DC Comics: Best to worst solicitations for February 2018

A new Earth One graphic novel, the end of Dark Nights: Metal, Brave and the Bold, and monster love make up DC’s comics for winter’s end.

Number 1

"GREEN LANTERN: EARTH ONE VOL. 1 HCWritten by GABRIEL HARDMAN and CORINNA BECHKOArt and cover by GABRIEL HARDMANThe newest Earth One original graphic novel presents an all-new origin for the Emerald Warrior!Hal Jordan yearns for the thrill of discovery, but the days when astronaut and adventure were synonymous are long gone. His gig prospecting asteroids for Ferris Galactic is less than fulfilling—but at least he’s not on Earth, where technology and culture have stagnated.When Jordan finds a powerful ring, he also finds a destiny to live up to. There are worlds beyond his own, unlike anything he ever imagined. But revelation comes with a price: the Green Lantern Corps has fallen, wiped out by ruthless killing machines known as Manhunters. The odds against reviving the Corps are nearly impossible…but doing the impossible is exactly what Hal Jordan was trained to do!From co-writer and artist Gabriel Hardman (Invisible Republic) comes a soaring original graphic novel that takes a radical new look at the mythology of Green Lantern and provides a great entry point for new readers.On sale MARCH 14 • 144 pg, FC, $24.99 US • 978-1-4012-7792-5"

Commentary: Like most of DC’s Earth One OGN’s, it’s always interesting seeing how modern creators reinterpret these classic DC characters. From the premise of this alone, this setup for Green Lantern is considerably steamlined, what with Hal Jordan already in space and the Green Lantern Corps on the brink. It definitely would work as a movie pitch for a Green Lantern reboot. Also, from what I can gather, this is Gabriel Hardman’s first major work with the big two. Corinna Bechko has written for them before, but not extensively. In any case, this looks very promising.

Number 2

"ACTION COMICS #1000: 80 YEARS OF SUPERMAN HCStory and art by variousMontage cover by JIM LEEJoin us for the 80th anniversary celebration of the most important comic book in American history: ACTION COMICS #1, featuring the first appearance of Superman! It’s an extraordinary party as we revisit stories from across the decades, featuring the debuts of not just the Man of Tomorrow, but also Supergirl, Brainiac, the Fortress of Solitude and more! See the work of generations of top writers and artists on the original superhero! Enjoy sparkling essays from literary wizards who have won Pulitzer Prizes and hit the bestseller lists, including Jules Feiffer, who relives his memories of when ACTION COMICS #1 first hit newsstands. Plus, a historical essay by guest editor Paul Levitz, and all one thousand ACTION COMICS covers presented on a special 30” x by 39.75” poster! And as a bonus, don’t miss a previously unpublished 1940s Superman tale believed to be written by Jerry Siegel with art by the Joe Shuster studio, salvaged fifty years ago and hidden away until now!This new hardcover serves as a companion to the ACTION COMICS #1000 comic book coming in March!On sale APRIL 11 • 384 pg, FC, $29.99 US"

Commentary: Pretty much a given DC would celebrate Superman’s Anniversay with an anthology collection. From the way this solicit is worded, though, it seems like it will be very impressive, or a must for die-hard Superman fans. Just the fact it’s reprinting a “lost” Superman story by Siegel and Shuster gives it an added incentive. Not to mention it gives newer readers a taste of what the Golden Age and Silver Age Superman were like, too.

