Weird Science DC Comics: 2018-11-04

Friday, November 9, 2018

DC Black Label adding Watchmen, Killing Joke and More!

DC BLACK LABEL EXPANDS 2019 SLATE ADDING ‘WATCHMEN’, ‘THE KILLING JOKE’ AND OTHER CLASSIC TALES TO ITS ROSTER

DC announced today that some of its most legendary stories will now be a part of the DC Black Label imprint. The recently launched publishing line, dedicated to giving premier writers and artists the ability to tell unique, standalone stories set outside DC continuity, will release several iconic comic book collections featuring the most famous DC heroes from the archives beginning this December through the end of 2019.

“The DC Black Label line will house the best and most evergreen stories from DC,” says DC Publisher Dan DiDio. “The company has a long history that includes some of the most recognizable and renowned storytelling in comics and we want to honor that history by putting them under one banner.”

The quintessential tales that first inspired the creation of the line include complex and emotionally engaging narratives with stunning visual storytelling from some of the greatest creators in the industry. The list of reprinted collections and their release dates through 2019 can be found below:

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH WALMART, DC

AND THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES!

The 100-Page Walmart Exclusive Arrives in Stores by Sunday, November 11

THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES! HOLIDAY SPECIAL Includes an Original Story Featuring THE FLASH, Plus Popular Holiday-Themed Stories from the DC Vault, Including the Eisner-Nominated BATMAN Short Story “Good Boy,” By Tom King and David Finch

Chris and Reggie's Cosmic Treadmill ep. 114 - Action Comics Weekly: Green Lantern, Part One (1988)

The Ring's Not the Thing

Greetings, Wednesday warriors! In this episode, ScienCell janitors Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) begins a multiple-part series on DC Comics Action Comics Weekly, published in 1988 and 1989, concentrating on the Green Lantern stories starring Hal Jordan! Featuring work by Gil Kane, Christopher Priest, Peter David and Tod Smith–and therefore our ring-polishers provide biographical information for each of them. After explaining what this series is and how it came to be, our Oan tour guides pore over issues #601 through #614, exploring Hal Jordan's journey through life, love...and Oprah Winfrey? This is just the beginning of what will prove to be a lot of Green Lantern, you don't want to miss it!

Good Enough for the Rubes

I suppose if you're going to treat the interiors as an afterthought, there's no point in going all-out on the covers. I struggled to put together the list this week, though. Here's a tip: the cover should make you want to buy the book. Start with that, and see what you come up with!

Throwback Thursday: Harley Quinn Valentine's Day Special #1 Review (2015)

Date Night

Written by: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by: John Timms, Thony Silas, Ben Caldwell and Aaron Campbell
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: February 11, 2015

I have a confession to make, I love Harley Quinn. I mean the book...or do I? Thanks to Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner, I have grown to love the character and that's a big deal because I was never a big fan. That has all changed thanks to the pop culture references, poop jokes and all-around zany fun that Palmiotti and Conner shove into the book each issue. That being said, you know what's better than Harley's solo book? The special issues like this Valentine's Day Special. These stand-alone issues have been so much fun and this one is no exception.

Volcano Girl

Written by: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti

Art by: Chad Hardin

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 24, 2014

I'll admit, Harley Quinn isn't for everyone. It's for fun people who like a laugh-out-loud read, not stuffy old jerks who like to be miserable. What a second, I'm a stuffy old jerk who likes to be miserable and I love it. I guess Harley Quinn is for everyone. DC must agree since the book releases twice a month and it's done so without any drop in quality I can see. Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti have done a great job and Chad Hardin's art follows suit. It seems when they get the chance to really shine (like the hilarious San Diego Comic-Con issue) they step it up a notch and blow it out of the water. This issue is one of those times. During an Event that I have found lacking, Harley Quinn comes through with a hilarious book that had me laughing the whole time. Oh yea, it also features the return of the Joker which is pretty exciting as well.

Throwback Thursday: Red Lanterns Annual #1 Review (2014)

WAR!!!!!!!!

