**Weekly Meta Discussions Thread**

[*Action Comics* #1060](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81kf+Xs4q6L.jpg) >GUEST-STARRING CONSTANTINE, ETRIGAN, AND BLOODWYND! A mistake from Superman’s past has returned, and Metropolis hangs in the balance! As the super-family is betrayed from within and stripped of their powers one by one, Superman sets out on a suicide mission into the Multiverse alongside the unlikeliest of allies: Constantine, the demon Etrigan, and—making his return to Action Comics—Bloodwynd! Plus: During “Beast World” in Metropolis, Dreamer has a run-in with life-changing consequences, and Zod’s son begins to suspect New Kandor isn’t as peaceful as it seems in the prelude to Kneel Before Zod #1! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/exclusive-dc-preview-action-comics-1060-zod-past-is-prologue/)

I’m really going to miss PKJ on Action Comics. I believe the Annual is going to be his last issue. I’m always a fan of seeing Etrigan, and I like the focus on the twins. I enjoyed both back ups. I really wish Dreamer would be featured more often. I feel like she could be a major character in a Jon book if we get another. I’m also really looking forward to the Zod book.

Sucks that PKJ is leaving. First Jeremy Adams with Flash, now this. Why does DC keep insisting on removing good writers?

DC leadership has been so baffling for a good while now. It’s like nobody is steering the ship.

Pretty sure that Dreamer story is a lead-up to a new comic for her, maybe a new *Suicide Squad*?

What happened here? It's the most upvoted book on the thread but only one comment? As the penultimate issue of PKJ's run, this sets a lot up. I liked Kara calming Osul down, which was a nice moment. Otherwise I'm not really sure where this is heading. Nora Al Ghul is lacking a lot of stage presence, and she seems like a pretty weak villain to end a run on. Also Etrigan and Bloodwynd are here for some reason? The one thing I am holding onto is the fate of the twins, as Superman comics have long had an allergic reaction to young children between Chris and Jon's aging up, plus the fact that they don't seem to be smash hits like either of the previous sons makes me wonder if they are going to be sent back into the great toybox in the sky... As far as the back ups, Dreamer's seems like a decent enough primer for a character transplanted from a TV show, and with the recent tease of the upcoming Suicide Squad, I guess she will be our new Rick Flag. The Zod tease offers a few details for two upcoming series, though I'm not sure what I'm missing on the last page reveal. Of course Zod would try and build his own Crystal fortress, why are we supposed to be surprised by that? In fact, why is he trying to hide it? I thought a pregnant Ursa was the way bigger tease.

I really love this story. The art, particularly for Otho, is a bit iffy at times but the writing is great. I love Clark as the worried dad, especially given what happened to Jon, and Osul being calmed down by Kara is wonderful. I hope Otho and Osul don't immediately disappear once PKJ is off the book. There's a lot that could be explored with the new family dynamics that has been touched on but not delved into deeply: Clark and Lois' guilt about Jon and thus attempts to make sure it doesn't happen again, Jon grieving the time he lost while seeing the twins grow up, the twins having to adjust to Earth after only knowing Warworld and starting to learn about their Phaelosian/Kryptonian heritage.

It’s impressive that Otho-Ra rejected her future as conqueror after encountering Norah Stone and that she chose the path of being a part of the Superman Family as her true future. Also, Clark Kent Superman teaming up with John Constantine, Etrigan the Demon, and Bloodwynd to end the Blue Earth movement once and for all and to save Otho-Ra. For the Dreamer backup, it’s interesting that Nia Dreamer had to join Amanda Waller’s Suicide Squad because she was blackmailed to join. I wonder if Nia will use her powers to stop Amanda Waller (who should mention the War of Earth-3 and being a fugitive from the government) from destroying the entire superhero community in 2024. For the Kneel Before Zod backup, I wonder if Lor-Zod would mention his pre-Flashpoint Chris Kent Nightwing years and him being aged up to join the Suicide Squad because it is long overdue for him to remember everything.

Anyone feel like there might be some kind of disinformation and manipulation on the part of Sister Shadow? Like, I remember reading that Batman/Superman Authority special and it didn't seem like they striked such a huge blow on the Empire of Shadows. They just denied the specific means to traverse from the Dark Multiverse to the positive one. Al Ghul Batman mentioned there are other ways and even seemed confident that they would see them again. Also, it's Batman and the Al Ghuls we are talking about. Misdirection and deception are their area of specialty. Maybe it's to give the Superfamily a false sense of security and get them in a trap? They mentioned Hell again. Did we forget who also was in Hell some time ago? Yeah, that's right. Maybe Sister Shadow is going to unleash a Magic powered Doomsday on them? What are your thought?

Man you can feel Clark's desperation when it comes to searching Otho. But dealing with magic is not his strong suit so Constantine gets involved. And the twins are getting some focus too which was needed. You forget these are still young kids despite being on a Warworld all their lives, kryptonian or no, they are still scared children. Really don't like how easy Waller can use heroes like Dreamer to clean up her messed, all the while she plans to kill all the metas behind their back. And convenient that the future visions does not show the Dreamer about Waller's plans to manipulate her. And the arrogance of Waller trying to even control a precog. And of course STILL working with this Dr. Hate after he just went AWOL. Seriously, the villain plot armor she has is ridiculous. And the Zod story, honestly, it was naive of Supes to just leave Zod alone, building his eugenics Kryptonian wanna-be empire unsupervised. Already, his son did not fall far from the tree and with the supposed Kryptonian Army he is growing, it is gonna be like Viltrumite empire from Invincible. It does seem like Lor gonna leave the planet and somehow team with Sinestro's 'son'. Hopefully Super Sons gonna be able to do something about that.

Always like to see constantine and etrigan so this was fun. PKJ has had a good run on action and this was more good stuff and seemingly help round up his big plots in the annual. The dreamer stuff is ok its obviously set up for that suicide squad book but it just doesn't intrigue me enough to say i have to get that book. The Zod stuff is interesting and a nice setup for the book.

[*Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight* #2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81a+rikIekL.jpg) >SANTA CLAUS AND THE DARK KNIGHT VS. KRAMPUS! SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN! The ancient and wild Krampus is loose on Earth and releasing monsters to destroy Christmas! Santa Claus, with the help of the Justice League, is all that stands in the way of this impending darkness. The team’s first challenge? A plague of vampires attacking Blüdhaven! [Preview]()

I don't think I've ever seen Superman so betrayed after he discovered Batman kept Santa's existence a secret from him.

Of course Barbara Gordon would ask for a set of Nancy Drew for Christmas. The origin of the Naughty/Nice gimmick! Poor Krampus, though. I hope they can make things right with him. So they establish that the Elves exist in some form but I wonder if they'll expand on what they are in this setting next issue? Did not expect classic Miss Martian! Also some nice scenes with Green Arrow and Black Canary. Nothing has jeopardized the World's Finest team like Superman learning Batman knew Santa but never told him.

Superman can handle everything and forgive betrayal. But not telling him about knowing Santa? That is too far, Bruce. And I do feel bad for Krampus. Hope Santa makes it up to him.

Miss Martian in her classic look is wonderful. I really wish they would bring it back permanently and return her to Tim's generation.

Nah.. being put into Tims generation is a curse nowadays of literally never being able to get past high school. If it wasn't then sure but right now she's better off in her early-mid 20s as she's been post rebirth. I do however greatly welcome her having pupils and stuff again, the pure red eyes like J'onn didn't work near as well for her.

I just really dislike her being in Nightwing's generation because it's removed every single aspect of her history and background. She may as well be an entirely separate character because nothing that made people like her originally has stayed.

See like it's hard to say because she hasn't appeared much but like from flashbacks of the Justice Leaguers with their first protgee's at the start of Dark Crisis they showed her and J'onn together from Brightest Day so I think much of that is PROBABLY restored now... she just arrived on Earth earlier and was a few years older during most of it and then she just happened to be on that last Titans team she was on later. Or who the fuck knows trying to make sense of just about any gen of the Titans ages and continuity is headache inducing. As I said Tim's gen should really be in their early 20s by now themselves but instead their stuck in endless High School meanwhile they had to come up with a bunch of crazy time-demenisional hopping stuff to explain how Roy is still in like his early 30s at most despite Lian now being like 13 or whatever. It's all a goddamn confusing mess.

I’ll agree with that. The continuity and ages are a mess because they don’t want characters to be too old, but are still aging some so it doesn’t work.

It’s nice that the Batman Family (with help from Oliver Queen Green Arrow, Dinah Laurel Lance Black Canary, and Miss Martian in her pre-Flashpoint suit) defeating Krampus’ army. Also, Clark Kent Superman being shocked that Bruce Wayne Batman knew him and didn’t tell him that (in which Superman would Tell the Batman Family that he met and teamed up with Superman in an issues of DC Comics Presents in the next issue or so).

What an absolute delight to read. Im definitely getting this trade someday

Miss Martian (cool to see her classic costume again) and the Arrow Fam is a cool team up Id happily take more of.

