailers flood our streets with their express-mail trucks and fill our recycling bins with empty cardboard boxes! Embargoed! Watch out, ’cause I got some serious road rage I can’t wait to unleash! Set wheel in here, and I’m gonna blow up your truck!

 

 

 

POISON IVY #28
Written by G. WILLOW WILSON
Art by MARCIO TAKARA
Cover by JESSICA FONG
Variant covers by JENNY FRISON and PABLO VILLALOBOS
Artist Spotlight variant cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
1:25 variant cover by KNIGHT ZHANG
1:50 variant cover by JENNY FRISON
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/4/24
There is something stirring in the world—a primordial force that has been reawakened by the one and only Pamela Isley, and another that is very unhappy about the former’s return. Ivy’s fight against the Order of the Green Knight sends her down a strange and horrifying path where she discovers that her actions have had a far wider-reaching impact than she ever dreamed.

 

 

 

CATWOMAN #71
Written by TORUNN GRØNBEKK
Art by MARIANNA IGNAZZI
Cover by SEBA FIUMARA
Variant covers by FRANK CHO and LEE BERMEJO
Artist Spotlight variant cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
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 12/18/24
What’s one Catwoman between good friends? Selina’s international hunt brings her to Stockholm in search of an old acquaintance who has become a crime lord there…Of course, she’s pretty sure he might be the one who’s put a price on her head, so she’s going to need to sneak in if she wants to get answers. Luckily for this cat, there’s a fancy-dress party that’s the perfect opportunity to slink in unnoticed.

 

 

 

BIRDS OF PREY #16
Written by KELLY THOMPSON
Art by SAMI BASRI
Cover by LEONARDO ROMERO
Variant covers by SERG ACUÑA and RIAN GONZALES
1:25 variant cover by TRAVIS MERCER
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/4/24
Did you ever wonder what happens when Small Bat gets big? And whatever will Big Barda have to say about it? Meanwhile, five Amazons’ lives are on the line and oh, the entire Birds of Prey field team is caught in a twist no one could have anticipated.

 

 

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #3
Written by MARK WAID and CHRIS SAMNEE
Art and cover by CHRIS SAMNEE
Variant cover by CARLOS D’ANDA
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US
ON SALE 12/18/24
The General makes his move, committing a series of bizarre crimes that turn Gotham’s underworld factions against one another and leaving little in the way of clues for Batman. And while things are bad for the Dark Knight, they’re even worse for Bruce Wayne and his teenage ward, Dick Grayson. But when Batman and Robin are once again called into action, their inability to get on the same page against the Maroni family and Two-Face could cost them both their lives!

 

 

 

BATMAN THE LONG HALLOWEEN: THE LAST HALLOWEEN #4
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art by CLIFF CHIANG
Cover by TIM SALE
Variant covers by CLIFF CHIANG and IAN CHURCHILL
$4.99 US | 32 pages | (all covers are card stock)
ON SALE 12/25/24
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.
With a life hanging precariously in the balance, the Boy Wonder decides to take matters into his own hands!

 

 

 

BATMAN: DARK PATTERNS #1
Written by DAN WATTERS
Art and cover by HAYDEN SHERMAN
Variant cover by STEVAN SUBIC
1:25 variant cover by HAYDEN SHERMAN
$4.99 | 32 pages | Variant $5.99 (card stock)
ON SALE 12/11/24
Set during the early years of Batman’s career, Batman: Dark Patterns delves into four mysterious cases as he attempts to cement his place as Gotham City’s protector while the city itself fights back against him. This is the Dark Knight Detective at his most stripped-down core, a man relying on his wits, his skills, and little else as he tackles some of the most twisted mysteries Gotham City and its protector have ever encountered.
Case 01: We Are Wounded
A series of sickeningly gruesome murders has sent shock waves through Gotham. Are these the random works of a serial killer, or is there something more sinister at play? Batman attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery before any more victims are claimed.

