Critics rave for Bryan Q. Miller and Dustin Nguyen's BATGIRL

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Bryan Q. Miller’s , Dustin Nguyen’s and Pere Perez's last few issues of BATGIRL have seen a ton of love from the critics lately, and it couldn’t be going to a more fun-to-read book. If you’ve been skipping out on this one, maybe a few of these reviews will help pull you in...

Joey Esposito at IGN Comics gave Batgirl #17 a stellar 9.5 rating:

"I've been enjoying Batgirl for a while now, but issue #17 has completely uprooted my expectations for the series. Maybe it's the interplay between the two characters, the perfectly constructed jokes, or the utter enjoyment I get from Damian Wayne in general, but Batgirl #17 is unapproachable as the best book I've read this week."

... While iFanboy gave the issue their coveted "pick of the week":

"Batgirl #17 is a comic book rarity these days. It tells a complete story that is compelling, emotional, and not lacking action, and it does it all in just 22 pages. I’ve talked a lot about Batgirl over the last year, it truly is one of my favorite titles, and if you have at all wondered about the book, if you have at all thought about giving it a shot, then I urge you to check this one out. You don’t have to know anything; you don’t have to be following any storylines here or anywhere else. Batgirl #17 is just two great characters playing off each other while solving a crime and reading it was by far the most fun I had with my comics this week."

And last, but far from least, Ain't It Cool News gave issue #16 a spotlight review, with all sorts of nice things to say about the book:

"Charming… funny… and a glowing reminder that even the darkest legacies work towards the hope of a brighter future ... [a] fantastic issue"

Have you been reading the series? What do you think?

Stephanie Brown and Damian Wayne form The Dysfunctional Duo in BATGIRL #17

Stephanie Brown's taken on her first official Batman Incorporated assignment, and it's a doozy. Making matters worse, the, er - less than cooperative - Damian Wayne has decided that the case is his jurisdiction. Can they manage to stop fighting long enough to crack a kidnapping case?

Reading the preview below is sort of like watching two speeding freight trains on a collision course, no?

BATGIRL #17 is written by Bryan Q. Miller with art by Pere Perez and hits stores next Wednesday.

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A sneak peek at BATMAN in February

If that stack comics on my desk (which I’ve kindly reposted above) from yesterday wasn’t clue enough, let me be frank: it’s an exciting time for Batman, and for Batman fans, like me. November lit the fuse and things are not slowing down. Come February, we’ve got the launch of J.H. Williams III and co.’s BATWOMAN ongoing, featuring co-writer W. Haden Blackman. The much-loved GREEN LANTERN CORPS creative team of Peter Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason step in as the regular team on BATMAN AND ROBIN and we get to see COMMISSIONER GORDON artist Francisco Francavilla stretch out and handle the art chores for an entire issue of DETECTIVE COMICS, with AMERICAN VAMPIRE creator Scott Snyder. Did you see that cover and layouts we teased earlier this week? Lovely stuff. So, yes. February is a big month for all things Batman. Click below for more clues and details.

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BATWOMAN #1

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III & W. HADEN BLACKMAN

Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:10 Variant cover by AMY REEDER

The multiple award-winning creative team of J.H. Williams III (DETECTIVE COMICS) and W. Haden Blackman (Star Wars, Force Unleashed) launch the first, chilling arc of the ongoing series fans have been clamoring for! In the 5-part “Hydrology,” Batwoman faces bizarre new challenges in her war against the dark underworld of Gotham and new trials in her personal life as Kate Kane. She quickly finds herself in the deep end facing truths about her past and her future. Who – or what – is stealing children from Gotham’s barrio, and for what twisted purpose? Can she train her cousin Bette Kane (a.k.a. Flamebird) as her new sidekick? How will she handle dark revelations about her father, Colonel Jacob Kane? How is she dealing with the supposed drowning of her sister, the villain known as Alice? And why is a certain government agency suddenly taking an interest in her? The road to the answers begins here!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN: EUROPA #2

Story by BRIAN AZZARELLO and MATTEO CASALI

Written by MATTEO CASALI

Painted art and cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI

1:10 Variant cover by TBD

Forced to work closely with his greatest foe, The Joker, Batman reaches Prague just as the virus he’s been infected with starts to make its deadly effects felt – and the Czech capital will welcome this strange duo in a most unusual way. While the Czech version of Mardi Gras is in full swing, Batman and The Joker search for the mysterious Trojan Horse, a man who knows the secrets of the Colossus virus...but they will find more than they bargained for!

