Talking Nightwing's Big Move with Kyle Higgins

Given the harrowing events of “Death of the Family” and the tragic death of Damian Wayne (a.k.a Robin), 2013 has already been an incredibly rough and difficult year for the Bat-family.

In NIGHTWING #19, Dick Grayson’s journey continues as he attempts to rebuild his life and identity following the sadness and betrayal he’s dealt with as of late. The issue, which also introduces new ongoing artist Brett Booth to the series, sees the former Robin relocating to Chicago in an attempt to have a fresh start … and to locate Tony Zucco, the man who murdered his parents and who he believed to already be dead.

“He's heading to Chicago to find the man that killed his parents,” series writer Kyle Higgins explained to COMIC BOOK RESOURCES about Nightwing’s big move to the Windy City. “As far as he's concerned, that's the only reason he's going and once that's over, he'll be heading back to Gotham City. We'll have to see how the story plays out, as to whether or not that will happen, but as far as Dick is concerned initially, that's what he's headed to Chicago for. And, speaking to the point that you mentioned of the one-two-three punch of big events that have really shaken Dick's world up, Tony Zucco in my mind represents something that Dick can control -- specifically, bringing him to justice is something that at this point in time represents something Dick has the power to change.”

“There’s mythology in Chicago we’re going to be tapping into,” Higgins continued to GAMMA SQUAD. “There used to be masks, vigilantes and heroes in the city, but there haven’t been for several years. They’re all dead. The mystery behind what happened to them will be … important.”

To read more from Higgins about the exciting and bold new direction of NIGHTWING with next month’s issue #19, check out the full interviews that ran this morning with the writer in COMIC BOOK RESOURCES, NEWSARAMA, COMIC VINE, AOL’S COMICS ALLIANCE, and GAMMA SQUAD.

NIGHTWING #19 swings into stores on April 17th.

Tags: 
nightwing, kyle higgins, brett booth

5.2 Reasons the Bat-Books Wrecked Us

Please ignore the raggedness and puffy eyes. It’s... it’s been a rough 24 hours following the events of yesterday’s BATMAN INCORPORATED #8. For those of you who missed it, we suggest you check it out immediately. We’ll wait right here.

 

Back? Cool. Here are some tissues and ice cream, and yes, that is REM’s “Everybody Hurts” playing in the background.

 

Tough stuff, huh? We know that feel. The brutal, tragic, heartbreaking loss of Damian Wayne hit us pretty hard but we can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like for the Dark Knight. Coupled with the recent events in “Death of the Family,” it’s safe to say that Batman’s in a pretty dark place right now. You know, as opposed to the sunny and chipper state he’s normally in.

 

However, he’s not the only one. The entire Bat-Family experienced some tough, gut-wrenching moments—and we were feeling the pain right along with them. In fact, here are 5.2 Reasons the Bat-Books Wreck Us!

 

1. Alas Poor Damian...

As painful and tear-jerking as the actual death itself was, the final interaction of Damian and Nightwing is what really gets the waterworks going. It’s a touching moment made even more emotional by the knowledge these were their last moments together—but at least they were spent being totally awesome. While you’re at it, be sure to check out the Batman & Robin Annual #1. Why? Because misery loves company, that’s why!

 

 

2. The Death of the Family

Grant Morrison may have taken Damian away from Bruce, but writer Scott Snyder pretty much took away everyone else. With the conclusion of “Death of the Family,” Batman finds himself not only in arguably the darkest place he’s even been but also all alone in it, with the members of the Bat-Family distancing themselves from the Dark Knight following his questionable decisions and secrets regarding the Joker. Talk about aptly your titled crossovers.

 

 

3. Closing of the Circus

It’s really no wonder why Dick Grayson won our recent Valentine’s Day poll as DC Comics’ “Most Dateable Super Hero.” He’s funny, he’s athletic and above all, he’s generally a really nice guy with a lot of heart—which is what made it all the more painful to see the Joker destroy the life he was building for himself at Haly’s Circus. There’s nothing more distressing than a sad-face Nightwing. You just want to give him a hug and a churro.

 

 

4. Poor, Poor Jason Todd

It’s in the heading, but it bears repeating: poor, poor Jason Todd, pretty much the Cousin Oliver of the Bat-Family. First the Joker beats you to death with a crowbar, then you went a little—okay, a lot—insane after being resurrected in the Lazarus Pits, and now we can’t even say, “Well, at least you’ve still got your boyish looks.” You just can’t catch a break dude. We’d give you some words of encouragement but at this point, we’re terrified that even the slightest bit of positivity toward you might cause the universe to retaliate by having your puppy killed.