 

 

 

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #20
Written by TY TEMPLETON, SIMONE DI MEO, DAVE WIELGOSZ,
and MICHAEL CONRAD
Art by TY TEMPLETON, SIMONE DI MEO, NIKOLA ČIŽMEŠIJA,
and CHRISTOPHER MITTEN
Cover by SIMONE DI MEO
Variant covers by AARON BARTLING and TULA LOTAY
$7.99 US | 64 pages | Prestige | (all covers are card stock)
ON SALE 12/25/24
Zatanna and Bat-Mite’s unexpected history is revealed in a time-hopping feature story from Ty Templeton! Plastic Man and Wonder Woman have infiltrated the Mirror House in search of the stolen Lasso of Truth, but will they ever make their way out? Animal Man’s unexpected team-up reaches its stunning conclusion! Batman awakens to find himself with a tattoo…but why is it spreading? Find out in this thrilling final issue!

 

 

 

TWO-FACE #1
Written by CHRISTIAN WARD
Art by FÁBIO VERAS
Cover by BALDEMAR RIVAS
Variant covers by CHRISTIAN WARD and CHRIS SAMNEE 1:25 variant cover by LEONARDO ROMERO
ON SALE 12/4/24
After years of internal conflict, both halves of Harvey Dent have reached an uneasy peace. Now Harvey will use his skills as an attorney to resolve the conflicts of Gotham’s weirdest and most dangerous criminals, starting with Victor Zsasz. When Zsasz is accused of murdering a fellow member of Gotham’s underworld contingent, who better to prove a criminal’s innocence than someone who’s been on both sides of the law?

 

 

 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #34
Written by MARK WAID
Art by FRAN GALÁN
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by YANICK PAQUETTE and MIKE DEODATO JR.
Artist Spotlight variant cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
1:25 variant cover by VASCO GEORGIEV
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/17/24
The Super-Pets have gone berserk, Metropolis and Gotham City stand on the verge of ruin, and the world’s only hope is…the Batgirl/Olsen team? It’s a comedy of terrors as—wait, is that a flying monkey in a red cape…?

 

 

 

TITANS #18
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art by PETE WOODS
Cover by PETE WOODS
Variant covers by EDWIN GALMON and VASCO GEORGIEV
DC Winter Wonderland variant by CHRISSIE ZULLO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/17/24
So much for the Titans being one big happy family! Raven is acting strangely, Cyborg is keeping secrets, and Arsenal is working everyone’s last nerve. It would be a really bad day for the Titans to be attacked, wouldn’t it?

 

 

 

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #2
Written by ALEX SEGURA
Art and cover by CIAN TORMEY
Variant covers by JORGE FORNÉS and LUCIO PARRILLO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/18/24
As the Justice League Watchtower reels from a grisly murder, the Question must face a dark reality: that the main suspect in the brutal crime could be someone close to her!
But as Renee digs into the unsavory mystery, she’s derailed by an unexpected—and powerful—new foe. But are the killing and surprise attack related? If so, who’s pulling the strings? The Question must navigate clues and double crosses to get to the truth…if she can survive that long.

 

 

 

BATMAN – SANTA CLAUS: SILENT KNIGHT RETURNS #2
Written by JEFF PARKER
Art by LUKAS KETNER and MICHELE BANDINI
Cover by BERNARD CHANG
Variant cover by STEPHEN BLISS
1:25 variant cover by SANFORD GREENE
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/4/24
To find the missing Justice League, Klaus, Zatanna, and Robin will brave the greatest terror of the holidays…a Christmas party.
You are cordially invited to a winter solstice gathering of the strange and oft-deadly magical community at the Georgetown mansion of Baron Winters, one guest limit. After a performance by sirens and banshees, we will gather in the Baron’s study, where noted demonologist Jason Blood will be giving a reading on the origins of the being called the Silent Knight!

 

 

 

BATMAN – SANTA CLAUS: SILENT KNIGHT RETURNS #3
Written by JEFF PARKER
Art by LUKAS KETNER and MICHELE BANDINI
Cover by BERNARD CHANG
Variant cover by REIKO MURAKAMI
1:25 variant cover by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/11/24
We’re not going to sugarplum-coat it: the situation is dire. The Justice League
is trapped in the Hollow Kingdom, hunted by monsters and skeletons. Innocents everywhere are falling to the Silent Knight’s sword…including a hero everyone was counting on. Right when Klaus looks to have an edge, he goes missing! TBH, the only way we see this turning around is if Zatanna pulls something really good out of her hat…

