Batman #687

Creative team: Story by Judd Winick; art by Ed Benes & Rob Hunter

Villain to Watch: None

They say: This 40-page issue explores the final moments of the Battle for the Cowl as the new Batman learns that winning the Cowl comes at a high price! Witness the new Batman taking to the streets of Gotham City for the first time! Putting a new man inside the Bat-suit was the easy part – now the fun begins! Guest-starring Superman and Wonder Woman, this issue is a must-read for any Batman fan.

I say: So far, this reinvention of the Dark Knight is something I am having a hard time getting my head around, but since he’s such an integral figure in the DCU, ya kinda have to understand it. So that’s gonna make this ish — and last week’s Batman and Robin #1 must-read material.

Fantastic Four #567

Creative team: Story by Mark Millar; art by Bryan Hitch

Villain to Watch: Dr. Doom, Marquis of Death

They say: The Marquis of Death has returned to Earth after a genocidal sojourn of two decades! And his first target is his once-pupil, Victor Von Doom!

I say: I featured the preview of this ish in yesterday’s blog, but, needless to say, this is shaping up to be an astonishing tale.

Green Lantern Corps 37

Creative team: Story by Peter Tomasi; art by Patrick Gleason and Rebecca Buchman

Villain to Watch: Sinestro, Red Lantern Corps

They say: The penultimate ‘Emerald Eclipse’ chapter is upon us as the breakout on Oa leads to vast devastation and death across the planet. As the War of Light rages, do Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner, Kilowog and the rest of the Corps have the willpower to quell the riot and overcome the napalm-spewing Red Lanterns and the fear-spreading Sinestro Corps?

I say: I still say that this — along with the central Green Lantern title — is one of the most consistently awesome reads in comics today. Keep this on your list, because Blackest Night is looking like the standout arc of the summer for DC.

Pet Avengers #1 #2

Creative team: Story by Chris Eliopoulis; art by Ig Guara

Villain to Watch: None

They say: And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth’s mightiest heroes were unaware of a threat greater than all of them could handle. And on that day, a teleporting puppy scoured the world to assemble a team of animals to fight the foes no single beast could withstand! Strap on your collar and hop on-board the adventures of Lockjaw, Lockheed, Redwing, Hairball, and an all-new Frog Thor!

I say: Chris Eliopoulis is probably one of the most underrated talents at Marvel Comics. Besides his awesome lettering resume and his endearing writing/art work on Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, he’s the single creative force behind Misery Love Sherman, a beautifully twisted webcomic. With chops like that, how could Pet Avengers possibly be less than stellar?

Editor’s Note: I misread my list of New Releases. The current issue is the second in the series.

Red Robin #1

Creative team: Story by Christopher Yost; art by Ramon Bachs

Villain to Watch: None.

They say: Following the aftermath of Battle for the Cowl, a new Batman watches over Gotham City. But not everyone is ready to give up on the old one. Someone believes that Bruce Wayne may still be alive…and that someone is Red Robin. But who is wearing the Red Robin costume, and why is he traveling the globe looking for a dead man? Whoever he is, he’s not alone in his search!

I say: OK, DC, you’ve got me on the hook for exactly one month. Robin is Batman, Another Robin is Robin, and yet another Robin is a homicidal maniac. And now Batman is Robin. Either this makes sense by July or I’m out.

…And One To Pass

Flash: Rebirth #3

Creative team: Story by Geoff Jones; art by Etahn Van Sciver

Villain to Watch: None

They say: At last, the answer to the question that’s plagued DC fans for decades: Who’s faster, Superman or The Flash? Call your bookie and bet the farm, because you’ve never seen a run like this – and if speedsters keep dying at the pace they’re going, you might never see another one again!

I say: Another Flash / Superman race? Really?