Batman #47 (Second Opinion)

Written by: Tom King
Art by: Tony Daniel
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 16, 2018
Review by:  Dispatchdcu (Check out all of his awesome reviews!)


Ok, so here goes. Let’s unwrap up this gift, shall we!?! We open with Bruce, and probably some of his Waynetech peeps, trying to fix Skeets so they can go back in time. Skeets reboots only to find that Boosters voice is the only voice that will operate Skeets. So, Bruce goes to unlock Booster who has been locked up in chains for over a year in (possibly) what would be the Batcave.... that’s how I took it. 

Flavor #1 Review

Flava!

Written by: Joseph Keatinge
Art by: Wook Jin Clark
Colors by: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters by: Ariana Maher
Culinary Consultant: Ali Bouzari
Publisher: Image
Reviewed by: Andrew McAvoy


Quirky book of the week goes to Flavor (or Flavour as we call it this side of the pond), which opens with the immortal line, "Follow that Truffle!!". Yes, it is a culinary adventure set in a walled city, with a first issue that surrounds the custody of budding, unlicensed but keen chef! Too young to run the family kitchen?? Not so fast. It's time for the main course, lets tuck in!

Infidel #3 Review

Fright Night

Written by: Pornsak Pichetshote
Art by: Aaron Campbell
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewed by: Andrew McAvoy

The last issue of this series was really successful in challenging expectations formed in issue 1. I was forced to reconsider my views on the family dynamics at play and was intrigued by the way it cast aside casual assumptions that may have been formed about the racism and hate depicted. I also found that there was an interesting exploration of evil and how its stain can linger in a location after certain horrific past events. Will this issue be able to sustain that feeling of gripping tension? Let's see.

Gideon Falls #3 Review

Father, Father, we don't need to escalate...

Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Andrea Sorrentino
Colors by Dave Stewart
Letters by Steve Wands
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewer: Andrew McAvoy


The last issue of Gideon Falls was, I think, where society got the expression "sh*t just got real!". Okay, maybe not but it could have been where that phrase originated because it was pretty, pretty good as my mate Larry once said. Will this issue curb my enthusiasm? Hopefully not, let's find out.

The Dead Hand #2 Review

French Fancy

Written by: Kyle Higgins
Art by: Stephen Mooney
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Letters by: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Image Comics
Review by: Andrew McAvoy


Wow. The Dead Hand rocked onto New Comic Book Day last month with more rock n' roll attitude than the Rolling Stones prowling on to the stage (yes even now they still rock!). So after an amazing opening installment, I was looking for someone to gimme shelter to allow me to savor this next issue in peace. Will this issue give me satisfaction? Time to Start me up!

Chris and Reggie's Cosmic Treadmill ep. 90 - Welcome Back, Kotter #1 (1976)

Up Your Nose With a Rubber Hose

Hello, prime-time television enthusiasts! In this episode, Sweathogs Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) check out one of DC Comics' experimental titles from their mid-1970s "Explosion," when they read Welcome Back, Kotter #1 by Elliot S! Maggin and Jack Sparling from 1976! After the creator bios, and an explanation of the conditions that allowed such a comic book to exist, they do a complete read-through and make poor attempts at mimicking the character voices. After a break, our TV addicts talk about a few other television shows turned into surprisingly popular comic books, then talk about American television in the 1970s, and the conditions that allowed such a television show to exist. Plus, some listener mail--and some mixed news for the Treadmill clan. You won't need a laugh track to enjoy this one!

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week: May 16, 2018

Reggie Bait

They threw some bait to get on your ol' pal Reggie's Best Covers list this week, and it worked! In one instance, at least. Frankly, pickings were somewhat slim. But as I've promised before: if there's more than five covers out that week, I can make a "Best Of" list! And that's the Weird Science DC Comics guarantee!