 

 

 

BATMAN – SANTA CLAUS: SILENT KNIGHT RETURNS #4
Written by JEFF PARKER
Art by LUKAS KETNER and MICHELE BANDINI
Cover by BERNARD CHANG
Variant cover by RICCARDO FEDERICI
1:25 variant cover by MARC ASPINALL
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/18/24
Robin’s and Zatanna’s fortunes change as they accompany the most awesome rescue team in Christmas history: Mary Marvel! Robotman! Metamorpho! Etrigan the Demon! Following the greatest tracker of the north, Mrs. Claus. All our heroes come together in the Hollow Kingdom, where the Silent Knight has gathered his forces and enough power to take his final form. The epic showdown battle of the year comes in under the wire this December!

 

 

 

BATMAN – SANTA CLAUS: SILENT KNIGHT RETURNS #5
Written by JEFF PARKER
Art by LUKAS KETNER
Cover by BERNARD CHANG
Variant cover by PETE WOODS
1:25 variant cover by MICHELE BANDINI
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/25/24
At year’s end, every choice made will affect lives around the world. Seven heroes stand before the monstrous hordes of the Silent Knight. Seven heroes enter the mysterious castle hold of the Hollow Kingdom to face a test of true spirit and will. Ask yourself: Which team would you be on? What skill, power, or knowledge would make the difference against this existential threat? What does solstice mean, anyway? Did this series maybe just go a bit harder than you expected from your holiday special? Good. Whatever the yule brings, please have a happy New Year from the DC Universe!

 

 

 

DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V #5
Written by MATTHEW ROSENBERG and MATTHEW MANNING
Art by OTTO SCHMIDT and ACKY BRIGHT
Cover by OTTO SCHMIDT
Variant covers by JOSHUA HIXSON and KYLE HOTZ
$4.99 US | 40 pages | 5 of 12 | Variants $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/11/24
Green Arrow and his team successfully infiltrate the vampire strong-hold, but their victory is cut short when they discover the horrifying secret that’s long given vampires a lethal edge over the human resis-tance. The truth is greater and more terrible than anything they could have possibly imagined—and its shocking connection to the Speed Force is only just the beginning!

 

 

 

BATMAN: GARGOYLE OF GOTHAM #3
Written by RAFAEL GRAMPÁ
Art and cover by RAFAEL GRAMPÁ
Variant covers by JAMIE HEWLETT, FRANK QUITELY, and BILQUIS EVELY
1:25 wraparound variant cover by JAMIE HEWLETT
1:50 variant cover by PEDRO COBIACO
$6.99 US | 48 pages | 3 of 4 | (all covers are card stock)
ON SALE 12/18/24
“May the hour of the devil begin…”
The harrowing journey through the dark heart of Gotham reaches a fever pitch in this penultimate installment of Rafael Grampá’s visionary series! Batman’s investigation leads him into the deadly lair of Doctorgeist—where his presence is not only expected…but welcomed. Their savage fight for the soul of Gotham—and the soul of Bruce Wayne himself—will send shock waves through the city from which it might never recover. And elsewhere, the fugitive Crytoon makes a twisted acquaintance that finally gives him something to smile about…

 

 

 

BATMAN: FULL MOON #3
Written by RODNEY BARNES
Art and cover by STEVAN SUBIC
Variant cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
$5.99 US | 32 pages | 3 of 4 | Variants $6.99 US (card stock) | Foil variant $7.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/11/24
Despite Zatanna’s warnings, nothing could’ve prepared Batman for the power he was truly up against under the light of the moon—far greater and wilder than any he’s ever encoun-tered before. And when that very same power doesn’t just burrow its way into Batman’s soul, but consumes him completely, the streets of Gotham will run red with the blood of beasts!

