Forward Thinking: DC Comics for June, 2006

Time once again for Hisham Zubi and me to yak about DC's June comics. These were some surprisingly spoilerrific solicits, just in time for the summer solstice! (No, Kobra's not writing this....)

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER #6
Tom: Looks like Miller is making this series more of a prequel to the Dark Knight epics -- check out the charms (jewelry, that is) on Batgirl!

Hisham: Miller does seem to like the ladies in this series. I wonder how long it's going to be before Miss Kyle shows up.


DETECTIVE COMICS #820 and BATMAN #654
Tom: Hard to believe the first part of this arc has just come out and here we're reading solicits for the conclusion. The "long-lasting impact" on the Dynamic Duo sounds uncomfortably like Big Event language, and I thought we were past that.

Hisham: I'm still looking for part one. All the issues seem to have sold out in my area. With all the big events of the past few years, it's hard to imagine any new long-lasting effects.


NIGHTWING #121
Tom: See what I mean about spoilers?

Hisham: Hah, my speculation was right!


SUPERMAN RETURNS: KRYPTON TO EARTH
Tom: "Left Earth at the end of Superman II," huh? I guess that's DC's way of disavowing III and IV.

Hisham: Does this mean we won't see guest appearances by Richard Pryor and that nuclear guy?


SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY OMNIBUS
Tom: It's so tempting to call these stories "mindless," considering their subject matter, but I don't remember hating them. Seems like the Doomsday Wars miniseries and the Annual were decent enough.

Hisham: After the first miniseries, I gave up on the titles. It seemed like DC was milking the character for more than what it was worth.


CRISIS AFTERMATH: BATTLE FOR BLUDHAVEN #5
Tom: Speaking of "mindless," here's Major Force. Hey, DC, how about reprinting some of those Cary Bates/Pat Broderick Captain Atom issues, now that you're back in the shadowy government conspiracy business?

Hisham: Along with Suicide Squad, Checkmate, and the Mark Shaw Manhunter series. It would give readers some kind of context to these new stories.


52: WEEKS 5-8
Tom: Looking forward to Week 8, to see John Henry back in the spotlight.

Hisham: I'm kind of curious about the Chinese super-team.


DCU: BRAVE NEW WORLD
Tom: I liked Gail Simone and John Byrne on Action, so I may have to check them out on Atom -- but is it worth my $1.00 if I'm not real excited about the other previews?

Hisham: I can never pass up a discounted comic.


THE FLASH: FASTEST MAN ALIVE #1
Tom: There goes my Jesse Quick theory.

Hisham: Barry. Barry. Barry. Barry. Barry.


CHECKMATE #3
Tom: I'm intrigued by this solicitation -- but if Beijing has a secret metahuman project, how come Green Lantern has already met Chinese superheroes in 52?

Hisham: Looks like the prelude to some crossovers to me.


GREEN LANTERN #13
Tom: Hal, Guy, the Manhunters, and the Guardians' secret -- sounds like Steve Englehart and Gerard Jones all over again, and that isn't a bad thing.

Hisham: I do like the idea of teaming-up the Manhunters and Cyborg-Superman. A nice twist on some older concepts.


GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1
Tom: I was ready to make a smart remark about Hal being on the cover of the Corps' first issue, and then I realized it was a 52 cover -- and then I noticed the Special Retailer Ring Promotion! Come on, LCS, don't let me down!

Hisham: I'm just wondering when we get to see the return of Ch’p.


JUSTICE #6
Tom: I'm not getting this book monthly, but that's a cool cover.

Hisham: Good series, but I'm probably gonna hold out for the collected edition.


ION #3
Tom: As much as I like the antisocial GL, I will know that Green Lantern is overexposed when Mogo gets his own series.

Hisham: Check out DC's collection of Alan Moore stories to see a classic use of the character.


ABSOLUTE KINGDOM COME

Tom: Sorry, DC, you already got me several years ago with the regular-sized KC hardcover set. The line must be drawn here!

Hisham: It's kind of like getting a special edition DVD and then the Criterion edition comes out. What are ya gonna do?


METAL MEN ARCHIVES VOL. 1
Tom: While I wasn't clamoring for this, apparently someone was, so I'm happy for you, whoever you are.

Hisham: Just as long as they get around to reprinting the Freedom Fighters series, I'll be happy.


SOLO #11
Tom: Isn't Groo creator-owned? Doesn't that mean we could see a Groo/JLA crossover in this book? Wouldn't that deserve its own Absolute hardcover?

Hisham: Sergio does some of the best parody comics around. I'm looking forward to it.


SHOWCASE PRESENTS THE ELONGATED MAN VOL. 1
Tom: Now, see, I would have bought this as a hardcover.

Hisham: DC seems set on collecting some of the more obscure titles for its Showcase Collections. I'm not complaining, but it's an interesting strategy.


WONDER WOMAN vol. 3 #1
Tom: I have liked a lot of what Heinberg has said about this series, and am eager to see what he does with the character. I will say that WW's new costume looks significantly like Hippolyta's ... but that could just be homage.

Hisham: If it is Hippolyta, it would make for an interesting new direction for the concept. Something that might be needed bring more interest to the book.


ASTRO CITY: SAMARITAN SPECIAL
Tom: It's a little surprising to realize we haven't seen the Astro City version of Lex Luthor, but that just makes me anticipate this all the more.

Hisham: I always look forward to a new Astro City. They could be introducing the Astro City version of Speedball and I'd still want to check it out.


CAPTAIN ATOM: ARMAGEDDON #9
Tom: Again, DC, some reprints of the mid-'80s Cap series would be very much appreciated.

Hisham: Along with the original line of Charlton stories. I believe DC has started doing it, but I hope they continue the process.


AMERICAN VIRGIN #4
Tom: This is another spoiler-rich solicitation for a series that just started, but it actually makes me want to read the second issue.

Hisham: Seagle's a talented writer. You also have brought up an interesting point. Do fans want spoilers? If you have a good idea of what's going to happen in a title, does that make you more likely to buy it as opposed to taking a risk on some unknown plotline?


SWAMP THING #28
Tom: Don't hate me, Mike Sterling, but ... DC still publishes Swamp Thing?

Hisham: It certainly does. I think of Swamp Thing as being one of DC's most iconic characters, but it's been awhile since the title has generated much excitement.

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