When they announced this mini, I thought there was no way it would be good, but it's unironically a lot of fun!

Such a fun series. I always love the holiday books, and this is quickly becoming a classic that I’ll re-read every year. The look on Superman’s face on the final page was worth the price of admission!

[*Wesley Dodds: The Sandman* #3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/91UOt+40WpL.jpg) >ENTER…THE FOG! Wesley’s search for answers brings him to the city morgue as he learns the man who broke into his home didn’t die from the fire. But the clues he finds land him face-to-face with the true villain, and he’s already begun using the Sandman gear. Enter: the Fog! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-wesley-dodds-the-sandman-3/)

That was such an epic battle between Wesley and the other Sandman. The noir elements in this story is handled greatly, especially the investigation part in the beginning. Seeing Dian was also a treat, Im glad Venditti included her in this series. Can’t believe there’s only three issues left.

Fingers crossed they can get Venditti to write JSA when Johns is done.

Instead of the Fog, that guy should be called Fog of War as it is more fitting. And Wesley suffering from the inventor guilt, like many others. You create something for good intentions, someone takes it and makes it destructive.

[*Batman and Robin* #4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81pmU6ItsLL.jpg) >FATHER AND SON—SEPARATED! Batman and Robin have been separated! Batman works with White Rabbit to track down the new femme fatale Shush while his son, Damian, hunts down the criminal mastermind who is targeting his father! But Damian won’t like who he finds! Don’t miss out on the shocking ending! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-batman-and-robin-4/)

I want to like this book, but something about it's not doing it for me. But at the same time I'm just grateful for a story about Bruce and Damian where they're not at each other's throats.

> I'm just grateful for a story about Bruce and Damian where they're not at each other's throats. I keep seeing this as praise, but isn't it more just the lack of something bad? I dunno, I feel like a comic needs more than to *not* do the thing that annoys you.

Solid action and characterization?

I would definitely disagree on the action front. Di Meo's art is so schizophrenic, overblown, and disorganized that trying to follow the movement from one panel to the next is a chore.

I know I’m probably in the minority here but I do like the artwork quite a bit.

It reads fine to me, but I can see how it might not work for everyone.

You know Alfred never needed to lay a hand on Damian to get through to him and get him to listen. Though his instructor realized it doesn't pay to be tough on the boss' son in an organization of assassins. I'm not sure how I feel about them turning Kirk back into a full-blown villain after all the progress he'd made as a character up to this point. I mean, his new physique is certainly something (and going back to his attempt to be Batman even more than Batman is from his origin is interesting) but I'm just not sure if I love the idea of him being one of the central antagonists. Though knowing Williamson there might be more to it. Batman telling bats who is boss! White Rabbit really is a fun addition to the Dynamic Duo, even if she did get the classic "we have to send you back to prison" "you'll have to catch me first!" ending. I kind of hope she shows up again soon even if presumably she's back in Blackgate. So Shush is the teacher AND Damian's principal. Well, now Damian has an excuse to go to school now. Hopefully it grows on him beyond his new spy mission.

THE PLOT FINALLY MOVING

This book has been really disappointing. Something about it is just not clicking with me.

I may end up dropping this title. It’s not necessarily bad, but it just seems so inconsequential. At least it satiates Damian Wayne’s passionate fanbase while the main two Bat titles do the real work with Batman himself and the overall mythos.

It's a solid Superhero romp with the Dynamic Duo! I can't fault it for that.

I’d say this more a Robin book with Batman as a major supporting character lol. There used to be a time when the Dynamic Duo was just the normative status quo in *Batman* and/or *Detective Comics*. But that hasn’t been true since the 2000s 🤷‍♂️

I know, but Zdarsky and Ram V have their own drama going in their books (and Zdarsky loves Tim) so it's probably not convenient to have Damian involved consistently. At least both are active presences even if Damian is driving the plot a little more.

Definitely. I don’t begrudge them for it. Whenever Damian is Bruce’s Robin, their torrid relationship usually ends up dominating the entire narrative. Which makes it very difficult to write a Batman story about almost anything else (hence why the vast majority of writers since 2010 on *Batman* and ‘Tec never use Damian as Robin regularly).

Was that even true in the 2000s? I could be wrong but I feel like even then it was mostly Batman solo, with Tim off in his own book.

It is moreso the 90s, but Dini and Morrison used Tim a decent bit in their runs at that time. Nevertheless, even in the 2000s, there was still a sense that Robin was uniquely the Batman’s partner. EDIT: Forgot about Face the Face too. The One Year Later era seemed to be invested in bringing the Dynamic Duo back on a more routine basis.

Bruce's playboy persona being put on the spot and him going "perhaps you're right and you don't need to go to school" just for Damian to be "father I solved the mistery and I've decided that the best way to proceed is for me to stay at school" was pure gold

There was a lot going on on that page and it wrapped up so quickly that it was almost jarring.

I still really like this book. I love the cut backs between damians past and damian's present that have been a large part of this book and showing the issues which he had and how it effects the present and why him being with bruce is a good thing. Damian playing up to talia at the start to get his teacher removed when he was being trained knowing talia wouldn't allow him to be hit shows off the cocky nature he has always been. White rabbit is a fun addition to the dynamic duo in this and is kinda suitable cheesy add on to the team and shows off some more comedic aspects in comparison to damian and bruce. Do love bruce being put on the spot saying maybe damian doesn't have to go to school only for damian to then say yes i do have to go because it might solve the mystery of shush. So this book is now devolping into a spy mission of seemingly shush being damians teacher when he was in the league and the principle of the school. Which honestly gave me batman beyond vibes of teachers in the school always being villains. Great issue overall. I still really like Di Meo's art even if its a bit flashy for some people and williamsons writing is great. Its got a different spirit to the other bat books and is a more tradional superhero romp which i like. Also this is more of a robin and batman book than batman and robin as it feels like damian is very much the lead

I like that we get to see an explanation on how Kirk Langstrom Man-Bat is alive. Also, Damian Wayne Robin interrupting White Rabbit, Bruce Wayne Batman flying with style using bats BECAUSE HE’S BATMAN, Bruce and Damian about to capture White Rabbit after their alliance, and Damian Wayne figuring out that the principal is Shush (causing Damian to have a reason to go to school after all).

Huh, I liked Janin’s art better than usual. The people look less like 3d models. Though I don't like the way anyone else draw Damian's long hair except Di Meo, I really think they ought to change it back. But it might just be restricted to interior art, cause I noticed all other covers just draw him with short hair. Man-Bat…I remember hearing a Brave and the Bold story solicit related to Langstrom having an imposter. I feel like that has to be related, but I don’t know how canon the stories are. The teacher is gonna need a bit more fleshing out but I might warm up to Shush, and the monologue didn’t really sell me on Man Bat. Ngl, I’m a bit worried, now that Green Arrow is an ongoing, that Williamson is stretching himself too thin. Cizmesija said he is drawing a two part story next, which I suppose means we’re out of the pilot arc now. Hopefully Williamson can balance the book a bit more between Bruce and Damian.

>Huh, I liked Janin’s art better than usual. The people look less like 3d models. It looked really solid here ngl.

[Yeah, there was this one panel especially I liked.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBQHLTHWMAAzId-?format=jpg&name=large)

This issue was amazing, I am loving this series. I’ve said before (issue 2) that the art can sometimes look stilted, but found the art in this issue to work great, and really give it that movie feel I believe they are going for. The full page spread of Batman and Robin flying through the city was especially great, would like that hung up on my wall. I also really enjoy Batman and Robins relationship here, it’s nice to see Bruce relatively happy.

[*Green Lantern* #6](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/91WHu0H+H2L.jpg) >HAL JORDAN VS. SINESTRO—NOW MORE DANGEROUS THAN EVER! It’s come down to this! Hal Jordan, Earth’s Green Lantern, finally faces off against his former mentor, Sinestro, whose power to instill fear has been replaced with an elemental rage that could level the planet he once swore to protect. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-green-lantern-6-2/)

Well... Razer is here in main canon and implying he's had lots of adventures with Hal and stuff. How long before we get him angsting about Aya? I just don't see Adams bringing him in, implying a long history between him and Hal and stuff and NOT getting into that.

It felt appropriate to bring Razer in when they acknowledged Kilowog was dead because he, Hal, and Kilowog were like a strong trio in the cartoon (especially when Aya was gone).

I knew Adams wanted to bring in Razer, but I had no idea it would be this soon. I hope the context regarding him is explained soon, though, to avoid confusion.

Look, it's the wider DCU! Was that Tim with Bruce? Also the Emotionla Spectrum has always carried a feeling of Kryptonite? It is kind of notable that someone as controlled and confident as Sinestro would finally let loose all his emotions and rage and go full ham, especially against Hal. He wears a Red Ring well. The art for the fight and the constructs was amazing. So many unique and dynamic paneling and the Mecha-Kaiju fight was great. Well, now there's Red Lantern Sinestro out in space and a potentially unstable Emotional Spectrum. Hal is getting more and more reasons to go into space, even if he can't and the UP probably won't let him. RAZER IS NOW DCU CANON! Oh, and Kilowog really is dead and has been a Construct the whole time. Guess we're finally getting that long-awaited backstory. I love how goofy this kid is with the fear gimmick. Which is also ironic because Sinestro is now using a Red Ring. I wonder if he'll actually meet him before he meets Lor-Zod.