 

 

 

DC’S BATMAN SMELLS, ROBIN LAID AN EGG #1
Written by MARV WOLFMAN, ALEXIS QUASARANO, DREW MAXEY, JAMES REID, CALVIN KASULKE, RICK SANCHEZ, DORADO QUICK, and ZIPPORAH SMITH
Art by PAUL PELLETIER, ANDREW DRILON, M.L. SANAPO, MARIANNA IGNAZZI, MARCIAL TOLEDANO VARGAS, ANTHONY MARQUES, AARON CONLEY,
FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA, and more!
Cover by RILEY ROSSMO
Variant covers by LEE BERMEJO and SANTA FUNG
$9.99 US | 80 pages | All covers card stock
ON SALE 12/4/2024
Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg, the Batmobile lost a wheel… and you know the rest! Read these six merry tales about characters from the DCU set during the holiday season. Be enthralled by Dr. Midnight’s literally silent night, become captivated by a Deadman story written by Marv Wolfman, and ponder the question: in a world without the Joker’s torment, is it really a wonderful life? Probably not. DC’s Batman Smells, Robin Laid An Egg, is a heartwarming new holiday anthology coming as a gift to you this this holiday season!

 

 

 

LITTLE BATMAN MONTH ONE #2
Written by MORGAN EVANS
Art and cover by JON MIKEL
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/4/24
Since Bruce Wayne just had to go and get himself kidnapped by Scarecrow, Little Batman (a.k.a. Damian Wayne) finally has a real case to solve. But to crack the clues and save his dad, he’ll first have to defeat every kid’s worst nightmare: a babysitter. With fear toxin now back in Gotham, everyone’s getting a little scared…even Bruce Wayne, who fears that Little Batman might be falling right into Scarecrow’s trap.

 

 

 

THE BATMAN AND SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES #12
Written by J. TORRES
Art and cover by DARIO BRIZUELA
$2.99 US | 32 pages
ON SALE 12/4/24
There’s a Phantasm haunting the Gotham City Opera House! Batman and Mystery Inc. are determined to exorcise this spirit before someone gets seriously hurt, owner “Theatric” Al Perry needs it to happen before his retirement fund gets seriously hurt, and Dr. Leslie Thompkins doesn’t care about anything but acquiring the building to serve as a new neighborhood clinic so she can help residents who’ve been seriously hurt. Who will prevail?

 

 

 

ABSOLUTE POWER
Written by MARK WAID, JOSHUA WILLIAMSON, NICOLE MAINES, and CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by DAN MORA, MIKEL JANÍN, GLEB MELNIKOV, V. KEN MARION, JOHN TIMMS, and others
Cover by DAN MORA
$29.99 US | 184 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-020-9
ON SALE 2/4/2025
It’s a story years in the making…and the biggest DC Comics event of 2024! The final domino to fall in an epic scheme comes tumbling down, and the DC Universe will never be the same. As the founder of the Suicide Squad methodically targets each superhero dynasty one at a time, starting with Superman, a resistance is forming…and Batman is out for vengeance. It’s a shocking blitzkrieg across the universe from the Fortress of Solitude to Themyscira to Gamorra as the destinies of our heroes and the future of the DC Universe are forever altered. Don’t miss the stunning conclusion to the Absolute Power saga as justice is reborn from the ashes. Also included is a special oversize Ground Zero issue bringing Amanda Waller’s total dominance to the doorsteps of the world’s finest heroes…using the combined might of Failsafe, the Brainiac Queen, and the Suicide Squad to do it!

 

 

 

HARLEY QUINN’S BUD AND LOU: TROUBLE TIMES TWO
Written by BEN HED
Art and cover by BEN HED
$12.99 US | 144 pages | 5 1/2″ x 8″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-061-2
ON SALE 3/4/2025

When Harley’s hyenas, Bud and Lou, are framed for stealing the Lasso of Truth, they’re forced to team up with Super-Pets Ace and Jumpa. Hilarity ensues as the unlikely team sets off on an adventure that leads them from Oswald Cobblepot’s penguins to Mr. Freeze’s polar bears. Ben Hed brings his signature charm and humor to DC in this family-friendly graphic novel perfect for fans of his viral webcomic, Pixie and Brutus!

 

 

 

DCEASED: DC COMPACT COMICS EDITION
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE
$9.99 US | 216 pages | 5 1/2” x 8 1/2” | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-163-3
ON SALE 6/3/2025
The end is here!
Six hundred million people. That’s how many fall victim when a mysterious techno-organic virus is unleased on Earth. Six hundred million infected. Six hundred million turned into mindless, rampaging killers bent on death and destruction.
And that’s just the beginning.