Written By: Charles Soule
Art By: Miguel Sepulveda
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: July 30, 2014

It's finally here people. The moment I've been clamoring for what seems like forever. The War against Atrocitus is on and to get you ready for the badassery that is this issue, I'll fill you in on a few key details. Atrocitus kept Rankorr prisoner and when Guy Gardner's Reds went to rescue him, he was all kinds of crazy and dangerous. While they were doing the whole rescue thing Atrocitus went to Ysmault and poisoned their magic blood lake and destroyed their power battery. If that wasn't enough to tip the scales of war, Supergirl is no longer a Red Lantern and Atrocitus has created a new homeworld for his new Red Lanterns complete with magic blood lake. At the end of the last issue, we saw Skallox betray Guy and go sniveling back to Atrocitus just in time for hundreds of Red Lantern rings emerging from the magic blood lake. What does this all mean? It's wartime bitches and I hope you're ready because it's starting here, it's going to get wild and I'm going to SPOIL the shit out of it. Let's check it out.

Growing Up

Written By: Fabian Nicieza

Art By: Karl Moline, Jose Marzan Jr., Hi-Fi
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 13, 2015

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

I love the hell out of the Metropolis Kid and while his arrogance and attitude can get a little annoying at times, it's all a part of the character that I love. There's something about young heroes trying to step up and do the right thing that really draws me in and after reading last month's issue, I was just reminded all over again about how much I love this character and how brash he once was.......... Yeah, he's still pretty brash now, but in the 90's he was all attitude! So in the last issue, we had our Teen of Steel all upset that he'll never get the chance to be Superman because he's trapped under a dome that stole his powers, but after the dome vanished, he costumed up and was ready to make his mark on Convergence. The only problem was, he was up against the Kingdom Come Superman, who just wanted Superboy to give up so that they could save both their cities. Let's see if Superboy's down with the plan, or if he makes Superman work for the win. Let's check it out.

Bringing Funny Back

Written by: Art Baltazar and Franco
Art by: Art Baltazar
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 4, 2014

Tiny Titans are everything I love about comics. It's laughing out loud funny, cute and just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside. What's even better, it's family-friendly fun. Yep, no arm removing anywhere in sight. It seems that a good book doesn't have to be dark and gritty. I thought that was something DC Comics had forgotten.

Art Baltazar and Franco make Tiny Titans a joy for all. The younger ones get a cute introduction to DC characters in little adventures that they can wrap their minds and hearts around. I have five boys who love Teen Titans Go! and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, but aren't all interested in reading the New 52. I had them read Tiny Titans and they all loved it.

Black Magic is Tragic

Writers: Mike W. Barr, Jai Nitz

Artists: Philippe Briones, Scott Eaton

Inks: Wayne Faucher

Colorists: Gabe Eltaeb, Guy Major

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Cover Artist: Frazer Irving

Group Editor: Jim Chadwick

Editor: Harvey Richards

Cover Price: $4.99

On Sale Date: November 7, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

What the heck? Wait…I do remember hearing something about this, a long time ago…I didn’t know what it was about then, and I don’t know what it’s about now. Only one way to find out, and that’s to dive right into Suicide Squad Black Files #1, and luckily I’ve reviewed it right here!

Judge and Jury

Written By: Simon Spurrier

Illustrated By: Bilquis Evely

Colors By: Mat Lopes

Letters By: Simon Bowland

Cover By: Jae Lee & June Chung

Variant Cover By: Yanick Paquette & Nathan Fairbairn

Edited By: Molly Mahan

Associate Editor: Amedeo Turturro

Assistant Editor: Maggie Howell

Executive Editor: Mark Doyle

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: November 7, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Last time we checked in on the Dreamspace, the crotchety old Judge Gallows had been installed as the new boss of operations. So how do you think he’s cozying up to the job? Find out in my review of The Dreaming #3, posted right here for your convenience.

