Batman Solicitations - August 2011

Taking a break from my look back at last weekends highlights from BICSPE ... it's that time of the month when DC releases its Batman solicitations, this time for releases during August 2011.

This month I'll be particularly looking forward to picking up Batman #713 written by Fabian Nicieza and featuring this stunning cover from Tony S. Daniel, the conclusion to Scott Snyder's fantastic run on Detective Comics with issue #881 and likewise the second and final part of Marc Andreyko and Billy Tucci's 'War and Remembrance' story in Birds of Prey #15.

Other highlights this month include the Batman 80-Page Giant 2011, my own monthly favourite Batgirl #24 from Bryan Q. Miller and Pere Perez, while David Hine takes over writing duties on Batman and Robin with issue #26.

BATMAN #713
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by STEVE SCOTT and RYAN WINN
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN
Over the years, Dick Grayson has worn several guises: First, he was Robin the Boy Wonder, then Nightwing, and finally Batman. But now that Bruce Wayne has donned the cape and cowl once again, Dick finds himself at an identity crossroads.
On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

DETECTIVE COMICS #881
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by JOCK and FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Cover by JOCK
This is it – the finale so twisted, so shocking we can’t even begin to give away details here! Be there for the extra-sized conclusion of the acclaimed run by Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla. DETECTIVE COMICS #881 is the issue everyone will be talking about. Believe it.
On sale AUGUST 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

BIRDS OF PREY #15
Written by MARC ANDREYKO
Art and cover by BILLY TUCCI
In the concluding chapter of “War and Remembrance,” Lady Blackhawk and the original Phantom Lady are in the clutches of an enemy whose evil has lain dormant for decades! Can the Birds of Prey find and rescue their captured compatriots before it’s too late for them … and the world? This is the thrilling conclusion to a story fifty years in the making! Written by fan-favorite MANHUNTER scribe Marc Andreyko and featuring breathtaking artwork by the amazing Billy Tucci!
On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T


BATMAN INCORPORATED #10
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:25 Variant cover by FRAZER IRVING
In “LEVIATHAN STRIKES,” Batman realizes to his horror that he’s been outwitted as the true identity of Leviathan continues to elude him. Is his deadly adversary an old foe with a grudge to settle, a new face of evil or something completely different? One thing is for sure: The surprise ending will not soon be forgotten!
On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by JAY FABOK
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE
David Finch’s brilliant take on Batman continues to explore the darker corners of Gotham City in the penultimate chapter of “Golden Dawn,” now featuring art by Jay Fabok (Soulfire)! As The Dark Knight suffers one of his worst defeats, Jason Blood makes an unexpected move. With a surprise funeral and guest appearances by Etrigan, the Demon and Ragman, this series continues to heat up!
RESOLICIT • On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2011 #1
Written by VARIOUS
Art by VARIOUS
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Don’t miss this new helping of short stories featuring Batman and his partners in crimefighting, told by some of comics’ newest voices and freshest talents.
ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN AND ROBIN #26
Written by DAVID HINE
Art by GREG TOCCHINI
Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:10 Variant cover by J.G. JONES
Le Jardin Noir – France’s very own Arkham Asylum – falls under siege! Someone has freed the lunatics, and unless they can be stopped, they’ll turn Paris into a surreal Hell on Earth! Batman and Robin join Nightrunner in a mind-bending battle with the strangest lineup of villains this side of Bizarro World.
On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM #4-5
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and KYLE HIGGINS
Art and covers by TREVOR MCCARTHY
1:25 Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Batman, Red Robin, Robin and Black Bat are all thrown into a race against time as The Architect’s true plan is revealed! But what does that mean for Oswald Cobblepot and Tommy Elliot? And just how does the first Super Villain of Gotham City factor into The Architect’s plot to destroy the city’s first families? Be here for the exciting penultimate issue!
And in issue #5, it’s Batman vs. The Architect! The downfall of a major Gotham family! The betrayal of Damian Wayne! It’s all here in this final issue, plus the untold fate of Gotham City’s first Super Villain! Be here as GATES OF GOTHAM sets the stage for a bold new direction in the Bat books!
Issue #4 on sale AUGUST 3
Issue #5 on sale AUGUST 17
4 and 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #5
Written by PAUL DINI
Art and cover by CARLOS D’ANDA
The miniseries that leads you into the video game comes to its dramatic conclusion. The die is cast and the criminal gulag known as Arkham City is now in place. But even with its imposing walls and security measures, is anyone in Gotham City really going to feel safe with a legion of criminals living next door? Batman’s determined to enter the belly of the beast and find out just who is pulling the strings.
On sale AUGUST 24 • 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC,
$2.99 US • RATED T