The Wild Storm #13 Review and Spoilers

The Backlash

Written by: Warren Ellis
Art by: Jon Davis-Hunt
Colours by: Steve Bucellato
Letters by: Simon Bowland
Price: $3.99

The last month has been a Wild Storm free time, but, with last week's issue of Michael Cray and now a new issue of the parent title on our hands, all that is over and it's time to dive back into the rich, complex and slow-burning narrative that we've come to know and love. I hope that, like me, you've fruitfully used the month's hiatus to meditate on the realities of life and death, and the endless struggle that stretches out all too briefly before us as we shuffle through this veil of tears. Or perhaps you've instead been wondering just what the implications of the events of issue 12 of this wonderfully involving series will be: whether Mitch's death will go unnoticed and/or unavenged, whether IO will be able to make use of the data they've just filched from Skywatch, whether Skywatch will do anything else to punish IO for its indiscretions. Or perhaps you've been wondering just what John Lynch has to do with any of this. If so, then welcome to issue 13. Answers await…

The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman #4 Review

Come Together

Written by: Liam Sharp
Art by: Liam Sharp and Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 16, 2018
Review by: Matches Balone

Elatha may have been the most recent king of Tir Na Nóg to die, but death is never far from the throne. Batman and Wonder Woman learn about the realm’s first king, his mysterious silver arm and what bearing it may have on the problems of the present, as the Fomorians grow increasingly weary of these strangers and their questions. The duo’s investigation was supposed to bring answers and keep the peace, but it might burn into the spark that ignites the first shots of war! 

Batwoman #15 Review and *SPOILERS*

Bat Country

Written By: Marguerite Bennett
Art By: Fernando Blanco, John Rauch
Letters By: Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 16, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Well… it’s official. Batwoman will be coming to an end in August. I can’t really say I’m surprised. A majority of this book has been one of the worst stories that DC has put out during the Rebirth era. That said, I’m sad to see it go. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a fan of this book but Batwoman has been one of my favorite characters for a long time and I think she deserves a book at DC. It too late to wish for a new creative team to revamp the book but maybe a couple years from now… Anyway, back to where we were last time. Batwoman is facing off with her sister and the book has been actually kind of good. Nothing spectacular but I’ve been enjoying it. I’m hoping that this book continues on this path and gets better to the point where fans will say that they loved the ending to a horrible story. That said, let’s jump right in and see where the latest issue of Batwoman takes us.

Deathbed #4 Review and **SPOILERS**

Into The Jellyfish Tank

Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Riley Rossmo, Ivan Plascencia, and Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018

**NON-SPOILERS AND SCORE AT BOTTOM**

In a world full of dark, edgy comics, with stories meant to confuse readers, make a statement, or have some profound and hidden meaning, sometimes you just need a book to help you unwind and have some fun. So far, this has been that book. Coming into the series, I thought it was going to be dark and tell a deep, profound story all the way through. But instead, it has become one of the more entertaining books I read every month, while also throwing a good message in there with it. I can only hope that Joshua Williamson keeps that going for the rest of the series. Let's take a peak in and see how the home stretch starts out.

New Challengers #1 Review

You Said What Now?!

Writer: Scott Snyder and Aaron Gillespie
Art by: Andy Kubert, Klaus Janson, Brad Anderson, Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 16, 2018


As the last New Age of DC Heroes books drop its New Challengers turn in the spotlight.  A Scott Snyder and Aaron Gillespie collaboration is mostly the hook the would draw attention to this title unless you have an affinity for the Challengers comics from back in the day.  I personally don't and had to do a wiki search on what they even were while reading Metal, so I had a feeling it may affect my enjoyment going in.  Let's check it out with an open mind none the less and see whats what with the New Challengers.

Aquaman #36 Review and **SPOILERS**

“New Look” Corum Rath

Writer: Dan Abnett 

Artist: Riccardo Federici 

Colorist: Sonny Gho 

Letterer: Steve Wands 

Cover: Stjepan Sejic 

Assistant Editor: Andrea Shea

Editor: Alex Antore 

Group Editor: Brian Cunningham 

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: May 16, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Here we are, at week 338 of the Ninth Trides Uprising! Though the solicit for this issue called it the Atlantean Civil War…and I could swear Corum Rath called it the Taint Blood Revolution at some point. Guess it depends on your vantage point, huh? Find out my vantage point in my review of Aquaman #36, right here!