 

 

5. Family Matters

There’s always one in every family—that sociopathic killer that could care less about others and who enjoys torturing and toying with their older sister. Okay, maybe not every family but definitely the Gordon’s. Already cautious of her younger brother, Batgirl learned the hard way that there’s no helping James and is now facing her brother in what could very well be their final confrontation.

 

 

5.1 Literally Right in the Heart, Morrison!

 

 

5.2 Reading Batman: Li’l Gotham Now Makes Us Sad

Thanks a lot, Grant! *Breaks Down Crying*

 

 

What were your favorite Damain Wayne moments? Just... like... let us know in the comments. We’ll check them out once we stop weeping like a baby.

Tags: 
5.2 Reasons, Batman, Death of the Family, batman incorporated, Red Hood and the Outlaws, batgirl, nightwing, damian wayne, The Joker, talia al ghul, Sadness

Announcing DC Comics' Most Dateable Super Heroes

February 14th is now a full week behind us. The flowers are starting to droop, the chocolates have begun to harden, and the expensive candlelit dinner is now a fading memory. Only the love remains. Well, that and the blasted toothache we got from eating so many candy hearts. (You know who really learns how much we love him in February—our dentist.)

 

Yes, Valentine’s Day has ended, but endings aren’t always sad things. Take our Valentine’s Day poll, for example. Yes, it’s ended, but that means we can now declare DC Comics’ Most Dateable Super Heroes (as chosen by you, the fans). But first, a little recap…

 

Last Thursday, we kicked off a new poll asking fans to vote for the most dateable male and female DC Comics super hero. The response was pretty overwhelming and the results were not what many people expected. In fact, in the female category, the competition was too close to call throughout most of the weekend. However, after seven days of voting, we’re now ready to declare our winners. So…which two heroes would you most like to date?

 

 

MOST DATEABLE MALE HERO: NIGHTWING

 

 

Why, hello Mr. Grayson. Fancy seeing you around here.

 

Seriously, folks, this wasn’t even close. As far as the guys go, Nightwing destroyed the dating competition. Batman, Superman and the Flash were a distant second, third and fourth, respectively. No one else really even registered. Not Green Arrow. Not Aquaman or Hal Jordan. No one. (Intriguingly, though, Swamp Thing managed to get more votes than Simon Baz, Calvin Rose, Midnighter, Apollo or Cyborg. It may not be easy being green…but apparently, there are worse things when it comes to dating.)

 

But getting back to Nightwing, is his victory really all that surprising? He’s ruggedly handsome, strong, possesses a great personality and a tragic childhood to boot, meaning that he’s someone who would easily be able to entertain and engage you, keep you safe if you were ever accosted late at night…and require the occasional hug. Plus, unlike heroes like Superman, Aquaman and Hal Jordan, Nightwing isn’t so readily identified as having a current or frequent squeeze. And unlike Batman, he seems to have a good handle on any baggage he may be carrying around.

 

In fact, the biggest problem with dating Nightwing is right there in the name. He works nights. All of them. Finding time for dinner and a movie may be a little rough. But if you could get him to carve out some time, and turn off all of his communication devices, and find a restaurant without TVs around the bar so he won’t accidentally catch a newscast, you’ll likely be in for a very nice night.

 

Now, before we get to our most dateable female character, allow us to clarify something. Obviously, we could only include a limited number of characters in our poll, and one of the decisions we made early on was to leave off any characters who are under 18. That’s why Supergirl wasn’t on the list (or any of the Teen Titans, for that matter).

 

Anyhow, now that we’ve settled that, it’s on to the ladies!

 

 

MOST DATEABLE FEMALE HERO: ZATANNA

 

 

You’d have to go all the way to the end of your address book to give our most dateable female super hero a call.

 

Maybe it’s the dark hair. Maybe it’s the just ever-so-slightly visible tattoos. Maybe it’s the fishnets. Or maybe people just figure the conversation will be even more interesting when half of it’s in reverse. Whatever the reason, we were pleasantly surprised to see Zatanna take the prize, and it’s hard to deny that she would make a great date. First, while she’s obviously beautiful, Zatanna still comes off as very down to earth. She’s intelligent and powerful, but she doesn’t wear a colorful costume or go by a super hero name. Plus, she has that edge to her. She’s very much in the hero camp, but she has a wild side and you get the sense that her history isn’t exactly spotless. Those mistakes make her relatable to everyday, imperfect people like us. The magic and rebellious attitude she possesses make her exciting. And her association with the Justice League Dark means that you never know what to expect when you’re in her company.

