A Critical Look at DC's November 2015 Solicits

With assistance by Mike Maillaro

Check out Newsarama for a complete list of DC books shipping in November.

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DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE #1 by FRANK MILLER, BRIAN AZZARELLO, ANDY KUBERT & KLAUS JANSON

The epic ending you never saw coming is here because you demanded it! The Dark Knight rises again to face the dawn of the master race!

Grey: I didn’t demand this. Did you demand this?

Mike: Don’t look at me.  Frank Miller hasn’t done a comic I’ve liked in a very long time.  To be honest, I didn’t even like the original DARK KNIGHT RETURNS all that much. Though I do love his DAREDEVIL.  I wouldn’t read this one if you paid me.   One thing I am real curious about is the fact that this is one full size comic and a 16 page mini comic too.  That is an unusual format.  But, when the only think about a comic solicit that catches my eye is the format of the book, you’ve got some problems.

Grey: I’ll be skipping it like I did the last one.

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SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN #1 by MAX LANDIS & NICK DRAGOTTA

Hollywood screenwriter and Eisner Award nominee Max Landis (Chronicle, American Ultra, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN) joins forces with top comics artists including Jock, Francis Manapul and Jae Lee to bring you SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN, a 7-issue miniseries chronicling the life of Clark Kent and his development into the archetypal hero he will eventually become. But these are not the stories of the iconic “Superman” as you know him, but of the soft-spoken, charming, often-funny Kansas farm-boy behind the Man of Steel. With the tone of each issue ranging from heartwarming and simple, to frighteningly gritty and violent, to sexy, sun-kissed and funny, SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

In this first issue, superstar artist Nick Dragotta (East of West, Fantastic Four) illustrates the story of Jonathan and Martha Kent as they struggle to deal with their 12-year-old son’s latest quirk—he’s been floating up into the air, sometimes hundreds of feet!

Mike: I do like the idea of a more classic SUPERMAN story, but this kind of story has been told many times before, so I don’t know if there is anything new here to get my attention.  If I want to read a good old SUPERMAN story, I will dig out my many, many back issues.  

Grey: I might check it out in trade after the fact if I hear good things, but this just doesn’t sound like a must read to me.

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BATMAN: EUROPA #1 by MATTEO CASALI, BRIAN AZZARELLO, GIUSSEPPE CAMUNCOLI, & JIM LEE

Superstar artist Jim Lee returns to the Dark Knight with this premiere issue! The impossible has happened and Batman is on the verge of being taken down by an enemy he cannot defeat: a virus for which there is no cure! And the only hope for his salvation is The Joker! Who infected Batman, what does the Clown Prince of Crime know, and how will the Dark Knight get that information? Together, the enemies crisscross Europe, desperate to find answers before time runs out.

Grey: HOLY CRAP! Now what will Newsarama put on their tri-yearly “whatever happened to” list of books that turned into vapor?!

Seriously though, I want to crap on this book, but Azz is writing it, and it’s Jim Lee doing art over the layouts of Giusseppe “For some reason they ignored that he’s currently drawing Amazing Spider-Man in his credits” Camuncoli. This could be pretty good.

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BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL #5-8 by VARIOUS

 

The new Batman weekly powers into its second month—and goes international! Batman’s greatest secret has torn the Robins apart, sending them on different missions around the world. What is the significance of the case Batman and Robin worked five years ago in Prague? What will Jason Todd and Tim Drake find on the island of vice that is Gamorra? And can Harper Row get through the wall Cassandra Cain has built around herself?

Grey: I’m really looking forward to this book, but having a generic solicit for all four issues is lame.

Mike: BATMAN ETERNAL went on a little too long, but I still enjoyed it.  Is this Bruce Wayne or Jim Gordon?  I have been waiting to see what Damien thought of someone else carrying on his dad’s legacy….

Grey: It’s Dick Grayson, actually. Everything I’m seeing has him front and center in the present and past.

Mike: Can’t be.  He’s dead.  Just like Batman.  

Grey: He’s dead...but Midnighter would still know that ass anywhere.

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JUSTICE LEAGUE #46 by GEOFF JOHNS & FRANCIS MANAPUL

“Darkseid War” rages on! The Justice League has become Gods! Grail discovers a truth about Wonder Woman that disturbs even her! And a shocking secret about the fate of the Anti-Monitor will force the League to seek out new and unlikely allies!

Grey: I’m loving the Darkseid War thus far, this past weeks issue was great, and I’m eager to see how it keeps unfolding. Batman in the Mobius Chair is awesome.

Mike: I’ve been enjoying Darkseid War, though I keep finding myself distracted wondering how Superman and Batman can be here and full powered with everything going on in their own books.

