Best to worst DC Comics solicitations for September 2017

What are the most (and least) noteworthy comic book solicitations from DC Comics this fall? And why do almost every one of them involve Batman?

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Some of you who’ve read my past columns no doubt are wondering, “Don’t you usually talk about upcoming Spider-Man solicits, Mike?” I usually do, but when the ones posted for September of 2017 did come out, I had forgotten all about them. By the time I remembered, it was already July. I felt pretty bad about missing out on doing so, and I thought about how I could make it up to you fine folks.

That’s when I had an idea: what about the solicitations for other comics — both DC and Marvel? What if I offered some insights into those? The only problem is, there are a lot of them, far too many to cover for just one article. Then I had a second idea: what if I took the solicits which stood out the most, then ranked them from best to worst?

Thus, starting with DC Comics, we’ll take a look at the most stand-out solicits from the month of September 2017 (courtesy of Newsarama and IGN) and see which ones look the best, and which ones look like a waste of our time. And if there’s one thing to pick up on from DC’s offering this fall, it’s that there’s definitely a lot of Batman.

Number 1

"ALL STAR BATMAN #14Written by SCOTT SNYDERArt by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUEBackup story art by SEBASTIAN FIUMARACover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUEVariant covers by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE and SEBASTIAN FIUMARARetailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for details. Includes a code for a free digital download of this issue.“The First Ally” finale! In the final issue of Scott Snyder’s high-octane run on ALL STAR BATMAN, he and superstar artist Rafael Albuquerque put Batman to the ultimate test! Faced with either losing his future as Batman or the person he loves most, the Dark Knight must decide which ultimate price he is willing to pay.On sale SEPTEMBER 13 • 40 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE"

Commentary: I imagine Bruce will find a way to save Alfred without sacrificing being Batman. After all, the “impossible choice” is a standard comic book staple. It’s not you something throw into the final issue of a series, however. Nevertheless, the first two parts of “The First Ally” have been good, and expect Scott Synder’s final (for now) Batman story to finish strong as well.

Number 2

"ACTION COMICS #987Written by DAN JURGENSArt by VIKTOR BOGDANOVICLenticular cover by NICK BRADSHAWVariant cover by MIKEL JANINRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“THE OZ EFFECT” part one! The agents of the mysterious Mr. Oz begin to move as the Man of Steel works to stop the chaos they unleash in Metropolis and across the globe. But when Mr. Oz steps from the shadows his identity rocks the Last Son of Krypton to his core. The story that began in DC Universe: Rebirth #1 begins to end here!On sale SEPTEMBER 13 • Lenticular version $3.99 • Nonlenticular version $2.99 US • RATED TACTION COMICS #988Written by DAN JURGENSArt by PATCH ZIRCHERLenticular cover by NICK BRADSHAWVariant cover by MIKEL JANINRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“THE OZ EFFECT” part two! As Superman struggles with the ramifications of Mr. Oz’s identity, the mysterious figure’s origins and the long road to Superman’s doorstep finally reveal themselves.On sale SEPTEMBER 27 • Lenticular version $3.99 • Nonlenticular version $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Finally, we’re getting a resolution to one of the bigger mysteries of DC Rebirth. Or should I say one of the bigger mysteries of the Superman comics. This is because the question of “Who is Mr. Oz?” first came up before DC Rebirth during Geoff John’s “The Men of Tomorrow.” This is also why I don’t believe Mr. Oz, as some may suspect, is Ozymandias. My far-out guess about who Mr. Oz really is? I think he’s Jor-El. Having Superman’s biological dad still be alive would be the kind of thing to “rock [him] to his core,” and get readers riled up and talking.

Number 3

"DARK NIGHTS: METAL #2Written by SCOTT SNYDERArt and cover by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPIONVariant cover by ANDY KUBERT, JIM LEE and JOHN ROMITA JR.Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for details.As Superman and Wonder Woman hunt for a missing ally, Batman investigates a mystery spanning centuries. When the World’s Greatest Detective discovers a foe even greater than the Justice League could possibly imagine, will Earth’s heroes be ready?On sale SEPTEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, 2 of 6 • $4.99 US • FOIL-STAMPED, EMBOSSED COVER • RATED T+DARK NIGHTS: METAL #3Written by SCOTT SNYDERArt and cover by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPIONVariant cover by ANDY KUBERT, JIM LEE and JOHN ROMITA JR.Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for details.Superman is pulled into the mystery of the Dark Multiverse while the Justice League follows the trail to a weapon that could keep the forces of the Dark Multiverse at bay!On sale OCTOBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, 3 of 6 • $4.99 US • FOIL-STAMPED, EMBOSSED COVER • RATED T+"

Commentary: The premise behind Dark Nights: Metal is an intriguing one: that Nth metal (the same element used by Hawkman) has far more widespread implications and ramifications than we thought. At the very least, it seems as though there are connections on just to Synder’s earlier work on Batman. It also appears as though there are ties to Crisis On Infinite Earths and even Grant Morrison’s The Return of Bruce Wayne. Based on the strength of Dark Days: The Forge #1, it looks like Dark Nights: Metal might be an event worth picking up.