 

However, that would be her single biggest problem as well. We’ve all been on dates from hell, but on a date with Zatanna, you could literally find yourself in hell. Or attacked by a necromancer. Or possessed by a malevolent, hungry, fish-demon…or something. It could make for a really memorable night out, but not necessarily a romantic one. Still, if excitement and thrills are your thing, it’s hard to think of someone who more perfectly embodies them better than Zatanna Zatara.

 

Intriguingly, while Nightwing was the clear winner in the male category, Zatanna’s victory was much narrower. Several other female super heroes would apparently do quite well on the dating scene. Batgirl and Wonder Woman also garnered an impressive number of votes, which perhaps isn’t so surprising considering their popularity. Catwoman, Black Canary and Starfire didn’t fare too badly either. However, there was another female super hero who gave Zatanna a real run for her money. In fact, they were so close that we decided to give her an honorary mention.

 

 

HONORARY MENTION: POWER GIRL

 

 

We’d be hard-pressed to pick a young female super hero so fundamentally different from Zatanna than Power Girl, which just goes to show that for every person drawn to the dark, mysterious and dangerous, there’s one who prefers their girls sunny, powerful and generally clean cut. Power Girl was a very close second in the female category, and one can make the argument that of the three heroes we’ve discussed, Karen Starr would be the easiest to date. While Power Girl certainly has no shortage of enemies, Kryptonians have a pretty good track record when it comes to dating humans. In fact, Karen herself has already had one relationship in DC COMICS – THE NEW 52. Granted, it was with Mister Terrific, another super hero, but if she could make time for nights out with him, we have to think she could do the same for others. The downside is that it would be pretty hard not to feel out of shape when you were out with her. Still, a little extra motivation to get to the gym isn’t a bad thing, right?

 

 

So there you have it. Nightwing and Zatanna are our two most dateable super heroes, as chosen by DC Comics fans! Do you agree? Why or why not? And who did we leave off the list of eligible candidates that you would have included?

Tags: 
poll results, dateable super heroes, nightwing, zatanna, power girl

BATMAN Group Solicits

BATMAN, INCORPORATED #11

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

Batman’s world has been devastated by his war against Talia, but is he willing to give up on his own humanity?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #20

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

On sale MAY 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The massive fallout from the recent events in BATMAN, INCORPORATED take Batman to the very limits of his sanity…will The Red Hood pull him back—or push him over the edge?

 

BATMAN #20

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION

Backup story art by ALEX MALEEV

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by JOCK

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale MAY 8 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

A strange visitor comes to Gotham City when tragedy delivers the team-up you’ve been asking for since the start of The New 52!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

TALON #8

Written by JAMES TYNION IV

Art by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:25 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

Can the Talon escape the jaws of death? What will become of him if he doesn’t? Find out in this story that leads directly into next month’s BIRDS OF PREY #21!

 

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT ANNUAL #1

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art by SZYMON KUDRANSKI

Cover by ALEX MALEEV

On sale MAY 29 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

In “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary” three of The Dark Knight’s greatest foes unite in to tackle the threat of Batman head-on! Will the diabolical scheming of Scarecrow, Mad Hatter and The Penguin be too much for

Batman to handle?

 

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #20

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art and cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

It’s the penultimate chapter of the definitive Mad Hatter story—and not everyone makes it out alive!

And in the backup story, Emperor Penguin makes a trip to Blackgate Prison he won’t soon forget!

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #20

Written by JOHN LAYMAN

Art and cover by JASON FABOK

Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE

1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK

“We Can Be Heroes” Blank variant cover available

On sale MAY 1 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99

The superhuman transformation of Ignatius Ogilvy is just the tip of the iceberg when an extremely unexpected character comes to The Penguin’s aid! And in the backup story, Emperor Penguin makes a trip to Blackgate Prison he won’t soon forget!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BIRDS OF PREY #20

Written by CHRISTY MARX

Art and cover by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The traitor revealed! Who will aid Mr. Freeze as he continues his onslaught against The Court of Owls—and how can the Birds hope to stop him?