Damage #5 Review

Last night took an L, but tonight I bounce back

Written by: Robert Venditti

Art by: Diogenes Neves, Trevor Scott, Allen Passalaqua, Tom Napolitano
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: May 16, 2018

The New Age of DC Heroes, while an intriguing concept, has been flawed in its execution with the 'big name artists' dropping off all these titles after only a few issues, removing one of the main draws of the lineup when it was announced. Couple that with the books not exactly flying of comic book shelves either and its difficult to say how long these 'New Heroes' will stick around.  With that being said I've enjoyed the story of Damage so far and want to see Ethan get some closure to his story so let's check in on his progress this week. 

Harley Quinn: Harley Loves Joker #2 Review and **SPOILERS**

Meeting of the Minds

Writer: Paul Dini 

Artist: Bret Blevins 

Colors: Alex Sinclair 

Letters: Dave Sharpe 

Cover: Amanda Conner & Alex Sinclair 

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: May 16, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

This story that swept into Harley Quinn continuity like a hurricane is over after this issue, so perhaps the damage will be minimal. Or perhaps this story actually bolsters the character somehow! Only one way to find out: by reading my review of Harley Quinn: Harley Loves Joker #2, which is conveniently linked below!

Cave Carson Has an Interstellar Eye #3 Review and **SPOILERS**

Hock Up Some Spiritual Phlegm

Writer: Jon Rivera 

Cover & Interior Artist: Michael Avon Oeming 

Colorist: Nick Filardi 

Back-Up Artist: Paul Maybury 

Letterer: Clem Robins 

Editor: Molly Mahan 

Executive Editor: Mark Doyle 

DC’s Young Animal Curated By: Gerard Way 

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: May 16, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Looks like Cave Carson’s taken it upon himself to settle this mess between the Lazer Monks and the Nejire, so let’s not dally with nonsense and get right to finding out what happens in Cave Carson Has an Interstellar Eye #3, right now!

Green Lanterns #47 Review

Power To Move Forward

Written By: Tim Seeley

Art By: V. Ken Marion, Sandu Florea, Dinei Ribeiro, Dave Sharpe

Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 16, 2018

This arc of Green Lanterns may be the best arc of the entire series and I'm sad to see Tim Seeley leaving this book prematurely because now that I see what he can really do.......... I want a lot more just like this arc.  Hopefully, this issue can continue to "wow" me and it ends on a high note as we continue to dive deep into the mind of Jessica Cruz, where she's apparently been hiding Volthoom's Realm of the Green inside of her subconscious.  Let's jump into this issue and check it out.

Superman Special #1 Review

Let The Superman Celebration Continue!

Written By: Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mark Russell, Ian Flynn

Art By: Scott Godlewski, Gabe Eltaeb, Rob Leigh, Bryan Hitch, Alex Sinclair, Tom Napolitano, Kaare Andrews

Cover Price: $4.99

Release Date: May 16, 2018

Like we got in the Action Comics Special it's time to take a look at three more Superman tales, with one being the farewell for Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason and the other two being add-ons, which work to a degree.  Really though, there's not a lot to say going into this except...... Celebrate good times, come on.  Let's check it out.

Justice League: No Justice #2 Review

Team Building

Written By: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson

Art By: Francis Manapul, Marcus To, Hi-Fi, Andworld Design

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: May 16, 2018

The Cosmic Event called No Justice has started and after the first issue I can tell you that even though I find the whole "cosmic energies" bit of this story a bit silly, I'm all on board to see what all these heroes and villain teamed up are able to do.  Not to mention, we have some giant ass space gods from the beginning of time looking to chow down on Brainiac's home planet of Colu and once that's over Earth.  Yeah, the stakes seem pretty damn high so let's jump into this issue and see if we can glean any new information about what these energies of Wisdom, Entropy, Wonder, and Mystery are and how they're represented.......... and how our teams can do anything with them.  Let's check it out.