The mystery deepens and the stakes get higher in the second chapter of this miniseries by Brian Azzarello and Matteo Casali, featuring fully painted by Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 2 • 2 of 4 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

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BATMAN INCORPORATED #4

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHEL LACOMBE

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Superstar writer Grant Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette have sent The Dark Knight on a trip to Japan and Argentina, but now Batman’s taking a brief breather back in his home base of Gotham City for a team-up with Batwoman! And don’t miss the first issue of BATWOMAN’s new monthly series, on sale this month!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #3

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

Trapped with childhood friend Dawn Golden deep beneath Gotham City, Batman’s only hope for escape also happens to be one of his worst enemies! Meanwhile, Etrigan the Demon turns against his masters and confronts a twisted, evil incarnation of Ragman with the help of Alfred. Only Batman knows the secret to defeating the demon possessing Ragman – but The Dark Knight is nowhere to be found!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN #707

Written by TONY DANIEL

Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

Batman uncovers the secrets of Gotham City’s founding fathers and the secrets hidden within the city’s foundation. In a captivating turn of events, The Dark Knight finds that he alone holds the key to stopping the cataclysmic events that loom over Gotham. Don’t miss this stunning finale guest-starring I-Ching and Peacock, a spectacular new heroine from the Far East!

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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DETECTIVE COMICS #874

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

“There are some cases that come screaming back at you...like phone calls in the night...”

For years, Jim Gordon has been haunted by the unsolved case of Gotham’s notorious

“Peter Pan Killer.” Now, armed with new evidence, Gordon is determined to put the case to rest.

But as he digs deeper, he’ll unearth a shocking discovery about his own past – a revelation that will shake him to the core. Skeletons will be exposed and secrets revealed in this special issue featuring art by Francesco Francavilla!

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN & ROBIN #20

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MARK IRWIN

Cover by PATRICK GLEASON

1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA

From the pages of the best-selling BRIGHTEST DAY and GREEN LANTERN CORPS comes the new regular creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason! Kicking off the action is “Dark Knight, White Knight” part 1 of 3, as Bruce Wayne returns from the dead and Gotham City finds itself locked in the grip of chaos! Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne come face-to-face with what could possibly be the strangest Bat Villain yet. Who is the White Knight, and why is he hell-bent on making Gotham City into Heaven on Earth?

Retailers please note: The contents of this issue were originally solicited for issue #17, but will now appear here. Also, this issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN BEYOND #2

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by RYAN BENJAMIN & JOHN STANISCI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Terry’s family is being held hostage by a crook who’s boosted technology so powerful, he doesn’t even understand what he has – and the Justice League intends to neutralize the threat with full aggression. But Neo-Gotham is Batman’s town, and Bruce Wayne doesn’t intend to give up one iota of control over the situation! With his loved ones’ lives on the line, which way will Terry turn under the pressure?

On sale FEBRUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

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KNIGHT & SQUIRE #5

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art by JIMMY BROXTON

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Jarvis Poker, the British Joker, has been receiving death threats. But who would want to hurt such a sweet old villain? The lives of the Knight, the Squire and the Shrike take a turn for the cold and deadly, as fear casts its shadow over London town. Can the Super Heroes of Britain work together to resist the onslaught of gritty realism?

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 5 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

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BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #20

Written by PAUL DINI

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

“House of Hush” reaches its penultimate chapter as alliances are betrayed and shocking new secrets are revealed. Aided by Dr. Death and a sinister cabal of gangsters, Hush sets his fatal endgame into motion against Bruce Wayne and the other Bat-Family allies!