 

BATGIRL #20

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by FERNANDO PASARIN

Cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

There’s no time to catch your breath after last issue’s shocking ending as an emotionally unstable Batgirl must confront one of Batman’s most violent foes: The Ventriloquist!

 

BATWOMAN #20

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

Art by TREVOR McCARTHY

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 B&W Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Batwoman is being played right into a confrontation with Batman…and that’s the least of her problems after the final page of issue #20!

 

CATWOMAN ANNUAL #1

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art by ARDIAN SYAF

Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

On sale MAY 29 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+

It’s Cat vs. Bird for the dark heart of Gotham City! Kicking off an explosive new storyline that continues into CATWOMAN, Selina must choose work for a master—or pay a high price for her freedom!

 

CATWOMAN #20

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Membership in the Justice League of America is going to cost Catwoman the rest of her nine lives as Selina comes to grips with the deadly reality of her current imprisonment!

 

NIGHTWING #20

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

After witnessing so much death in the past few months, how will Nightwing react when he learns a key figure in his life has returned from the grave?

 

BATWING #20

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI

Art by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO

Cover by KEN LASHLEY

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

This issue answers the question that’s been on everyone’s mind: Who is Batwing?

 

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS ANNUAL #1

Written by JAMES TYNION IV

Art by AL BARRIONUEVO

Cover by KEN LASHLEY

On sale MAY 29 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Arsenal finally confronts Green Arrow, but it may be a short-lived reunion as someone from their past has targeted them both. Find out what the feud between Arsenal and Green Arrow is about, along with secrets from Roy Harper’s history.

 

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #20

Written by JAMES TYNION IV

Art by JULIUS GOPEZ

Cover by MICO SUAYAN

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The return of Proctor sees Arsenal and Kori reliving Red Hood’s memories—including his battles with the League of Assassins!

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT ANNUAL #1 cover by Alex Maleev)

Tags: 
batman incorporated, batman and robin, Batman, talon, batman: the dark knight, Batman: The Dark Knight Annual, detective comics, birds of prey, batgirl, batwoman, Catwoman Annual, catwoman, nightwing, batwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual

BATMAN Group Solicits

BATMAN, INCORPORATED #10

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and fold-out cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

Variant cover by JASON MASTERS

1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

• When only one can survive, which will it be: the man or the bat?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #19

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and fold-out cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• On the darkest of nights, who is the one person Batman meets that could change his life forever?

 

BATMAN #19

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art and fold-out cover by GREG CAPULLO

Backup story art by ALEX MALEEV

MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

1:100 B&W Variant cover by ALEX MALEEV

On sale APRIL 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Who would cause Bruce Wayne to use a gun?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

TALON #7

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art and fold-out cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:25 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• If the Court of Owls isn't responsible for killing Talon, then who is?

 

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #19

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art and fold-out cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Where is Batman while Gotham City is being destroyed?

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #19

Written by JOHN LAYMAN

Art and fold-out cover by JASON FABOK

Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE

1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

On sale APRIL 3 • 80 pg, FC, $7.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $8.99 US

• In a special oversized celebratory issue, Batman is challenged by the "Mystery of the 900!”

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATGIRL #19

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by DANIEL SAMPERE and VICENTE CIFUENTES

Fold-out cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA

On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Will a battle of sibling rivalry lead to a death in the family? 

 

BATWOMAN #19

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

Art and fold-out cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• What is the shocking family revelation that can turn Batwoman's world upside down?

 

CATWOMAN #19

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art and fold-out cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA

On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Catwoman needs help—but what is the only place the Justice League of America can take her?

 

BIRDS OF PREY #19

Written by CHRISTY MARX

Art by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES

Fold-out cover by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE SIFUENTES

On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• There is a traitor on the team—so who is the member that threatens to tear the Birds of Prey apart?

 

BATWING #19

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and fold-out cover by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO

On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Batwing quits—and what new member of the Batman family is ready to take his place?

 

NIGHTWING #19

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art and fold-out cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• “Death of the Family” is over, but the laughs continue to plague Nightwing. But it can't be him—can it?

 

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #19

Written by JAMES TYNION IV

Art and fold-out cover by MICO SUAYAN

On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What horrors lie beneath the mask of the Red Hood?

