DC Comics: Best to worst solicitations for December 2017

‘Tis the season for evil Batmen, time travel, new heroes, old friends, and turtles as we rank the best and worst of DC Comic’s December solicits.

Number 1

"BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #1Written by JAMES TYNION IVArt and cover FREDDIE E. WILLIAMS IIVariant cover by KEVIN EASTMANRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.The team behind the smash-hit crossover series is back to reunite the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half-Shell. When Donatello goes looking for a new mentor to help him improve his fighting skills, he opens a doorway to another reality, hoping to summon the Turtles’ one-time ally, Batman. But instead, he gets sent to Gotham City and someone else comes through the open portal—Bane! Suddenly, there’s a new gang boss in New York and he’s out to unite all the other bad guys under him. Can Donnie get back in time and bring Batman with him to help his brothers before Bane causes irreparable destruction? Co-published with IDW.On sale DECEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED TBATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #2Written by JAMES TYNION IVArt and cover FREDDIE E. WILLIAMS IIVariant cover by KEVIN EASTMANRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.The team behind the smash-hit crossover series is back to reunite the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half-Shell. When Donatello goes looking for a new mentor to help him improve his fighting skills, he opens a doorway to another reality, hoping to summon the Turtles’ one-time ally, Batman. But instead, he gets sent to Gotham City and someone else comes through the open portal—Bane! Suddenly, there’s a new gang boss in New York and he’s out to unite all the other bad guys under him. Can Donnie get back in time and bring Batman with him to help his brothers before Bane causes irreparable destruction? Co-published with IDW.On sale DECEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Describing the first Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series as a “smash-hit” isn’t just a sales pitch. It was one of the best crossovers between two IPs in years, giving both Batman and the Turtles equal weight and plenty of moments to shine. It only makes sense for there to be a sequel. What’s intriguing about this is how Batman will be the fish out of water this time around, and I like how there’s a logical set-up for reuniting the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half-Shell.

Number 2

"DARK NIGHTS: METAL #5Written by SCOTT SNYDERArt and cover by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPIONVariant covers by TONY S. DANIEL, ANDY KUBERT and JIM LEERetailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for details.The Justice League faces the final extinguishing of our world, invaded on all sides by unimaginable nightmares, fueled on to the edge of oblivion only by the belief that there must be a light in the endless darkness—somewhere. But…what if there’s not?ADVANCE SOLICITED • On sale JANUARY 10 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 USFOIL-STAMPED, EMBOSSED COVER • RATED T+"

Commentary: As the penultimate issue of the crossover, naturally the solicit would contain dark, foreboding language suggesting all hope is lost. It’s quintessential end of the second act type of stuff, which is exactly what we have here. That it also presents it as a battle between light and darkness in an apocalyptic scenario makes it all the more compelling. Along with the cover cementing The Batman Who Laughs as a primary antagonist, this solicit is a definite–and effective–attention grabber.

Number 3

"DC UNIVERSE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2017 #1Written by GREG RUCKA, TOM KING, DENNIS O’NEIL, JEFF LEMIRE, MAX LANDIS, CHRISTOPHER PRIEST, SHEA FONTANA, JOSHUA WILLIAMSON and others!Art by STEVE EPTING, RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE, BILQUIS EVELY, OTTO SCHMIDT, NEIL GOOGE, FRANCIS MANAPUL and othersCover by ANDY KUBERTDC Comics’ finest talents have assembled to bring you a holiday special like you’ve never seen before! Join Superman, Wonder Woman and the Flash as they deliver powerful messages of hope like only The Worlds Greatest Super-Heroes can! Plus: Sgt. Rock fights the Nazis on Hanukah, the Teen Titans take on the literal ghost of Christmas past, and Swamp Thing battles that creeping feeling of existential dread! And don’t miss the legendary Denny O’Neil’s return to comics with an all-new Batman story!ONE-SHOT • On sale DECEMBER 6 • 96 pg, FC, $9.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Of course there’s a “Holiday Special” during the month of December. There’s at least one comic which celebrates Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year’s Day every year. Though in this case, there are two big selling points. Though he’s better known as a screenwriter, Max Landis definitely knows a thing or two about comics, and his Superman: American Alien series was a very good read. Denny O’Neil on Batman, though? That’s a definite win, since he, along with Frank Miller, helped define the Caped Crusader into what he is today.