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JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #6 by BRYAN HITCH & DANIEL HENRIQUES

Bryan Hitch continues to test the World’s Greatest Heroes! It’s all-out war against the forces of Rao!

Grey: Because when I think of the Justice League, I think of them getting involved in religious matters. I lasted two issues on this book before I threw my hands up in indifference.

Mike: I am glad you said it.  I thought there was something wrong with me as this comic has done nothing for me.  I just thought it was overhyped.  I am still not sure why Superman would be so willing to kiss Rao’s ass...but at the same time, I have a hard time caring all that much to find out.

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 BLACK CANARY #6 by BRENDEN FLETCHER & ANNIE WU

The secret of who assembled this pack of misfits into the band that became Black Canary is revealed—and the answer is stranger than you’d ever dream! There’s a higher purpose to dropping Ditto into Dinah’s life, but will they both survive the mission they’re meant to complete?

Mike: Looks like it is going to take a few more months before we finally get some answers on what’s going on here.  Though I have enjoyed this book anyway, so I don’t mind waiting a few more months for answers.

Grey: Likewise, this book has really been a pleasant surprise for me. I was expecting it to be too much like Batgirl, but it’s really been its own animal.

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CYBORG #5 by DAVID F. WALKER, IVAN REIS & JOE PRADO

Cyborg has the technology the alien Technosapiens are after—and they’ll stop at nothing to make Victor Stone a part of their permanent collection!

Grey: I feel like Wolfman told this story in New Teen Titans, but given how much I enjoyed the first issue, I’m willing to look past it.

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DOCTOR FATE #6 by PAUL LEVITZ & SONNY LIEW

New York City goes dark as the new Doctor Fate battles the ancient god Anubis to the death—but gods can’t die, can they?

Grey: I watched this awful movie called The Pyramid the other day. Fuck Anubis.

Mike: I am more likely to watch an awful movie then to ever read a comic starring Dr Fate.  Only time I have ever liked Fate was in the Young Justice cartoon…

Grey: I like him in an ensemble. Like, the Earth 2 version that was around before the planet blew up was pretty good. And the Hector Hall version in JSA.

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EARTH 2: SOCIETY #6 by DANIEL H. WILSON & JORGE JIMENEZ

The heroes of Earth-2 grow closer to discovering the real dangers that lurk in their new world as the murderous Hourman is revealed.

Grey: Rex or Rick? Place your bets

Mike: I am hoping for robot Hourman!  I always loved that version!

Grey: Tyler! DC 1,000,000 for the win!

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THE FLASH #46 by ROBERT VENDITTI,  VAN JENSEN, BRETT BOOTH & NORM RAPMUND

Is the missing Heat Wave dead—or alive? The Rogues reunite to find out. But the search has gone so bad that they need to enlist the help of The Flash to find out!

Mike: Alive.  He’s basically starring in two of DC’s popular TV shows, so why would they kill off Heatwave?  

Grey: They wouldn’t, but given the book, I can’t wait to see what happens. When Venditti took over I was afraid, given how bad GL got, but it’s so good!

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GREEN ARROW #46 by BENJAMIN PERCY & PATRICK ZIRCHER

The city of Juarez has been overrun by Jefe and his Skeleton Cartel. He plans a sacrifice to honor the Day of the Dead. Can Green Arrow and Tarantula really stop an army of the darkness? Or will they simply become the first victims?

Grey: I’m happy to report that Ben Percy’s Green Arrow has been almost as good as Jeff Lemire’s was. And hey, Tarantula! I wonder if she’ll try and do Ollie the way she did Dick Grayson back in the day!

Mike: It’s Ollie...no one has to force him into sex.  He’ll volunteer.  How many people has he slept with in Arrow?  He’s approaching Wilt Chamberlain numbers.

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JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #6 by KEITH GIFFEN, J.M. DeMATTEIS, & HOWARD PORTER

Evil Zeus of Injustice League 3000 has returned, and he’s created a new race of the most bizarre New Gods in DCU history! And a new threat enters U.P. space and they’re systematically eliminating any and all obstacles to their master’s conquest. Plus, the most unexpected super death in super history. No. Really. You’ll never guess.

Grey: Have you read JL3k yet?

Mike: Yes!  It’s been real good.  The problem with it is that it’s just real consistent.  I don’t often think about including it in my picks each week, or didn’t even think to comment here, because it would just be a dull “Love this book, totally worth buying!”

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MARTIAN MANHUNTER #6 by ROB WILLIAMS, EDDY BARROWS, & EBER FERREIRA

A new female Martian warrior emerges as the mystery of our four heroes and their connection to the late J’onn J’onzz is finally revealed, and the Martian invasion reaches its deadly endgame.

Grey: This book is confusing and awesome, and if the endgame is a new female J’onn, I’m cool with that. I can’t wait to see people whine.

