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Top DC Comics For October [Shadowhawk]
Shadowhawk takes a look at and talks about the top DC comics to watch out for in October, single issues and graphic novels alike.
So that’s the “big month” of DC Comics ended. Villain’s Month has now come and gone, and while it has given us a few unfortunate duds, it also presented a few really excellent stories as well, many of which tie-in to the ongoing Forever Evil event in one way or another. Now it is time to move on, even as Forever Evil moves on and we return to a month of our favourite titles as before. And since the gimmick month is ended, we return to all the mini-events going on, such as Lights Out in the Green Lantern books, and Zero Year across some of the Gotham titles, for example.
One thing I’m looking forward to this month is how Forever Evil ends up affecting all these titles. The end of Trinity War and the ongoing story of Forever Evil all mean that the heroes are all dead. Dead and gone and missing and in their place the villains all rule supreme. Should be fun, at the least.
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Oct 2nd
The war against Steppenwolf and the Hunger Dogs is over…all hope is lost!
Writer: James Robinson | Art: Nicola Scott, Trevor Scott | Cover: Juan Doe | Variant: Juan Doe | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: This is James Robinson’s last issue on the title, and indeed, his last issue for DC for the foreseeable future. As such, there’s no way that I’m going to miss out on this. And I love the series and his work, so that’s more reasons.
“LIGHTS OUT” part one! Relic arrives on Oa as this massive story kicks off! Can the different Lantern Corps come together to stop this powerful enemy? Lights Out will see Lanterns die, others change allegiances—and nothing will be the same ever again! Trust us: We MEAN IT!
Writer: Robert Venditti | Art: Billy Tan | Cover: Billy Tan |Variant: Billy Tan | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list:Like I said before, I’m still in the trial phase with Venditti’s work on this title. Its not bad per se, but its not all that engaging either, especially after his Villain’s Month issue which featured Relic, the big bad supervillain that the Green Lantern Corps is going up against next.
After months away, Green Arrow returns to Seattle with new ally Shado at his side. But a furious Count Vertigo is hot on their tail! Plus, the city’s mysterious new crimelord is revealed!
Writer: Jeff Lemire | Art: Andrea Sorrentino | Cover: Andrea Sorrentino | Variant: Andrea Sorrentino | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: I finally read #23 in August and I liked it. Sure, it was the end to an arc, or was in the middle of an arc so I was a bit lost, but I liked it well enough. And the Villain’s Month issue with Count Vertigo was really good as well, so I’m definitely of a mind to follow this title month to month. And this issue is meant to be a good jumping point, so that’s another excellent reason.
The wealthy inhabitants of Coral City have had enough of The Movement’s civil disobedience, so they hire a goon squad of super-powered mercenaries and set them loose in the city. Introducing the Graveyard Faction—death for hire!
Writer: Gail Simone | Art: Freddie E Williams II | Cover: Dan Panosian | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: This is definitely among some of the best comics that DC is putting out right now, and that’s pretty much enough for me. I’m really enjoying this series with Gail at the helm and I can’t wait to see what she’s gonna offer next.
The villains have taken over the world! The Teen Titans fight back! Can the inexperienced teen heroes do what the adults could not? (Answer: Nope. It goes very poorly.)
Writer: Geoff Johns | Art: David Finch, Richard Friend | Cover: David Finch, Richard Friend | Variant: Ethan Van Sciver, David Finch, Richard Friend | 32pp | $3.99
Why is this on the list: The first issue was a bit of a bummer but I’m still sticking with this because this is such a big, epic story and I’m really eager to know more about the Crime Syndicate and its plans for Earth Prime. Plus, more about the missing heroes!
He-Man and The Masters of The Universe #6
While the Masters of the Universe fight to stop the invading Horde troops from taking Castle Grayskull, He-Man struggles to pull Despara from the clutches of Hordak. Now that Despara knows the truth about her origin, whose side will she choose to fight on…He-Man’s or Hordak’s?
Writer: Keith Giffen | Art: Pop Mhan | Cover: Ed Benes | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: I’m losing steam with this one, that’s for sure. Giffen isn’t as good here as he was with last year’s mini-series, and that’s a shame. At least I have a creative team change to look forward to soon.
The Eisner Award-winning series continues with a second amazing issue! Don’t miss new takes on the Dark Knight from legendary creators including Rafael Grampá, Dan DiDio and J.G. Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Jeff Lemire and Alex Niño, and Michael Uslan and Dave Bullock! Plus, a cover by the amazing Jim Steranko!