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BIRDS OF PREY #9

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ARDIAN SYAF & VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

The game-changing “Death of Oracle” storyline continues! Black Canary finally confronts her inner demons as the Calculator’s army and creepy new villainess Mortis take their ultimate revenge on Oracle. This massive story reverberates throughout Gotham City – and beyond!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATGIRL #18

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art and cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

It’s Valentine’s night, and a mysterious killer literally wants to steal everyone’s hearts. Enter Klarion the Witch-boy, who’s nursing a broken heart of his own. Good luck, Batgirl!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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RED ROBIN #20

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

Red Robin finally combines forces with his former teammates in a 2-issue crossover with TEEN TITANS that kicks off right here! Is there even enough room for Tim Drake and Damian Wayne – the new Robin – on one team? Meanwhile, Catman and the Calculator have their own agendas for this highly anticipated reunion!

Don’t miss the pulse-pounding second part in this month’s TEEN TITANS #92!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SHOP TALK: BATGIRL writer Bryan Q. Miller on writing teen heroes

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Bruce Wayne travelled through time, a living, temporal bomb – teeming with highly dangerous Omega energy. He was a caveman, a pirate, a pilgrim, a cowboy, a gumshoe… something with computer tentacles from the far future… And when he finally got home, when Bruce Wayne finally beat death, beat fate, conquered time itself, what happened?

BATGIRL SLAPPED HIM IN THE FACE.

Right across that beautiful, battle-scarred, chiseled chin of his. It was a gut reaction. He put her through a test she knew she didn’t need, after a year of Stephanie proving to the entire world that she deserved a second chance. She was offended. Disgusted. And in that moment… she had a natural, human reaction. And then what happened after that?

Batgirl apologized.

Because Stephanie Brown is a person. Who is also a hero. And a girl. But first and foremost, she’s a person... who watches Futurama reruns on basic cable (but that’s beside the point). Knowing that is key to writing Batgirl (not the Zoidberg part; the person part.)

She’s a human being. Free to make her own mistakes, to have her own triumphs. Sure, she has limitations... but Stephanie knows what they are. And she isn’t going to let anything hold her back. Batgirl’s becoming more self-aware, as we all do when we’re her age. She’s growing.

Have I ever been a nineteen year old girl who moonlights as a costumed vigilante?

The short answer is “No.” But I have been nineteen – just like Stephanie. Right at the edge of undeniable, honest-to-goodness adulthood. She’s finding herself, and in the pages of Batgirl, we’re right there beside her, along for the ride.

And much like everyone’s first year of college, Stephanie’s is going to be a bumpy one. Filled with Reapers and Witch Boys. Beetles and Bathounds. Deadlines and finals. Even though extraordinary things come her way, there’s always the “normal” thrown into the mix.

Batgirl by her very nature should be immediately relatable to the reader. That’s why we gave her a costume where you can see her eyes and, more importantly, her smile. She’s a hero with emotion, which is both her biggest vulnerability… and her greatest asset. And in that space in between, that’s where Batgirl’s sense of hope comes from.

Hope for a brighter tomorrow. Hope for a safer Gotham. Hope for a second chance at… everything. Batgirl not only wants the world to be a better place, but she believes that it’s possible. Which means that (hopefully) Stephanie Brown is just like you and me. Except that she knows some karate.

I do not know karate. Kudos to you if you do.

BATGIRL’s ‘The Lesson’ kicks off with new artist Dustin Nguyen

As we announced not long ago, hyper-talented artist Dustin Nguyen joins the BATGIRL creative team this month, pairing him with regular writer Bryan Q. Miller. But what’s in store for Dustin’s BATGIRL debut?

Well, it’s a new year for Ms. Stephanie Brown, and as her second semester at Gotham U. kicks off, she’s faced with your standard college drama – new classes, friends, oh…and a vigilante stalker. Say what? But if anyone’s prepared to deal with a stalker, it’s Batgirl. But what happens when she also has to face off against the mysterious Order of the Scythe? Check below for a first look at this jumping-on point issue, which hits next week.