Number 4

"BATMAN BEYOND #12Written by STEVE ORLANDO and VITA AYALAArt by SIYA OUMCover by BERNARD CHANGVariant cover by DAVE JOHNSONRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details. Includes a code for a free digital download of this issue.In a special issue by the guest team of writers Steve Orlando and Vita Ayala and artist Siya Oum, Batman and Bruce Wayne are away—so who’s left to protect Neo-Gotham? Enter Nissa, the seldom seen 15-year-old Batgirl of the future! Crime and corruption lead Commissioner Barbara Gordon to the lawless neighborhood of Crown Point where she soon finds herself under siege. Can this young, self-made caped crusader save Gordon without the resources of Batman?On sale SEPTEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: This isn’t the first time we’ve seen “Batgirl Beyond,” as the character first appeared in Batman Beyond Unlimited #18. It’s a little strange the solicit treats Nissa as though she’s a new character, or suggests this is the first time Barbara teams up with her. More likely, we’re getting an issue told from Nissa’s point of view in what’s also likely a done-in-one-story.

Number 5

"BATGIRL #15Written by HOPE LARSONArt by CHRIS WILDGOOSECover by DAN MORAVariant cover by JOSHUA MIDDLETONRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details. Includes a code for a free digital download of this issue.“Summer of Lies” part two! Just as Batgirl and Nightwing discover which villain from their past has returned, they realize something worse…it was all a trap! When everything they thought they knew comes crashing down, will they be able to confront their true feelings for each other?On sale SEPTEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Ah, yes, another ship-tease between Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon. It may not seem like such a big deal, but keep in mind how DC, since the New 52, has distanced the two of them. Yet, now, with Rebirth well underway (and it re-establishing prior romantic pairings between other characters) it stands to reason Batgirl and Nightwing would follow suit. Though I imagine the Nightwing and Starfire shippers might be upset.

Number 6

"DETECTIVE COMICS #964Written by JAMES TYNION IV and CHRISTOPHER SEBELAArt by CARMEN CARNEROCover by EDDY BARROWSVariant cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUERetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“Dystopia”! Anarky has shown Spoiler the world he’s built beneath Gotham City, which he plans to bring into the light…but she needs to know who helped him build it! And what’s more, this alliance has put Steph back on Batman’s radar…and now the two are on a collision course!On sale SEPTEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TDETECTIVE COMICS #965Written by JAMES TYNION IVArt by EDDY BARROWSCover by EDDY BARROWSVariant cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUERetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“A Lonely Place Of Living” part one! It’s the story you’ve demanded: Where in the world (or otherwise) is Tim Drake? Red Robin faces a crossroads…escape the most devious prison ever devised, or find himself abandoned beyond time and space for all eternity! Not much of a choice, right? But when he finds out just who is locked in there with him, Tim’s world will change in ways he never imagined! This is one of the biggest stories of the REBIRTH era, setting the stage for an explosive DETECTIVE COMICS epic!On sale SEPTEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: It’s about time Detective Comics made some forward momentum on the “Mr. Oz abducting Tim Drake” subplot. I also have a strong suspicion that Tim’s cellmate will wind up being his older self, as seen in Future’s End and Batman Beyond. I’m less intrigued about the Spoiler teaming up with Anarky, however. If James Tynion IV’s goal is to show how Anarky’s crusade against Batman has made her into a hypocrite, then he’s done a bang-up job. It’s come at the expense of making her extremely unlikable.

Number 7

"TEEN TITANS #12Written by BENJAMIN PERCYArt by MIRKA ANDOLFOCover by STJEPAN SEJICVariant cover by CHAD HARDINRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details. Includes a code for a free digital download of this issue.A DARK NIGHTS: METAL tie-in! “GOTHAM RESISTANCE” part one! The fight for Gotham City’s soul starts here! When Robin receives a distress call from Nightwing urging him to return home, he discovers that Gotham City has been transformed into a mosaic of monsters, magic and doom! Trapped inside the Riddler’s deadly maze with nowhere to turn, Robin soon assembles an unlikely team of hometown heroes including Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Black Canary and Green Arrow to find the missing Nightwing and save their city!On sale SEPTEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Okay, so a subplot of Dark Nights: Metal is basically a new take on Batman: No Man’s Land? Other solicits, besides this, also suggest Gotham becomes divvied up between various Batman rogues like Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, Mad Hatter, Bane, Poison Ivy and others. Also, the idea of Nightwing being in trouble feels too soon in light of Forever Evil. Still, I like the idea of Damien Wayne teaming up with these particular characters, and possibly thinking he’s in charge when he’s really not.