 

 

 

BATWOMAN: ELEGY: DC COMPACT COMICS EDITION
Written by GREG RUCKA
Art by J.H. WILLIAMS III
$9.99 US | 240 pages | 5 1/2” x 8 1/2” | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-182-4
ON SALE 6/17/2025
A new villain has emerged in Gotham, masquerading as Alice, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. She sees herself as the hero in her own twisted fairytale with Gotham as her personal Wonderland. Kate Kane, also known as the Batwoman, is tasked with stopping Alice before she unleashes a deadly poison throughout the city.

 

 

 

DC FINEST: HARLEY QUINN: BIRTH OF THE MIRTH
Written by PAUL DINI, KELLEY PUCKETT, KARL KESEL, and others
Art by BRUCE TIMM, MIKE PAROBECK, TERRY DODSON, RACHEL DODSON, and others Cover by BRUCE TIMM
$39.99 US | 616 Pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-77950-048-3
ON SALE 2/18/25
The Maid of Mischief stars in her very own DC Finest collection featuring her very first comics appearances in the pages of The Batman Adventures #12 and The Batman Adven-tures: Mad Love #1, plus her follow-up wacky escapades from Batman: Harley Quinn #1, Harley Quinn #1-8, Action Comics #765, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #126, Azrael: Agent of the Bat #60, Batman #570 and #573-574, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #93, Detective Comics #737 and #740-741, Catwoman #82-84 and #89, and a story from Batman: Gotham Knights #14.

 

 

 

DC FINEST: TEEN TITANS: THE JUDAS CONTRACT
Written by MARV WOLFMAN, MIKE W. BARR, and others
Art by GEORGE PÉREZ, GIL KANE, and others
Cover by GEORGE PÉREZ
$39.99 US | 536 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-77950-025-4
ON SALE 2/4/25
Witness one of the greatest acts of betrayal in comics history in the The Judas Contract,
where one of the Teen Titans’ own turns on them. But from this tragedy, a new hero will arise. Enter Nightwing! Collecting stories from July 1983 to March 1984, this volume features
The New Teen Titans #33-40, The New Teen Titans Annual #2, Tales of the Teen Titans #41-47,
Tales of the Teen Titans Annual #3, The Vigilante #3, Batman and the Outsiders #5, Action Comics #546, and World’s Finest Comics #300.

 

 

 

BATMAN ’89: ECHOES
Written by SAM HAMM
Art and cover by JOE QUINONES
$17.99 US | 152 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-386-6
ON SALE 2/4/2025
Step back into the Gotham of Tim Burton’s seminal Batman movies! Batman ’89 brings in screen-writer Sam Hamm (Batman, Batman Returns) and artist Joe Quinones (Dial H for Hero) to pull on a number of threads left dangling by the prolific director. As D.A. Harvey Dent tries to keep the city together, he targets the one problem tearing it apart: Batman! Collects Batman ’89 #1-6.

 

 

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN
BY PETER J. TOMASI AND PATRICK GLEASON
BOOK TWO
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by PATRICK GLEASON
Cover by PATRICK GLEASON
$39.99| 424 Pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-025-7
ON SALE 2/4/25
Good and evil. Triumph and tragedy. Death and rebirth. This is Batman and Robin as you’ve never seen them before. Collecting the acclaimed creative team’s modern-day classic, Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason redefines one of comics’ greatest partnerships for a new generation! Book Two collects Batman and Robin (vol. 2) #15-28 and Batman and Robin Annual #1-2.

 

 

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN VOL. 2
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by SIMONE DI MEO, JUAN FERREYRA, and NIKOLA ČIŽMEŠIJA
Cover by SIMONE DI MEO
$19.99 US | 160 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-029-2
ON SALE 2/4/2025
Allied with the mysterious new Shush, Man-Bat will stop at nothing to unleash his Cult of the Bat and its thousands of poisoned bats on Gotham. Batman and Robin have enough on their plate when Flatline, Damian’s crush from the Lazarus Tournament, shows up with her own mysterious plans. Can the three unlikely allies stop Man-Bat and Shush in time? And what does Gotham City High School have to do with it?

