Another month, another round of solicitations for the Superman and Superman related comics. This month even has a theme…ANGRY RED EYES!
More on that in a minute.
Main Titles
ACTION COMICS #21
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Backup story written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
Backup story art by PHILIP TAN
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL
1:25 B&W Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL
On sale JUNE 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Superman is betrayed by his own DNA! And in the backup story, learn The New 52 origin of The Parasite!
My Two Cents
There isn’t a whole lot to go on with this one but I like the idea of a new Parasite. He may not be my favorite Superman villain but seeing the classic bad guys brought back is okay in my book. At first I thought I had uploaded the wrong cover but it turns out that this one has been solicited twice now. My only problem with it is the glowing red eyes of anger as I think that has become rather cliched in the past few years and by “rather cliched” I really mean “DC REALLY needs to stop doing this”. If this was the only cover to have the glowing red eyes of anger on it I probably wouldn’t have mentioned but…well it’s not.
SUPERMAN #21
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by AARON KUDER
Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
1:25 B&W Variant cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
On sale JUNE 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Witness the horror of Hector Hammond as Metropolis burns! What happens when a city is taken over by a nightmare?
My Two Cents
Normally I am not a fan of villains that usually “belong” to someone else showing up in another hero’s book. The cover is what is selling me on this one. It’s creepy but that’s not what I like about it. The level of detail in the costume and how it wrinkles is really cool. Outside of the annual Lobdell has yet to let me down on this book so this is another one I am really looking forward to. I almost want to ping this cover for the glowing eyes, but it looks more like Hammond is using his powers rather than the glowing red eyes of anger.
SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Backup story art by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:300 B&W Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
On sale JUNE 12 • 32 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $5.99 US
When thirteen satellites fall from the sky in one day, the logical suspect is Lex Luthor—even though he’s still locked up in prison! But a stranger question remains: If Superman didn’t stop the last satellite from falling, who did? There’s a mystery hidden where even Superman can’t see it—Can The Man of Steel drag a decades-old secret into the light? Don’t miss the debut of this red-hot new series from two of comics’ brightest superstars: SCOTT SNYDER and JIM LEE! This debut issue also includes a bonus two-sided, tipped-in poster measuring 11.6875” x 18.875” that is part of the reading experience and can be easily removed for display!
Surprisingly this cover does not feature a Superman with the glowing red eyes of anger. I was kind of expecting that from Lee. Anyway, pithy comments to the side I am REALLY looking forward to this book and that has everything to do with Scott Synder. He has really shined on Batman and it will be great to see what he can do with the Man of Steel. Oddly enough Jim Lee is not a selling point for me on this book as I am not the biggest fan of his take on the Man of Steel. I just don’t think his style is suited to Superman. Still, this is a huge launch and probably the most exciting thing to happen to Superman since the start of the New 52.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #1
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by JAE LEE
1:100 B&W variant cover by JAE LEE
1:25 BATMAN variant cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
1:25 SUPERMAN variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH
“We Can Be Heroes” blank variant cover available
On sale JUNE 5 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
A new epic begins with the debut of this new, ongoing series! Don’t miss the first fateful meeting of Batman and Superman in The New 52!
My Two Cents
Greg Pak is the main reason I am so excited about this series. I am not the biggest fan of Jae Lee as an artist but I don’t hate his work so I will keep an open mind. The last series featuring these two characters in one adventure (or I guess series of adventures would be the better way to say that) was very up and down in terms of story and quality after Jeph Loeb left the title so I am hoping this series has a better track record.
Family Titles
SUPERBOY #21
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by R.B. SILVA and ROB LEAN
Cover by KEN LASHLEY
On sale JUNE 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Krypto comes to the rescue as Superboy is on the trail of Dr. Psycho and the new, mysterious H.I.V.E that has infested Metropolis.
My Two Cents
The second cover of the month to feature a Super character with the glowing red eyes of anger. Now poor Krypto is in on the act as well.
Sigh.
Anyway, the words “Dr. Psycho” and “H.I.V.E.” do pique my interest. Hopefully this means that Superboy will be picking up as a title. As I said last month the book hasn’t been my favorite but I am looking forward to seeing what the new writer is going to bring to the title.
SUPERGIRL #21
Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON
Art and cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
On sale JUNE 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
It’s Supergirl vs. the mysterious Mekka—but what is the secret of this new menace? And what is Lex Luthor’s envoy Alphina planning against Kara?
My Two Cents
Yay. More glowing red eyes of anger. That’s so innovative and exciting.
Again…sigh.