Number 4

"DOOMSDAY CLOCK #2Written by GEOFF JOHNS • Art and cover by GARY FRANKVariant cover by GARY FRANKRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.DC and Watchmen characters collide at last! The story that began in DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1 comes to a thrilling and unexpected crescendo in the pages of this titanic twelve-issue series by the all-star team that brought you BATMAN: EARTH ONE and SHAZAM!In this second chapter: The Dark Knight discovers another relic from the Watchmen world. Lex Luthor pays a devil’s bargain. And killer clowns trek through Gotham seeking a madman.On sale DECEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, 2 of 12, $4.99 US • RATED T+"

Commentary: Early word is that during Doomsday Clock, Batman will stumble across Rorschach’s journal. It also sounds like, based on this solicit, that Rorschach is the “madman” whom the “killer clowns” are looking for. Right away, I’m thinking the three Jokers revealed in DC Universe Rebirth #1. It also looks like the hand touching Lex Luthor’s shoulder in that cover belongs to Ozymandius. In any case, it definitely seems like Doctor Manhattan isn’t the only one from Watchman who crossed over into the DCU.

Number 5

"JUSTICE LEAGUE #34Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIESTArt and cover by PETE WOODSVariant cover by NICK BRADSHAWRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“LOST” part one! When the Justice League is confronted by three concurrent threats, a sleep-deprived Batman makes a crucial error that causes an unthinkable—and potentially unforgivable—tragedy. Legendary Eisner Award-nominated writer Christopher Priest (Deathstroke) is joined by artist Pete Woods for a brand-new must-read Justice League story like you’ve never seen before!On sale DECEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TJUSTICE LEAGUE #35Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIESTArt and cover by PETE WOODSVariant cover by NICK BRADSHAWRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“LOST” part two! Still greatly affected by the shocking events of the previous issue, the Justice League attempts to regain its balance when an alien infestation threatens the Earth. But nothing can prepare them for an attack closer to home…one that will reveal devastating truths about the League itself!On sale DECEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Having Christopher Priest on a high-profile title like Justice League is fantastic news. As Jim Owsley, he’s written and edited great comics for Marvel, including Spider-Man Vs. Wolverine, and Power Man and Iron Fist. Not to mention he’s taken the character of Deathstroke and turned into an Eisner Award-nominated book. I’m a little apprehensive about what this solicits seemingly suggest about Batman, but even so, I’m eager to see what Priest will bring.

Number 6

"THE FLASH #36Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSONArt by HOWARD PORTERCover by BARRY KITSONVariant cover by HOWARD PORTERRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“A Cold Day in Hell” part one! When one of The Flash’s Rogues is murdered inside Iron Heights prison, Barry Allen throws himself deep into the case, still reeling from the turmoil of his personal life! But when the clues begin to reveal an even greater conspiracy at work, The Flash soon discovers Iron Heights’ deadliest secret…On sale DECEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TTHE FLASH #37Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSONArt by HOWARD PORTERCover by BARRY KITSONVariant cover by HOWARD PORTERRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“A Cold Day in Hell” part two! The new crime lord of Central City has been revealed…and it’s worse than The Flash ever imagined! Betrayed by a former friend and trapped in Iron Heights prison with no escape in sight—will The Flash be too late to save his city from disaster?On sale DECEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Methinks based on the cover and the title for this story who this “new crime lord of Central City” is. In all seriousness, its high time Captain Cold had a high-profile story. Wentworth Miller’s charismatic performance in The Flash and other DC Comics related CW shows have resulted in making him one of DC’s more popular anti-villains. Hopefully, this story won’t make the same mistake the CW did in killing Captain Cold off.

Number 7

"ACTION COMICS #993Written by DAN JURGENSArt by BRETT BOOTH and JOE PRADOCover by DAN JURGENS and TREVOR SCOTTVariant cover by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTENRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“BOOSTER SHOT” part one! As Superman struggles to cope with Mr. Oz’s true identity, the Man of Steel turns to the only “hero” he knows who can prove once and for all if Oz’s story is true: Booster Gold! But a massive power doesn’t want our heroes venturing through time, and will do anything it can to sabotage their journey!On sale DECEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TACTION COMICS #994Written by DAN JURGENSArt by BRETT BOOTH and JOE PRADOCover by DAN JURGENS and TREVOR SCOTTVariant cover by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTENRetailers: These issues will ship with two covers each. Please see the order form for details.“BOOSTER SHOT” part two! It’s the time-hopping team-up of Superman and Booster Gold—and on their quest to verify Mr. Oz’s identity, a mysterious force attempts to sabotage the journey! This time (pun!) our heroes wind up in the crosshairs of a deadly new villain—the time wraith responsible for their tumultuous journey!On sale DECEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: By now, you may all know Mr. Oz was revealed as none other than (SPOILERS!) Superman’s father, Jor-El…or is he? Considering this is a follow-up story to “The Oz Effect” with Superman trying to confirm Jor-El’s story, there’s obviously more going here. Considering just how controversial this reveal was, DC is definitely walking a fine line here. Hopefully, this doesn’t damage Superman in the process after Rebirth spent so much effort rebuilding fan confidence.