Number 3

"JLA/DOOM PATROL SPECIAL #1Written by STEVE ORLANDO and GERARD WAYArt by ACOBackup story written by MAGDALENE VISAGGIOBackup story art by SONNY LIEWCover by FRANK QUITELY“MILK WARS” part one! Welcome to the un-event of the year! Kicking off a line-wide adventure, DC’s Young Animal collides with the DC Universe to bring you a different kind of crossover.The Doom Patrol has discovered that an interdimensional corporation called RetCo has been stealing stories, reconfiguring them and repackaging them for new markets. Our gang of misfit heroes have felt the touch of this nefarious company, and it has already started to change them. Even scarier, though, is how deeply RetCo has embedded itself into current continuity, using the radioactive milk of psychic cows to quell the more dangerous impulses of the Justice League and turn them into heroes safe for the masses. And to kick this off, RetCo has gone all the way to the top.Meet Milkman Man, heretofore unknown final son of Krypton, who was sent to our planet to save him from the destruction of his homeworld, only to be adopted by an evil dairy farmer and raised to love all things dairy!Co-plotted by Steve Orlando and Gerard Way, with art by ACO (MIDNIGHTER), this extra-sized special starts “Milk Wars” with a splash!Plus, who is Eternity Girl, and how does she connect to this whole scheme? A special four-part back-up feature by Magdalene Visaggio (Kim and Kim) and Sonny Liew (The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye) begins here.RETRO-SOLICITED • ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+MOTHER PANIC/BATMAN SPECIAL #1Written by JODY HOUSERArt by TY TEMPLETONBackup story written by MAGDALENE VISAGGIOBackup story art by SONNY LIEWCover by FRANK QUITELY“MILK WARS” part two! Mother Panic has discovered a Gotham City transformed. What happened to her family and friends? And who moved into Gather House, the religious school that scarred Mother Panic as a young girl? It’s Father Bruce, the orphan millionaire who decided to give back to society by filling the deep demand for sidekicks. So many Robins in need of a nest! Plus, part two of the Eternity Girl backup story!ONE-SHOT • On sale FEBRUARY 7 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+SHADE, THE CHANGING GIRL/WONDER WOMAN SPECIAL #1Written by CECIL CASTELLUCCIArt by MIRKA ANDOLFOBackup story written by MAGDALENE VISAGGIOBackup story art by SONNY LIEWCover by FRANK QUITELY“MILK WARS” part three! Shade has been split into multiple parts, each representing a different mood, all in service to the perfect and beautiful Wonder Wife. But Happy Shade is starting to sense that not all is right in Wonderland, and she finds something strange staring back at her on the other side of the looking glass! Plus, part three of the Eternity Girl backup story!ONE-SHOT • On sale FEBRUARY 14 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE/SWAMP THING SPECIAL #1Written by JON RIVERAArt by LANGDON FOSSBackup story written by MAGDALENE VISAGGIOBackup story art by SONNY LIEWCover by FRANK QUITELY“MILK WARS” part four! Swamp Thing has detected a disturbance in the Green, and his hunt for it has led him to RetCo headquarters. There he finds Cave Carson and his crew struggling against being assimilated into RetCo’s diabolical narrative. Is it possible for Swampy and Cave to destroy the organization from the inside? Plus, find out how their efforts help Eternity Girl in the final installment of her backup story!ONE-SHOT • On sale FEBRUARY 21 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+DOOM PATROL/JLA SPECIAL #1Written by STEVE ORLANDO and GERARD WAYArt by DALE EAGLESHAM and othersCover by FRANK QUITELY“MILK WARS” finale! As RetCo’s foundation shatters, the Young Animal teams come together with the Justice League and even more DC Universe heroes to finish the job. The only problem is, Milkman Man and RetCo still stand in their way. To right reality, the heroes of Young Animal and the DC Universe will have to unlock an outrageous power never before seen on any world!This mind-blowing conclusion will establish new realities for all of the DC’s Young Animal titles. Look for the return of Cave Carson, Shade and Mother Panic next month!ONE-SHOT • On sale FEBRUARY 28 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+"

Commentary: As you read through these solicits, I’m sure, like me, you kept asking yourself, “What on Earth is this?” Then you see the name Gerard Way, the creator of Umbrella Academy and the lead singer for My Chemical Romance. Suddenly, it all makes why this crossover between DC and their Young Animal imprint seems so bizarre…and potentially awesome. After all, it turns Superman into a 1950’s style milkman. That’s the kind of wacky stuff comics did all the time.

Number 4

"MERA: QUEEN OF ATLANTIS #1Written by DAN ABNETTArt by LAN MEDINACover by NICOLA SCOTTVariant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAURetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.From the pages of AQUAMAN comes a brand-new adventure starring Mera, in her own title for the first time ever!As the brutal Atlantean Civil War rages, Mera must keep the peace between the surface world and Atlantis as its newly anointed queen in exile. But when Aquaman’s brother Orm, a.k.a. Ocean Master, learns of his homeland’s fate, he’ll stop at nothing to return to Atlantis as its king and savior!On sale FEBRUARY 28 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: It was only a matter of time before Mera would have a comic of her own, even if it’s just a miniseries. Aquaman’s wife and Queen of Atlantis has grown in prominence over several years. The timing of these also looks as though DC green-lighted the comic in anticipation of her role in the Justice League movie. Unfortunately, not only did Justice League fail to excite audiences and critics, Mera had very little screen time. Still, it’s something at least.