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Experience Halloween in the DCU

I’m not big on holidays myself, or so my colleagues tell me, but it’s hard to ignore the fun that is Halloween. You get to dress up, eat candy and wander your ‘hood. Plus, you get an annual dose of Halloween merriment in the form of the DCU HALLOWEEN SPECIAL, which brings together creators new and seasoned to tell tales that frighten, amuse and excite.

The 2010 edition of the Halloween Special features a wide assortment of talents, including Billy Tucci, Lee Garbett, Bryan Q. Miller and Joe Harris taking on the challenging task of pairing some of the most well-known DCU heroes with some surprising – and horrific – counterparts.

We’ve got a peek at one story in particular from Miller and artist Trevor McCarthy, featuring the Teen Titans and Klarion the Witch Boy. Scroll below to see.

The DCU HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2010 is in stores today.

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Batgirl no more?

We’ve got a duo of BRUCE WAYNE – THE ROAD HOME previews for you today. Kicking off the pair is BATGIRL, from regular writer Bryan Q. Miller and artist Pere Perez. With the return of Bruce Wayne, could Stephanie Brown’s short tenure as Batgirl be over? Or will his homecoming bode well for her?

BRUCE WAYNE – THE ROAD HOME: BATGIRL hits today.

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Your Batman solicitations for December

We’ve given you two major sneak peeks earlier this week, but now it’s time for the whole shebang – click below for a complete rundown of the December-shipping Batman titles.

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BATMAN, INC. #2

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE& MICHAEL LACOMBE

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

The dynamic new era of Batman continues! The Dark Knight and Mr. Unknown – the Batman of Japan – go up against Lord Death Man. It’s going to be a fight to the end that could see the failure of Batman, Inc. before it’s even begun!

Retailers please note: This issue ships with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale DECEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

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BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #2

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

Batman faces the Penguin in the search for his childhood friend Dawn Golden…but what The Dark Knight finds sends him on a far darker and more desperate path. Now he’s forced to reach out to Etrigan, the Demon for help – a favor that may come at too high a price!

Retailers please note: This issue ships with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale DECEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

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BATMAN #705

Written by TONY DANIEL

Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

Batman joins forces with a new hero who’s as dangerous as she is beautiful. When members of a secret order turn up dead and tortured in Gotham City’s Chinatown district, I-Ching informs Batman that he fears an ancient relic is the target. Batman connects this case to that of a missing satellite architect. With few clues to go by and the stakes getting higher, Batman races to locate the surviving members of the order before it’s too late.

On sale DECEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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DETECTIVE COMICS #872

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by JOCK

Co-feature art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Continuing the new series direction from the writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and artist Jock (THE LOSERS)! A series of disturbing clues brings Batman face-to-face with Gotham City’s dark past and deadly present. Plus, Jim Gordon continues a harrowing search to uncover the truth about a frightening figure from his own past. . . Be here for part 2 of “The Black Mirror.”

On sale DECEMBER 29 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

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DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

What starts as a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip soon turns into an international incident as The Dark Knight encounters a string of bizarre murders in Paris, France. Featuring both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman, this extra-sized spectacular guest-stars The Question and spotlights the debut of a new Bat-ally!

In part 1, Bruce, Dick and Renee Montoya are presented with a series of cryptic clues, which lead them to the underground catacombs of Paris — and the most unexpected of assassins! Continued in this month’s BATMAN ANNUAL #28!

On sale DECEMBER 8 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

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BATMAN ANNUAL #28

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

This year’s Batman annuals collide in a 2-part story involving both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman! In this second part of the story, when a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip to Paris, France leads to a murder mystery, the heroes deduce that the assassinations are connected to a strange cult leader. But will this religious figure take them one step closer to solving the bizarre murders? Or are The Question, Bruce and Dick getting one step closer to becoming the next victims?

Continued from this month’s DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12!