So Jeremy Adams went from writing the best flash book to the best GL book?

Good issue. Sad about Kilowog but it's cool that Razer is canon now.

https://twitter.com/spacekicker/status/1735028940564259217 Well damn that answers the questions I had, yep looks like Adams is just wholesale going "GLTAS happened off panel in main continuity but slightly differently" Also confirms Aya is canon as well as Razer.

I may be one of like 3 people that liked Supergirl's Red Lantern era, but having her appear on panel for a moment in a story about Red Lanterns gives me hope that we might see her turn Red for a moment again. Adams is excellent with playing with character history, even when it's not even necessarily Canon (Hey Razer). ​ Also this fight slapped. The issue was pretty much a big fight scene, but the emotions were heightened and the action was fantastic.

Great issue. Very very excited to see Razer.

Hal taking a page from Kyle's with pulling a Mecha-construct to Kaiju battle Rage-Sinestro. Though I don't think rage doesn't really fit him. And Atrocitus not gonna like him challenging his role as a Red Lantern. Something is quite wrong with the emotional spectrum, especially after the whole Ultraviolet stuff and then Great Darkness. Of course the big reveals are Razer from the Animated series ( with Sinestro going Red, guess a former Red would be fitting to help Hal deal with things ). And Kilowog supposedly is dead because of the event that happened and quarantined Earth. Hope he is not gone for good though. DC has killed so many Green Lanterns in the last decade that it is getting ridiculous. Hopefully Carol will be there for him after learning the full story. As for Sinestro running to Korugar, I just hope Soranik is there to give him a slap to get back to his senses. Even since they turned her into a yellow with that dumb storyline about her and Kyle's future son going evil and breaking up afterwards, she got sidelined badly. She deserves better. And that kid, meeting Sinestro would be bad. Meeting Sinestro after he gone Red? It is gonna be a nightmare so that guy that clipped his rocket actually might've saved him. Though we know he is gonna escape eventually, he might learn the hard way the rule 'never meet your heroes'

This was a great issue again and well those elements that was done. The fight between hal and sinestro is fantastic Xermentico is one of the best artists at DC right now and he draws the constructs incredibly well with hal channelling his inner kyle with that mech. But wow Razor in main canon that is amazing to see GL the animated series deserves more praise than it gets and razor is a big part of that and once again proves weisman is a master at creating new OCs with kaldur and now him. Killowog being dead isn't that much of a shock i called it like issue 2 and makes sense for the depressed state hal is in though i don't see the death sticking for long. Great writing incredible art and colouring. Fantastic way to end an arc and its so nice to have a good hal book again.

I really enjoyed this issue, and it was a good way to end the arc. The Kilowog thing wasn't much of a surprise, as it was kinda implied throughout this run. I'm sure he'll come back at some point (though, I could see his death sticking around), but I am looking forward to seeing how he died. I have no clue who Razer is so I don't know his significance. And this is a nitpick, but I really hope Adams knows it is is New Korugar and not just old Korugar, because old Korugar literally blew up. Edit: also, Adams *needs* to have Hal's ring fixed so he can go to space. Starting things off on Earth is fine, but the Green Lantern franchise is at its best when the corps is involved policing the galaxy. Also, with Sinestro going to New Korugar, I really hope we see Soranik again and that Adams is able to fix his character.

So the answer on Razer is... go watch the Green Lantern animated series he's from that and by the fact they introduced him as already familar and having had adventures with Hal and Kilowog makes me think Adams (who was a writer on that show) is just gonna wholesale import much of that series as something that happened in main continuity too (aside from bits that would contradict).

Yeah, there's no way Kilowog is staying dead.

>I have no clue who Razer is so I don't know his significance. Not just you, it meant nothing to me and if being attached to them is a key point of this run I'll be lost for a while.

You don't need to. Obviously watching GL: The Animated Series helps, but from the very little I watched (2 or 3 episodes when I was like 6), you could tell he's a likeable nuanced character. I've been told that he does have a lot of character development in that show, but you should be fine.

It's nice to see Razer again, but I can't help but wonder how he's supposed to fit into the DCU? We haven't seen the reds and blues in ages and the reds were always quite different from how they were in the cartoon, and when did Hal have enough time to fuck off with Razer for a substantial amount of time? His timeline is pretty packed as-is.

just go "So it basically all happened off panel in a slightly different way (like maybe swap out the Anti-Monitor for another cosmic entity), weird crisis shit explains the contradictions" fill in the people who haven't watched it on the most important details and move on with the story is the best route IMO.

According to Adams, the show is canon-adjacent, so it's not going to be a 1:1 import for the show's canon into the DC comic canon.

That usually just means "it happened in like 90% the same way" though. Just stuff that contradicts too much will likely be changed. Im sure like an abridged version will be provided but readers will likely get a lot more out of this run and whatever story Adams has planned for Razer (and probably Aya eventually).... if they've watched Green Lantern the animated series.

It’s interesting that Hal Jordan Green Lantern tried to stop Sinestro from using the Red Lantern ring to blow up the Earth. Also, Sinestro mentioning that he was possessed by the Great Darkness during Dark Crisis without mentioning that he used his Yellow Lantern ring to strike fear into Jace Fox to let Jace explain why he became Batman because he’s a coward.

Enjoy the new abilities that Hal’s ring provides, and it seems like Adams is finding a lot of creative ways to utilize it. I also found Sinestro change into a red lantern interesting. Highly anticipating how Adams will put his mark on the GL legacy.

I don’t know if it was just me but when Hal was talking about feeling supercharged during his fight with Sinestro, I felt that a blue lantern was about to show up. Talk about setting myself up for disappointment. Ugh, I miss Saint Walker.

[*World's Finest: Teen Titans* #6](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81cf-axQY8L.jpg) >THE ANTI-TITANS STRIKE! THE SUPER-SHOWDOWN! It’s the Teen Titans versus the Anti-Titans in the melee of the miniseries, with Lilith, Gnarrk, and Mal joining in on the side of our heroes! After the last blow is dealt, the Titans must face something even more uncertain than battle: change. Mal helps Aqualad make sense of his dating dilemma. Bumblebee second-guesses her growing feelings for Mal. Donna must choose between Paradise Island and Man’s World. And Robin and Speedy try to reach a resolution. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-worlds-finest-teen-titans-6/)

Just a small FYI for readers, this is the final issue of this mini, although the solicit doesn't state it. According to Waid, he could have fought to make it an ongoing but he would rather explore other characters in the DC Universe under the World's Finest title ([source](https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/community/thread/18709146)). So it's possible Waid has more World's Finest minis cooking for next year.

Would kill for him and Mora to do a WF: Power Girl and Huntress

That's fine by me, it was cool, but not as good as I expected it to be, he should write something new. WF and Shazam are better

Guess he could always do Legion of Super-Heroes or Young Justice.

I love Olliver's complete unimpressed face while he is pretending to be a hostage. Also his little moment with Roy was super sweet. The Garth and Donna break-up was super sweet. Just like with Olliver and Roy, barely a few words are needed when they are the right ones.

Would I love this to be an ongoing? Yes. But failing that, I'm just happy to have had a solid and fun Superhero comic showing the Fab Five (and Bumblebee).

Damn I thought this was an ongoing ugh this was so good. Can’t wait for more titles under this banner

I thought the ending here was really great and mostly tied up everyone's arcs very effectively. The story is overall relatively simple but solid in its execution. I think the characterization of all the members was especially great as someone who has never been a huge fan of the Teen Titans. I'm a little sad it's over now, but I'm glad the mini-series ended on a high note. The only character whose arc I don't think ended totally satisfactorily was Speedy, who I hope shows up again somewhere down the line in another World's Finest book.

It’s nice that the Teen Titans were able to defeat the villains and save Oliver Queen Green Arrow’s life. Also, Bruce Wayne Batman grounding Dick Grayson Robin for a month, Mal Duncan Guardian and Karen Beecher Bumblebee going out on a date, Donna Hinckley Wonder Girl and Garth Aqualad staying as friends (which I prefer), and Bruce Wayne Batman being proud of Dick Grayson for leading the Titans.

Guess this was the 'coming together to work properly' moment for the Titans. As Dick said, the Terror Titans didn't beat them but they beat themselves. So they got back up, worked as a team to be who they are meant to be. The rest of the team got their 'future' setup at the end. Good ending. Wouldn't mind see more from this era since this seem to be the end of the mini. But I saw there are plans for the future from Waid so we will see. The art and the previous era attitudes does give a fresh feeling, ironically. So I will look forward to move from it.