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(The cover for DETECTIVE COMICS #19 by Jason Fabok)

Tags: 
batman incorporated, batman and robin, Batman, talon, batman: the dark knight, detective comics, batgirl, batwoman, catwoman, birds of prey, batwing, nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws

12 "Holy Smoke!" Moments in Comics from 2012, Part 1

Over the past few weeks, “Best of” lists dominated the Interwebs—ranging from music to television to, of course, comic books. We even made a blog post linking a few of them that featured some of the great DC titles from DC COMICS—THE NEW 52, Vertigo and more.

 

The reason for this is simple. Without question, 2012 was a great year for comic readers, filled with gripping storytelling, unexpected plot twists, and edge-of-your seat action and excitement. All that, plus a whole lot of moments that made our jaws drop and had us exclaiming "Holy smoke!" out loud. (Actually, it led to us saying something a lot less PG…but there may be kids reading. In which case, “Hey kids! Comics!”) Sometimes the exclamation is over surprise. Sometimes it’s because it gets us excited for what’s to come. Whatever it is, it’s almost certainly awesome.

 

So, with all of those jaw-dropping moments and “Best of” lists going around, we figured we’d combine the two in a special two-part, two-day feature listing 12 "Holy Smoke!" Moments in Comics from 2012!


Trickster Lends Grodd a Hand
Gorilla Grodd finally made his New 52 debut, and this sinister simian is just as brutal and violent as we remember. In FLASH #13, Trickster attempts to finagle his way into Grodd's good graces. Of course, Grodd has no good graces, so that encounter ended about as well as you would expect.

 

 

Batman Arrives in Smallville
Throughout its 10-season run, the CW television series Smallville contained many a nerdy moment for comic book fans with appearances of various characters from across the DC Universe—the JSA (Stargirl!) and the Legion of Super-Heroes, Green Arrow and Black Canary, and, of course, the Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman. However, one heavy hitter never showed his cowl-covered face—until the digital first Season 11 brought the Dark Knight to the world of Smallville.

 


Andrew Bennett Breaks Bad

It’s fair to say that un-death hasn’t exactly been easy for Andrew Bennett. Over the past year, he’s been hunted, beheaded and resurrected as the vampire messiah, and that’s to say nothing about his extremely troubled relationship with the Queen of the Vampires. However, while readers of I, VAMPIRE may not expect an easy road for Andrew, we’re not sure anyone anticipated the ending of issue #12, which saw Andrew save the world by absorbing the dark magic at the root of vampirism, turning every other vampire on Earth back into a mortal. However, in a final shocking twist, we learned doing so had made Andrew both extremely powerful and very, very evil—effectively turning the hero of the series into the villain.

 


Death of the Trinity
In the months leading up to the launch of Earth 2, writer James Robinson discussed at length the Big Three of that world and how they differed from their main Earth counterparts. He also warned readers not to assume or expect anything based on what's come before. He wasn't kidding. In a bold move pretty much nobody saw coming, the first issue featured the last stand of the book's three stars—Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman—who gave their lives attempting to save the world from the hordes of Darkseid.

 


The Gray Son
The "Night of the Owls" event that ran through the Bat-books was the first crossover of DC COMICS—THE NEW 52, and it was filled with fantastic, fast-paced moments of action and brilliantly shocking reveals. Batman's connection to the Court and the revelation of his potential sibling left us completely stunned. But equally as shocking was the surprise revelation of Dick Grayson's family history and how the greatest tragedy of his life actually saved him from a gruesome fate.

 


Green Lantern's Dying Light
Comic readers are no strangers to death in comics, but seeing Hal Jordan and Sinestro (two longtime enemies now working together—which is awesomeness in-and-of itself) take on a horde of zombies and then sacrifice themselves while facing the Black Hand was just plain cool. Plus, it gave rise to the newest member of the Green Lantern Corps—Simon Baz!

 

 

Be sure to return tomorrow for the second half of the 12 "Holy Smoke!" Moments in Comics from 2012!

Tags: 
Batman, Superman, smallville, Flash, I Vampire, Earth 2, nightwing, Green Lantern

TALKING NIGHTWING #16 WITH KYLE HIGGINS

This winter, The Joker is on the loose and is seeking revenge against the Bat-family in the horrifying “Death of the Family.” And this time around, his vendetta is personal.

 

Next week sees the release of NIGHTWING #15, which is the first issue of the series to be an official tie-in to this acclaimed crossover event. But while issue #15 sees Dick Grayson facing The Joker, the impact of “Death of the Family” will change the course of NIGHTWING forever in issue #16.

