DC Comics: Best to worst solicitations for January 2018

Batman vs. Wonder Woman, Green Lantern vs. General Zod, and the Teen Titans vs. their future selves make up DC’s solicits for the New Year.

As DC heads into its third year, it’s time, once again, for us to see the best (and worst) DC Comics have to offer based on their solicits. Among their line-up includes Dark Night: Metal heading into the final stretch, as Doomsday Clock is one-quarter of the way through. There’s the return of classic DC characters, and long-lost versions not seen in a decade. Then there’s the first salvo of what’s being dubbed “Flash War.”

Where do these comics rank on our list of lucky thirteen? Let’s browse through them, and see whether they look like a must buy or a must pass. Don’t forget, the full list of January 2018 solicitations can be found at Newsarama, CBR, or SuperheroHype.

Number 1

"SWAMP THING WINTER SPECIAL #1Written by TOM KINGArt and cover by JASON FABOKBonus story written by LEN WEINBonus story art by KELLEY JONESTom King and Jason Fabok pay tribute to the legendary creators of Swamp Thing, writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, as they join forces for an earth-shattering Swamp Thing passion project!In this new, squarebound one-shot, Swamp Thing is out of his element as he shepherds a lost boy through a blinding blizzard and other hazards of a strange, frozen tundra. In this touching and harrowing tale of survival, the pair must navigate countless threats throughout a bewildering terrain—with a bloodthirsty snow monster hot on their heels. But how long can they rely on each other? Separated from the Green and stripped of his powers in this dead world, Swamp Thing struggles to fight for their lives and deliver the boy to safety. Disoriented and decaying, Swamp Thing’s fading understanding of his surroundings forces the duo to confront their desperation and uncover the true identity of the snow monster that hunts them.In addition, this special features the final Swamp Thing story from the monster’s co-creator, Len Wein. Originally intended as the start of a new series, it is presented here both in its original script form and with art by Kelley Jones.ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 31 • 80 pg, FC, $7.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Tom King’s Batman #23, where the Dark Knight teams-up with Swamp Thing to solve a murder mystery, is an instant classic. One of the reasons it was so good, other than a being a compelling detective story with a surprising twist, is how King depicted Swamp Thing himself. Not since Alan Moore was the defender of the Green so compelling. Thus, King writing a Swamp Thing story is genuinely exciting. Hopefully, unlike the reprint of Len Wein’s last Swamp Thing story, this one-shot is stepping stone for a full-blown series.

Number 2

"DOOMSDAY CLOCK #3Written by GEOFF JOHNSArt and cover by GARY FRANKVariant cover by GARY FRANKRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.The story takes a turn in the third chapter of this 12-issue series you never thought you’d see, from writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank.On sale JANUARY 24 • 32 pg, FC, 3 of 12, $4.99 US • RATED T+"

Commentary: Thanks to the preview of Doomsday Clock #1 DC released, we now know that other than having characters from Watchmen crossover into the DC Universe, this miniseries is also a direct sequel to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ groundbreaking graphic novel. This, I think, has effectively made Doomsday Clock even more controversial than the Before Watchmen series of comics. Then again, since DC does own these characters, they can do what they like with them, no matter how much Moore or Watchmen purists might grumble about it.

Number 3

"THE FLASH #38Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSONArt by HOWARD PORTERCover by BARRY KITSONVariant cover by HOWARD PORTERRetailers: This issues will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“A Cold Day in Hell” finale! The Flash and an unlikely ally must discover who is behind the death of one of the Rogues before the murderer strikes again! But Flash is trapped inside of Iron Heights with one person blocking his exit: Captain Cold!On sale JANUARY 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TTHE FLASH #39Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSONArt and cover by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO700th Anniversary variant cover by TONY S. DANIELRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“The Perfect Storm” part one! In the 700th tale of THE FLASH, Barry Allen wants to make amends to the people he’s hurt, but Gorilla Grodd has other plans! If Grodd’s shocking attack on Central City wasn’t enough, the reason why—and how it connects to everything The Flash has faced since the Speed Force Storm—will rock our hero to his core…and change everything he thought he knew!On sale JANUARY 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TTHE FLASH ANNUAL #1Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSONArt by CHRISTIAN DUCECover by HOWARD PORTER“FLASH WAR” prelude! The biggest Flash story of 2018 starts here, with a special story starring the classic Wally West, who’s conflicted over whether to let Iris West know he is alive—and he’ll need the help of the Flash to figure out what to do! But when Magenta, Wally’s old love, needs his help, the Flash returns home to Keystone City where he is confronted with violent memories of an unknown world…A major turning point for the Flash family that sets the path for earth shattering stories in 2018!On sale JANUARY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Looks as though DC is really attempting to go all out with the Flash next year. Aside from having back-to-back stories involving Flash’s top-tier enemies, it sounds like we’re getting a “Civil War” between the various speedsters. At least that’s what I think of when I see the words “Flash War.” Also, since Keystone City is also where the original Flash, Jay Garrick, is from, whether we’ll see his return back in the DC Universe. After all, he did show up during “The Button.”