Number 8

"WONDER WOMAN #30Written by SHEA FONTANAArt by DAVID MESSINACover by JESUS MERINOVariant cover by JENNY FRISONRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details“Heart of the Amazon” finale! Wonder Woman may be a warrior, but she’s nobody’s weapon—as the mysterious cabal that’s been trying to manipulate her is about to learn!On sale SEPTEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TWONDER WOMAN #31Written by JAMES ROBINSONArt by CARLO PAGULAYANCover by BRYAN HITCHVariant cover by JENNY FRISONRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details“Children of the Gods” part one! Spinning out of the pages of DC UNIVERSE REBIRTH and JUSTICE LEAGUE: DARKSEID WAR, legendary writer James Robinson (JSA: THE GOLDEN AGE, STARMAN) comes on board to answer one of the biggest questions of the year: Who is Wonder Woman’s brother? Taken away from Themyscira in the dead of night, the mysterious Jason has been hidden somewhere far from the sight of gods and men…but his life and Wonder Woman’s are about to intersect in a terrifying way, bringing them face to face with a cosmic threat they never imagined! Don’t miss the start of the next great Wonder Woman epic!On sale SEPTEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Wonder Woman having a twin brother is another holdover from the New 52 that’s also acted as a key plot point heading into Rebirth. This also suggests that while Diana’s New 52 origin was a lie, her being the daughter of Zeus is not. It’s another interesting concept for Wonder Woman, even if it does use the cliched lost sibling trope. It will also depend on what we do learn about Jason too.

Number 9

"JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #14Written by STEVE ORLANDOArt by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADOCover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADOVariant cover by TBDRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details“CRISIS IN THE MICROVERSE” part three! The search for Ray Palmer continues as atomic lightning threatens to tear apart the microverse! The JLA’s only hope of survival lies deep within the sentient planet Moz-Ga, where only an Atom can travel. Can young Ryan Choi accomplish what his mentor could not and persuade a cosmic consciousness to save reality?On sale SEPTEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TJUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #15Written by STEVE ORLANDOArt by FELIPE WATANABECover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADOVariant cover by TBDRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details“CRISIS IN THE MICROVERSE” part four! Special guest artist Felipe Watanabe joins the fray to tell the two-part story of how Ray Palmer, the original Atom, first discovered the microverse! Witness this untold chapter in the DC UNIVERSE REBIRTH mythology, and learn how Palmer came to find himself betrayed and marooned within the dying microverse.On sale SEPTEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Like much about the New 52, Ray Palmer’s history has been wrought with confusion. First, he was a regular in Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E., but not as the Atom. Then, he was seen as the Atom in Batman/Superman. Then DC Rebirth seemed to go back to Ray’s original origin and concept, only for him to disappear while bringing back Ryan Choi. Hopefully, this story will clear things up, though I’m guessing it’s only happening because of Ray Palmer being one of the main characters in The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow.

Number 10

"JUSTICE LEAGUE #28Written by BRYAN HITCHArt by FERNANDO PASARIN and MATT BANNINGCover by BRYAN HITCHVariant cover by NICK BRADSHAWRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“LEGACY” part three! An outside threat has followed the League’s children back from the future in order to destroy them. His name is Arthur Curry, and he will not stop until they are all dead!On sale SEPTEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TJUSTICE LEAGUE #29Written by BRYAN HITCHArt by FERNANDO PASARIN and MATT BANNINGCover by BRYAN HITCHVariant cover by NICK BRADSHAWRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“LEGACY” part four! The deadly motivation behind the League’s future children is revealed, and the League will have none of it. For the children have targeted a current League member for assassination! And it’s not at all who you think!On sale SEPTEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Really? Aquaman is the last surviving member of the Justice League? Well, you have to give Bryan Hitch some credit for thinking outside the box. I imagine the reveal of who the League’s children went back in time to kill will be just as outside the box too. The basic scenario, however, sounds very much like The Terminator. Even Aquaman on the cover looks more like a cyborg than Cyborg.