Number 5

"THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: BATMAN AND WONDER WOMAN #1Written by LIAM SHARPArt and cover by LIAM SHARPDon’t miss the start of a new, six-issue miniseries written and illustrated by Liam Sharp (WONDER WOMAN)! When a Celtic god’s murder leads to a war between the fairy folk and a possible breach between worlds, Wonder Woman must find the murderer and keep the peace while Batman investigates strange occurrences in Gotham City. As Diana must turn to the World’s Greatest Detective for help, the two heroes quickly learn their cases may be connected.On sale FEBRUARY 21 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $3.99 US • RATED T+"

Commentary: Ever since Justice League: The Animated Series, team-ups between the Dark Knight and the Amazon Princess (and the surprising chemistry between them) have proven quite popular. For this reason, I find it strange DC, while doing plenty of Batman and Superman and Superman and Wonder Woman team-up comics, haven’t done many for Batman and Winder Woman. Also, with regards to the premise, I’m reminded a little of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and Anasai Boys.

Number 6

"DARK NIGHTS: METAL #6Written by SCOTT SNYDERArt by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPIONCover by GREG CAPULLOVariant covers by TONY S. DANIEL, ANDY KUBERT and JIM LEERetailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for details.All roads lead…to darkness. In the devastating and epic conclusion to DC’s cataclysmic event series, heroes from across the universe make their final charge into the unknown to battle the forces of the Dark Multiverse! Space and time, dreams and nightmares, all will collide—and what is left at the end will leave the DC Universe irrevocably changed!ADVANCE SOLICITED • On sale MARCH 14 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • FOIL-STAMPED COVER • RATED T+"

Commentary: Anytime a solicit uses the term “irrevocably changed,” always take it with a grain of salt. That said, one immediate change to the DC Universe are the new titles under the “Dark Matter” banner, some of which will already première before Dark Nights: Metal is complete. Likewise, it sounds as though it’s reintroducing Hawkman with a new backstory…again. This still has been a very good crossover, all things considered.

Number 7

"DOOMSDAY CLOCK #4Written 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 series you thought you’d never see reaches its fourth issue with a shocking revelation about the aftermath of Ozymandias’ actions and how they reach into even the darkest corners of the DC Universe. Don’t miss the latest chapter by the acclaimed team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank!On sale FEBRUARY 28 • 32 pg, FC, 4 of 12, $4.99 US • RATED T+"

Commentary: We’ve already seen glimpses of what happened within the world of Watchmen after Ozymandius’ plan is exposed in Doomsday Clock #1. Also, since we know Dr. Manhattan has manipulated time and events in the DC Universe, this, too is something we already know without reading the solicit. The real question readers should be asking is how will the characters from Watchmen aside from Manhattan crossover into the DC Universe?

Number 8

"NEW SUPER-MAN AND THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF CHINA #20Written by GENE LUEN YANGArt by BRENT PEEPLES and RICHARD FRIENDCover by PHILIP TANVariant cover by BERNARD CHANGRetailers: 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.“SEAS OF CHANGE” part one! It’s the dawn of a new era for the Justice League of China! The New Super-Man of China and his teammates have struck out on their own, and even the Ministry’s newly formed Lantern Corps is no match for this renegade force to be reckoned with! But as China’s superhero community reorganizes itself, trouble is brewing in North Korea…and from the depths emerges a new metahuman that will change everything.On sale FEBRUARY 14 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US •RATED T"

Commentary: Thus, New Super-Man undergoes a title change to reflect how the comic features other Chinese analogues of DC pantheon of superheroes. Though considering the Justice League of China has been present since issue #2, one wonders why the comic wasn’t called New Super-Man and the Justice League of China to begin with. In any case, given New Super-Man‘s current sales estimates, it’s doubtful whether a title change like this will even matter.

Number 9

"DETECTIVE COMICS #975Written by JAMES TYNION IVArt and cover by ALVARO MARTINEZ and RAUL FERNANDEZVariant cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUERetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“THE TRIAL OF BATWOMAN”! In a 30-page anniversary story, Batwoman faces scrutiny from Batman and Red Robin but stands up for her actions. Will Batman allow her to continue bearing his symbol after everything she has done?On sale FEBRUARY 28 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Considering this is spinning out of “The Fall of the Batmen” storyarc, and how the cover for Detective Comics #973 shows Batwoman with a sniper rifle, I’m guessing what she did is, to save Batman’s life, she kills one of his villains. Considering Bruce Wayne frowns on murder and gun use, we’re lead to believe this will force Batwoman leaving the team. Doubtful, however, this will lead towards Kate Kane forced to give up the Batwoman mantle, as her series is still ongoing.

