October 2011 to be the "Month of the Mini-Series"?

Yesterday and today, DC began announcing their October 2011 solicits. They announced the ongoing series for Bat-family characters yesterday, and started with some "Dark" series and "the Edge" titles today. The obvious series that were announced last month (Batman, Batman and Robin, Red Hood and the Outlaws, StormWatch, Justice League Dark, and so on) were solicited with their second issues this morning. But then yesterday, DC announced two Bat-themed mini-series titles being started this October; The Huntress & Penguin: Pain and Prejudice.

The Huntress will be written by Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes) and pencils by Marcus To. Looking at the cover, alone, makes me see that her costume hasn't really changed. I mean, at least from how it was in Hush. I haven't really read any stories with her besides that.

Here's the solicit's info about the first issue:
"THE HUNTRESS #1
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by MARCUS TO and JOHN DELL
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale OCTOBER 5 • 1 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Look out! By the end of this hot new miniseries, the Huntress will have the largest price on her head in DC Universe history.
What will the Huntress do that warrants such a death mark? And who puts it there? The jaw-dropping events will be revealed as the Huntress heads home to Italy and embarks on a mission that defines her life. Don’t miss out, because this story will tie in to upcoming events in BIRDS OF PREY!"

Maybe once Huntress re-enters the whole Birds of Prey dynamic, I might start reading that series, too? Depending on how I like the mini. The only difference in her outfit that I can notice is that she has that new armor-look that just about every character has now. I hope that if Huntress is actually returning to Birds of Prey, then maybe Gail Simone will, too? And if Helena does return to the Birds, then I really hope she makes fun of Dinah's new outfit. "My god, Dinah. What the hell are you wearing?"

DC also announced the Penguin mini yesterday, too. Penguin: Pain and Prejudice will be written by Gregg Hurwitz and pencils by Szymon Kudranski (I already don't like this artist; his name is a pain in the ass to spell).
I never really did like the Penguin in much. I probably won't be reading it, but who knows.

Here is the official description:
"PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE #1
Written by GREGG HURWITZ
Art and cover by SZYMON KUDRANSKI
On sale OCTOBER 5 * 1 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T
In this exciting new miniseries from novelist Gregg Hurwitz (You're Next) and rising star artist Szymon Kudranksi (Spawn), the painful and dark past of one of Batman's most devious foes is examined. How did young Oswald Cobblepot go from being the apple of his mother's eye to the leader of underworld gangs and adversary of The Caped Crusader? Find out in PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE!"

It looks like it could end up being okay, but whatever. I'll read the reviews.

But the biggest new so-far coming out in October is probably The Shade. Fans have been waiting for James Robinson's Shade series to come out ever since his acclaimed Starman story.

The series features the character named "Shade" and will be a 12-issue mini-series, unlike the other two mini's which were 6- and 5-issue mini's, respectively.

Here's the official description:
"THE SHADE #1
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by CULLY HAMNER
Cover by TONY HARRIS
1:10 Variant cover by CULLY HAMNER
On sale OCTOBER 12 * 1 of 12, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. See the Previews order form for more information.
James Robinson returns to the world of his acclaimed STARMAN series with a new 12-issue series starring the antihero known as The Shade! An attack at the Starman museum kicks off a globe-hopping, centuries spanning quest that will irrevocably change The Shade's life, and ultimately shed light on his true origin! Artist extraordinaire Cully Hamner (RED) kicks off the series, and upcoming issues will feature art by such luminaries as Darwyn Cooke, Javier Pulido, Jill Thompson, Frazer Irving and Gene Ha!"

So there's where at least Robinson is going to be for at least a year. This series actually looks pretty interesting so I'll probably pick it up. So that bumps my list of "Probable Comics to Buy in October" list up to 22...assuming that none of the ongoing series that I want are completely terrible (which I'm sure at least one will be).

So is October 2011 going to be considered the "Month of the Mini's"? I hope some more interesting ones come out (Can anyone say Booster Gold and Power Girl? Or at least one of them on their own?).

Thanks for reading, guys. Check in later for (hopefully) more information.

Upcoming Ongoings: Justice League

Justice League is getting "back to the basics" pulling Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman back into the line-up for the first time in several years.