Number 4

"HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #37Written by ROBERT VENDITTIArt and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONAVariant cover by BARRY KITSONRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“POWER OF ZOD” part one! After a recent battle with Superman in ACTION COMICS, General Zod recovers as he takes control of a small, undeveloped world. When Hal Jordan investigates, it sets the course for a confrontation between the Kryptonian warrior and the Corps’ bravest and brightest Lanterns.On sale JANUARY 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Hey, kids…did you ever play Injustice: Gods Among Us? Did you then buy Zod as a DLC because you wanted to hear him say, “Kneel before Zod?” Then, in your first online match, you went up against Green Lantern who spammed you with his ring grab non-stop? And did you think, “No way would Hal Jordan stand a chance against one of Superman’s greatest bad guys like this?” Well then, this comic looks like exactly like what you’ve been waiting for.

Number 5

"RAVEN: DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS #1Written by MARV WOLFMANArt by POP MHANCover by YANICK PAQUETTEVariant cover by BILL SIENKIEWICZRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.In this all-new miniseries, Raven faces a new, otherworldly menace that is all too grounded in reality. Plus, Raven’s personal life is in an uproar as her mother and aunt struggle for the soul of a Titan! It’s up to Baron Winters of the Night Force to intercede on her behalf as she embarks on the adventure called “The Girls With the Anime Eyes”!On sale JANUARY 10 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 12, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: The last miniseries featuring the daughter of Trigun was just six-parts. That this new miniseries is twelve parts and, just like the first, also written by her creator, suggests DC has a lot of confidence in this...but not enough to make it an ongoing. If you think about how other Teen Titans alumni have had series like Nightwing, Wally West/Flash, Cyborg, and Starfire had their own series, it’s kind of overdue for Raven. Then again, Beast Boy only had a limited series, too.

Number 6

"SUPERMAN #38Written by PETER J. TOMASI and PATRICK GLEASONArt by ED BENESCover by IVAN REIS and OCLAIR ALBERTVariant cover by JORGE JIMENEZRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“SUPER SONS OF TOMORROW” finale! With no other choice left, the Batman of Tomorrow brings in the Titans of Tomorrow to take on today’s Teen Titans—as the life of Superman’s son hangs in the balance! See the return of future Superman Conner Kent, Wonder Woman Cassie Sandsmark and Bart Allen Flash in the final battle of this epic crossover.On sale JANUARY 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TSUPERMAN #39Written by PETER J. TOMASI and PATRICK GLEASONArt by BARRY KITSONCover by CHRIS BURNHAMVariant cover by JORGE JIMENEZRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“SUPER SONS OF TOMORROW” finale! With no other choice left, the Batman of Tomorrow brings in the Titans of Tomorrow to take on today’s Teen Titans—as the life of Superman’s son hangs in the balance! See the return of future Superman Conner Kent, Wonder Woman Cassie Sandsmark and Bart Allen Flash in the final battle of this epic crossover.On sale JANUARY 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TSUPER SONS #12Written by PETER J. TOMASIArt by JORGE JIMENEZCover by GUISEPPE CAMUNCOLIVariant 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” epilogue! Superboy and Robin must face the repercussions of the events of “Super Sons of Tomorrow” and how the emotional toll will affect their relationships with each other, their parents and the Teen Titans. Meanwhile, the past rears its ugly head to haunt Damian Wayne—in the form of his mother, Talia Al Ghul!On sale JANUARY 17 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: For those unfamiliar with “Titans of Tomorrow,” they’re basically the grown-up versions of Geoff Johns’ Teen Titans who took over the United States and became far more ruthless versions of their mentors. It was basically Injustice before Injustice. Thus far, if you’ve read Detective Comics’ “Lonely Place of Living,” you’d know Mr. Oz kept the Tim Drake/Batman prisoner. Looks like there’s more Doctor Manhattan shenanigans underfoot.