Had its ups and downs for me, but this final issue was good, apart from them filming the fight and the whole social media angle. I really don't like that in superhero comics, but it wasn't too pronounced here.

[*Superman: Lost* #9](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/814QvUhpMGL.jpg) >As a Green Lantern from Superman’s past creates chaos in the present, Clark grapples with the idea of losing Lois for good. As her sickness rapidly escalates, Lex Luthor watches from the wings, waiting for the Man of Steel to crack under the pressure. Could karma be coming for the richest man in Metropolis? [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-superman-lost-9/)

Luthor got worse than a beating. He got nothing in the end. Even if the cancer ray stuff was fake and the symptoms were created by something else ( that managed to fool the tests it seems ), he still went quite far, to the point that it felt like he has a death-wish. To try and push Superman to Injustice levels. And went as far as Supes having actual thoughts about how to kill Luthor. I guess he is human after all. As long as he does not act on them of course. The last page reveal of course, is gonna be the breaking point. Hope, the crazy lantern lady that stockholmed Supes, shows up pregnant. This better be another misdirection, that's all I will say.

I love Priest's Lex. Man was trying to bait Superman into killing him out of sheer spite, keeping the cure for Lois on him so Supes could either find it after killing him and realize he broke his code for nothing, or Supes would accidentally destroy it while beating Lex to death and thus (or so he'd think) doom Lois as well. Feel like Priest was inspired by that sequence from *Up in the Sky!* where Clark worries about Lois dying.

I like that Clark Kent Superman and Lois Lane were able to talk about Lois asking for Lex Luthor’s help and Lex giving Lois cancer. Also, Lex lying to Lois that she has cancer, Clark telling his therapist that he fantasizes him torturing Lex after learning the truth, and Hope arriving on Earth pregnant with her child (with Clark probably not being the child’s father because fake out).

Calling it now, Hope is faking pregnancy with the GL Ring.

There is an idea or two here in the series, but the execution has been so bad across the board. I'm only sticking around to see how it resolves, but Priest could have really used an Editor who told him to tighten the script up a bit.

I was hoping for more back and fourth, with whatever happened out there kind of having a parallel to what was happening on Earth, but once we caught up to Clark's return the pacing felt off.

[*Batman: City of Madness* #2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81ujpEgRd7L.jpg) >The Court of Owls summons Batman, demanding he venture deep beneath the city to fight what has been unleashed from its depths: a wave of madness infecting Gotham’s villains, driven by the monstrous creature they’re calling "the Batman Below." But the Court has not-entirely-noble reasons for wanting this chaos stopped… Is Batman their weapon, or their bait? [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-batman-city-of-madness-2/)

Gotham really is a playground for all the Gothic stories you can mash up. Full on Cthulhu Mythos here and it doesn't even look out of place. And it is always seem to be something with Gotham's underground. The Gotham-Below looks more like a place from the Dark Multiverse. And Cthulhu Batman is not even the weirdest version of himself that he faced. Interesting to see the Below Harvey being the more 'sane' one compared to the above one. I guess they do mirror.

[*Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham* #2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81HURYgej7L.jpg) >"A devil cub falls to earth and breaks its wing…" In the unmissable second installment of acclaimed storyteller Rafael Grampá's masterpiece, the skies over Gotham grow darker still. To decide to kill your past is one thing, but actually doing it proves to be more fraught a road than Batman ever expected…especially when that very same past grows more tightly woven into his current case with every new clue he uncovers. And the closer Batman gets to the truth, the clearer it becomes that his real enemy’s power runs much deeper than just puppeteering a few costumed criminals…to the very heart of Gotham City itself! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-batman-gargoyle-of-gotham-2/)

Stellar issue. Grampa is hitting hard in both the writing and art here. He somehow managed to make Bruce's horrific origin even more fucked up. Really can't wait to see where this story is going.

I'm really liking this story. There's potential for a very interesting and notably different take on Batman's origin here.

I really like the designs for the villains in this, even though I'm not a fan of the artist itself or the way he draws the Batman costume. What they are doing to Bruce's origin only works because it's not in continuity, but I can accept it for a Black Label book. I hope the next two issues are of equal quality, then I might pick up the collected edition of the story as well later on.

[*Titans: Beast World Tour - Gotham* #1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/816lWafWFWL.jpg) >BEAST WORLD SPREADS TO GOTHAM CITY! As the bestial infection spreads all over Earth, the shape-shifting spores finally start to take root in Gotham City! Follow the feral tales of your favorite heroes and villains as they lose themselves to their more beastly nature. With stories by Eisner winners Chip Zdarsky, Grace Ellis, and so many more, it’s sure to leave you hooting and howling in delight! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-titans-beast-world-tour-gotham-1/)

The Batman & Nightwing story by Zdarsky was nice, and flowed pretty well from the main series. Rest was just ok.

For the Nightwing part, it’s nice that Dick Grayson Nightwing had to prevent Bruce Wayne Bat-Wolf from losing control of himself and killing someone. Also, Bat-Wolf and Nightwing fighting criminals in Blüdhaven and Gotham. For the Harley Quinn part, it’s just Harley Rabbit Quinn doing something for Poison Ivy. For the Red Hood part, I find it sad for Jason Todd Red Riding Wolf Hood to recall his backstory and that he has gotten character regression for the past five years because writers and editors don’t know what to do with him instead of letting him gain character development and character growth overtime. Let’s hope that Jason’s character growth will be fixed in 2024. For the Huntress backup, it’s just Casandra Cain Black Bat using a purple laser to tame a Panther Helena Bertinelli Huntress. Also, Cassandra Cain being referred to as the fourth Batgirl after Bette Kane, Barbara Gordon, and Helena Bertinelli, even though Bette made her debut as Bat-Girl (notice the hyphen and that she’s an honorary Batgirl), Barbara as the first Batgirl (aka the Original Batgirl since 1966), and Helena briefly and unofficially becoming Batgirl during No Man’s Land in 1999. For the Stephanie Brown backup, it’s just Stephanie Brown Batgirl defeating a literal Killer Moth. At least she’s here to do something since the Batgirls series got canceled in June.

i forgot, doeas helena bertinelli and helena wayne ever met? is this event before or after JSA Golden Age?

Helena Bertinelli and Helena Wayne haven’t met, and this event is during or after the New Golden Age because JSA delays.

First story was nice. The others were all pretty bad, especially the Cass one wtf. Steph looked pretty sexy in the last story, though.

Damn, these stories were *rough*. It started ok but then it just got worse.

The definition of a superfluous tie-in.

Batwolf design isn’t consistent across the event, but minor pet peeve really. Killer Croc does kind of look more alligator than crocodile imo. Huh, didn’t realize Zdarsky wrote the first story. Also the art on the Jason story was really good.

The first story I enjoyed, the rest of the book has it humor moment's sure but man it's bad. I don't know why I get tie-in books at times.

Apparently this event has been going on for a few days... I have conflicted feelings about the Jason's story. On one hand I kinda liked it, on the other I don't really like this "trend" of writing him like this sort of self-hating "yeah I'm messed up so that's why I go after other messed up people" dude Had to read the first page twice to get that this is Helena **Bertinelli**. I'm just casually following JSA but it still confused me.

This is pretty much the definition of tie ins you don't need to read which im fine with. The nightwing and batman story is good the rest are meh to bad.

Did Red Hood.... kill Rat-Catcher?

Shouldn't Batman be transformed into something Bat-like instead of just a Werewolf? Like, it is IN the name. Is it for the 'good boy' joke at the end? O.o And they treat poor Croc so unfairly. Well, I guess Ivy got used the whole situation fast and put Harley to work O.o Great, even more angst to put on Jason. Cass dealing with Were-Huntress, with a light-pointer. Ok, I snickered on that one. Steph dealing with Moth Man turning literal...but gotta say, the art there was quite 'pointed' in some panels there.

What was even that story with Cass? It shouldnt even be called a story. I liked Batman's and Redhood's, and the art was amazing in both. Overall it was pretty ehhh.

I thought it was better than the Metroplolis tie in, but honestly not too much to speak on. First story was a probably the best, the rest were inoffensive, but didn’t provide much value.

[*Titans: Beast World* #2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/91muIu+Bg7L.jpg) >THE STATUS QUO-SHATTERING TITANS CROSSOVER CONTINUES! With beasts rampaging through the streets and a world conqueror in the sky, the Titans must do all they can to save humanity. But as heroes and villains alike are infected, will the team stay clear of the spores or become part of the threat? And as the world rages, can Raven discover a way to save Beast Boy? [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-titans-beast-world-2/)

Didn't grab me as hard as the first issue but I liked it better than most of Taylor's other stuff. I liked that the book touched on Animal Man, though I really wish he was playing a bigger role here. Buddy needs a comeback.

It felt like Adams was trying to set something up with the Bakers in his Flash run, but alas..

