SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read JUSTICE LEAGUE #18 and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!)

You may have already read our “This Just Happened” post about WONDER WOMAN #18 earlier today, but with so many exciting things happening in the DC Universe this week, we couldn’t resist adding a bonus installment of this column today!

From the creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artists Jesus Saiz and Gary Frank, JUSTICE LEAGUE #18 sees the team make the difficult decision to expand their ranks after the shocking events of “Throne of Atlantis.”

Upon the team’s decision, Cyborg uses The Grid, a new database with information on nearly every super-human on the planet, to contact the heroes and heroines that they see potential in. Each candidate is then invited to The Watchtower for an informal try out.

Here’s a brief “Who’s Who” of the candidates vying to be a part of the Justice League:

Black Canary: The leader and a founding member of the Birds of Prey, this super powered heroine has the ability to produce a high-pitched sonic scream.

Black Lightning: Operating as a high school teacher by day and a hero by night, he has the ability to generate unlimited amounts of electricity from his body and use it to his advantage.

Blue Devil: After an encounter with a demon, this stuntman and special effects genius is stuck in actual demon skin, causing him to have the appearance and powers of a real demon.

Element Woman: Thrilled to just be in the same room as the League, she has the ability to transform her body into any element.

Firestorm: Two high school boys who must put their differences aside and work together to function as a powerful hero who can control fire and has the ability to alter the atomic structure of objects.

Goldrush: After winning her powers from her divorce, she can turn her skin into gold and has decided to take on the new hobby of being a superhero.

Nightwing: Formerly known as Batman’s sidekick Robin, Dick Grayson stepped out of his mentor’s shadow and has become a hero in his own right.

Platinum: An AI created by Dr. William Magnus, she is designed to mimic the properties of platinum.

Vixen: The tenacious carrier of a magical totem that gives her the ability to mimic animals.

Zatanna: Working as a stage performer and a former member of the Justice League Dark, this powerful enchantress casts spells by speaking backwards.

Take a look at the first meeting between the Justice League and all of their new candidates. Who will they choose? And how will they affect the team in the future? Place your bets in the comments section below, and find out what happens next by reading the rest of JUSTICE LEAGUE #18, in stores now!

Welcome back for another installment of Preview Monday! This week we’re giving you exclusive first looks at JUSTICE LEAGUE #14 and FABLES #123.

Following the exciting events of JUSTICE LEAGUE #13, Superman has turned against his team after being bitten by the Cheetah. This week, “The Secret of the Cheetah” concludes as the Justice League ventures deep into the Congo in search of Barbara Minerva. Without the help of the Man of Steel, the League must now rely on a local tribe for a way to defeat the Goddess of the Hunt and save their teammate. Will they succeed or will Superman remain a wild beast? And in the back-up story, Black Adam discovers the many ways the world has changed since his imprisonment. From the creative team of Geoff Johns, Tony S. Daniel, Gary Frank, and Richard Friend, JUSTICE LEAGUE #14 hits stores this Wednesday. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

In FABLES #123, “The Destiny Game” reaches its conclusion. In the issue, Ambrose continues his story about the early adventures of his father, Bigby Wolf. After meeting a mysterious green woman who reveals his terrible fate, Bigby has become depressed. It takes a soft-spoken turtle to lift his spirits once again by revealing the woman’s secret. But can the wolf use this secret to change his fate or is it too late? Also included is the continuing back-up story, “A Revolution in Oz”. All is brought to you by acclaimed writer Bill Willingham and artists Gene Ha and Shawn McManus, FABLES #123 arrives in stores this Wednesday. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

When it comes to "highly anticipated titles" it really doesn't get any highly...ier than BATMAN: EARTH ONE, the original graphic novel by award-winning writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank.

But with the title now out in comic shops and available for digital download, feel free to stop anticipating and instead put a pillow under your face. Because you'll want a cushion for when your jaw drops to the floor!

That horribly cheesy line aside, the beautifully illustrated, brilliantly written graphic novel truly is something worthy of its own BatCave-based trophy case. Why, you theoretically ask? Well, here are 5.2 Reasons Batman: Earth One Rocks!

1. Geoff Johns and Gary Frank
The collaborations between Johns and Frank are like that of Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro—whenever they're together, you know it's going to be good. Batman: Earth One aptly fits this analogy and reaches the comparative level of "Casino" and "Goodfellas."

2. Johns Finally Dons the Cape and Cowl
From the Flash and Green Lantern to Superman and even Aquaman (seriously, that feat seemed impossible), Johns manages to bring out the sheer awesomeness of any character. Yet, other than guest appearances and in team titles, he's never actually tackled the Dark Knight—until now.

3. "Why Do We Fall?"
Most of us are used to a Batman leaping across rooftops and kicking the crap out of about 20 thugs at once... while simultaneously making out with Catwoman. Earth One introduces us to a very different Dark Knight, one still early in his career and learning how to get back up again after he falls—literally in some cases.

4. Anything Can and Will Happen
Since we want to keep this spoiler free, we'll keep this one a little vague. But with a whole new world to play in free from the shackles of continuity, Johns and Frank craft a tale filled with great and unexpected twists and turns and that ends with one heck of a bang.

5. A Cinematic Experience
Between the pacing of the story, the clever characterizations, and the beautiful art, Earth One plays out like a Batman origin tale worthy to stand beside the likes of "Batman Begins."

5.1 Ends on a pretty big unanswered question—but one that leaves you salivating for more!

5.2 Alfred. Pennyworth.



Be sure to tell us below what YOU loved or are looking forward to about Batman: Earth One! And be sure to swing on by again next week for another installment of 5.2 Reasons!