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi

Art team: Carlo Barberi, Art Thibert, Matt Santorelli, Protobunker, and Rob Leigh

Covers: Dan Mora and Jorge Jimenez

Release Date: 11/7/18

Cover Price: $3.99

Reviewed by: Jon Wayne

And we’re back for the next issue of the Adventures of the Super Sons! When we last left our heroes, Superboy had been split into Red and Blue versions and fought themselves while simultaneously fighting The Gang! In the meantime, Joker Jr. had been rescued by Space Cabbie who then returned and saved our heroes from the villains. From Batman and Robin in the New 52 to Superman and Super Sons in the Rebirth era, I love what Peter J. Tomasi has done with our titular characters. However series often hit the proverbial speed bumps around issue #4. Can good ol’ Pete help the world’s finest teens avoid that pitfall? Let’s find out.

We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place!

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Ronan Cliquet
Colors by: Jeromy Cox
Letters by: Carlos M Mangual
Cover price: $2.99
Release Date: November 7, 2018

I can actually remember how the last issue of The Unexpected ended. Firebrand died! Her soul absorbed by the monstrous cartoon supervillain Onimar Synn, our plucky conflict engine-hearted pugilist's fate appears to be sealed. "But, there are still two issues of the series to come out, Daw!" I hear you cry. Yes, well, you've got me there, haven't you? Mind you, this series did kill off three major characters in its first issue. You never know… Anyway, for a series given to bouts of manic hyperbole, the cover is startlingly prosaic in reminding us of what's at stake: Synn must die so Firebrand can live. Right you are. Let's find out whether this issue Synn does indeed kick the proverbial bucket and starts pushing up whatever passes for daisies in his section of the galaxy, then, shall we?

You Damned Kids with Your Facebooks and Your YouTubes

Writer: Sam Humphries

Artist: Lucas Werneck

Colors: Alex Sinclair

Letters: Dave Sharpe

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

Variant Cover: Frank Cho

Editor: Alex Antone

Assistant Editor: Andrea Shea

Group Editor: Brian Cunningham

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: November 7, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

I sure hope Captain Triumph isn’t still farting around somehow. Have a look at my review of Harley Quinn #53 and find out if he is!

Enter Nightwings

Written By: Scott Lobdell

Art By: Fabian Nicieza, Chris Mooneyham, Nick Filardi, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 7, 2018

Dick Grayson hasn't been himself lately. Hell, he's been someone completely different since KGBeast shot him in the head, but for the most part he's all about living his new, superhero free life as Ric Grayson. Too bad that his past is about to catch up to him in the form of his alter ego Nightwing. That's right, since Nightwing's been missing from Bludhaven, things have gone from bad to worse and now a cop with a plan, who happened upon Nightwing's secret bunker, is taking the law into his own hands...... vigilante style. Let's jump into this issue and see if this book continues to be interesting. Let's check it out.

For the Waters Will Engulf Us if We Do Not Dare to Tread

Writer: Scott Snyder

Art, Color, Cover: Francis Manapul

Letters: Tom Napolitano

Variant Cover: Francisco Mattina

Assistant Editor: Andrew Marino

Editor: Rebecca Taylor

Group Editor: Marie Javins

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: November 7, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

It’s part two of “Drowned Earth,” somehow, despite me reading at least four different issues dealing with this event. And technically speaking, at least according to the cover dress, none of them have been Aquaman. They do say that folks can get disoriented when floating in a large body of water, though. Let’s see how disoriented we get reading my review of Justice League #11, commencing now!

The World's Most Basic Detective

Written By: Julie Benson, Shawna Benson

Art By: German Peralta, John Kalisz, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 7, 2018

Now that Roy Harper's funeral has been dealt with, it's time for the Bensons to get back to their "Citizen" story, where a rogue 99%er is on the rampage and inciting riots by getting regular Joes like you and me to take the rich and fancy out......... and also, watch the Citizen do it himself on TV. Goddamn does it seem like the people of Seattle are easily swayed. Let's jump into this issue and see if Green Arrow will be able to take this villain down and clear the good name of Oliver Queen, who has been accused of a hit and run from when he was younger. Let's check it out.