Writer: Rafael Grampá, Dan Didio, Rafael Albuquerque, Jeff Lemire, Michael Uslan | Art: Rafael Grampá, J.G. Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Alex Nino, Dave Bullock | Cover: Jim Steranko | 48pp | $4.99
Why is this on the list: I still haven’t read the first issue, but I’ve heard some really excellent feedback about it and for now, that’s enough. Will definitely be reading the first issue and the new one this weekend.
Earth 2 Volume 1: The Gathering
Who are the heroes of Earth 2? When Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman of Earth 2 fall in battle, it’s up to a new breed of heroes to come together to combat the returning evil of Apokolips! Collecting issues #1-6 of the DC COMICS—THE NEW 52 series!
Writer: James Robinson | Art: Nicola Scott, Trevor Scott, Eduardo Pansica | Cover: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado | 160pp | $14.99
Why is this on the list: This is a regular paperback reprint of the hardback from earlier this year, and I say about damn time. This was a great first arc for the series and I definitely recommend the series.
Earth 2 Volume 2: The Tower of Fate
In these stories from EARTH 2 #0 and 7-12 and a story from DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #0, the World Army has begun rounding up the Super Heroes of Earth 2, but for what dark purpose? In an attempt to avoid capture, Dr. Fate and Kid Flash find themselves in the powerful magical realm of Nabu, and Wotan, the protector of Nabu, seeks Dr. Fate’s assistance in obtaining a secret locked deep within a tower…
Writer: James Robinson | Art: Various | Cover: Nicola Scott, Trevor Scott | 176pp | $24.99
Why is this on the list: The collection is finally out. I’m going to wait for the paperback re-release, but as with the first volume, I definitely recommend this all the awesome. Robinson’s take on Dr. Fate is really great and presents a very, very fantastic story.
Oct 9th
Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger #12
The Phantom Stranger suffers the pain of being erased from existence and is forced to leave behind his humanity once and for all!
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis | Art: Fernando Blanco | Cover: Guillem March | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: The previous issue had a really heart-breaking cliffhanger and I’m eager to see where DeMatteis takes things next. Should be excellent fun!
“Batgirl: Wanted” part two! Chased by her father and the police, and ravaged with guilt over the death of her brother, Barbara has given up her Batgirl identity! But tonight she is forced to take to the streets—with deadly consequences!
Writer: Gail Simone | Art: Fernando Pasarin, Jonathan Glapion | Cover: Alex Garner | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: Man, the previous issue ended on a really fantastic note and really shook up Barbara’s world. It was also the first time that I read an issue multiple times back-to-back just to read the story and enjoy it again, not because I didn’t understand the story. This new arc is off to a fantastic start.
Zero Year Part Four! In this amazing, double-sized issue, Batman is on the trail of the Red Hood Gang and their mysterious leader, secret origins are revealed, and a major surprise will change the course of Zero Year and Batman’s life!
Writer: Scott Snyder | Art: Greg Capullo, Danny Miki | Cover: Greg Capullo | Variant: Guillem March, Greg Capullo | 64pp | $6.99
Why is this on the list: Things are finally heating up between Bruce Wayne and Edward Nygma, better known as the Riddler. The last issue was very much an art masterpiece and I’m really looking forward to see what Scott and Greg have in store next..
As FOREVER EVIL hits the world, no corner of the DC Universe is in worse shape than Gotham City! Madness and mayhem hit the streets as both Arkham Asylum and Blackgate Prison unleash their prisoners upon the helpless citizens of Gotham. And with no Dark Knight to protect the city, what horrors will follow?
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi | Art: Scott Eaton, Jaime Mendoza | Cover: Jason Fabok | Variant: Jason Fabok | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: The lead-up to this event, in previous month’s various supervillain titles, wasn’t so good, but I’m really anticipating this story because of the premise: Arkham vs Blackgate. Now that’s a recipe for disaster in Gotham!
Who gets the last laugh? The Prankster vs. Nightwing!
Writer: Kyle Higgins | Art: Will Conrad | Cover: Will Conrad | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: Kyle continues to surprise and #23 was no different. I’m really interested to see where the story with the Prankster goes next, and what Will Conrad has in store!
Beginning a bold new series that details the relationship between The Man of Steel and the Warrior Princess as rising star writer Charles Soule is joined by fan favorite artist Tony S. Daniel to tell the tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it—and some will try to kill for it. Some say love is a battlefield, but where Superman and Wonder Woman are concerned it spells Doomsday!
This issue features an amazing wraparound gatefold cover that opens up to a triptych with Superman and Wonder Woman in the center!