Now, they haven't exactly SAID which Flash it's going to be, I'm going to have to assume it's Barry Allen. Which means that Wally is STILL nowhere to be found. They've already said that it isn't Wally in the Titans. It's still Bart, which I really don't mind. But apparently (though I never heard this before), Geoff Johns claimed that they would be having a Speed Force ongoing series soon. Which, assuming Barry stays in The Flash, would hopefully star Wally. Yeah, well if they would be announcing it anytime soon, it would probably be later this year. Hopefully it will be an addition next year (or later this year) like the Batman, Inc. series will be next year.

Over the past year (probably even longer), the line-up for the JLA has consisted of a bunch of C-List characters (excluding Dick Grayson, who I would consider B-List). And that would be a compliment. If anything, it's a bunch of characters that DC couldn't fit in anywhere else, but a few random fans might have wanted to see again and so they threw it on a series that should be one of DC's best selling like it was when Meltzer started the series off and when McDuffie first started.

Now, don't think that I haven't given the current line-up a chance; I have! I read the story arc before this current one which was called "Omega." Not only did I read the entire story arc, but I ALSO bought the Starman/Congorilla One-Shot tie-in issue back in January.

Last summer, the JLA/JSA crossover happened again and it included Jesse Quick joining the team. So here is the current membership for the JLA:
1. Batman (Dick Grayson)
2. Donna Troy
3. Jesse Quick (though she's losing her speed powers, so...yeah)
4. Jade
5. Congorilla
6. Starman (not any Starman that people have known for years, some random one that Robinson created in Cry For Justice)
7. Supergirl

For some damn reason, DC and James Robinson thought THIS could be the JLA. Sure, it limits the amount of power on the team so it makes for a more strategic story (which, in my opinion, is great). But, honestly...it's about time the REAL JLA comes back.

Which brings me to September; the return of the Big Seven to the JLA, minus Martian Manhunter.

Meaning that the return of six main members to the line-up:
1. Superman
2. Batman (Bruce Wayne)
3. Wonder Woman
4. Flash (Not sure, yet, assuming Barry Allen)
5. Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
6. Aquaman (Arthur Curry)

Plus, the addition of Cyborg to the line-up. I thought I heard somewhere (though I may be wrong) that this would be a 16-member line-up. If that's true, I'm just trying to think of who would be the other eight members.

Despite all of the questions about the relaunch that are still out there, a lot of the writers/artists that are on series have agreed to interviews from Newsarama, ComicBookResources, or iFanboy. So there is one way to learn more about the stories.

I am rather excited for September.

Check out Justice League #1 by Geoff Johns & Jim Lee. But we'll see how long that creative team stands. I have a bet for $20 that it will be a year at most. How long do you think?

UPDATE: Apparently this was "accidentally" leaked onto the internet earlier this week/this past weekend. I think it was actually DC's cheap way of throwing it out there without making a whole big announcement. But ANYWAY, that little poster-teaser-thingy up there shows the main line-up for the League, plus eight more characters on either side. Honestly, it's a beautiful piece of artwork. But that's beside the point.

This poster reveals that the line-up will include:
Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, the Flash, Cyborg, Deadman (isn't he in Justice League Dark, already?), the Atom (is that Ryan Choi?), Element Woman (created in Flashpoint), Firestorm (looks like Ronnie), Green Arrow (pretty sure that's Ollie), Hawkman, some random white-haired chick (has been said by Johns that it isn't Power Girl or Black Canary, so keep guessing), and Mera (really? One Aqua-person is enough, thank you).

I actually think most of these people aren't that surprising (Firestorm, Hawkman, Green Arrow, the Atom), but there are some characters that I think "What the fuck were you thinking, Chairman?" (Element Woman, Deadman, Mera). Sound off below!

Let's Finish This Sh*t With Superman

A few mere hours ago, DC released the solicitations for the relaunch's Super-family series'. Many of the well-known Super-family won't have their own series; Power Girl, Krypto, Lois Lane, etc. But the main three will; Clark, Kara, and Conner will all be receiving their own ongoing series' this September, along with 58 other series.

Today, DC announced four series;

Action Comics #1-written by Grant Morrison & pencils by Rags Morales

Currently, this is probably the most interesting series that I have seen so far. Now, I haven't read All-Star Superman (written by Morrison), yet. But from everything that I've heard (plus having watched the animated movie), I have a feeling Morrison will be bringing something great to DC's head-character.
Here's the official description:

"A new era of DC Comics begins as the longest-running monthly comic of all time releases its first issue #1 since 1938.