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THE OMEGA MEN #6 by TOM KING & BARNABY BAGENDA

Former Green Lantern Kyle Rayner and the Omega Men—captured at last! Now, these alleged terrorists are about to be processed and jailed with all the dignity and rights afforded them by benevolent Citadel law.

Grey: When did he go from White Lantern Kyle Rayner to Green Lantern Kyle Rayner?

Mike: Has Omega Men ever not been an awful, unreadable title?  You’d think DC would just stop.  I would say that it is purely to keep the copyright...but why would they want it?  The title is even worse than the comics that have used it over the years.

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PREZ #6 by MARK RUSSELL & BEN CALDWELL

As the cat flu ravages the nation, President Ross has to ward off an angry Senate, while her transgender robot bodyguard saves her from virus rights protesters.

Mike: Did this series get killed?  I thought it was supposed to be 12 issue mini-series.  I just looked, and apparently it’s now going to be two 6-issue mini-series.  Okay, My rage is subsided.  

Grey: Yeah, they broke it into two to give it more hope. Having two launches will help, hopefully word of mouth will help boost sales of the trade and second volume. That said, I haven’t read any of it yet.

Mike: You are missing out.  It’s rare you get biting political commentary that is actually really funny.  But Prez achieves it perfectly.

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RED HOOD/ARSENAL #6 by SCOTT LOBDELL & DENIS MEDRI

Roy and Jason have been through a lot with their new start-up business, and a therapy session to vent a few grievances seems like just what the doctor ordered. Too bad Sera Phina and her team of villains are finally assembled and ready to launch their attack!

Grey: The solicits don’t get across just how much fun this book actually is.

Mike: Glad you suggested I check this out.  Finally read it, and it’s great.  Arsenal is hilarious in it.  So glad he’s not moopy and broody anymore!

Grey: I really like that they made him an alcoholic instead of a heroin junkie. It’s a lot more relatable, and it’s less of a “Roy did a horrible awful thing and he’ll never stop wanting his needle”.

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SECRET SIX #8 by GAIL SIMONE & DALE EAGLESHAM

As monstrous giant beings from beyond the stars pound at the gates of reality, the Secret Six reluctantly race around the globe (with their guide, the demon ETRIGAN) as they attempt to prevent a horrifying fate for all mankind. Guest stars galore as the balance of power in the DCU rests solely in the hands of teenager Lori Zechlin, a.k.a. Black Alice!

Grey: I want to thank DC for giving Gail this book, and Gail for making this book as good as her previous run with the title. Black Alice and Etrigan in this issue? Sold.

Mike: I am not quite sure it’s as good as the old Secret Six series...YET...but I do love the twists and turns.  Definitely entertaining and must buy for me.   

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STARFIRE #6 by AMANDA CONNER, JIMMY PALMIOTTI, EMANUELA LUPACCHINO, & RAY McCARTHY

Starfire’s new job at the aquarium has had some ups and downs, but that’s nothing compared to the adventure that’s about to begin. And this time, it hits close to home—from a galaxy far, far away.

Grey: I lasted two issues here. It’s not a bad book, it’s just...I couldn’t make myself really care.

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TITANS HUNT #2 by DAN ABNETT & PAULO SIQUEIRA

 “The Secret History of the Teen Titans” continues! Dick Grayson is hot on the trail of a young Atlantean named Garth—but what he doesn’t realize is that something is hunting him! Plus, Roy Harper encounters a mysterious woman named Lilith—and this run-in will leave him questioning his own past!

Grey: I’m not sure how or where or when this book happens, but I love the classic New Teen Titans, so I have to give it a look.

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TELOS #2 by JEFF KING, CARLO PAGULAYAN, & JASON PAZ

A secret history of Convergence is revealed when Brainiac offers Telos a terrible choice: Save his people or save his planet. And now, years later, is Brainiac the only ally in Telos’s search to find his lost family? Or could he put his faith in K’Rot, Stealth, and Captain Comet instead?

Mike: This isn’t exactly a secret history.  We already knew that Telos had gone all Silver Surfer to end up working for Brainiac.  CONVERGENCE told us all that…

Grey: HOLY SHIT! I’d been blanking on why he seemed so damn familiar, but you’re right! He’s Surfer!

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ACTION COMICS #46 by GREG PAK & AARON KUDER

Once upon a time, the idea that Clark Kent could be corrupted would have been unthinkable, but now one villain is about to take advantage of his troubles! As more and more people turn on the Man of Steel, how long before Superman turns to the dark side? What evil force is orchestrating all this?

Grey: Action Comics, hell, all of the Superman books have been benefiting greatly from the Truth storyline. This mortal and very human Superman has been a breath of fresh air, and Greg Pak has been writing the hell out of him.