Insane In The Membrane

Written By: Christopher Priest

Art By: Fernando Pasarin, Jason Paz, Sean Parsons, Jeremy Cox, Carrie Strachan, Willie Schubert

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 7, 2018

Time to get back to Crazy-Slade and his time in Arkham Asylum and after the last issue, where Slade looked like he was being abducted by aliens out of nowhere....... Well, I can't wait. Let's jump into this issue and see if we can start pulling on the threads covering up Christopher Priest's mystery behind what's going on in this arc with not only Deathstroke, but with Rose as well and her strange Willow persona. Let's check it out.

That's Why They Call It Work

Writer: Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: November 7, 2018
Cover Price: $3.99

It's time again for Batman and I am a big Penguin fan so I was looking forward to this episode since it was solicited. I really don't have much more to say about this except I hope that Tom King doesn't have Batman kill Oswald! Does he? Let's find out...

PREVIEW: Nightwing #52

Written By: Scott Lobdell

Art By: Fabian Nicieza, Chris Mooneyham, Nick Filardi, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 7, 2018

Who is Dick Grayson? That’s the question haunting him after the devastating injury he suffered in BATMAN #55. Now, as he continues to struggle physically and emotionally, how can he stand against the terrifying “fear germ” unleashed by the Scarecrow?

Written By: Christopher Priest

Art By: Fernando Pasarin, Jason Paz, Sean Parsons, Jeremy Cox, Carrie Strachan, Willie Schubert

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 7, 2018

“DEATHSTROKE: ARKHAM” continues! It’s Groundhog Day for Deathstroke. After experiencing a strange encounter with an inmate claiming to be an alien, Slade Wilson wakes up in Arkham Asylum as if nothing happened, and the only person who believes him is Harvey Dent, a.k.a. Two-Face! But can Two-Face be trusted? (Not likely.) And what machinations does Hugo Strange have in store for Deathstroke?

Written By: Julie Benson, Shawna Benson

Art By: German Peralta, John Kalisz, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 7, 2018

Green Arrow finds himself in the crosshairs and caught in a crossfire: on one side, would-be populist vigilante Citizen, who’s out to make the one percent pay. On the other, the citizens of Seattle, who mob Green Arrow wherever he goes. While Black Canary investigates Citizen’s real identity, Oliver’s corporate lawyer and confidant Kate Spencer deals with a free-falling Queen Industries. It’s not a good time to be Oliver Queen OR Green Arrow…until our hero becomes taken with an insane plan to thwart Citizen once and for all.

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Carlo Barberi, Art Thibert
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: November 7, 2018
Cover Price: $3.99

Jon Kent learns it's better to be dead than red... Kryptonite, that is! Traveling the cosmos to get home and escape the intergalactic teen baddies known as the Gang, Superboy and Robin wind up on the so-called "Planet of Mystery." There, Superboy deals with Red Kryptonite exposure, which throws his powers out of whack, while the planet haunts and taunts them both with nightmare creatures. They'll need to wrap up this rest stop ASAP though, as the Gang is hot on their tails looking for a pound of flesh-which is a lethal amount when you're a tween!

Writer: Tom KingArtist: Mikel JaninPublisher: DC ComicsRelease Date: November 7, 2018Cover Price: $3.99
The Dark Knight waddles into a turf war with the Penguin! Still reeling from the attacks on his Bat-Family and reputation, the Caped Crusader looks to track down the mysterious operator lurking behind the scenes in Gotham City. As the hunt rages on, Batman runs "a fowl" of Oswald Cobblepot. But the Penguin is on Batman's side for once, and the crime boss sees dangerous things on the horizon. How can he convince the Caped Crusader he's on the level?

Writer: Dan DiDio, Grant Morrison
Artist: Max Raynor
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: November 7, 2018
Cover Price: $4.99

Sideways unleashes his "super" secret weapon against Perrus in an effort to free the oppressed people and escape to his home dimension. He'll get some additional help from the newly discovered Seven Soldiers, but only if someone makes a heroic ultimate sacrifice. Plus, a bonus backup story in which Sideways meets the Unseen!!

Writer: Justin Jordan
Artist: Eduardo Pansica
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: November 7, 2018
Cover Price: $2.99

Talk about a horror show-and the demonic lead character ain't even the half of it! Siblings Joe and Annie find themselves in a town terrorized by the omnipotently evil Bel Dame, who uses an army of the maimed undead to do her bidding-such as torturing Joe (a.k.a. Brimstone). The Bel Dame decides to teach our fiery hero a lesson in sacrifice, and it's one so horrifying, it may just rip the brother-sister duo apart for good.