This September, New York Times bestselling writer Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) joins with sensational artist Rags Morales to bring you tales of The Man of Tomorrow unlike any you’ve ever read before in ACTION COMICS #1. This momentous first issue will set in motion the history of the DC Universe as Superman defends a world that doesn’t trust their first Super Hero.

The first Action Comics #1 is now the most sought-after comic book of all time. This September, one of comics’ most imaginative storytellers will make history again in Grant Morrison and Rags Morales’ ACTION COMICS #1."

Doesn't trust Superman? Oh my god, I love it already. Thank you, DC. Might wanna record that, it's the only time I'm going to say it.

Superman-written & penciled by George Perez

I don't love it as much, BUT I do love George Perez, so I might end up reading it. Writer & artist of the Wonder Woman series when it first started, writer & artist of the New Teen Titans series when it first introduced characters like Starfire, Cyborg, and Beast Boy, and artist of the first-Crisis? Well, he's done many amazing stories, but how will he do on this series?
Here's the official description:

"What is Superman’s startling new status quo? How does it affect his friends, loved ones and his job at The Daily Planet? Find out in SUPERMAN #1, written by legendary comics creator George Perez (CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, NEW TEEN TITANS and WONDER WOMAN) and illustrated by Jesus Merino."

Supergirl-written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson with pencils by Mahmud Asrar

Supergirl was never a character I enjoyed on here own. The writers of Smallville are the ones doing the writing (I loved Smallville), so I might check out an issue or two. I'm not very interested, though. No investments will go to this series from me.
Here's the official description:

"Supergirl’s got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman and none of his affection for the people of Earth. Writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson (Smallville, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) will team up with artist Mahmud Asrar to give a new take on the teenager from Krypton in SUPERGIRL #1."-Doesn't SOUND to good, does it?

Superboy-written by Scott Lobdell with pencils by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean

Personally, I really like Conner the way he is right now; a clone. Half-Luthor/Half-Kent. Now, sure, they've almost completely overdone that by this point, but isn't it so much better than what it looks like he is in the cover? A fucking cyborg? -sigh- I like Conner's red-S-shield-w/-black-background-t-shirt-and jeans-thing, too. I wish he wouldn't have to change in the relaunch, but there are worse things about it. (The current Batgirl seemingly disappearing, Power Girl not having her own series, that also goes double for Booster Gold, Mister Terrific getting his own series, etc.)
Here is the official description:

"They thought he was just a failed experiment, grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon. SUPERBOY #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell with art by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean."

Well this means that (among others) Booster Gold, Power Girl, Stephanie Brown, and the Secret Six all aren't coming back to their own series (or possibly the DCU as a whole--excluding Booster who is in the JLI series). I kind of figured that this would happen some time soon. It's really a shame that the invested fans (like myself) aren't getting some personal pleasure from these announcements from series that we love (or were hoping to begin loving later this year).

It's Official!--DC & WIldStorm Merger

Earlier today (6/9/2011), DC Comics announced two series that confirm the rumors of a possible DC Universe/WildStorm Universe-merger;

1.Stormwatch #1-by Paul Cornell (writer of Lex Luthor's run on Action Comics) and Miguel Sepulveda-Cover seen above.
This series seems to be where Martian Manhunter will be hanging out for now, which is rather surprising, but whatever. DC DID say that it would be "a surprising new roster", so I guess that's fine.

2.Grifter #1-by Nathan Edmondson, CAFU, and BIT-Cover seen below. Well Grifter is a character that I never was able to read anything about, but was really interested in; I'll probably be checking this out.

The rumors began swirling around back at the end of 2010 when WildStorm ended it's own publishing as a DC Sub-Company, that there would be a DC Universe/WildStorm Universe-merger. Rumors became much louder after Geoff Johns said (after being asked whether he would want to work on anything from WildStorm), that he has big plans for the sub-company's characters in the near-future.