BATGIRL #24
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Stephanie Brown has done her best to put her past behind her, but as the Repears’ mysterious client stands revealed, Batgirl’s going to learn the hard way that those who fail history are doomed to repeat it. This issue has it all: Secrets unearthed! Alliances broken! Splash pages!
On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN BEYOND #8
Written by ADAM BEECHEN
Art by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PEROTTA
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Batman’s slipperiest foe steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight for a “Legends of the Dark Knight” issue that reveals, for the first time, the full story of Inque! Her past is blacker than anyone ever knew… and considering the new ally she’s fallen in with, her future could be darker still!
On sale AUGUST 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

RED ROBIN #26
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY
Ready to operate from his new HQ, Red Robin knows that before he can fulfill his crimefighting destiny, he must close out one outstanding issue. His father’s killer, Captain Boomerang, was brought back to life… The time has come for him to return to the grave!
On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #26
Written by PETER CALLOWAY
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and LORENZO RUGGIERO
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
A secret that goes back to the very first issue of GOTHAM CITY SIRENS will be revealed at last! But will it spell the end of the Sirens? One thing is certain – none of them will be the same!
On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

More details, including full cover previews, can be found at DC's The Source.

Batman Solicitatons - December 2010

DC have released solicitations for Batman titles shipping during Decebember and although this information has been public for a week or so - hey, I was on holiday! - I think they're worth including here if only to highlight a couple of end of year Annuals and one-shots and, as always, some fantastic covers.

In addition to my 'regulars', which includes Batman, Batgirl and Batman & Robin, I'll be picking up the Batman 80-Page Giant - I love these specials - the Batman and Detective Comics Annuals, Batman Inc. and the two-part Batman: Orphans.

On top of all, having spent some time recently speaking with writer David Hine I'm tempted to start picking up Azrael and then there's some exciting changes to come in Gotham City Sirens ... so much to buy, so little money to buy them with!

Covers for Detective Comics Annual #12 and Batman Annual #28 by Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau
(click to enlarge)

DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12
Written by DAVID HINE
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA
Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
What starts as a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip soon turns into an international incident as The Dark Knight encounters a string of bizarre murders in Paris, France. Featuring both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman, this extra-sized spectacular guest-stars The Question and spotlights the debut of a new Bat-ally!
In part 1, Bruce, Dick and Renee Montoya are presented with a series of cryptic clues, which lead them to the underground catacombs of Paris — and the most unexpected of assassins! Continued in this month’s BATMAN ANNUAL #28!
On sale DECEMBER 8 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

BATMAN ANNUAL #28
Written by DAVID HINE
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA
Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
This year’s Batman annuals collide in a 2-part story involving both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman! In this second part of the story, when a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip to Paris, France leads to a murder mystery, the heroes deduce that the assassinations are connected to a strange cult leader. But will this religious figure take them one step closer to solving the bizarre murders? Or are The Question, Bruce and Dick getting one step closer to becoming the next victims?
Continued from this month’s DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12!
On sale DECEMBER 22 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2010 #1
Written by BRAD DESNOYER, MATT MANNING, MANDY MACMURRAY, JOHN STANISCI, PAUL TOBIN and PETER MIRIANI
Art by LEE FERGUSON, GARRY BROWN, MATT SOUTHWORTH, RYAN KELLEY and SZYMON KUDRANSKI
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Some of the most promising new talent in comics are corrupted by the most depraved villains in Gotham City in this all-new special featuring The Joker, the Riddler, Calendar Man, Scarecrow, and yes, even Humpty Dumpty! It’s seven short stories, all in one giant issue! The joke’s on you if you think you’ll make it out of this alive!
One-Shot • On sale DECEMBER 1 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US