Here Comes the Judge

Written By: Simon Spurrier

Illustrated By: Bilquis Evely

Colors By: Mat Lopes

Letters By: Simon Bowland

Cover By: Jae Lee & June Chung

Variant Cover By: Yanick Paquette & Nathan Fairbairn

Edited By: Molly Mahan

Associate Editor: Amedeo Turturro

Assistant Editor: Maggie Howell

Executive Editor: Mark Doyle

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: November 7, 2018

As the Dreaming slips deeper into chaos, its frightened denizens yearn for strong leaders to guide them back to greatness. Enter Judge Gallows: nightmare of the major arcana, terror of the old frontier, whose thoughts and actions come knotted in hemp..

Released from Morpheus’ black chest after a century in the dark, he may not be merciful—but he’s always right.
His first case? Lucien’s fitness to lead...

I'm gonna take a wild guess and say a guy named "Judge Gallows" isn't known for his sensitivity and lenient sentencing. Have a gander at some preview pages, how about it?

Writer: Steve Orlando

Artist: Ronan Cliquet
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: November 7, 2018
Cover Price: $2.99

It's a showdown at Castle Frankenstein with the souls of Berlin on the line as Hawkman, Neon and Firebrand battle Onimar Synn to possess the unstable Nth metal isotope. Plus, June Robbins' secret rescue plan features the whirlwind reveal of a hero from DARK NIGHTS: METAL, not to mention the most important tombstone in the DC Multiverse! Prepare yourself for a shocking last-page reveal, which goes to a place not seen in the DCU in over a decade.

Green Lantern is Lit

Writer: Grant Morrison

Artist: Liam Sharp

Colorist: Steve Oliff

Letterer: Tom Orzechowski

Cover: Liam Sharp & Steve Oliff

Variant Cover: Frank Quitely

Associate Editor: Jessica Chen

Editor: Brian Cunningham

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: November 7, 2018

Superstar writer Grant Morrison (Batman, All-Star Superman) returns to DC alongside red-hot artist Liam Sharp (The Brave and the Bold, Wonder Woman) to launch a new, ongoing series: THE GREEN LANTERN! In this debut issue, when Earth’s space cop, Hal Jordan, encounters an alien hiding in plain sight, it sets off a chain of events that rocks the Green Lantern Corps—and quite possibly the Multiverse at large—to its very core. There’s an inter-galactic conspiracy afoot, as well as a traitor in the GL Corps’ ranks, so strap in for more mind-bending adventures in this masterpiece in the making.

People have been chomping at the bit to read this new series by Morrison and Sharp––myself included! I'm so giddy, I'm gonna pore over the preview pages provided below.

Part Two, the Third

Writer: Scott Snyder

Art, Color, Cover: Francis Manapul

Letters: Tom Napolitano

Variant Cover: Francisco Mattina

Assistant Editor: Andrew Marino

Editor: Rebecca Taylor

Group Editor: Marie Javins

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: November 7, 2018

“DROWNED EARTH” part two! The Justice League is scattered across the Seven Seas, pursued by the Ocean Lords and their army of alien mercenaries and constantly at risk of turning into fish monsters. You know, just a day at the beach. Their only hope lies in the crippled Aquaman, who believes the road to victory lies in unleashing equally vengeful gods on Earth’s oceans. Meanwhile, Batman guards the Totality in the sunken Hall of Justice, where no one can attack him…or can they?

This is part two of "Drowned Earth?" So part one was Justice League/Aquaman #1...what was that issue of Aquaman where the planet got flooded in the first place? And wasn't there a Titans tie-in to this already? I am so confused. Maybe a handful of preview pages can clear things up.

Navigation

Friday, November 9, 2018

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Date Night

Volcano Girl

Growing Up

Bringing Funny Back

Enter Nightwings

The World's Most Basic Detective

Insane In The Membrane

Tuesday, November 6, 2018