This is it. Doc Savage makes his return to DC Comics, and crashes right into Gotham's protector, The Batman. Noir mastermind Brian Azzarello teams with artist Phil Noto to present a gritty and shadowy version of the DCU, where thugs are at every corner, corruption runs deep and even the heroes reside in a gray area of morality.

Since "Codename: Patriot," Earth's hatred for Kryptonians has only escalated – which is what makes it so odd that Nightwing and Flamebird pick now to go public as super heroes. Meanwhile, Lois Lane finally meets with the man she thought long dead – her father, General Lane. But he has a message to deliver to his journalist daughter: "You're either with us or against us."

Grant Morrison and artist Philip Tan kick out the jams with the shocking conclusion fo "The Revenge of the Red Hood." Gotham's newest "protector" reveals his identity to Batman -- and surprisingly poses a heart-stopping question to nim about the future of Bruce Wayne. And, can Robin escape the clutches of Scarlet? Unclear, folks.

Not long ago, we showed you a few sketchbook pages from THE FIRST WAVE, featuring sketches from artist Rags Morales and notes from writer Brian Azzarello. But why stop at two when we've got plenty more?

In the spirit of my favorite time of the year…here are a few things that scare me.