 

 

 

 

BATMAN BY JAMES TYNION IV OMNIBUS VOL. 1
Written by JAMES TYNION IV, with others
Art by JORGE JIMÉNEZ, GUILLEM MARCH, and others
Cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
$125.00 | 1040 Pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-063-6
ON SALE 3/4/25
From the bestselling and award-winning writer of Detective Comics, Justice League Dark, and Something is Killing the Children and celebrated artists Jorge Jiménez
and Guillem March comes the landmark saga that brought Gotham to its knees
and introduced the world to Punchline, Ghost-Maker, Clownhunter, and more.
One epic, interwoven across two series in two volumes, begins here. Collects Batman #86-105, Batman Annual #5, Batman 2021 Annual #1, Batman: The Joker War Zone #1, Batman: Secret Files #3, Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P. #1, Punchline #1, The Joker #1-4, and stories from Batman #85, Batman #107-111, Infinite Frontier #0, The Joker: 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1, and The Joker #14, and a brand-new cover and introduction by Jiménez.

 

 

 

BATMAN VOL. 4 DARK PRISONS
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY and KELLY THOMPSON
Art by JORGE JIMÉNEZ, MICHELE BANDINI, MIGUEL MENDONÇA, and OTHERS
Cover by JORGE JIMÉNEZ
$39.99 US | 264 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 9781799500582 |
ON SALE 3/4/2025
Following the mind-blowing revelations of “The Joker Year One,” Batman must engineer an escape from Zur’s prison…but what dark secret does Zur now hold that’s a game-changer for the Dark Knight and the entire DC Universe?! And what nefarious role does The Joker play in all this?

 

 

 

BATMAN VOL. 4: THE WAR OF JOKES AND RIDDLES (2025 EDITION)
Written by TOM KING
Art by MIKEL JANÍN, CLAY MANN, SETH MANN, HUGO PETRUS, JOHN LIVESAY,
and DANNY MIKI
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL, NEAL ADAMS, OLIVER COIPEL, and SANDU FLOREA
$17.99 US | 184 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″| Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-034-6
ON SALE 2/11/2025
The Joker and the Riddler would seemingly be natural allies, but early in the Dark Knight’s career, each man determined that he and he alone must be the one to kill the Bat…and either would sooner burn down Gotham than be beaten to the punchline. Critically acclaimed creative team Tom King and Mikel Janín add a new epic to the Dark Knight’s mythology. Collects Batman #25-32 and includes the can’t-miss, heartbreaking secret origin of Kite Man. Hell yeah.

 

 

 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST VOL. 5:
SECRET ORIGINS
Written by MARK WAID, CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL, CULLEN BUNN, DENNIS CULVER, and STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
Art by DAN MORA, TRAVIS MOORE, JORGE FORNES, and others
Cover by DAN MORA
$24.99 US | 176 pages | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-031-5
ON SALE 2/4/2025
Join the World’s Finest duo, Batman and Superman, as they adventure throughout the DC Universe, facing down threats of all shapes and sizes – assuming they can put their personal differences aside when tempers start to flair!
Collects Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #18-19, #25 and Batman/Superman:
World’s Finest 2024 Annual #1.

 

 

 

BATMAN KNIGHTFALL OMNIBUS VOL 2
Written by CHUCK DIXON, ALAN GRANT, DOUG MOENCH, DENNIS O’NEIL, and others Pencils by GRAHAM NOLAN, BRET BLEVINS, MIKE MANLEY, TOM GRUMMETT,
and others
Inks by SCOTT HANNA, MIKE MANLEY, VINCE GIARRANO, BOB SMITH, and others Cover by KELLEY JONES
$125.00 US | 976 pages | 7 1/4” x 10 7/8” | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-046-9
ON SALE 2/18/2025
For the first time ever, the entire Knightquest saga is collected in one massive hardcover volume. Batman: Knightfall Omnibus Vol. 2: Knightquest includes the bestselling storylines “The Crusade” and “The Search” from Batman #501-508, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59-61, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #19-28, Catwoman #6-7, Detective Comics #667-675, Justice League Task Force #5-6,
Robin #1-2, #7, and Showcase ’94 #7.