Number 7

"DEATHSTROKE #27Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIESTArt by DIOGENES NEVES and JASON PAZCover by RYAN SOOKVariant cover by SHANE DAVIS and MICHELLE DELECKIRetailers: 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.“The Fall of Slade” part two! Father and son clash when Jericho flies to rescue Deathstroke from Jericho’s ex—the resurrected Dr. Ikon! Meanwhile, Terra is summoned to an ambush by the Forgotten, the deadly leader of the White Lotus, and worlds collide as the New Super-Man demands Deathstroke’s arrest!On sale JANUARY 3 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+DEATHSTROKE ANNUAL #1Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIESTArt by DENYS COWAN and BILL SIENKIEWICZCover by RYAN SOOK“An Innocent Man”! Team Defiance is pushed to the edge of oblivion when one of their own ends up dead—and Deathstroke is to blame! Is this the end of Slade Wilson’s hero turn? It’s all been building to this—don’t miss the finale of “Defiance,” the events of which will lead Deathstroke down a shocking new path!On sale JANUARY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+"

Commentary: No big surprise Deathstroke’s own group of teenage heroes would collapse. After all, Deathstroke walks that fine line between being a principled anti-hero to outright villain. Though if Christopher Priest winds up either killing off Jericho or Terra, it’d be kind of treading old ground since both died before. Yet it sure looks as though based off the solicit for issue #27 it could be one of those two. Thus, I’m thinking it’s a misdirect and Slade’s daughter, Rose, will die instead.

Number 8

"DARK KNIGHTS RISING: THE WILD HUNT #1Written by SCOTT SNYDER, JAMES TYNION IV and JOSHUA WILLIAMSONArt by DOUG MAHNKE, IVAN REIS and othersCover by DOUG MAHNKEContinued from the pages of the bestselling DARK NIGHTS: METAL! The Dark Knights ride through the farthest reaches of the Multiverse to track down the unlikeliest of teams: The Flash, Cyborg, Raven and Detective Chimp. The mission: keep these heroes from completing their desperate quest to save all of existence! Plus, Challengers’ Mountain crackles with dark energy that will release an army of the world’s worst nightmares into the streets of Gotham City!This one-shot also answers the question: Where are the Metal Men? And who is the latest addition to the team?ADVANCE SOLICITED • ONE-SHOT • On sale FEBRUARY 14 • 40 pg, FC, $4.99 USFOIL-STAMPED COVER • RATED T+"

Commentary: Methinks Scott Synder found inspiration from this instead of this. In any case, according to the Dark Nights: Metal checklist, this one-shot takes place between Dark Nights: Metal #5 and #6. It also means this comic is, technically, required reading material. I’m guessing the Metal Men’s newest member is made from Nth metal, since that’s what weakens the Dark Knights. I will say, though, this cover is, by far, the most reminiscent of a heavy metal rock album yet.

Number 9

"TRINITY #17Written by JAMES ROBINSONArt and cover by PATCH ZIRCHERVariant cover by BILL SIENKIEWICZRetailers: 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.“No Home for you Here” part one! Batman and Superman embarked on a quest to help Wonder Woman rediscover Themyscira, but finding Diana’s lost homeland proves more difficult than these three heroes expected. While on their journey, a distress call from a nearby ship turns out to be more than meets the eye, and the Trinity find themselves marooned on the dread island of Skartaris. To make their way back home, our heroes will have to overcome Deimos, who will stop at nothing to seal off Skartaris from the rest of world forever!On sale JANUARY 17 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: The mystery of what happened to the real Themyscira is something which will have gone on for almost two years by the time this comic debuts. It kind of makes sense then for Wonder Woman to employ both Superman and Batman’s help in this regard.With Deimos as the story’s villain, it looks as though we’re getting more leftovers from Convergence, too. Though I find it interesting how the solicit refers to Skartaris as an island instead of a hidden world near the center of the Earth. Another retcon in the works, perhaps?

Number 10

"DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #1Written by JAMES TYNION IVArt and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA“Clay”! Here it is: the shocking, heartbreaking origin of Clayface, including his first conflict with Batman! Actor Basil Karlo was on the cusp of fame and fortune…the kind he had dreamed of through his painful childhood…until a accident robbed him of the good looks that took him to the top. But scars don’t make you a monster—only the darkness in your heart can do that—and in the wake of the accident, Karlo’s darkness is revealed!On sale JANUARY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Perhaps it’s because I’m familiar with Clayface’s origin in the excellent two-parter, “Feat of Clay” from Batman: The Animated Series that it never occurred to me he didn’t have an official origin since the New 52. On top of which, the Clayface in the cartoon was Matt Hagen, because this is Basil Karlo, the original Clayface (who was also much different the shape-shifting mud monster he is now). Thus, while I’m sure this new origin will be fine, it kind of feels slightly unnecessary to me.