Number 10

"JUSTICE LEAGUE #38Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIESTArt by MARCO SANTUCCICover by PAUL PELLETIERVariant cover by J.G. JONESRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“JUSTICE LOST” part five! Alone on the Watchtower, The Flash must find a way to save an astronaut drifting out into space. Meanwhile, Batman’s obsession with redeeming himself for two critical failures feeds a growing crisis of confidence in his leadership.On sale FEBRUARY 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TJUSTICE LEAGUE #39Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIESTArt by IAN CHURCHILLCover by PAUL PELLETIERVariant cover by J.G. JONESRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.“JUSTICE LOST” part six! An environmental disaster unites both Justice League teams as Cyborg faces the first test of his leadership while still being overshadowed by Batman. Meanwhile, the Green Lanterns struggle with internal conflicts while being recruited by a mysterious visitor for an unspecified deep-space mission.On sale FEBRUARY 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Don’t you just love how one solicit spoils the outcome of the story from the previous solicit? In any case, sounds like Batman gets kicked out of the Justice League…again. Though I will say Cyborg becoming the new leader is an interesting development. This isn’t the first time he’s been in charge of a superhero team, as he once lead the Teen Titans priors to the New 52 relaunch. Still, it’s pretty refreshing seeing someone other that Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman as the Justice League team leader.

Number 11

"SUPER SONS #13Written by PETER J. TOMASIArt by CARLO BARBERICover by GIUSEPPE 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.“Mother’s Day” part one! Talia al Ghul returns for her son Damian, whom she trained from birth to be an assassin. With the evil in Robin’s past finally revealed to Superboy, it might be too much for the Sons’ partnership to survive…especially when the boys find out her next victim is one of the most important people in their lives!On sale FEBRUARY 21 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T"

Commentary: Why do I get the sneaking suspicion that Talia is targeting Lois Lane? Perhaps because the title of this story is called “Mother’s Day” and it would make sense for both Jon’s mom and Damien’s mom to cross paths. If so, you can already see how this story could shape out even before it’s over. It does surprise the subject of Damien’s mom has never been brought up to Jon until now.

Number 12

"YOUNG MONSTERS IN LOVE #1Written by PAUL DINI, JAMES ROBINSON, JEFF LEMIRE, STEVE ORLANDO, MARK RUSSELL, KYLE HIGGINS, ALISA KWITNEY, PHIL HESTER and othersArt by GUILLEM MARCH, FRAZER IRVING, KELLEY JONES and othersCover by KELLEY JONESIt’s hard being a monster…and even harder being a monster in love. Sparks will fly and hearts will be broken when the ghouls and ghosts of the DC Universe assemble to bring you the Valentine’s Day Special that no one saw coming!PRESTIGE FORMAT • ONE-SHOT • On sale FEBRUARY 7 • 80 pg, FC, $9.99 US"

Commentary: Okay, so DC is essentially combining a Valentine’s Day special with a Halloween special? I can understand them wanting to give their monster characters like Swamp Thing, Frankenstein, Etrigan the Demon, etc. more love (no pun intended), but this? I’m really hard pressed in figuring out just who would want to slap down $10 for this. Then again, it does have some high-profile writers on it, so who knows?

Number 13

"BATMAN: SINS OF THE FATHER #1Written by CHRISTOS GAGEArt and cover by RAFFAELE IENCOVideogame art variant coverRetailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.Based on the acclaimed videogame series from Telltale Games, this new digital-first comic tells the story of events between the first and second seasons. Someone is killing people associated with Arkham Asylum during the time Thomas Wayne was forcibly committing people there. Suspicion falls on the families suing Bruce Wayne to pay for the harm caused by his father. Batman has other ideas, but his investigation leads to him becoming the target of a deadly assassin.On sale FEBRUARY 21 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • DIGITAL FIRST"

Commentary: Considering the mechanics of Telltale Games, there’s bound to be an in-canon version of their first Batman game. Even though, like most Telltale Games, your choices in Batman didn’t affect the larger story all that much, there’s still certain details which did depend on the choices you made. Like, for example, whether a certain character has an eye-patch or not. That’s the downside with adapting video games, especially ones in which the entire gimmick is about how player choice affects the outcome.

Next: DC Comics: Best to worst solicitations for January 2018

What say you about this chosen list of best to the worst? And which ones, if any, catch your attention? Also, based on how the wording of these solicits, what do you think will happen in these comics, especially with Dark Nights: Metal finale and Doomsday Clock a quarter-of-the-way finished? Also, what is your opinions on the DC: Earth One graphic novels, and which ones have been the best?

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