BATMAN: ORPHANS #1-#2
Written by EDDIE BERGANZA
Art and cover by CARLO BARBERI & JUAN VLASCO
Robin’s been found dead! And that’s not an easy thing to face – especially when you’re Tim Drake! In this pre-RED ROBIN tale, Tim and Batman must solve the murder of an impostor Robin and follow the trail of someone putting together a new team of teenaged sidekicks made up of kids who’ve been promised that they’ll become the new Robin…IF they survive!
Shipping both issues of this stand alone tale in December!
Issue #1 on sale DECEMBER 1
Issue #2 on sale DECEMBER 15
1 and 2 of 2 • 56 pg, FC, $3.99 US


BATGIRL #16
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
The “Order of the Scythe” has drawn first blood, framing Batgirl for a crime she didn’t commit. Can she outrun Gotham City’s Finest long enough to prove her innocence? The birth of Batgirl’s gallery of rogues begins here as “The Lesson” continues!
On sale DECEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN #705
Written by TONY DANIEL
Art and cover by TONY DANIEL
Batman joins forces with a new hero who’s as dangerous as she is beautiful. When members of a secret order turn up dead and tortured in Gotham City’s Chinatown district, I-Ching informs Batman that he fears an ancient relic is the target. Batman connects this case to that of a missing satellite architect. With few clues to go by and the stakes getting higher, Batman races to locate the surviving members of the order before it’s too late.
On sale DECEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN & ROBIN #18
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MARK IRWIN
Cover by PATRICK GLEASON
1:10 Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
Batman and Robin find themselves in the middle of a deadly crusade as “angels” continue falling from the skies! The White Knight is shining his heavenly light into the dark corners of Gotham City in his quest to
vanquish the shadows of the soul in “Dark Knight, White Knight” part 2 of 3!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale DECEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BIRDS OF PREY #7
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by ARDIAN SYAF & VICENTE CIFUENTES
Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
One of Oracle’s fiercest enemies finds her alone and far from her allies and safe houses – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg as Batman returns! Rising star artist Ardian Syaf (BRIGHEST DAY) makes his BIRDS OF PREY debut in a story you must not miss, which we’re calling ”The Death of Oracle”!
On sale DECEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

RED ROBIN #18
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY
To infiltrate the computer systems of a Russian industrialist tied to the mysterious Unternet, Red Robin must stop a vengeance-driven vigilante named Promise from killing the oligarch while making sure his former ally Red Star doesn’t stop him!
On sale DECEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN, INC. #2
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE& MICHAEL LACOMBE
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT
The dynamic new era of Batman continues! The Dark Knight and Mr. Unknown – the Batman of Japan – go up against Lord Death Man. It’s going to be a fight to the end that could see the failure of Batman, Inc. before it’s even begun!
Retailers please note: This issue ships with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale DECEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #2
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE
Batman faces the Penguin in the search for his childhood friend Dawn Golden…but what The Dark Knight finds sends him on a far darker and more desperate path. Now he’s forced to reach out to Etrigan, the Demon for help – a favor that may come at too high a price!
Retailers please note: This issue ships with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale DECEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

DETECTIVE COMICS #872
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JOCK
Co-feature art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Continuing the new series direction from the writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and artist Jock (THE LOSERS)! A series of disturbing clues brings Batman face-to-face with Gotham City’s dark past and deadly present. Plus, Jim Gordon continues a harrowing search to uncover the truth about a frightening figure from his own past. . . Be here for part 2 of “The Black Mirror.”
On sale DECEMBER 29 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