 

“I guess the only thing I can say is, it's kind of my ‘opus,’” writer Kyle Higgins teased to NEWSARAMA about NIGHTWING #16. “Everything that spins out of NIGHTWING #16 is my big, huge, epic Nightwing story that I've been planning for a long time. But it all begins in NIGHTWING #16.”

 

“The Joker is going for the jugular with all the Bat allies -- so, all of their greatest fears, all of their perceived weaknesses, these are the aspects of the characters that the Joker is targeting,” Higgins continued to COMIC BOOK RESOURCES. “As that relates specifically to Nightwing, someone who is arguably the most outgoing, social character in the DC Universe, there are a lot of ways to get to him, to whether it be through friends in Haly's circus, whether it be through potential love interests. If the Joker does know Nightwing as well as he claims to know him, that's pretty terrifying. Based on that reveal at the end of BATMAN #14 of the Joker knowing everything, I think if I were Nightwing I'd be quite concerned!”

 

To read more from Kyle Higgins on “Death of the Family” and to see sneak peeks at the interior art of NIGHTWING #16, check out the full interviews with the writer that ran this morning in MTV GEEK, IGN, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES, NEWSARAMA, and COMIC VINE.

 

NIGHTWING #16 trapezes into stores on January 23, 2013.

 

Tags: 
nightwing, kyle higgins, Death of the Family

BATMAN Group Solicits

BATMAN, INCORPORATED #9

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

On sale MARCH 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

• The fallout from last month’s shocking turn of events has Batman on the run!

• Is The Dark Knight a murderer?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #18

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

On sale MARCH 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• You dare not miss this issue!

• It’s the BATMAN AND ROBIN story of the year!

 

BATMAN #18

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art by ANDY KUBERT and SANDRA HOPE

Backup story art by ALEX MALEEV

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale MARCH 13 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Welcome guest-artist Andy Kubert!

• In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, Batman is in danger of losing his humanity!

• And in the backup story, fan-favorite character Harper Row returns—but will she be able to pull Batman back from the brink?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

TALON #6

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:25 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale MARCH 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Batman uncovers more clues about Calvin’s mission in Gotham City…but will he stop The Talon or support him?

• Secrets are revealed about Sebastian Clark that could endanger the lives of everyone Calvin cares about!

 

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #18

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art and cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

On sale MARCH 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The terrifying tale of the Mad Hatter’s origin continues!

• Batman is still two steps behind the Hatter’s current reign of terror…will Catwoman’s interference make it three?

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #18

Written by JOHN LAYMAN

Art and cover by JASON FABOK

Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE

1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK

On sale MARCH 6 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Batman vs. The Penguin!

• The stakes are high, and even if Batman wins he loses!

• Plus, in the backup feature, it’s the origin of Ignatius Ogilvy, the new criminal kingpin of Gotham City.

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATGIRL #18

Written by RAY FAWKES

Art and cover by DANIEL SAMPERE and VICENTE CIFUENTES

On sale MARCH 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The first of two issues by guest writer Ray Fawkes!

• Batgirl must face the man who sold her out to The Joker during “DEATH OF THE FAMILY”…her own brother, James Gordon, Jr.

• Can Barbara help him, or will this conflict be the final nail in her family’s coffin?

 

BATWOMAN #18

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

Art and cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

1:25 B&W Variant cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

On sale MARCH 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• A new story arc begins here as Batwoman adjusts to her new partner and her new role in the war on crime.

• Guest-starring Batman!

 

CATWOMAN #18

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA

On sale MARCH 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Guest-starring Batman!

• In the fallout from “DEATH OF THE FAMILY,” Catwoman and Batman spend a night at the museum—fighting over stolen art!

 

BIRDS OF PREY #18

Written by JIM ZUB

Art by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

On sale MARCH 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Welcome new series writer JIM ZUB (Skullkickers)!

• Mr. Freeze is out of Arkham Asylum and looking for revenge on the Court of Owls! His first target? The newest member of the Birds team, Strix!

• And if that wasn’t enough trouble for the girls, this issue introduces The Daughters of the Dawn who are abducting people with super powers…starting with a certain prisoner at Belle Reve!

 

BATWING #18

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO

On sale MARCH 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Batwing’s armor is destroyed!

• Will the man behind the suit be enough to keep one of his only friends alive?

 

NIGHTWING #18

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art by ROGER BONET

Cover by JUAN JOSE RYP and ROGER BONET

On sale MARCH 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Dick Grayson lost so much during “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” that some new events are going to push him right over the edge!