Writer: Charles Soule | Art: Tony S. Daniel, Batt | Cover: Tony S. Daniel | Variant: Cliff Chiang, Aaron Kuder, Tony S. Daniel | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: Let me be clear: I don’t like this couple pairing at all, and the only reason I’m getting this one is because of the characters, not the writer or the artist, the latter of whom mentioned in an interview a while back that he is aiming for the Twilight crowd with this. Ugh.
“LIGHTS OUT” part two! John Stewart must lead a group of GLs in a last-ditch effort to save Oa and protect the other Lanterns as they retreat from Relic’s attack!
Writer: Robert Venditti, Van Jensen | Art: Bernard Chang | Cover: J. G. Jones | Variant: J. G. Jones | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: A whole new event is beginning. I still need to catch-up with this title, and I’m hoping to do that sometime this weekend. We’ll see on how that works out.
Oct 16
Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1
The Rogues call no man boss, but a new evil threat might not leave them much choice! Will they fall in line, or refuse and risk certain death? The answer will tear the Rogues apart!
Writer: Brian Buccellato | Art: Patrick Zircher | Cover: Declan Shalvey | Variant: Declan Shalvey | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: I’ve enjoyed all that Brian Buccellato has done with Francis Manapul on The Flash of late and Brian’s Villain’s Month issues were all awesome, so this title is very high on my list of titles to read this month.
He-Man and The Masters of The Universe #7
A new adventure begins here! With Eternia still occupied by the Horde, He-Man and King Randor lead a small group of Masters on a quest to find the one object that might free Eternia! Join new writer Dan Abnett as he takes He-Man and the Masters of the Universe into their next great chapter!
Writer: Dan Abnett | Art: Rafael Kayanan | Cover: Yildiray Cinar | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: Well, this is a full creative change, which is rather interesting. The only Dan Abnett comics I’ve read previously are his The Hypernaturals comics he’s co-written with Andy Lanning, and some of his stuff for Black Library, all of which has been excellent. Should be interesting to see how he tackles this franchise, and what Rafael Kayanan brings to the table on the art side.
A “Forever Evil” tie-in! THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA IS DEAD. But in the aftermath, one of the team’s members uncovers the JLA’s darkest secrets!
Writer: Matt Kindt | Art: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy | Cover: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy | Variant: Kenneth Rocafort, Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy | 32pp | $3.99
Why is this on the list: My enthusiasm for Matt Kindt talking over this title from Geoff Johns has been tempered with some of Kindt’s recent Villain’s Month issues, which have been below par. But, considering that this is going to be a Martian Manhunter and Stargirl buddy cop book for the near future, I’m still excited.
Justice League of America’s Vibe #8
Lost in another dimension, Vibe finds a shocking link to his home!
Writer: Sterling Gates | Art: Andres Guinaldo, Mark Irwin | Cover: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: Still a guilty pleasure read, and that’s all I’ll say.
Pandora embarks on a quest to kill the Seven Deadly Sins and free the earth from their influence!
Writer: Ray Fawkes | Art: Francis Portela | Cover: Julian Totino Tedesco | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: The previous issue was really good and set up some great conflict between Pandora and the Seven Sins. After the ending of Trinity War, I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for Pandora. I can only hope that Ray Fawkes delivers.
As Superman journeys into the mists of the Phantom Zone, the rest of the Justice League squares off against an army of rogue Superman robots! Plus, who is the powerful and mysterious Rewire? And what twisted plans does he have for Batman?
DIGITAL FIRST!
Writer: Kyle Higgins, Christos Gage | Art: Thony Silas, Iban Coello | Cover: Rafael Albuquerque | 48pp | $3.99
Why is this on the list: This has been a great series so far and I’m really excited for what happens next. This has proven to be really fun with Kyle and Christos delivering again and again!
Brainiac and Cyborg Superman fight for the fate of Kara Zor-El! And when the cosmic dust settles, wait till you see the secret behind the villains and their shocking connection to Supergirl!
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson | Art: Mahmud Asrar | Cover: Mahmud Asrar | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: I’m fully caught up on this series so far, and the recent issues with Michael Alan Nelson have been really good, that’s for sure. I love his take on Cyborg-Superman, and he has portrayed Kara really well too. New artist Diogenes Nueves is also proving to be an asset as well. Now I only wish that DC would bloody correct its solicits!
Green Lantern: New Guardians #24
“LIGHTS OUT” part three! Enter The White Lantern! Pushed to the limit by Relic’s assault, the loyalties of Hal, Kyle and the others are tested!