 

 

 

FOREVER EVIL OMNIBUS
Written by GEOFF JOHNS, PETER J. TOMASI, STERLING GATES, BRIAN BUCCELLATO, and others
Art by DAVID FINCH, SCOT EATON, PHILIP TAN, PATRICK ZIRCHER, and others Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
$150.00 | 1280 Pages | 7 1/16″ x 10 7/8″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-037-7
On sale 2/11/25
The Justice League has fallen. The Crime Syndicate, the League’s evil mirror image, has targeted and eliminated nearly every hero on Earth. Featuring Forever Evil #1-7, Forever Evil Aftermath: Batman vs. Bane #1, Forever Evil Director’s Cut #1, Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #1-6, Forever Evil: Arkham War #1-6, Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1-6, Justice League #24-29, Justice League of America #8-14, Nightwing #30, and Suicide Squad #24-30!

 

 

 

THE BOY WONDER
Written by JUNI BA
Art and cover by JUNI BA
$29.99 US | 184 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-032-2
ON SALE 2/11/2025
The young prince Damian Wayne was raised to be the heir to the fearsome League of Assassins. But everything changed when his father, the Batman, reclaimed him and brought him back to Gotham City. As Robin, Damian discovered he was merely one of several princes, preceded in the role by his brothers Nightwing, Red Hood, and Red Robin. Visionary writer/artist Juni Ba makes his mark on the timeless story of Batman and Robin, synthesizing the characters’ complex history into an accessible and heartrending tale!

 

 

 

RED HOOD: THE HILL
Written by SHAWN MARTINBROUGH
Art by SANFORD GREENE, TONY AKINS, and MORITAT
Cover by SANFORD GREENE
$16.99 US | 184 pages | 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ | Softcover | ISBN: 978-1-79950-039-1
ON SALE 2/18/2025
The Hill was once one of Gotham’s most dangerous suburbs, and its residents joined forces to keep themselves safe when the police—and even Batman—couldn’t. A team of vigilantes called the Watch has managed to keep the gentri-fying suburb safe from its latest outbreak of crime, but will even the addition of Jason Todd as the Red Hood be enough to protect the Hill? Collects Red Hood: The Hill #0-6, including the story’s beginnings from Red Hood: Outlaw #51-52.

 

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catwoman #68 main cover
Comic Reviews and Editorials

Comic Book Review: Catwoman #68

by Ian Miller
written by Ian Miller
In this review of Catwoman #68, as Catwoman’s forces battle the White Glove for the docks, Batman and Catwoman fight for her survival against Hush and Flamingo.

 

 

catwoman #68 main cover

Catwoman #68 main cover by David Nakayama

Catwoman #68
Writer: Tini Howard
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colors: Veronica Gandini
Main Cover: David Nakayama
Variant Covers: Rachta Lin, Rose Besch, Nicola Scott, Marcio Takara, Tirso
Release Date: September 18, 2024

 

This review contains spoilers

Catwoman #68 begins as Catwoman’s allies battle the White Glove, Hush operates on the meteorite in Selina’s brain, and bullies her group to protect him from Batman. Meanwhile, he promises her face to Flamingo to eat. Eiko Hasigawa Catwoman agrees reluctantly, along with Dario Tomcat, as Batman watches the conflagration at the docks from above.

In her dreams, Selina sees Bast, the Egyptian cat goddess, who says she has come to love Catwoman, and offers Selina her life back if she can find her way through the desert.

Eiko Catwoman confronts Batman on the rooftops, and Batman vows to watch over (but not protect) Selina through Hush’s surgery.

In Selina’s dream, her cat Duchess leads her to Valmont, and they say goodbye to each other. She hears Batman’s voice, appearing as a bat-god of justice, as he radios through her tooth fillings. Batman tells her to wake up and strike as soon as Hush sews her skull back up while he takes care of Flamingo. Batman takes the unconscious Hush and holds off the police as Selina takes command of her forces in the fight. She forces the White Glove leader and survivors to retreat, then helps her supporter Hoops to the hospital. As she walks with Hoops, she repeats the goddess Bast’s words to the city of Gotham – she loves it, and cats don’t choose idly.