On sale DECEMBER 22 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

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BATMAN & ROBIN #18

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MARK IRWIN

Cover by PATRICK GLEASON

1:10 Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

Batman and Robin find themselves in the middle of a deadly crusade as “angels” continue falling from the skies! The White Knight is shining his heavenly light into the dark corners of Gotham City in his quest to

vanquish the shadows of the soul in “Dark Knight, White Knight” part 2 of 3!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale DECEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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KNIGHT & SQUIRE #3

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art by JIMMY BROXTON

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHAEL LACOMBE

Cyril and Beryl have the fight of their lives on their hands when Shakespeare’s most evil monarch, Richard III, returns! And he’s brought with him a cloned army of all the worst Kings of England, intent on taking back the country through the use of social networking! Yes, that’s the plot!

On sale DECEMBER 8 • 3 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

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BATMAN: ORPHANS #1-2

Written by EDDIE BERGANZA

Art and cover by CARLO BARBERI & JUAN VLASCO

Robin’s been found dead! And that’s not an easy thing to face – especially when you’re Tim Drake! In this pre-RED ROBIN tale, Tim and Batman must solve the murder of an impostor Robin and follow the trail of someone putting together a new team of teenaged sidekicks made up of kids who’ve been promised that they’ll become the new Robin…IF they survive!

Shipping both issues of this stand alone tale in December!

Issue #1 on sale DECEMBER 1

Issue #2 on sale DECEMBER 15

1 and 2 of 2 • 56 pg, FC, $3.99 US

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BATMAN: ODYSSEY #6

Written by NEAL ADAMS

Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

1:10 Black and white variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

The first part of Neal Adams’s Batman epic comes to a dramatic conclusion as Batman, Deadman and The Joker – working together and against each other – break into Arkham Asylum and confront the doctors who control the most heinous criminals. But does some other powerful individual control these monsters? Is it the Sensei, the deadliest martial artist in the word and leader of the League of Assassins? Or is it Ra’s al Ghul, the greatest opponent Batman has ever faced? And is The Dark Knight willing to let Talia die to bring this monstrous clash to an end?

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale DECEMBER 1 • 6 of 13 • 40 pg, FC $3.99 US

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BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #18

Written by PAUL DINI

Co-feature written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Co-feature art by SZMON KUDRANSKI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

In part 3 of the 5-part sequel to “Heart of Hush,” Tommy Elliot’s masquerade as Bruce Wayne backfires when he’s shot and taken prisoner by vengeful gangster Judson Pierce. With Pierce determined to exterminate the last survivor of the Wayne family, it looks like the wounded Hush will finally pay the ultimate price for his deception.

Meanwhile, in the RAGMAN second feature, things in the Robbinsville section of Gotham City heat up as yet another mysterious suicide is discovered – and Ragman prepares for Firefly’s return!

On sale DECEMBER 22 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

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GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #18

Written by PETER CALLOWAY

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO & BIT

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

How far will Zatanna go for the people she loves? How far will Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn go for Catwoman when they find out that she’s been lying to them? And how long can Talia al Ghul hold off an enraged Ivy? Find out here!

On sale DECEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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AZRAEL #15

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by CLIFF RICHARDS

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

The prophecy is fulfilled! Azrael has been found crucified, and a mystery swirls around his fate. It’s time for the world’s greatest detective to step in and figure out how this destiny came to pass. And how will this continue to play into the founding of Batman, Inc? Guest-starring The Dark Knight!

On sale DECEMBER 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATGIRL #16

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

The “Order of the Scythe” has drawn first blood, framing Batgirl for a crime she didn’t commit. Can she outrun Gotham City’s Finest long enough to prove her innocence? The birth of Batgirl’s gallery of rogues begins here as “The Lesson” continues!

On sale DECEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BIRDS OF PREY #7

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ARDIAN SYAF & VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

One of Oracle’s fiercest enemies finds her alone and far from her allies and safe houses – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg as Batman returns! Rising star artist Ardian Syaf (BRIGHEST DAY) makes his BIRDS OF PREY debut in a story you must not miss, which we’re calling ”The Death of Oracle”!