Number 11

"BATMAN #30Written by TOM KINGArt by CLAY MANNCover by MIKEL JANINVariant cover by OLIVIER COIPELRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“THE BALLAD OF KITE MAN” part two! In our second “War of Jokes and Riddles” interlude, it’s the making of a super-villain! He’s been pushed by Batman to snitch on The Joker, and cajoled by The Joker to betray Batman—now, the flunky who would be Kite Man finally snaps. He’s lost everything, and a life of crime is the only way to go.On sale SEPTEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TBATMAN #31Written by TOM KINGArt by MIKEL JANINCovers by MIKEL JANINVariant cover by OLIVIER COIPELRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“THE WAR OF JOKES AND RIDDLES” part five! It’s tough to beat the two biggest puzzlemakers in the world at their own game, and Batman’s gambits have only pulled him deeper into the moral quagmire where the Riddler and The Joker do their dirty work. All of Gotham City hangs in the balance as Batman faces the ultimate conundrum: are brainteasers better than belly laughs?On sale SEPTEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Just what is Tom King’s obsession with Kite Man anyway? An even better question is why would he interrupt his own flashback story with another flashback story set within that very flashback story? Given all the teases King’s done with regards to “The War of Jokes and Riddles” (suggesting it’s the one time Batman went too far to stop a super villain civil war), it better be worth it.

Number 12

"HARLEY QUINN #27Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTIArt by JOHN TIMMSCover by AMANDA CONNERVariant cover by FRANK CHORetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“Vote Harley” part one! The corrupt mayor of New York City has been a thorn in Harley’s side since the day he stepped into office…and now he’s crossed the line one time too many! Harley’s usual methods of dealing with problems like this have failed her, so it’s time for a more unconventional solution…is New York City ready for Mayor Harley Quinn? It better be!On sale SEPTEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+HARLEY QUINN #28Written by JIMMY PALMIOTTI and AMANDA CONNERArt by JOHN TIMMSCover by AMANDA CONNERVariant cover by FRANK CHORetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“Vote Harley” part two! He’s already sent killers after her and her loved ones…what more can the Mayor do to get Harley Quinn off his back—especially now that she’s gone public in her campaign against him and become shockingly popular? The answer will surprise Harley…and you!On sale SEPTEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+"

Commentary: Somehow, I have a feeling Bill de Blasio isn’t the Mayor of New York City in the DC comics universe. Also, this wouldn’t be the first time a clown-themed Batman character ran for public office in the comics either. The Joker also ran for mayor of Gotham City in Steve Englehart’s Batman: Dark Detective miniseries. It’s not exactly an original scheme by Harley since “Mistah J” did it. But I guess she’d do something just as nutty.

Number 13

"BATMAN: THE RED DEATH #1Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSONArt by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICOCover by JASON FABOKONE-SHOT • On sale SEPTEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • FOIL-STAMPED COVER • RATED T+BATMAN: THE MURDER MACHINE #1Written by FRANK TIERIArt by RICARDO FEDERICICover by JASON FABOKONE-SHOT • On sale SEPTEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • FOIL-STAMPED COVER • RATED T+BATMAN: THE DAWNBREAKER #1Written by SAM HUMPHRIESArt by ETHAN VAN SCIVERCover by JASON FABOKADVANCE SOLICITED • ONE-SHOT • On sale OCTOBER 4 32 pg, FC, $3.99 USFOIL-STAMPED COVER • RATED T+BATMAN: THE DROWNED #1Written by DAN ABNETTArt by PHILIP TANCover by JASON FABOKADVANCE SOLICITED • ONE-SHOT • On sale OCTOBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 USFOIL-STAMPED COVER • RATED T+BATMAN: THE MERCILESS #1Written by PETER J. TOMASIArt by FRANCIS MANAPULCover by JASON FABOKADVANCE SOLICITED • ONE-SHOT • On sale OCTOBER 25 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 USFOIL-STAMPED COVER • RATED T+As the events of DARK NIGHTS: METAL rock the DC Universe, the creatures of the Dark Multiverse stand ready to invade our world! How can even the World’s Greatest Heroes stop a horde of deadly beings that appear to be powerful, nightmare versions of familiar figures? Find out in these special tie-in issues!"

Commentary: Are the covers implying the main villains are all alternative, evil versions of Batman with various powers of the Justice League? Are we seriously getting a Flash-Batman, a Cyborg-Batman, a Green Lantern-Batman, an Aqua-Batman, and a Wonder-Batman? As much as I like Batman, if that winds up being the case, then it doesn’t really sound all that exciting, to be honest. Still, covers can — and do — lie. Perhaps these cover are lying to us as well. Somehow, however, I doubt it.

Next: Spider-Man comics solicitations for August 2017

Next time, we’ll look at the best and worst of Marvel Comics’ solicits for September, 2017. In the meantime, did you agree with how I ranked these solicits? Were there ones you believe I should’ve included that may have peaked your interest. Also, what do you think about DC’s upcoming event? And who do you think Mr. Oz really is?