Other series that were announced today and over the past few days are the following:

Suicide Squad-by Adam Glass and Marco Rudy

OMAC-by Dan Didio, Keith Giffen and Scott Koblish

All-Star Western-by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Moritat

Deathstroke-by Kyle Higgins, Joe Bennett, and Art Thibert

Sgt. Rock and the Men of War-by Ivan Brandon and Tom Derenick

Blackhawks-by Mike Costa and Ken Lashley

Legion Lost-by Fabian Nicieza and Pete Woods

Legion of Super-Heroes-by Paul Levitz and Francis Portela

Teen Titans-by Scott Lobdell, Brett Booth, and Norm Rapmund-the known characters for this series are Tim Drake as Red Robin, Wonder Girl, Bart Allen as Kid Flash, and Superboy--the other two are completely new to me

Static Shock-by John Rozum Scott McDaniel, and Jonathan Glapion-Looks like that series IS going to happen, after all.

Hawk & Dove-by Sterling Gates and Rob Liefeld-You have got to be kidding me, Hawk & Dove over Booster Gold or Power Girl? Fuck you, DC.

and, last but not least,Blue Beetle-by Tony Bedard, Ig Guara and Ruy Jose

Alright well I have officially said each series and it's creative team at least once on this blog over the course of the past two weeks. And has anyone else noticed that ever since the relaunch was announced, no one has even been paying attention to Flashpoint? Hmm... Just a thought. Also, with no Super-family solicitations released, we have to assume the last four series that are being announced tomorrow will be about the Big Boy Scout & Family. Bleeding Cool has released a few possibilities, including Superman written and drawn by George Perez, Supergirl written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson, Superboy written by Scott Lobdell (writer of the new Teen Titans series, also), and Action Comics written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Rags Morales.

Well right now, my sister is being annoying as fuck, so I'm gonna wrap this up here. Thanks for reading, guys!

We're Halfway Through

Well now that DC has officially announced over half of their new ongoing series of the new 52, it's time I list all of them and their respective creative teams;

Justice League-Geoff Johns & Jim Lee
Aquaman-Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis
Wonder Woman-Brian Azzarello & Cliff Chiang
The Flash-Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
The Fury of Firestorm-Ethan Van Sciver, Gail Simone, and Yildiray Cindar
The Savage Hawkman-Tony Bedard & Philip Tan
Green Arrow-JT Krul & Dan Jurgens
Justice League International-Dan Jurgens & Aaron Lopresti
Mister Terrific-Eric Wallace & Roger Robinson
Captain Atom-JT Krul & Freddie Williams II
DC Universe Presents-Various
Green Lantern-Geoff Johns & Doug Mahnke
Green Lantern Corps-Peter J. Tomasi & Fernando Pasarin
Green Lantern: The New Guardians-Tony Bedard & Tyler Kirkham-No, this isn't about those stupid New Guardians from that one crossover event--it's about 1 member of each of the Lantern Corps
Red Lanterns-Peter Milligan & Ed Benes
Batman-Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo
Detective Comics-Tony Daniel
Birds of Prey-Duan Swierczynski & Jesus Saiz
Catwoman-Judd Winick & Gullem March
Batgirl-Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf, & Vincente Cifuentes
Batwoman-J.H. Williams III, Haden Blackman, & Amy Reeder
Nightwing-Kyle Higgins & Eddy Barrows
Red Hood & the Outlaws-Scott Lobdell & Kenneth Rocafort-So glad Roy & Jason have a good-concept series.
Batwing-Judd Winick & Ben Oliver--Well this means Judd probably isn't going to be on a series like Power Girl, Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, or the like.
Swamp Thing-Scott Snyder & Yannich Paquette--Hopefully this means he isn't the "Champion" since Brightest Day seems to have been void.
Justice League Dark-Peter Milligan & Mikel Janin
Animal Man-Jeff Lemire, Travel Foreman, & Dan Green
Demon Knights-Paul Cornell, Diogenes Neves, & Oclair Albert
Frakenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.-Jeff Lemire & Alberto Pnticelli-Sounds oddly like "Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.", am I right?
Resurrection Man-Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning-REALLY!?!?!?!? UGHHH!!!
I, Vampire-Josh Fialkou & Andrea Sorrentino
Voodoo-Ron Marz & Sami Basari
Batman & Robin-Peter J. Tomasi & Pat Gleason
Batman: The Dark Knight-David Finch-With all the delays?