I really don’t mean to sound as pithy as I do but the whole glowing red eyes thing is so played out at this point. Despite this the copy here has me intrigued. And to be fair with the exception of the glowing red eyes of anger this is a neat looking cover.
WORLDS’ FINEST #13
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by ROBSON ROCHA and WAYNE FAUCHER
Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
On sale JUNE 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
As DeSaad’s Hellhound hunts Power Girl and Huntress, the duo must struggle with how far underground they’ll have to go before they can turn the tide and take the fight back to the man who’s been impersonating the missing Mr. Terrific.
My Two Cents
Still one of my favorite current titles. While the whole turning back the clock on Power Girl’s costume thing is still a trifle annoying I still dig on this book and look forward to it every month. Levitz has not lost his ability to make the reader care about the people he is writing about. Now if only they could get Jerry Ordway to pencil the series….
TEEN TITANS #21
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
1:25 B&W Variant cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
On sale JUNE 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Something is very wrong with Red Robin…and he’s about to prove it! Can the rest of the Titans stop this tragedy? Or is it already too late?
My Two Cents
The tease at the end of Teen Titans #17 with Red Robin had me interested but not overly thrilled. This is another book that I was not really feeling that looks like it is about to get much more interesting.
Outside The Main Continuity
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #2
Written by MICHAEL AVON OEMING, BRYAN J.L. GLASS, JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art by MICHAEL AVON OEMING, JOELLE JONES, GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI and SAL BUSCEMA
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
On sale JUNE 26 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
Comics’ finest talents have assembled to bring you all-new, non-continuity short stories featuring the Man of Steel himself — SUPERMAN! This month’s issue features a super artist lineup featuring the work of Michael Avon Oeming (Powers), Joëlle Jones (FABLES), and Giuseppe Camuncoli (Superior Spider-Man) with Sal Buscema (The Incredible Hulk)!
My Two Cents
It is nice that the only controversial thing about this particular issue is the fact that Superman has the glowing red eyes of anger on the solicited cover. The creative line-up for this issue is stellar and I am especially looking forward to Sal Buscema’s work as I am a huge fan of his work.
BTW- That makes four covers with the glowing red eyes of anger. I think at this point it is just getting silly.
SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 #14
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by DANIEL HDR
Cover by PETE WOODS
On sale JUNE 12 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
Reunited with Supergirl, Clark must find a way to keep the peace between EarthGov, the Legion, and all of…New Krypton?! Plus, Booster Gold and Skeets struggle to find their place in a world that doesn’t want—or need—their help. Superman’s 31st-century adventure continues in “Argo” part 2 of 3.
My Two Cents
Love this cover! Like the way the story sounds but man that is a great take on the Supergirl costume!
INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US #6
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by JHEREMY RAAPACK and MIKE S. MILLER
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
On sale JUNE 26 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
Batman recovers from a devastating tragedy with only Catwoman at his side, and then goes underground to start developing the resistance against Superman’s new world order—but The Man of Steel is about to take the battle to the next level. Collects three chapters from the digital-first series inspired by the highly anticipated game.
My Two Cents
This series just keeps getting better and better. I am not sure what to expect past the second issue but it is definitely a much better book than most video game tie-in comics. I have no idea if I will ever play the game but the comic is definitely on my “must buy” list.
Trades and Hardcovers
ABSOLUTE LUTHOR/JOKER HC
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art by LEE BERMEJO and MICK GRAY
Cover by LEE BERMEJO
ADVANCE SOLICITED • On sale OCTOBER 23 • 384 pg, FC, 8.125” x 12.25”, $99.99 US
Two of DC’s greatest villains take center stage in this new Absolute edition from Eisner Award winning writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo! This slipcase contains two hardcovers and collects the LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL 5-issue miniseries and the original graphic novel JOKER, along with sketchbook pages and more!
My Two Cents
Modern science has yet to design a device capable of measuring the apathy I feel for this book. Seriously. Luthor: Man of Steel gets an Absolute and yet other, more deserving Superman stories are still ignored? This makes me sad as this series was, to my mind, utter crap. I get why DC would want to put these two stories together in an oversized reprint but I have no interest in it whatsoever.
SUPERGIRL VOL. 2: GIRL IN THE WORLD TP
Written by MICHAEL GREEN and MIKE JOHNSON
Art by MAHMUD ASRAR, GEORGE PEREZ and others
Cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
On sale JULY 10 • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US
The last daughter of Krypton has a friend: a young woman name Siobhan. Too bad she carries the curse of the Silver Banshee—and Siobhan’s father, the Black Banshee, isn’t far behind! Don’t miss these stories from SUPERGIRL #0 and 8-12!