Number 8

"SUPERMAN #37Written by PETER J. TOMASI and PATRICK GLEASONArt by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZACover by IVAN REISVariant cover by JONBOY MEYERSRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“SUPER SONS OF TOMORROW” part one! The four-part crossover between Superman, the Super Sons and the Teen Titans starts here! The Batman of Tomorrow travels to the present to prevent a cataclysmic disaster before it happens, revealing that Superboy will soon be responsible for the death of millions. But Superman will do anything to protect his son…and the Batman of Tomorrow is unwavering in his resolve to take down the Boy of Steel. Don’t miss a clash of titanic proportion in the opening chapter of this game-changing story!On sale DECEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, • $2.99 US • RATED TSUPER SONS #11Written by PETER J. TOMASIArt by JORGE JIMENEZCover by IVAN REISVariant cover by DUSTIN NGUYENRetailers: 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.“SUPER SONS OF TOMORROW” part two! The Super Sons are on the run after discovering Superboy’s dark destiny. Will Robin be able to protect his friend from the Batman of Tomorrow?On sale DECEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED TTEEN TITANS #15Written by guest writer PETER J. TOMASIArt by FRANCIS MANAPULCover by IVAN REISVariant 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.“SUPER SONS OF TOMORROW” part three! The Batman of Tomorrow reveals himself to the Teen Titans to recruit them to his cause. But the reunion gives way to the big question: is the life of an innocent child worth more than the lives of millions? It’s the Teen Titans vs. the Super Sons in the battle you’ve been waiting for!On sale DECEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, • $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: If we’re getting a “Batman of Tomorrow” in the pages of Superman, Super Sons, and Teen Titans, it’s definitely Damien Wayne. Odd are it will also be the Damien Wayne Batman as depicted by Grant Morrison in Batman #666. That said, having another crossover involving a future version of a DC hero feels way too soon after Bryan Hitch doing the same thing over in Justice League. Especially as it sound like this involves a similar plot where the hero from the future plans on killing a present-day hero to save the world.

Number 9

"WONDER WOMAN #36Written by JAMES ROBINSONArt by CARLO PAGULAYAN and JASON PAZCover 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 four! Captured by Darkseid’s daughter, Wonder Woman finds herself in chains and at the mercy of the Lord of Apokalips. As Darkseid begins to steal her powers to increase his rise back to godhood, an unexpected ally appears to face down the one-time God of Evil.On sale DECEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TWONDER WOMAN #37Written by JAMES ROBINSONArt by CARLO PAGULAYAN and JASON PAZCover 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 five! As a fevered battle with Darkseid rages between Wonder Woman and the dark god, the Amazon warrior must choose between saving the lives that hang in the balance and ending the threat before her forever.On sale DECEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: We all knew Darkseid wouldn’t stay a creepy baby forever. He is DC Comics’ number one cosmic-level threat, with links to multiple heroes. Besides, given how the armies of Apokolpis will invade Earth in the upcoming Justice League movie, it only makes sense to bring back the tyrannical god-emperor of that world. Though I do wish DC hadn’t kept his 52 design, as it seems a bit of an overkill making him the size of the Hulk.

Number 10

"HARLEY QUINN #33Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTIArt by JOHN TIMMSBackup story art by MIRKA ANDOLFOCover by AMANDA CONNERVariant cover by FRANK CHORetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“Aftermath” part two! We said the election would change Harley’s life forever, and we weren’t kidding! For one of the people closest to her…it’s ended their life! And in the “Secret Origins” backup story, you’ll learn how the incredible Eggy came to be the man…err, egg…he is today!On sale DECEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+"

Commentary: Considering who is with Harley on the cover, and whom the back up story is about, I’m guessing Eggy is the one who has fallen apart and can’t be put back together again. Unless there’s something much more weird going on, which is definitely something you’d expect from this series. Personally, I’m more interested if Harley actually wins her mayoral bid.

Number 11

"DETECTIVE COMICS #970Written by JAMES TYNION IVArt by JOE BENNETTCover by GUILLEM MARCHVariant cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUERetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“Fall of the Batmen” part two! Spoiler and the team still have unfinished business to resolve…and unfortunately for everyone, the Victim Syndicate feels the same way!On sale DECEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TDETECTIVE COMICS #971Written by JAMES TYNION IVArt by JOE BENNETTCover by GUILLEM MARCHVariant cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUERetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“Fall of the Batmen” part three! With the Victim Syndicate on the move and Clayface on the edge, the team faces a crossroads—but Batwoman believes she knows the way forward! The trick is…does Batman agree?On sale DECEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: There are two big problems I already foresee with this upcoming story. It relies on three overused plots which have cropped up too many times in Batman comics. The first is a mysterious villain who wants revenge against Batman. The second is Batman’s allies turning against him. And the third, and most tiresome of all, is Batman being blamed for creating his own rogues gallery. It’s what saw during “The Victim Syndicate” already, and I’m looking forward to this same scenario playing out yet again.