Batman #47 Review

Back To The Future

Written By: Tom King

Art By: Tony S. Daniel, Danny Miki, Sandu Florea, Tomeu Morey, Clayton Cowles

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: May 16, 2018

Let's jump back into Batman and see if Tom King can wrap this Booster Gold arc up in a satisfying way that will make the rest of the story make sense and hopefully revert Booster Gold back to the hero that he was before this arc started........ Yeah, that's a tall order, but I need some kind of takeaway here that makes this feel like it was worthwhile.  Let's jump into this issue and check it out and see what Booster Gold is going to do now that Thomas and Martha have been killed.......... not to mention, this alternate timelines Batman and Catwoman.  Let's check it out.

PREVIEW: Green Lanterns #47

Written By: Tim Seeley

Art By: V. Ken Marion, Sandu Florea, Dinei Ribeiro, Dave Sharpe

Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 16, 2018

“GHOSTS OF THE PAST” finale! Jessica Cruz must find the memories she’s buried deep within her. If she can’t, she’ll be trapped within her ring forever—along with Simon Baz! 

PREVIEW: Superman Special #1

Written By: Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mark Russell, Ian Flynn

Art By: Scott Godlewski, Gabe Eltaeb, Rob Leigh, Bryan Hitch, Alex Sinclair, Tom Napolitano, Kaare Andrews

Cover Price: $4.99

Release Date: May 16, 2018

“THE PROMISE”! Superman’s world is about to change in a big way, but before it does, the Man of Steel has some unfinished business to attend to…on Dinosaur Island! Superman and a forgotten soldier of the past take one last trip together into the abyss of tomorrow, as Captain Storm now stands face-to-face with the world of today! This extra-sized special also features stories by writers Mark Russell and Ian Flynn with art by Kaare Andrews and Bryan Hitch! 

PREVIEW: Justice League: No Justice #2

Written By: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson

Art By: Francis Manapul, Marcus To, Hi-Fi, Andworld Design

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: May 16, 2018

The teams arrive at Brainiac’s home world to find it already in chaos. Only by splitting up and journeying to the four cosmic trees of Colu will they have any hope of saving the planet…but what’s waiting for them will test the true mettle of their new alliances!

PREVIEW: Batman #47

Written By: Tom King

Art By: Tony S. Daniel, Danny Miki, Sandu Florea, Tomeu Morey, Clayton Cowles

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: May 16, 2018

“THE TRAVELERS” part three! As Booster Gold, Batman and Catwoman zero in on the time anomaly, what they find and their actions to correct it will have ramifications on all of the DC Universe. Tom King and Master Class artist Tony S. Daniel end their first story with a bang that will tee up the next big development in the Batman/Catwoman romance.

PREVIEW: Batwoman #15

Writer: Marguerite BennettArtist: Fernando BlancoCover Price: $3.99Release Date: May 16, 2018
“THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF KANE” part three! A lethal plague fills the skies of Gotham City as the Many Arms of Death throttle Batwoman’s hold on the city! As their leader Alice begins her deadly endgame, Batwoman realizes that if she cannot stop her sister—Batman will.

PREVIEW: The Wild Storm #13

Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Jon Davis-Hunt
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 16, 2018


John Lynch, once the director of IO, the secret deep-state agency that runs Earth, is on the road. His darkest project, Thunderbook, has been uncovered, and he needs to warn the principals, now scattered across America. Hiding. Because they were his most successful experiments. And none of them are completely human anymore.

PREVIEW: Damage #5

Written by: Robert Venditti

Art by: Diogenes Neves, Trevor Scott, Allen Passalaqua, Tom Napolitano
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: May 16, 2018

“UNNATURAL DISASTER” part two! Ethan Avery’s journey to uncover the secrets of his power will have to wait—he’s got a brawl to survive first! If his alter ego, “Damage,” ever wants to make it out of Poison Ivy’s clutches alive, he’s going to have to fight an army of super-angry monkeys to do it. And Gorilla Grodd. That can’t be that hard, right? Remember, Damage—monkey see, monkey smash!