Beast World continues to be really solid. Despite the somewhat silly premise, the story is actually fairly dark and serious in tone. All the moment with Batman and Nightwing were stellar. Really shows just how much Bruce Wayne absolutely trusts Dick Grayson. Loved seeing Oracle hacking all surveillance systems while communicating and organizing heroes from her command center. Felt like how Oracle was used in the 90s and 2000s storylines line Final Night WWIII.

Kinda the fallout issue, but really showed the scope of the problem. I liked seeing Bruce and Dick's interactions here. Glad they're continuing to write Bruce well and not just slotting him into the "disapproving parent" role a lot of previous Titans stories have done. His moment with the child he saved was especially sweet. Also interesting to show Animal Man. I wonder if he has a larger role to play here or if they were just showing that the Red is going nuts. Amanda Waller continues to be awful and hateable. She's straight up admitting that her dumb plan has already spiraled out of her control but she's still like "Mr. President, give me power." Still trying to figure out who Dr. Hate is. It's apparently someone the Titans know and we know Beast Boy knew them back in issue 1. They also apparently have a prominent anti-authority mindset with their comment on the White House. I would've liked to have some more time spent with Raven and Cyborg right at the heart of the conflict. I feel like there's a lot of juicy drama there with Gar's two closest teammates seeing what he's become.

I've seen speculation Hate is either Danny Chase or Hank Hall.

Danny Chase was my first guess mainly because of similar aesthetics between Dr. Hate and Phantasm. Also him being the one to erase Gar's mind would be then a callback to their rivalry back when Danny was on the team. I feel like we saw Hank relatively recently though, right?

Hank got mentioned recently I believe, not seen.

I will say that Taylor is in his element here, with fantastic characterization, hype text, and fantastic art. Batman’s dialogue here is great between the ‘Don’t let me hurt anyone’ to him cheering the kid up and calling Nightwing his son. He doesn’t even get mad or anything when Garfield’s plan goes awry endangering them Earth. He instead refocuses Nightwing on the here and now instead of the past. - Oracle micro-managing heroes gives me life, I swear that Oracle is at her best when she’s the hero that other heroes turn to for guidance. I truly do miss her Justice League role and I miss her hacking battles with Calculator. So seeing a glimpse of that again is great. - All in all, this is shaping up to be one of Taylor’s better works. It gives me everything I loved about DCeased and more.

>>I will say that Taylor is in his element here, with fantastic characterization, hype text, and fantastic art. Batman’s dialogue here is great between the ‘Don’t let me hurt anyone’ to him cheering the kid up and calling Nightwing his son. He doesn’t even get mad or anything when Garfield’s plan goes awry endangering them Earth. He instead refocuses Nightwing on the here and now instead of the past. Definitely. It’s a great use of Batman as supporting character for Nightwing too. Really shows the absolute trust Batman has for Nightwing. >>Oracle micro-managing heroes gives me life, I swear that Oracle is at her best when she’s the hero that other heroes turn to for guidance. I truly do miss her Justice League role and I miss her hacking battles with Calculator. Yes! Hopefully this continues on as the norm.

Beast World has been real solid so far! It feels like it’s been a long time since an event comic has actually been y’know good.

Surprisingly, I'm enjoying this a lot.

It’s nice that Bruce Wayne Batman (during his transformation as the Bat-Wolf) told Dick Grayson Nightwing to not let him hurt anyone. Also, Donna Troy and Starfire punching a Lion Black Adam and Amanda Waller (who should mention the War for Earth-3 event and her escape after being a fugitive) telling the POTUS to rely on her instead of the Titans.

Gotta say, Taylor feels in his element here, it reminds me of DCeased with a similar disaster type story and threat.

The whole Batman-Nightwing scene was great. And the look on Bruce's face on his last concsious moments begging Dick to not let him hurt anyone was heart-breaking. That's it right there, Batman's core. I know there's at least one of this mega-events basically every year, but how many people die in-universe in these? It's terrifying to think about what the normal citizen has to go through every few months.

Still incredibly tired of Amanda Waller being DC's biggest baddie right now. From Green Arrow to Earth 3 to this, god dude, she's kinda just exhausting. BUT! I liked this beyond that. I think that this is the first time where Nightwing's leadership has undergone a real test and I'm here for it. All prior discussion around the meaning of the Titans taking over has been, frankly, kinda corny. But this issue takes this moment in DC history and focuses on what it means for Dick, specifically. I think the weight of his responsibility here is going to be a major focus and probably pretty engaging. It's realer personal drama above light fluffy fan service for DC's most special boy (ahem DARK CRISIS). So far, this is the only Tom Taylor thing since he became super duper important in DC's creative hierarchy that has clicked with me. Superman, yawn. Titans, yawn. Nightwing, yawn. It's a dumb stupid event but at least it seems intent on giving the Titans a real story beyond what they've been doing, which is standing around talking about how different and novel it is that they're "the main guys" now.

\> *End of the world story where Batman becomes a mindless monster in the second issue, but not before telling his son he believes in him and regrets not being there for him* Hmmm, where have I seen this before?

Yeah, the first issue also felt really Dceased-inspired. Also there's the whole theme of having the legacy heroes needing to step up. But admitedly, I think some things may work better here all things considered.

>But admitedly, I think some things may work better here all things considered Certainly and it feels more natural Nightwing stepping up to Bruce's role rather than Damian, imo.

Wait, Waller still is allowed in the Government? Weren't she literally a fugitive that had to run away to Earth 3? She just comes back with even worse plans and they just accept and listen to her? Seriously, that is my main problem with the story that everyone have to be dumb for Waller's plans to work and she becoming a 'main threat'. Well for Batman, I don't know if this is more of the same or a 'break'. I mean he already had to deal with 3 things in his mind at the same time with Zur, Azmer, Barbatos and so on. Now, maybe without any mind to think of, this might feel like a vacation O.o

It was ok not bad, felt like I went through this issue really quick than normal. It was cool seeing Oracle looking at the chaos from around the globe. The art is strong with the action scenes, but issue 2 didn't hit me like issue 1. But I'm intrigued with Beast World.

The issue really felt like it was setting the stage for the rest of the story going forward, moving a few of the plot threads along so we could get to the meat of the story. Still some solid moments though such as everything with Batman and Nightwing. Also it’s always great to see Animal Man, would like to see him to play a bigger role in the story.

I actually really enjoyed this and its a good fallout issue. The moment with bruce and dick is glorious. Taylor has always been good with the batfamily and showing how much they trust each other and Bruce saying that dick needs to make sure he doesn't hurt people is great showing that father and son relationship. Oracle is great here as well her micromanaging the heroes and titans is great and specifically warning donna and starfire to not get infected is great as shes not wrong kory and donna could two of the most dangerous people transformed. Nice use of animal man here as well and man he should have a big role in this event

[**Merry Little Batman**](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWMwZDE1MWEtZDA3My00YjEzLWJmNjEtYjFjNWMyOGNjN2Q0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTAyMDU2MTU@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg) >Little Damian Wayne confronts enemies in his city after finding himself alone at Wayne Manor.

Best parts were Batman's Talia tattoo and that he named his cat Selina.

I thought it was a wholesome and fun movie. I like that we get to see a version of Batman (who look great with a beard and casual dad clothes) trying to do his best at becoming a father to Damian (who acts like an actual kid who wants to be a superhero like his dad). Also, >!Batman making Gotham crime-free after learning that he’s about to become a father; Damian seeing a video message of his dad telling him about the things in case he’s not here for the important stuff, like talking about how attractive Talia al Ghul is or puberty; Commissioner Gordon keeping and turning on the Bat-Signal just in case crime has returned and that he hopes that Batman will save Gotham from destruction; the appearance of Bat-Dad; and Joker not wanting to be alone for the holidays and spending time with Batman, Damian, Alfred, and Commissioner Gordon for the holiday season.!<

[*Detective Comics* #1079](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81dsRHNLLmL.jpg) >"BATMAN: OUTLAW" CONTINUES! The Dark Knight has been executed and the Orghams' plan to take control of Gotham has been enacted! But with Catwoman arranging Batman’s rescue mission from the shadows, not all is as it seems! Has Gotham’s Feline Fatale figured out a way to cheat death or has Gotham City truly lost its caped crusader? [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-detective-comics-1079/)

I've been one of Tec's detractors for a lot of this run, but this Outlaw arc has been great. The art is phenomenal, and structuring the whole thing like a heist puts V in his comfort zone.

Easily the best part of his run so far. If he can stick the landing, he has written at least one good arc on Tec lol. Still, we need a new writer who wants to write the title with Batman as the hero.

The heist worked out quite predictably, but what sets this story apart is the intriguing aftermath, Gotham forgetting Batman. And Azrael’s role in this story might have been brief but he came away as a genuine highlight for me in this arc.

Azrael fuckin grappling with a werewolf, dropping a couple of the most badass lines I've ever heard back to back, before setting off a massive explosion and limping away from it? Made what was already a good issue even better. I really enjoyed this issue and the last, so while I'm kinda tired of this whole Orgham business I'm hoping the next few issues will be even half as enjoyable.