• Nightwing has almost no hope left until the chance for vengeance presents itself. What decisions will he make?

 

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #18

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II

Cover by MICO SUAYAN

On sale MARCH 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Jason Todd suffered terribly at the hands of The Joker in “DEATH OF THE FAMILY,” and now he’s changing the Outlaws’ mission!

• Something is bound to break with all that’s happened…will it be Jason’s soul?

 

Click here to see a gallery of promo art for the above titles.

 

(The cover for BATWOMAN #18 by Trevor McCarthy)

Tags: 
batman incorporated, batman and robin, Batman, talon, batman: the dark knight, detective comics, batgirl, batwoman, catwoman, birds of prey, batwing, nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws

BATMAN Group Solicits

BATMAN, INCORPORATED #8

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

On sale FEBRUARY 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

• Everything Grant Morrison has been planning since the start of BATMAN, INCORPORATED leads to this stunning issue!

• You must not miss this one!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATMAN #17

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale FEBRUARY 13 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• This is it: The stunning conclusion to “DEATH OF THE FAMILY”!

• Who lives? Who dies? Who laughs last? Find out as Batman and The Joker face off one last time!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

TALON #5

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:25 Variant cover by MIKE CHOI

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale FEBRUARY 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Talon vs. Felix Harmon, a.k.a. The Gotham Ripper!

• The bank heist goes terribly wrong. Who will make it out alive—and who is already dead?!

• The Talons secret hideout is in danger—and so are all the people in it!

 

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #17

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art and cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

On sale FEBRUARY 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Ethan Van Sciver’s first storyline as regular artist continues as the gory details of The Mad Hatter’s past are revealed!

• With The Mad Hatter kidnapping citizens all over Gotham City, not even Batman can figure what he’s after.

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #17

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

On sale FEBRUARY 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Batman and Robin gear up to protect Gotham City in the week leading up to the 300th anniversary of the city’s founding!

• It’s a who’s who of Gotham City’s worst against The Dynamic Duo!

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #17

Written by JOHN LAYMAN

Art and cover by JASON FABOK

Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE

1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK

On sale FEBRUARY 6 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• The repercussions of “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” spread as Batman tracks down the League of Smiles, a criminal group of psychotic killers that worship The Joker!

• Deadly new villains are introduced—and you won’t believe their horrific ties to Arkham Asylum!

• Plus: In the backup story, learn the secrets behind The League of Smiles’ beginnings!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATGIRL #17

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ED BENES

Cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

On sale FEBRUARY 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Barbara Gordon must deal with the fallout from “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” in this issue that will forever change her status quo in The New 52!

• What does James Gordon Jr. have planned for his sister, Batgirl?

 

BATWOMAN #17

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

Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 B&W Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

On sale FEBRUARY 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• It’s the massive conclusion to the current storyline as Batwoman and Wonder Woman struggle to defeat Medusa and a horde of villains!

• Don’t miss the start of a surprising new status quo for Batwoman!

 

CATWOMAN #17

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA

On sale FEBRUARY 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• After facing down The Joker and the power of Eclipso, Catwoman needs some downtime—which for her means a crime spree!

• Detective Alvarev is back on her tail—this kitty needs to watch her step!

 

BIRDS OF PREY #17

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art and cover by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES

On sale FEBRUARY 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Birds are trapped fighting Basilisk—in total darkness!

• Something strange is happening to Black Canary…and only one man can be responsible. But Kurt Lance died years ago—right?

 

BATWING #17

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO

On sale FEBRUARY 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• “BATWING: ENEMY OF THE STATE” continues!

• Batwing learns the hard way that you can’t bring justice to a country that doesn’t want it!

• Plus: Batwing battles the Sky Pirate!

 

NIGHTWING #17

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art by JUAN JOSE RYP and VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA

On sale FEBRUARY 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Dick Grayson’s life lies in ruins in the wake of the events surrounding “DEATH OF THE FAMILY”!

• Is his career as Nightwing over? Where will he go now?

• Will the voice of reason come from Damian Wayne?

 

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #17

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II

Cover by MICO SUAYAN

On sale FEBRUARY 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• In the wake of “DEATH OF THE FAMILY,” Bruce Wayne confronts Jason Todd!

• You DO NOT want to miss this!