 

Analysis

I return for Catwoman #68, at the turn of the creative teams! After a blessed break from reviewing Tini Howard’s run, I’m coming back to review the book when Torunn Gronbekk’s tenure starts next month, and jumped in to cover this finale before that. For the most part Tini Howard seems to craft a finale where all of her heroes get some fun stuff to do (though Tomcat probably gets least to do, which given his awful costume design, is understandable, but it’s kind of a bummer given the rich setup he got in the first half of the run).

Though the way she writes Batman as being hypersensitive about stepping on Selina’s toes, as if she’s a toddler who will melt down if he helps her, is more than a bit annoying. It’s nice to see the passion Howard injects into Batman and Catwoman’s communications and scenes, even while Catwoman says goodbye to the most inexplicable love interest ever, Valmont.

Howard falls into some of the traps she set for herself in the first half of the run here, too. First, having Selina be constantly talked about as a huge powerful force, but then when she is actually on page, she fails as often as she succeeds. Her victory against the White Gloves is just forcing a retreat, she spends the first half of the book asleep going through a speed-run rehash of Ram V’s desert spirit quest for Batman in Detective Comics, and instead of ending the comic with an iconic character like Batman or Eiko Catwoman or even the new original character Dario, she walks off to the hospital with Hoops, who only showed up a year ago.

Not to mention, though Howard has laid off the “all men are evil or pathetic, all women help each other”, since the White Glove is led by a very evil woman, and Batman and Dario both appear as “approved” allies, Selina still chooses to say that “I’d do it for any woman” instead of “I’d do it for anyone who needed it.” All in all, the Tini Howard who started this run is still here in the end. I appreciate her classy post on her subtract saying farewell, not farming for trolls but just saying goodbye to fans and haters alike. But I have to say that I’m glad we’re turning the page.

Carmine Di Giandonmenico once again turns in fantastic work. His spikey lines and strong expressions really work in this epic finale issue. The work he does with the vision of Batman as a bat-god in Selina’s dream is very striking indeed. Veronica Gandini’s colors are rich, full of light and dark, and exciting – just as such an action, destruction, mysticism, and romance issue demands. It’s nice to see the run end on a high note artistically, for sure. Looking forward to what Gronbekk and artist Fabiana Mascolo give us next month!

David Nakayama finishes up his run as the main cover artist for this part of Tini Howard’s run with an image of Catwoman, in her squeaky-shiny purple suit, exiting through a window into a flaming Gotham, winking and holding a white cat, with a farewell postcard. Humorous and appealing, and appropriate for a final issue of a run. Rachta Lin’s variant shows Catwoman putting on a crown in an art gallery, aided by little burglar cats – again leaning into the humorous, in a style reminiscent of Peach Momoko or Rose Besch. Speaking of Besch, her variant for this issue shows an extremely cute pair of Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and a cat with a red bow, plus some post it note decorations.

As part of her Artist Spotlight Costume Variant series, Nicola Scott gives us a gorgeous array of Catwomans. Marcio Takara’s 1 in 25 incentive variant shows a smirking Catwoman leaping through the air following a black cat, their huge necklaces flowing into the orange sky behind them. Lastly, the 1 in 50 incentive variant by Tirso Cons  shows a Selina lounging in shorts and tank top, reading with cats piled around her – a cute domestic portrait, an interesting contrast to the rest of the covers.

It will be quite interesting seeing how the new main cover artist, Sebastian Fiumara, coming off of a run of incentive variants for Detective Comics (and before that, some gorgeous variants for Robert Venditti’s truly excellent Hawkman series), handles the upcoming run by Torunn Gronbekk. In addition to Fiumara, DC will continue to provide 25 issue and 50 issue incentive cover schemes. We’ll be here next month to find out!

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

 

Final Thoughts

As Tini Howard wraps up her run with Catwoman #68, she manages to avoid some of the pitfalls that have plagued it since her first issue, but overall still turns in an incoherent, messy finale, albeit one with gorgeous art by Carmine Di Giandomenico.

 

Editor’s Note: You can find this comic and help support TBU in the process by purchasing this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy of the title through Things From Another World.

catwoman #68 main cover
Catwoman #68
Final Thoughts
As Tini Howard wraps up her run, she manages to avoid some of the pitfalls that have plagued it since her first issue, but overall still turns in an incoherent, messy finale, albeit one with gorgeous art by Carmine Di Giandomenico.
2.5
Final Score
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