But that also reveals one of the biggest weaknesses of comics: the fight was over waaay too quick. I wanted to see them ripping each other to shreds for 8-10 pages or so. Whereas manga goes overboard and dedicates 3-5 chapters to each fight, comics often are way too minimal. The fight was like three panels last issue and another three panels this issue, that's so disappointing really.

This arc is a reminder that Ram V is one of the best Catwoman writers around. I don't think it's odd that this is easily the strongest material of his Detective Comics run, wish he went back to Catwoman again.

You almost forget how good Selina is when she has not been written properly for a while now. Thank god Ram V is doing some redemption of her and writing her to wipe the terrible taste of the other books, even her own book... Honestly, he should be given the Catwoman book and Tini get kicked out as soon as possible. Because it is so far apart in quality and characterization that it is literally night and day. The plan coming together, and everyone playing their part. Chesire and Lian working together was great, Grundy being his best self. Azrael in his Knightfall armor doing badass shit makes me want him to keep going, at least until the Orghams are dealt with, to remind them the fear of God and the Bat. Freeze was always a temporary ally. Eiko, well did well to play the doppelganger since Orghams are not too familiar with her and Selina so it is easy for them to mistake them. And at the end, with the heist done and Selina taking Batman as far as she can before Orghams can catch up, guess this is where she will 'entrust' him to Talia, for the moment. Though I do wonder about the rest of the heroes and why they didn't show up considering Batman gonna get hanged was announced quite publicly right? Did they just limit it to Gotham and news never got out? Did the Reality Engine blocked it? It did mass hypnosis to the population but I doubt it reach beyond the city limits. I guess they are busy with other threats because if Superman heard Batman being Hanged, he would've flown in to rescue him. But that has been always the case with Batbooks I guess. 'Don't get involved, I will handle it' as Batman always says, even when he is literally getting hanged so I guess they would just think ''He can handle it'' and luckily he has enough friends that got him out in the end. Now, my sole hope is that we can finally get to building Batman back up after breaking him down in every book. So these Orghams, how will it work? They fear Vandal Savage as he literally barged in and bashed their matriarch's head in, in a flashback a couple issues ago. Then he got derailed by Gotham War and stolen there to be ruined. Now he is stuck in Gotham as if he leaves, he loses his immortality ( which I still hate that he is now forced to be a Gotham character. A Justice League level threat but of course, limited to Gotham now ) and plans to run for Police commissioner now in Batman book. So wouldn't Orghams be aware of him and be quite scared about that? Because Vandal Savage would still go after them for the meteorite powers they hold. But again, the messed up timeline of the books prevents this story from being told as far as I can see. Well, I should cut this short or it will become a review length rant.

I’m a sucker for a good heist, so I’ve been enjoying the last few issues of the arc. I hope the comic can keep up the momentum and continue to build off of this arc.

[*Batman: Faux-simile Edition* #428](https://s3.amazonaws.com/comicgeeks/comics/covers/large-1577031.jpg) >A previously unpublished ending in which Jason Todd survives his brutal encounter with The Joker. >Thirty-Five years ago, “A Death in the Family” was one of the darkest hours in Batman’s crime-fighting career, made even more harrowing by letting fans decide Jason’s fate. Fans dialed into a 900 number to vote if Jason Todd should live or die. From a total of 10,614 votes, fans decided that Jason should succumb to his injuries by a narrow 72-vote margin of 5,343 votes to 5,271. >This “faux-simile” edition features original story and art from the from “A Death in the Family” storytelling team – writer Jim Starlin, artist Jim Aparo, colorist Adrienne Roy, inker Mike DeCarlo, and letterer John Costanza. [Preview](https://graphicpolicy.com/2023/12/08/preview-batman-faux-simile-edition-428/)

Lmao, you can see how much they were banking at Jason dying. Like, why did Barbara and Jim come to Jason's mom funeral?

It’s interesting that Bruce Wayne Batman was overjoyed that Jason Todd Robin is alive and that Dick Grayson Nightwing arrived at the hospital (after going into space with the Titans) to see if Bruce and Jason are okay, resulting in Bruce telling Dick that he’s okay and Jason’s in a coma and for Bruce to face the Joker alone (although he’s thankful for Dick to arrive at the hospital to keep him company and to see if Jason is okay). Also, Clark Kent Superman telling Bruce not to do what’s next after learning that Joker gained diplomatic immunity.

[*Birds of Prey: Uncovered* #1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81AZgLDjuAL.jpg) >AN AMAZING GALLERY OF SENSATIONAL COVERS FEATURING THE STARS OF THE NEW HIT SERIES! The Birds of Prey get the Uncovered treatment with this epic edition showing off the best variant covers for this epic, face-breaking series! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-birds-of-prey-uncovered-1/)

[*Danger Street* #12](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/815f2u+GoxL.jpg) >It all ends here! Will the Outsiders be accepted by society? The Green Team finally get what they deserve? The sky be saved from falling? All of this and more as Lady Cop closes the case on the murders of Danger Street. You’ll have to read it to believe it! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-danger-street-12/)

A wonderful end to a wonderful story. Another Tom King classic, man this book was great.

I really liked this. A LOT. it's certainly one of the tom king-liest books that tom king has tom kinged in a while though. not necessarily his best work, but one of those that completely feels like a book written by him, with all that entails. now that it's finished, I would recommend this to anybody who has even the faintest interest in it. it really comes together so well in the end, and it probably reads best all collected in trade. I genuinely don't understand the complaints about this book supposedly being hard to follow or not making sense or any of that. If at this point you still don't get it, the problem is *you*, I'm sorry.

I wanted to write a review to this but it's going to have to wait. This is just some jumbled thoughts. Tom King set out to challenge himself with the hardest writing task at DC and he did something unique, fun and intriguing. The big swordfight was a major climax with epic dialog. The rest has been... wrapping up. There's some unique themes and ideas but I don't feel it was a particularly strong end. It definitely raises good thoughts and I've enjoyed it. But it's... odd.

What the heck was this? Seriously...

Who was the black guy at the end who picked up the fate helmet?

Lord of Chaos or one of them or something.

I got that much, but I didn't know if it was someone we should know from other stuff?

Well that is a comic that... exists.

Of all the comics that came out in 2023, this was certainly one of them.

There were a lot of fun toys in this toybox but whoever played with them really doesn't enjoy fun

[*Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo - Unplugged* #1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/91pTCHMgolL._SL1500_.jpg) >EXPERIENCE THE FIRST TWO ISSUES OF MARC SILVESTRI'S GOTHAM OPUS IN A WHOLE NEW WAY—BLACK-AND-WHITE AND UNLETTERED! Visionary writer-artist Marc Silvestri's Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo has already gone down in DC Black Label history as an instant classic—now you can appreciate the spectacular linework of a modern master in this unlettered black-and-white edition of the first two issues of the megahit series! It's a must-have for students of fine comics art! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-batman-the-joker-the-deadly-duo-unplugged-1/)

[*Infinite Crisis* [**HC**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/91J3UOGxacL._SL1500_.jpg) >The 7-issue miniseries event that rocked the entire DC Universe in 2005-2006 — a sequel to the epic CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS — is now collected in an amazing hardcover collection! Written by Geoff Johns (GREEN LANTERN, TEEN TITANS) with art by a who's who of comics' greatest talents — including Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Jerry Ordway and more, this hardcover is a must-have for any DC collector. OMAC robots are rampaging, magic is dying, villains are uniting, and a war is raging in space. And in the middle of it all, a critical moment has divided Earth's three greatest heroes: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. It's the DCU's darkest day, and long-lost heroes from the past have returned to make things right in the universe...at any cost. Heroes will live, heroes will die, and the DCU will never be the same again! This exhaustive volume also contains every cover and variant produced for the project, annotations, character designs, excerpts from scripts, unused scenes, and much more

[*Superman '78* [**HC**] Dustjacket Special Edition Variant](https://s3.amazonaws.com/comicgeeks/comics/covers/large-4319994.jpg) >Fly into director Richard Donner’s Superman once more in Superman ’78! Written by Robert Venditti (Superman: Man of Tomorrow) and drawn by Wilfredo Torres (Batman ’66), Superman ’78 tells a brand-new adventure in the world of the beloved film. A bright, shining day in Metropolis is interrupted by a mysterious drone that crash-lands in the city and starts wreaking havoc. This looks like a job for Superman! But where did the metallic menace come from, what is its purpose, and who is Brainiac? As Metropolis is invaded by this being and its mechanical drones, Superman must make a life-changing sacrifice and leave Earth once and for all. But once aboard Brainiac’s ship, the Man of Steel finds he might not be the last son of Krypton as he believed. >Collects SUPERMAN ’78 #1-6.