Number 11

"SIDEWAYS #1Written by DAN DiDIO and JUSTIN JORDANArt and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORTDuring the events of DARK NIGHTS: METAL, high school junior Derek James accidentally fell through a rift into the dark matter dimension! Now, as Sideways, he can create rifts in midair to leap through dimensions at will! But with that much power comes great liability—and cracks are starting to form in the fabric of the space-time continuum…On sale JANUARY 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • FOLDOUT COVER • RATED T+THE TERRIFICS #1Written by JEFF LEMIREArt by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADOCover by IVAN REISBound together by fate, united by the spirit of exploration and hope for tomorrow, the Terrifics are bound from the Dark Multiverse of Metal! When Mr. Terrific, Metamorpho, Plastic Man and Phantom Girl find themselves literally bound together by a tragic accident, our team of unlikely allies must rely on one another to make their way back home. But a startling revelation on their return trip brings them face to face with a new mystery: Where in the universe is Tom Strong?Advance solicited • On sale FEBRUARY 7 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • FOLDOUT COVER • RATED T+"

Commentary: Remember last time when I said DC’s new lineup of Dark Matter titles seemed more like an attempt at imitating Marvel? Well, it looks as though that’s continuing with Sideways, who definitely sounds like DC’s latest attempt at Spider-Man, albeit with the same powers as Magik from the X-Men. Aside from being a teenager, his costumes look very much like Spider-Man’s. Even the solicit has a line reminiscent of “With great comes great responsibility.” Again, DC, you’re not fooling anybody.

The Terrifics, however, I find intriguing. All four characters are classic staples within the DC Universe, particularly Mr. Terrific and Plastic Man. On top of this, there’s an allusion to Tom Strong, a character who was part of DC’s imprint, ABC Comics, and created by Alan Moore. If this title explores some of the more lesser known aspects of DC’s multiverse and characters, it could be a real treat for fans.

Number 12

"BATMAN #38Written by TOM KINGArt by JOELLE JONESCover by MIKEL JANINVariant cover by OLIVIER COIPELRetailer: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“SUPERFRIENDS” part three! Batman and Wonder Woman fight together in an epic battle that will define and redefine their relationship. What bonds these two pillars of the DC Universe together? What might tear them apart? Find out as Batman continues his quest for the one thing he’s never had: happiness.On sale JANUARY 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TBATMAN #39Written by TOM KINGArt by JOELLE JONESCover by JOELLE JONESVariant cover by OLIVIER COIPELRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“SUPERFRIENDS” finale! Since the beginning, the friendship between Batman and Wonder Woman has stood at the heart of the DC Universe. Now that friendship is coming apart, and as it does the universe itself begins to crumble. Don’t miss the conclusion of Batman’s epic team-up with Wonder Woman!On sale JANUARY 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Don’t tell me…Wonder Woman doesn’t like the idea of that Batman’s fiancee is Catwoman. If King also goes the route some Justice League comics have done, in that there’s been romantic tension between Bruce and Diana as well, then you know jealousy will play a factor, too. I hope this isn’t the case. Like DC romantically pairing Superman and Wonder Woman, I never did care for them teasing the same thing between her and Batman in both the animated series and the comics.

Number 13

"TITANS #19Written by DAN ABNETTArt and cover by PAUL PELLETIER and ANDREW HENNESSYVariant cover by DAN MORARetailers: 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.“Who is Troia?” The Titans attempt to regain their balance after their epic clash with Troia—Donna’s villainous future self—and look toward a brighter tomorrow. But the Justice League wants answers about Donna Troy’s true nature, and they’ll get them—even if it means shutting down the Titans for good!On sale JANUARY 10 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: My first response to this solicit is simply, “Again?!” Let’s face it, when it comes to Donna Troy and her origins in the DC Universe, it is one big headache after another. Ever since the original Crisis On Infinite Earths–over thirty years now–the folks have DC have bent over backward in trying to make any degree of sense with Donna’s history and, in this case, possible future. Right now, she has Wonder Woman’s original molded from clay origin…I think.

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

Agree with the order of placement on this list, or is there a title not on here which you believe is more worthy of a look-see? Also, which DC character or character do you believe should have their own ongoing title? Let us know which comics you’re most looking forward to reading.