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BATMAN/SUPERMAN #26 by GREG PAK & ALEX SHIBAO

Batgirl enters the scene as the half-powered Superman goes to war against Vandal Savage!

Grey: See, here’s more Greg Pak, but now he’s bringing in Vandal Savage!

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SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #23 by PETER J. TOMASI, DOUG MAHNKE & JAIME MENDOZA

Clark Kent must go to extreme measures to try to restore his power, while Diana, Lois and Lana team up to learn exactly who is behind a new threat to Superman!

Grey: All of Clark’s ladies team up to help him out? This sounds like an old imaginary story from the seventies, but given how Tomasi has been doing here I’m expecting nothing but the best.

Mike: Yeah, I wasn’t expecting much from this book, but I am surprised at how much I enjoy it each and every month.  This totally sounds Silver Age, but I still want to read it.

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SUPERMAN #46 by GENE LUEN YANG & HOWARD PORTER

Robbed of his identity, his loved ones and his home, a broken Superman is forced to join a super-fight club. The stakes? His life!

Grey: Super-fight club? Sold.

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SUPERMAN: LOIS AND CLARK #2 by DAN JURGENS & LEE WEEKS

While we learn what exactly this strange new Superman has been up to during his time on this Earth, Lois is targeted by a deadly organization that calls itself…Intergang! Plus: Jon, the son of Lois and Clark, is starting to wonder about his parents’ true origins.

Mike: That has to be a tough conversation.  Mom?  Dad?  Is it true the stork brought me to a weird domed city...and then you guys somehow half-assed reversed Crisis? Awkward.

Grey: Black Suit Superman, dude. It’s going to be 90’s dark.

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DOOMED #6 by SCOTT LODBELL & JAVIER FERNANDEZ

Doomed and Alpha Centurion are locked in mortal combat, and this most dangerous game just might end in a fatality as a new combatant enters the fray! Plus, the moment you’ve been waiting for as Superman turns his attention to Doomed!

Mike: ALPHA CENTURION???  Holy crap,  I thought I was the only one who remembered that guy.  I used to love Alpha Centurion.  DOOMED has been much better than I expected so far, so I can’t wait to see what Lobell can do with Alpha Centurion.

Grey: When the New 52 launched, I felt like Scott had completely lost his touch. Now I find myself loving this and Red Hood/Arsenal. I’m stoked for this.

Mike: I actually passed on Red Hood/Arsenal because of how bad some of his New 52 stuff was. But I have really liked Doomed, so I really should give it a shot.

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BATMAN #46 by SCOTT SNYDER, GREG CAPULLO, & DANNY MIKI

At last, Batman comes face to face with Gotham City’s deadly new villain, Mr. Bloom. With the fate of the city hanging in the balance, Batman reaches out to the one man who might be able to help him: Bruce Wayne!

Mike: Uhm...is this a solicit for last week’s issue of Batman??  It sounds EXACTLY what happened in the most recent issue.  Is this story going to be spinning its wheels for 3 months, or did someone screw up?

Grey: Nah, it’s legit, this past issue had Penguin meeting Mr. Bloom. This issue will have Batman meeting him! SLIGHT DIFFERENCE!

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BATGIRL #46 by BRENDEN FLETCHER, CAMERON STEWART, & BABS TARR

In her civilian life, Barbara Gordon may be sitting on tech research that could be a gold mine…and in her life as Batgirl, she’s cracked the code that might enable her to take down massive police corruption in Burnside! It’s time for Batgirl to level up—but she’s going to need allies on both fronts. Enter the Spoiler!

Mike: So torn.  BATGIRL had no appeal to me when I tried it. But, I love Spoiler…

Grey: #%^#(%&#^@&$* DAMNIT DC! THE ONLY REAL BATGIRL IS STEPHANIE BROWN!

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BATMAN BEYOND #6 by DAN JURGENS & BERNARD CHANG

His suit’s torn to shreds, his city’s dying, and he’s been up to his neck in Inque and cyborgs since he got thrown into this hellish future! But he’s done being told he’s not Batman, and he’s taking the fight to the moon for humanity’s final showdown with Brother Eye! This is it—the conclusion to the struggle started way back in FUTURES END #0!

Grey: I really hope that concluding the Brother Eye story doesn’t put a ticking clock on this book. Batman Beyond should just always be a thing, and Tim is doing a good job filling in for a dead Terry.

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GREEN LANTERN: THE LOST ARMY #6 by CULLEN BUNN & JESUS SAIZ

This may be the last chance for John Stewart and the rest of the lost Lanterns to return home…but there are still plenty of obstacles in their way!

Grey: So I’m actually buying, and enjoying, this book. It’s still pretty weird, but the idea that a bunch of GL’s got thrown into the universe predating the current one, where Relic came from, is intriguing. Plus, Guy Gardner sells books.