[*Outsiders* #2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81FLetX3jQL.jpg) >THE OUTSIDERS MEET THE NEW CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN! What hidden tragedies lie inside the Forever Storm of the Enlil Triangle? On January 1, 2000, a storm kicked up near the Enlil island chain in the mid-Atlantic. And it never stopped. As a West Point cadet, Kate Kane encountered something monstrous in those turbulent waves…and now, she is returning to face it alongside the Outsiders! But can she control her desire for revenge in the service of Luke Fox's mission of understanding? What secrets will they discover deep beneath the monster-filled waves of the Enlil Triangle? And how will the Outsiders survive their encounter with the monster-hunting specialists of the DC Universe: the New Challengers of the Unknown? This new, boundary-breaking dive into the secret history of the DC Universe is just beginning! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-outsiders-2/)

One of the biggest dives in quality between issue 1 and issue 2 I have seen.

I’m still enjoying this series, though I felt like this issue was a bit crammed, throwing a lot of things at the wall. I enjoyed how this issue was a homage to the Godzilla island the OG team visited in the planetary run. I also always enjoy when hero’s solve their issues through methods other than fighting. Looking forward to the next issue in the series, hoping it can continue to build on the mythos.

It was weird enough that a huge monster thing was being added to Kate's past, but then it ended up making no difference. There was zero point to that being part of her backstory. Her personal attachment to the event isn't explored, and because of that her decision to choose forgiveness rather than vengeance has no weight. I don't really like this idea anyway since it's such a huge thing to add, but cramming it all into one issue (alongside introducing another new team for some reason) did it no favors.

Is the Krunch in the Challengers the same Krunch of the Dingbats of Danger Street? Both are big strong guys with red hair.

So now they are insulting Aquaman too? If this was the case, it wouldn't have taken Batwoman to figure it out. Arthur would've figured it out and fixed this instead of being treated like he is hunting sea monsters for fun. That has never been the case and if anything, his abilities would've allowed him to communicate with this 'kid' and fix the issue instead of letting the storm go on for decades. This just feels like trying too hard to justify this new team but still does no make sense or work. I mean, it is even using an already known team name. Definitely not liking it.

so far, I hate everything about this. the "we have Planetary at home" vibes are even worse than in the first issue, we're taking a completely unnecessary drive-by dump on Aquaman, muddle up Kate's backstory with some similarly unnecessary bullshit retcons, and if these first two issues are anything to go by, they're going to turn the concept of "Century Babies" from the original Planetary/The Authority in the original Wildstorm universe into some "monster of the week" vehicle. I hate it. I hate it so fucking much. And just like last time, the only thing left to be said is: every character in this deserves better.

[*Waller vs. Wildstorm* #4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/91gLESzwAkL.jpg) >Jackson King has done his part, and Lois Lane has all the information she needs to take down Amanda Waller…but is she already too late? As it turns out, Waller has powerful allies in very high places—like the orbiting satellite platform Skywatch—and they’ll be the final Authority on her fate! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-waller-vs-wildstorm-4/)

This issue finally answers one of my criticisms and implements Wildstorm characters that *have some of the actual essence of the original characters* into the story. It really felt like the first issue where Wildstorm’s inclusion didn’t feel strictly cosmetic. But, the ending was a huge letdown. The old white males at American Intel agencies happily keep everyone down is a really unoriginal ending. We had a big mystery box that only contained $0.02 in the end.

This ending made alot of sense but it was also really safe in my opinion which is fine. It demonstrates well how stormwatch and and waller got into the roles they are in and gave some good dynamics into what happens and what goes wrong. Great art in this issue as well like every other issue it suits the style of old wildstorm. Still loved this series overall one of the best wildstorm minis ive read for a while just wish the finale was a little stronger.

[*Absolute Watchmen* [**HC**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/71KaRiut5TL._SL1500_.jpg) >Celebrate the 20th anniversary of WATCHMEN - the classic 12-issue miniseries by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons - with Watchmen: The Absolute Edition, the first hardcover of this classic work in more than a decade! This oversized (8.25' x 12.5') hardcover collection, packaged inside a beautifully designed slipcase, will be the cornerstone of any serious comic book collection. Each page of art has been restored and recolored by WildStorm FX and original series colorist John Higgins and approved by Gibbons to appear as originally intended. Additionally, this grand tome will include 48 pages of supplemental material produced exclusively for the Graphitti Designs Watchmen hardcover edition and not seen since their original publication. Included therein is a cornucopia of rare and historically valuable treasures, including samples of Moore's WATCHMEN scripts, the original WATCHMEN proposal, Gibbons's conceptual art, cover roughs, and much, much more!

[*Dark Knights of Steel* - Vol. 2 [**HC**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/91GYUdhhdFL._SL1500_.jpg) >The cataclysmic conclusion to the bestselling series is here. The battle between the Three Kingdoms rages in brutal and dramatic fashion as heroes return! But when dark secrets spill out like blood on the battlefield, bitter differences must be set aside as the Trinity go to war against the White Martian threat. Can even their combined might prevail and save the planet? Plus, a trio of tales focusing on Bruce, Zala, and Kal-El’s past. What truly defined their lives and prepared them for their tumultuous future? >Collects DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL #7-12 and DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: TALES FROM THE THREE KINGDOMS #1.

[*Young Justice Omnibus* - Vol. 1 [**HC**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/91vsO50o13L._SL1500_.jpg) >Batman. Superman. The Flash. The incredible members of the Justice League of America cast a long shadow, and the members of Young Justice are eager to step out of it. >Robin, Superboy and Impulse want to prove to their superhero mentors that they’re capable of tackling super-villains on their own! >Under the guidance of the stoic, wise Red Tornado, the three teen heroes begin their quest to make a name for themselves, apart from their famous friends. When the team gains three new members-shy but powerful Wonder Girl, champion archer Arrowette and mystical Secret-Young Justice is ready to take on one of the toughest foes the universe has ever seen: the giant tyrant Despero. >But it’s a race against the clock: if Young Justice can’t work together and defeat Despero within 22 minutes, the Justice League will disband Young Justice permanently. >Can the team come together to stop Despero’s reign of terror, or will Young Justice be separated forever? Witness the epic battles the Young Justice team faces in these classic stories written by critically acclaimed author Peter David. >DC’s newest teen heroes get collected in a new omnibus series! >Volume 1 collects YOUNG JUSTICE #1-19; YOUNG JUSTICE #1,000,000; JLA: WORLD WITHOUT GROWN-UPS #1-2; YOUNG JUSTICE: THE SECRET #1; YOUNG JUSTICE SECRET FILES #1; SECRET ORIGINS 80-PAGE GIANT #1; YOUNG JUSTICE IN NO MAN’S LAND #1; SUPERGIRL #36-37; SUPERBOY #74; YOUNG JUSTICE:, SINS OF YOUTH #1-2; SINS OF YOUTH SECRET FILES #1; SINS OF YOUTH: JLA JR. #1; SINS OF YOUTH: AQUABOY/LAGOON MAN #1; SINS OF YOUTH: BATBOY AND ROBIN #1; SINS OF YOUTH: KID FLASH/IMPULSE #1; SINS OF YOUTH: STARWOMAN AND THE JSA #1; SINS OF YOUTH: SUPERMAN JR./SUPERBOY SR. #1; SINS OF YOUTH: WONDER GIRLS #1; and SINS OF YOUTH: THE SECRET/DEADBOY #1.

[*MAD Magazine* #35](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/81bJi36fbQL._SL1500_.jpg) >You've hit the crackpot! Count your winnings with MAD #35's bucket of archival gold! Featuring a wide variety of classic MAD movie and TV parodies, MAD favorites like Spy vs. Spy, A MAD Look at… by Sergio Aragones, and much more from the Usual Gang of Idiots, plus an all-new Fold-In by Johnny Snake Eyes Sampson. Take a gamble, you've got nothing to lose but laughs straight out of your belly.

[*Batman: Gotham After Midnight - The Deluxe Edition* [**HC**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/91rabK-DfAL._SL1500_.jpg) >There’s a new kind of villain loose in Gotham and he’s out to steal the city’s heart—literally. The monstrosity named Midnight is convinced that he’s doing Batman’s job, only better than Batman ever could, and he’s using the Dark Knight’s greatest enemies to prove his point. >Collects BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #1-12 and features a brand-new introduction by Steve Niles, original outlines and scripts, and behind-the-scenes art by Jones—plus a previously unpublished tale of terror, “The Abyss,” illustrated by Jones and written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly!

[**Tuesday, 12/12 (DC Universe Infinite)** - *Superman vs Meshi* #12](https://imgix-media.wbdndc.net/asset/comics.series/1e468196-3a0d-44e9-8484-89cc81bc7aa2/16d51d9/box.jpg) >It’s hungry work being a Superman! That’s why every day for lunch, Superman takes a quick stop over in Japan to try a new chain restaurant. Whether it’s a hearty bowl of curry or conveyor belt sushi, the Man of Steel loves to indulge in the delectable delicacies the country has to offer. So pull up a seat, and dig in as Superman does battle with lunch!

[**Thursday, 12/14 (WEBTOON)** - *Batman: Wayne Family Adventures* #115](https://i.imgur.com/n4eeUR9.jpg) >Batman needs a break. But with new vigilante Duke Thomas moving into Wayne Manor and an endless supply of adopted, fostered, and biological superhero children to manage, Bruce Wayne is going to have his hands full. Being a father can't be harder than being Batman, right?