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(The cover for BATMAN #17 by Greg Capullo)

Tags: 
batman incorporated, Batman, talon, batman: the dark knight, batman and robin, detective comics, batgirl, batwoman, catwoman, batwing, birds of prey, Red Hood and the Outlaws, nightwing

BATMAN Group Solicits

TALON #4

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:25 Variant cover by MIKE CHOI

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Talon battles his past and future in Metropolis!

• Things are getting tense for Calvin Rose as he tries to escape Metropolis without losing the reason he left the Court of Owls in the first place. But standing in his way is one of the Court’s most lethal weapons!

 

BATMAN #16

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION

Backup story art by JOCK

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by AARON KUDER

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale JANUARY 16 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues!

• Batman heads into his showdown with The Joker as the madman’s plan is finally revealed – in Arkham Asylum!

• It all lead’s into next month’s terrifying conclusion!

• And in the backup story, in the midst of The Joker’s assault on Batman and his allies, get a secret glimpse into what started The Crown Prince of Crime on his horrifying journey!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATMAN, INCORPORATED #7

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL

1:00 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

• The fight to reclaim Gotham City begins!

• Batman, Inc., takes the offensive against Talia and Leviathan!

• It’s Damian vs. Heretic — and if Damian loses, the city dies!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #16

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues here!

• Has The Joker broken Damian? Has Batman’s son met his fate at the hands of The Clown Prince of Crime?

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN ANNUAL #1

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by MIKE CHOI

On sale JANUARY 30 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

• Robin leads Batman on an unrelenting hunt across the globe for family secrets that promise to change them both forever.

• If you think you know Bruce Wayne...think again!

 

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #16

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art and cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Welcome new series artist Ethan Van Sciver!

• Do you dare journey into the twisted world of the Mad Hatter?

• Batman has discovered a trail of bodies but no leads as he realizes that this is unlike any Mad Hatter case he’s seen before.

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #16

Written by JOHN LAYMAN

Art and cover by JASON FABOK

Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE

1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK

On sale JANUARY 9 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• A “Death of the Family” tie-in issue!

• As The Joker continues to wreak havoc on The Dark Knight and his allies, Batman is forced to cut a deal with The Penguin…one that will come back to haunt both of them when a new villain interferes!

• And in the backup story, Ignatius Ogivly usurps The Penguin’s throne and decides to lead the underworld crimelords in The Penguin’s place!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

BATGIRL #16

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art and cover by ED BENES

On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues here!

• In this issue you are invited to the wedding of Barbara Gordon and The Joker!

• The entire Gordon family is on hand for the most terrifying nuptials of all time!

 

BATWOMAN #16

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

Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 B&W Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• This issue guest-stars everybody!

• In this penultimate chapter, everything that’s been happening in BATWOMAN comes to a head!

• Plus, a new hero is introduced, and Wonder Woman fights monsters!

 

CATWOMAN #16

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA

On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Catwoman is possessed by the power of Eclipso!

• Selina may be able to fight her way out of the Black Room, but what will be left of her soul if she does?

• And find out the shocking identity of the person who hired Catwoman to steal the diamond in the first place!

 

BIRDS OF PREY #16

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art and cover by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES

On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The team gets a deadly new member in the form of Strix, a former Talon from the Court of Owls!

• Who is she and what does her appearance mean for the rest of the Birds?

• Plus: Something goes terribly wrong for Black Canary...

 

BATWING #16

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by ALLAN JEFFERSON

Cover by SIMON BISLEY

On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• David refuses one bribe too many, and now the police have issued a hit on him!

• It’s Batwing vs. the correct police force of Tinasha!

• Can Batwing save his alter ego and the innocents who may be caught in the crossfire?

 

NIGHTWING #16

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA

Cover by EDDY BARROWS

On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in!

• After the shocking events of last issue, it didn’t seem like things could get much worse for Nightwing, but when The Joker’s involved that’s never a safe bet!

• Dick’s past is about to burn down around him – literally!

 

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #16

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II

Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT

On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues here!

• Ties in to this month’s TEEN TITANS #16!

• Tim Drake and Jason Todd have to survive a confrontation with The Joker and stop their respective teams from killing each other.

• Considering how well they have worked together in the past, that shouldn’t be a problem, right? RIGHT?

 

Click here to see a gallery of art for the above titles.

 

Tags: 
talon, Batman, batman incorporated, batman and robin, Batman and Robin Annual, batman: the dark knight, detective comics, batgirl, batwoman, catwoman, birds of prey, batwing, nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws

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