Writer: Justin Jordan | Art: Bradley Walker, Andrew Hennessy | Cover: Rafael Albuquerque | Variant: Rafael Albuquerque | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: Same as above with regards to the Green Lantern Corps book.
The Joker: Death of the Family
After having his face sliced off one year ago, The Joker makes his horrifying return in this new epic that stars Batman’s network of crimefighting allies! While The Joker threatens the existence of Gotham City, these heroes—and villains—must find a way to survive in stories from BATMAN #17, CATWOMAN #13-14, BATGIRL #14-16, BATMAN AND ROBIN #15-17, NIGHTWING #15-16, DETECTIVE COMICS #16-17, RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #15-16 and TEEN TITANS #15, plus pages from BATMAN #13, BATGIRL #13, NIGHTWING #14, RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #13-14, SUICIDE SQUAD #14-15 and TEEN TITANS #14 and 16.
Writer: Various | Art: Various | Cover: Greg Capullo | 456pp | $29.99
Why is this on the list: For the amount of pages in this trade collection, this is an absolute steal for that price point. I’ve only read the Gotham titles here, and that too only from the series I was already following, but I think I’ll definitely read up on all the rest and get the full story. Should be fun!
Oct 23rd
Who is the Scourge of the Seven Seas?! All his life, Arthur’s been told that he is the King of the Seven Seas. But he’s about to learn exactly what that title means—and the dark power and legacy it carries with it. Is it possible for one man to rule every living thing in the ocean? Or is the King of the Seven Seas always doomed to die trying?
Writer: Geoff Johns | Art: Paul Pelletier, Sean Parsons | Cover: Paul Pelletier | Variant: Paul Pelletier, Sean Parsons | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: Can’t really say anything that I haven’t already said. This has proven to be a great series month after month and after the way that #23 ended, this should be extremely good.
The villains have killed the Justice League and decimated A.R.G.U.S.’s headquarters. Only Steve Trevor and the surviving A.R.G.U.S. agents can pick up the pieces and save the civilian populace from unthinkable evil!
Writer: Matt Kindt | Art: Phillip Tan, Jason Paz | Cover: Brett Booth, Mark Irwin | Variant: Brett Booth, Mark Irwin | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: This is the third of three Forever Evil tie-in titles and another one that I’m looking forward to. With all the focus on the villains of late, some focus on the good guys is more than welcome.
A “Forever Evil” tie-in! THE JUSTICE LEAGUE IS DEAD! But who’s at the top of the food chain now? And what does BLACK ADAM have to say about it?
Writer: Geoff Johns | Art: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado | Cover: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado | Variant: Aaron Kuder, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado | 32pp | $3.99
Why is this on the list: The Black Adam Villain’s Month issue last week was spectacular and if that is tying into the Justice League then the results should be equally spectacular.
A “Forever Evil” tie-in! THE JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK IS DEAD. Not even the JL Dark can escape the evil that’s invaded the Earth—except for John Constantine! But why has he alone survived? And will he try to stop the villains—or join them? Long live the NEW Justice League Dark!
Writer: Ray Fawkes | Art: Mikel Janin | Cover: Mikel Janin | Variant: Mikel Janin | 32pp | $3.99
Why is this on the list: I’m a bit tired of all this focus on Constantine, especially since he has his own series. And Ray Fawkes is on this issue. The previous big arc on the series, which he co-wrote with Jeff Lemire was a bust. So I’m not looking forward to this as much as I want to. But J. M. DeMatteis is said to be taking over soon, so that’s a bright spot. And of course, there’s the excellent Mikel Janin!
No longer an army of one, the Orange Lantern Corps declares war on Larfleeze! But the greedy Agent Orange won’t let his possessions go easily! “Revolt of The Orange Lanterns” begins here!
Writer: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis | Art: Scott Kolins | Cover: Tyler Kirkham | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: After all the hilarity of the previous three issues, there’s no way that I can miss out on another installment!
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DC Nation proudly presents: BEWARE THE BATMAN, a new, all-ages series! Bruce Wayne spent years learning crime-fighting techniques from his butler (and former secret agent) Alfred Pennyworth. Now he’s ready to take on Gotham City’s criminal underground as the Batman!
Writer: Ivan Cohen | Art: Luciano Vecchio | Cover: Luciano Vecchio | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: I’ve seen the first two episodes of the animated series and I really liked it. Should be interesting how this tie-in pans out.
Barry’s battle against the Reverse-Flash ends with major revelations and The Flash facing an impossible challenge!
Writer: Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato | Art: Francis Manapul | Cover: Francis Manapul | Variant: Francis Manapul | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: I’m really enjoying the current arc, especially after last month’s spectacular Reverse-Flash #1. Any praise I can offer is not enough, not by a long shot. Suffice to say, this should be another great installment of the series.