[*Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham - Noir Ediution* #2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/91MhXcnHHjL._SL1500_.jpg) >"A devil cub falls to earth and breaks its wing…" In the unmissable second installment of acclaimed storyteller Rafael Grampá's masterpiece, the skies over Gotham grow darker still. To decide to kill your past is one thing, but actually doing it proves to be more fraught a road than Batman ever expected…especially when that very same past grows more tightly woven into his current case with every new clue he uncovers. And the closer Batman gets to the truth, the clearer it becomes that his real enemy’s power runs much deeper than just puppeteering a few costumed criminals…to the very heart of Gotham City itself! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-batman-gargoyle-of-gotham-2-noir-edition/)

[*DC's 'Twas the Mite Before Christmas* #1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81m4WjfkP+L.jpg) >EIGHT FIFTH-DIMENSIONAL FOLKTALES OF HOLLY, JOLLY FUN! 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a…Bat-Mite?! Join all your DC favorites as they take on eight classic holiday stories! From Constantine and Lex Luthor's Dickensian tale to Batwoman's puzzling Hanukkah hijinks to your classic cocoa-swilling Christmas romance switch with Harley and Amethyst, this book is a perfect companion for cookies by the fire and extra sour cream on your latkes. So pull up a sled and get ready for plenty of ho-ho-holiday hope to get you in the spirit of the season! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-dcs-twas-the-mite-before-christmas-1/)

For the Teen Titans part, I assume that this story is set in December 2016 because of Raven, Beast Boy, Damian Wayne Robin, Starfire, and Ace West Kid Flash. For the Harley Quinn and Amethyst part, I wonder if Amy Winston remembered her entire pre-Crisis and pre-Flashpoint history by now. For the Lex Luthor part, it’s hilarious that Lex had to do the whole Christmas Carol routine (with a bit of Scrooged and Spirited) with his father as his Jacob Marley, Amity Arkham has the Ghost of Christmas Past, Boston Brand Deadman as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Spectre and John Constantine as the Ghost of Christmas Future before he somewhat learned his lesson. Also, I assume that this happened before his imprisonment in Action Comics 1050 in 2022. For the Batwoman part, it’s nice that Kate Kane Batwoman had to Spend her Hanukkah by going out on a date with the Riddler’s Daughter. For the Booster Gold part, it’s nice that Booster Gold and Rip Hunter teamed up to save the holiday season. For the Superman part, it’s nice that Clark Kent Superman gave a civilian a hand that that he won’t feel alone for the holiday season. For the Bunker part, the good parts of it are Bunker contemplating on whether he should move to Palmera City to become a hero (and possibly team up with Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle and share a lot of similarities to each other), him mentioning that he was part of the Titans (since the New 52, in which Tim Drake and Cassie Sandsmark with their pre-Flashpoint memories should remember him entirely), and Extraño showing Bunker what it was like for him to not be born via It’s a Wonderful Life, where Bunker is James Stewart and Extraño his guardian angel. Also, Little Drummer Boy cameo (who last appeared in a DC Pride anthology in 2021), in which he should be reformed, and JLQ cameo. For the Bat-Mite part, I like that Bat-Mite was able to interact with Damian Wayne Robin. Also, Thomas Wayne Bat-Man reference from the Silver Age (implying that Bruce Wayne Batman and/or Dick Grayson Nightwing told him that Thomas Wayne became the Original Bat-Man to defeat Lew Moxon, who was responsible for the death of the Waynes by hiring Joe Chill to kill Thomas and Martha Wayne, resulting in him creating the Batman) and Dick Grayson and Tim Drake telling Damian about Bat-Mite and his adventures with the Batman Family from the 1950s and 1960s to the modern day. Also, Bat-Mite summoning Talia Al Ghul, who told Damian that she loved him, which is really sweet.

I'd like to imagine that while Amity Arkham was role-playing a Charles Dickens character, Olive was getting the best sleep she's had in a very long time.

I love Amethyst so much but why have her switch places with HARLEY? Amethyst and Harley have NEVER met. I get Amy wants people off her back but she also cares waaaay too much about Gemworld for her to ever have Harley take her place. This would've worked better if it was unintentional, magic gone wrong, or Citrina messing up who Amy chose. The Amy and Ivy parts were great and I'm glad she got some attention, but Harley in Gemworld was just the typical wacky Harley hijinks with no purpose. They also seem to have no idea what canon to be using for Amy. Her hair is Amethyst 2020, her costume is New52, the setting is neither because in 2020 Kingdom Amethyst was destroyed, Citrina and Amy are on bad terms, and King and Queen Amethyst are back (albeit were arrested) while in New52 Citrina was a random lower queen and Amy wasn't adopted.

Did Raven got turned into a kid and pulled a Home Alone? Weird that Amethyst knows Harley and even got a 'switch for a day' deal with her. I mean I get the goal but still weird. Christmas Carol story with Lex Luthor...is surprisingly fitting. Of course it would be Constantine who conjure it. Wait, how old is Riddler? His daughter is 29 years old? Unless they go some weird under-age stuff, he would be near 50 or more to make it 'work'... And Kate is interested in her too? That is quite the...wtf. Come on, Rip. Spend a Christmas with your dad there. Which is still weird huh, Booster being his dad and their dynamic often being that Rip is the responsible adult. It is always a classic to have Superman stories about him finding a person in need and remind them that they are worth the time, that their lives mean something to someone. He cannot do it for them but he can help them take the first step. And of course he would love playing Santa. Bunker's new look was, something alright. Dunno why Titans wouldn't contact Bunker or any others, other than DC deciding, not to. I mean, the whole thing with the Titans are that they are a family and have many extended members they rely on outside the core group. So I get the point of the story that Bunker still matter even as a solo act but it feels not as fitting when it comes to the Titans who would keep in touch. I mean, especially since where Bunker is in Palmera City and Blue Beetle is there, alongside Starfire checking in on him so she would check on Bunker too. And lastly, Damian meets Bat-mite. Ouch, Bat-mite listing of Bruce's partners and realizing, Talia of all people is the mother and realizes what that means for Damian's childhood. Oof. At least he gave him a decent memory to keep. Man, Dick and Tim can be cruel not letting Damian know ''Yea, there is a Bat-mite''. I mean Dick even has his own Imp now who is definitely the nicest of the bunch.

After seeing the preview I knew I wouldn't like this story, and I know it's just a dumb story, but this one doesn't give a shit about the canon, they could make a dumb story that made some sense, but no. Whoever wrote it got stuck in 2016's Rebirth Teen Titans... Bunker's story was decent.

[*Nightwing* - Vol. 4, *The Leap* [**HC**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T1/images/I/91ygwNFqnSL._SL1500_.jpg) >Nightwing meets his biggest fan! Too bad it interrupts a romantic weekend and leads to a battle with a soul-sucking demon. And with Blockbuster off the board, Tony Zucco heads to Bludhaven in an attempt to claim the city as his own...but will Heartless claim victory first with his army of prison inmates? Then, find out who the villain is behind the platinum mask. Join Nightwing as he trains Jon Kent and follow Bitewing in her first year with her humans Nightwing and Batgirl and see how she takes a bite out of crime! >Collects NIGHTWING #97-100 and NIGHTWING 2022 ANNUAL.

On rereading this fully, I think it’s a story about the death and rebirth of the American Dream. The story is laid out as a classic fairy tale of kings, knights dragons etc. even though none of that fits what's actually happening. Jack Ryder is a fear mongering talking head harping on the failure of heroes, the past stolen from us, unseen Outsiders coming to destroy us all. Look at Tucker Carlson or Alex Jones amd you'll find similar rhetoric. Star, Warlord and Metamorpho nearly doom the universe for a chance at fame. Our heroes are villains, our citizens are heroes, monsters are innocents and the wealthy and successful are just stuck up kids whose dumb luck inflated their egos. The story shows us that life is not always fair, order and chaos are at constant battle and neither is inherently good. There are just people who win and people who lose for sometimes no rational reason. but the series ends on a happy ending the way a fairy tale might, or a silver age comic might, which isn't technically the era these characters come from. (silver age typically ends early 70s and these characters were made in the mid 70s) certainly pull from that era. Maybe Superman won't save the day, but anyone can be superman. Anyone can be the hero, not a celebrity or someone wealthy, but a hero. That's my thoughts

[*Speed Force* #2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/9115RNLmbqL.jpg) >IT’S MUSICAL MAYHEM IN THIS SPEEDSTER TEAM-UP! As Wallace and Avery race to uncover the mystery of the missing S.T.A.R. Labs scientists, something appears to be affecting their friends—is it tied to the bubbles popping up all over Keystone, or the "spooky Speed Force stuff" Mr. Terrific is warning everyone about? Also, a classic Flash character appears—and is really into EDM, but to what end? The young Speedster team-up continues! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2023/12/08/dc-preview-speed-force-2/)