My Two Cents
This title has remained high on my “must read as soon as it comes out” list so it is nice to see that a second hardcover is being released. If you haven’t been reading Supergirl you really need to start because it is an excellent book.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: DC COMICS PRESENTS SUPERMAN TEAM-UPS VOL. 2 TP
Written by MARV WOLFMAN, LEN WEIN, GERRY CONWAY and others
Art by RICH BUCKLER, JIM STARLIN, JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ and others
Cover by JIM STARLIN
On sale JULY 17 • 568 pg, B&W, $19.99 US
Superman battles for justice alongside heroes including Supergirl, Black Canary, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Starman and more in these stories from DC COMICS PRESENTS #27-50 and DC COMICS PRESENTS ANNUAL #1!
My Two Cents
Yay! Another volume in this series! I know the main reason this is getting released is because of the film but I really don’t care. DC Comics Presents was a fun book. Sure not every story was pure gold but it was neat to see Superman team up with so many different heroes. The main selling point for me on this volume is that it reprints the first annual, which featured a team-up with the Earth-2 Superman! This is another one you need to order!
SUPERMAN: PHANTOM ZONE TP
Written by STEVE GERBER
Art by GENE COLAN and TONY DEZUNIGA
Cover by GENE COLAN and DICK GIORDANO
On sale JULY 17 • 160 pg, FC, $14.99 US
Explore the history of Krypton and the origins of The Phantom Zone, Krypton’s otherdimensional prison, in this new title that collects PHANTOM ZONE #1-4 and DC COMICS PRESENTS #97.
My Two Cents
By rights this should have been included in the Tales From The Phantom Zone trade paperback but I kind of like the idea that this is getting its own trade complete with the DC Comics Presents issue, which was the last issue of that series. This is an amazing story and fits well with the movie that will come out a month before this trade does.
MAD PRESENTS SUPERMAN #1
Written and illustrated by THE USUAL GANG OF IDIOTS
On sale JUNE 12 • 64 pg, FC, $4.99 US
MAD and The Man of Steel have always had a very…special relationship. Now, MAD exploits that relationship with this new magazine-sized special that collects movie parodies, special features and laughs galore!
My Two Cents
This is well worth the five dollar cover price. Seriously. The first two Mad Superman movie spoofs were hilarious and I love the idea that they are releasing this to coincide with the upcoming film. Plus the cover is awesome.
Merchandise
INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US
NIGHTWING VS. SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURE 2-PACK
$29.95 US • On Sale August 2013
*Allocations May Occur
My Two Cents
These two packs are an interesting idea. I am not sure the rhyme or reason of pairing Superman with Nightwing but given the solicitation for the comic this month this might be very much on purpose. The only reason I would want this two-pack is for the Superman figure as I like that costume quite a bit, especially the way the S symbol is attached to the cape. That’s a really neat look. I am not sure I would want to plunk down $30 but weirder things have happened.
SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL BY JIM LEE STATUE
Sculpted by Jack Mathews
The Man of Steel bursts out of the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE ready for battle in this intricately sculpted statue designed by comics superstar Jim Lee, the artist of the upcoming SUPERMAN UNCHAINED written by Scott Snyder.
Statue measures 6.5” high x 6.25” wide x 4.4” deep.
$79.95 US • On Sale July 2013
*Allocations May Occur
My Two Cents
This is not the most attractive statue. It’s not ugly or horrendous just…boring.
SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL BY RAGS MORALES STATUE
Sculpted by Mat Brouillard
From the pages of ACTION COMICS is a stunning statue designed by superstar artist Rags Morales that captures The Man of Steel’s look from his earliest appearance in DC Comics – The New 52! No Fortress of Solitude is complete without one!
Statue measures 6.5” high x 5” wide x 3.75” deep.
$79.95 US • On Sale August 2013
*Allocations May Occur
My Two Cents
This is a much nicer looking statue. If I were the type of person to pay $80 for something like this I definitely would. Apparently no Fortress of Solitude is complete without one. I guess we’ll have to see if a Fortress of Baileytude can claim to be complete sans this statue.
Final Thoughts
This is a packed month for Superman collectors. We have a few new titles, a good selection of trades and even some high end collectibles. Superman Unchained and Batman/Superman are the high points for me as are the DC Comics Presents Showcase and the Phantom Zone trade. If there weren’t so many glowing red eyes of anger covers I would say it was a near perfect month for the Man of Steel.