DC Universe vs The Masters of The Universe #2
Skeletor is on the loose in the DC Universe! If He-Man and the Masters of the Universe can’t stop him, then how can the Justice League hope to?
Writer: Keith Giffen| Art: Dexter Soy | Cover: Ed Benes | 32pp | $2.99
Why is this on the list: The first issue was meh, but I’m open to giving Giffen another shot. The premise itself is fairly good, just the exception needs to shape up a little bit.
Batgirl Volume 2: Knightfall Descends
In these tales from issues #0 and 7-13, Barbara Gordon faces the gentleman killer Grotesque. Plus: The Court of Owls sets its sights on Commissioner Gordon; and a woman sentenced to Arkham Asylum emerges more dangerous than the inmates she was locked up with.
Writer: Gail Simone | Art: Various | Cover: Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes | 176pp | $16.99
Why is this on the list: I’ve already read it, months ago, and this was really good. This release is a regular paperback reprint so if you were waiting for a cheaper option on the series, then this one is the way to go.
Batgirl Volume 3: Death of a Family
Batgirl stars in these epics from #14-19 of her monthly series, plus BATMAN #17, BATGIRL ANNUAL #1 and a story from YOUNG ROMANCE #1, all spinning out of “Death of the Family.” The Joker is back, and Barbara Gordon must confront her past as she deals with the crazed criminal responsible for crippling her. Plus, once the dust settles, Barbara must deal with her family demons as her psychotic brother James Jr. comes after her.
Writer: Gail Simone, Ray Fawkes, Scott Snyder| Art: Various | Cover: Ed Benes | 224pp | $24.99
Why is this on the list: The Gail Simone issues for the series were all excellent, whereas the two by Ray Fawkes were downers. But still, this is a great graphic novel to look out for. And there are some extras here as well. I’ve read the annual but not the Young Romance #1 issue, so I suppose I do have something to read and catch up on.
Oct 30th
Aquaman must reunite with The Others to investigate whether or not their recently deceased member Vostok has returned from the dead. If he has, he is definitely not the same Vostok they remember…
Writer: John Ostrander | Art: Geraldo Borges, Ruy Jose | Cover: Paul Pelletier, Danny Miki | 48pp | $4.99
Why is this on the list: John Ostrander has worked with The Others before and I’m intrigued to see what he does next, especially with the premise as presented in the solicit. I love that this is a bit of a side-story and doesn’t tie into the main series so much.
Don’t miss the stunning conclusion of “Lights Out!” Can Relic be defeated? Who lives? Who dies? The new status quo for the Lanterns is revealed here!
Writer: Robert Venditti | Art: Sean Chen | Cover: Sean Chen | 32pp | $4.99
Why is this on the list: A bit weird that the Lights Out event is ending with an annual, but it will hopefully be a good ending.
Robin and Batgirl grew up fighting side by side…but with Dick Grayson about to embark on a new crimefighting quest and Barbara Gordon no longer fighting under the Bat, is there anything left between them? Following the “Batgirl: Wanted” epic, this is the story of a twosome with nothing left to lose, fighting for the only thing they can: each other!
Writer: Kyle Higgins| Art: Jason Masters | Cover: Tony S. Daniel | 48pp | $4.99
Why is this on the list: The series finally gets an annual, which is really fun. And this is tying into several ongoing stories in both Nightwing and Batgirl, which is an extra dose of awesome.
Smallville Season 11 Special #3
In the one-shot tale “Hollow,” newly digitized Tess Mercer is faced with the ultimate question: Can she set aside her obsession with getting revenge on her brother, Lex Luthor, to become the hero Metropolis’s protectors know she’s destined to become?
DIGITAL FIRST!
Writer: Bryan Q. Miller | Art: Beni Lobel | Cover: Cat Staggs | 48pp | $4.99
Why is this on the list: Tess Mercer plus Lex Luthor? It has awesome written all over it.
Superman rushes to stop Ascension’s attack and kicks off a huge battle with Wraith! Besieged on all sides, Superman has no choice but to call in some powerful friends…
Writer: Scott Snyder | Backup: Dustin Nguyen | Art: Jim Lee, Scott Williams | Cover: Jim Lee, Scott Williams | Variant: Jim Lee, Scott Williams | 32pp | $3.99
Why is this on the list: After #3, I’m finally enjoying this series, getting into the flow of things and all. It also helps that this Superman series is better written than anything else that the rest in the franchise have to offer.