On sale DECEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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OUTSIDERS #35

Written by DAN DIDIO

Art by PHILIP TAN & JONATHAN GLAPION

Cover by PHILIP TAN

Deep in the Pacific Northwest of Canada, Freight Train’s origin is revealed as he battles for the life of Black Lightning against the equally unstoppable Shaggy Man.

On sale DECEMBER 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2010 #1

Written by BRAD DESNOYER, MATT MANNING, MANDY MACMURRAY, JOHN STANISCI, PAUL TOBIN and PETER MIRIANI

Art by LEE FERGUSON, GARRY BROWN, MATT SOUTHWORTH, RYAN KELLEY and SZYMON KUDRANSKI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Some of the most promising new talent in comics are corrupted by the most depraved villains in Gotham City in this all-new special featuring The Joker, the Riddler, Calendar Man, Scarecrow, and yes, even Humpty Dumpty! It’s seven short stories, all in one giant issue! The joke’s on you if you think you’ll make it out of this alive!

ONE-SHOT • On sale DECEMBER 1 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US

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BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #51

Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM

Art and cover by JERRY BINGHAM

“Super-Powers” part 2 of 5! Now: Batman gets to the bottom of the mysterious disappearances in Gotham City only to find himself facing something very alien to his experience as The Dark Knight! Then: Bruce Wayne finds himself facing something very deadly to his existence – the sword of the villain, Huairen!

On sale DECEMBER 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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RED ROBIN #18

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

To infiltrate the computer systems of a Russian industrialist tied to the mysterious Unternet, Red Robin must stop a vengeance-driven vigilante named Promise from killing the oligarch while making sure his former ally Red Star doesn’t stop him!

On sale DECEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

It’s terror in the third dimension in BATGIRL #14

When Supergirl decides to get away from it all and visit Stephanie Brown on the campus of Gotham City University, a quiet, relaxing weekend turns into a monster movie mash-up. After a science experiment goes horribly wrong, 24 black-and-white Draculas are brought to life, and Batgirl and Supergirl are forced to become vampire hunters in order to stop an army of the celluloid undead.

BATGIRL #14 hits 9/9.

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Dustin Nguyen signs up for BATGIRL

It’s Friday already? Whew. And we still have a bunch of news to unveil. It certainly hasn’t been a quiet week for the Bat-books here on The Source, so grab your coffee, because we’ve got another doozy for you.

If you read the headline, you know the gist of it --- BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM artist Dustin Nguyen is taking over a new corner of the city as he moves over to be the regular artist on BATGIRL starting in November. The move pairs him with series writer Bryan Q. Miller.

And with a gracious hat tip to artist Lee Garbett, who did a masterful job with the series from its inception (and is moving on to more, top-secret stuff), we turn the mic over to Dustin and Bryan. Guys, what have you got in store?

“This is definitely going to be an exciting venture for me, besides the outline Bryan has for us, i'm just plain excited to be drawing Batgirl,” Nguyen said. “This latest incarnation of her has lots of the aesthetics of the original Babs that i love and some new ones. It'll take me some getting used to drawing a female in horns, but i'm looking forward to putting away the "mean and moody" for a while and kick in the ‘fun and sexy.’”

Bryan?

“Dustin's joining the team at JUST the right time, as BATGIRL: THE LESSON begins. Steph's world is going to get a smidge more gritty, a skosh more chaotic, and LOADS more dangerous - Dustin's the perfect man to help tell this tale! And, as an added bonus, Dustin's on the ground floor for the creation of Steph's very own gallery of rogues (So, there's that to look forward to, too!) Consider his cover to Batgirl #15 one of the last truly quiet moments our Batgirl is going to have for quite a while. But she's ready for it - you can tell from the look on her face. That's Steph for you -- always smiling!”

Sounds good – but let’s not forget, we have some art to show. Here’s a first look at the cover to BATGIRL #15, by Dustin.

batgirl15coverb

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