Number 12

"BATMAN #36Written by TOM KINGArt and covers by CLAY MANNVariant covers by OLIVIER COIPELRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“SUPERFRIENDS” part one! Batman and Superman. For so many years they’ve fought together for justice. Sometimes, they’ve even fought each other. Now, from the creators who broke your heart in “The Ballad of Kite Man” comes a look at how the flaws of each frightens the other and how the hope in each inspires the other. Don’t miss this two-part event that everyone will be talking about as the relationship between these two men is forever changed.On sale DECEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TBATMAN #37Written by TOM KINGArt and cover by CLAY MANNVariant cover by OLIVIER COIPELRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“SUPERFRIENDS” part two! The stunning conclusion to the two-part story. Torn apart by betrayal, Batman and Superman try to find a way back to friendship, to trust. Both understand that the future of the DCU depends on this relationship; both understand that without the help of the other, their lives will fall apart. And yet, one is still the spoiled rich boy, and the other is still the naive farm boy. Men from two worlds confront each other and try to see the hope behind the madness.On sale DECEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Why is it that ever since Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, there’s always somebody wanting to do their own take on Batman vs. Superman? I get it. They’re the first two superheroes in comics, each one cultural icons in their own right for more than three-quarters of a century. They’re DC’s most popular characters, who have diametrically opposed viewpoints despite being friends and colleagues. There was even an entire blockbuster movie about this. But can we please take a break from having Batman and Superman fight each other? It’s long past getting tiresome.

Number 13

"THE IMMORTAL MEN #1Written by JAMES TYNION IV • Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS“THE END OF FOREVER” part one! There is a secret history to the DC Universe of heroes who have protected humanity from the shadows since the dawn of time…and who can live forever. Enter the Immortal Men! The team, headed by the Immortal Man, has waged a secret war against the House of Conquest for countless years—but Conquest has dealt a devastating blow. When their base of operations, known as the Campus, is savagely attacked, the Immortal Men must seek out their last hope—an emerging metahuman known as Caden Park! Caden’s emerging powers may be able to ensure the Immortal Men’s survival—but will Conquest get to him first?On sale DECEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • FOLDOUT COVER • RATED T+DAMAGE #1Written by ROBERT VENDITTIArt and cover by TONY S. DANIEL and DANNY MIKIEthan “Elvis” Avery just wanted to serve his country. Instead, he’s been changed into a monster!Tasked as the government’s own living, breathing, ticking time bomb, Ethan retains no control when the monster takes over. Cheaper than a nuclear warhead and twice as effective, Ethan fights to rein in the damage he unleashes when the beast inside him springs free for one hour a day. With everyone around him in danger, Ethan struggles to contain the DAMAGE he inflicts on the DC Universe.On sale DECEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • FOLDOUT COVER • RATED T+THE SILENCER #1Written by DAN ABNETTArt and cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and SANDRA HOPE“CODE OF HONOR” part one! She’s one of the DC Universe’s deadliest assassins…and you’ve never heard of her. Super-strong, highly trained, armed with devastating and stealthy meta-human abilities, the Silencer is virtually invincible. Or at least she was. After decades as Leviathan’s chief assassin, Honor Guest put in her time and managed to get out with her skin intact. Now she lives a normal life with a normal family in a normal house on a normal street. But the past has come back to haunt her in the form of her old employer and a deadly new mission…and Talia Al Ghul won’t take no for an answer.Advance solicited • On sale JANUARY 10 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • FOLDOUT COVER • RATED T+"

Commentary: What we have here are the first of several new titles spinning out of Dark Nights: Metal under a banner dubbed Dark Matter. Essentially it’s taking various underused or obscure characters from DC’s library and re-imaging them “with a heavy metal soundtrack.” Based on these solicits, what this really looks like is DC’s attempt at creating more Marvel Comics style heroes and anti-heroes.

The Immortal Men? It’s DC’s version of the X-Men and/or the Inhumans. Damage? He’s the Incredible Hulk minus the anger issues. The Silencer? Might as well call her Black Widow. Here’s a tip, DC: if you want more Marvel fans reading your books, don’t create characters who are obvious derivatives of Marvel characters.

Next: DC Comics: Best to worst solicitations for November 2017

Is there a comic solicit on the list which you think should rank higher or lower? Is there one you believe I should include? What do you think about what’s forthcoming from Metal and Doomsday Clock? And what are your impressions about the new Dark Matter titles? Speak your peace in the comments, and which solicits you think are the best and the worst.

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