KNIGHT & SQUIRE #3
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by JIMMY BROXTON
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHAEL LACOMBE
Cyril and Beryl have the fight of their lives on their hands when Shakespeare’s most evil monarch, Richard III, returns! And he’s brought with him a cloned army of all the worst Kings of England, intent on taking back the country through the use of social networking! Yes, that’s the plot!
On sale DECEMBER 8 • 3 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

BATMAN: ODYSSEY #6
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS
1:10 Black and white variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
The first part of Neal Adams’s Batman epic comes to a dramatic conclusion as Batman, Deadman and The Joker – working together and against each other – break into Arkham Asylum and confront the doctors who control the most heinous criminals. But does some other powerful individual control these monsters? Is it the Sensei, the deadliest martial artist in the word and leader of the League of Assassins? Or is it Ra’s al Ghul, the greatest opponent Batman has ever faced? And is The Dark Knight willing to let Talia die to bring this monstrous clash to an end?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale DECEMBER 1 • 6 of 13 • 40 pg, FC $3.99 US

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #18
Written by PAUL DINI
Co-feature written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS
Co-feature art by SZMON KUDRANSKI
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
In part 3 of the 5-part sequel to “Heart of Hush,” Tommy Elliot’s masquerade as Bruce Wayne backfires when he’s shot and taken prisoner by vengeful gangster Judson Pierce. With Pierce determined to exterminate the last survivor of the Wayne family, it looks like the wounded Hush will finally pay the ultimate price for his deception.
Meanwhile, in the RAGMAN second feature, things in the Robbinsville section of Gotham City heat up as yet another mysterious suicide is discovered – and Ragman prepares for Firefly’s return!
On sale DECEMBER 22 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #18
Written by PETER CALLOWAY
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO & BIT
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
How far will Zatanna go for the people she loves? How far will Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn go for Catwoman when they find out that she’s been lying to them? And how long can Talia al Ghul hold off an enraged Ivy? Find out here!
On sale DECEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

AZRAEL #15
Written by DAVID HINE
Art by CLIFF RICHARDS
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
The prophecy is fulfilled! Azrael has been found crucified, and a mystery swirls around his fate. It’s time for the world’s greatest detective to step in and figure out how this destiny came to pass. And how will this continue to play into the founding of Batman, Inc? Guest-starring The Dark Knight!
On sale DECEMBER 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

OUTSIDERS #35
Written by DAN DIDIO
Art by PHILIP TAN & JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover by PHILIP TAN
Deep in the Pacific Northwest of Canada, Freight Train’s origin is revealed as he battles for the life of Black Lightning against the equally unstoppable Shaggy Man.
On sale DECEMBER 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #51
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Art and cover by JERRY BINGHAM
“Super-Powers” part 2 of 5! Now: Batman gets to the bottom of the mysterious disappearances in Gotham City only to find himself facing something very alien to his experience as The Dark Knight! Then: Bruce Wayne finds himself facing something very deadly to his existence – the sword of the villain, Huairen!
On sale DECEMBER 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Source: DC's The Source

Guillem March on Gotham City Sirens

DC's The Source this week published a very interesting short interview with artist Guillem March in which he gives an insight into his process when producing the cover for Gotham City Sirens #8.

The issue focuses on Poison Ivy and therefore, not unreasonably, she is the focus of the cover. March talks about the process of creating a number of concept layouts, submitting them for consideration and the technique he used to produce what would turn out to be a quite simply stunning image.

Speaking as someone who doesn't draw or paint I'm aware that I'm sometimes guilty of not appreciating the thought that goes into producing artwork - who'd have thought that using the back of the regular paper stock would have been a consideration? - and I have to say this article was quite an eye-opener for me.

You can read the full article here.

Gotham City Sirens #8 - on sale 27 January 2010

The Sirens' dangerous alliance with The Riddler continues! They're willing to do anything to uncover the truth and protect themselves, but who is the mysterious villain targeting them all for death?

Written by Paul Dini with interior art and cover by Guillem March
DC Comics, 32 pages, $2.99